《Apocalypse Baby》


 Chapter 1 Elevator

    Alex Hunt truly believed that good things happened to bad people and bad things happened to overly good people, after his life had turned to hell, all because he decided to be generous.He had seen a man standing before a vending machine confused as to how it worked.


    Alex was in a good mood that day, after getting paid his salary, so he decided to get a drink for himself and another for the stranger. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But when he handed it over, the stranger''s expression contorted in disgust, and swatted it to the ground.


    "You...are you looking down on me?" the man asked in an arrogant tone and Alex was confused.


    Alex would later find out the man was the new owner of the company, Ethan Hunt.


    The previous owner--the man who hired him, had fallen ill and Ethan his grandson was to be the new boss.


    The next day while Alex was leading a meeting, when Ethan appeared and publicly announced that Alex was to be demoted with immediate effect.


    His reason, Alex was a poor bastard who graduated from a lowly university and had no idea of his place.


    After that, things start to become worse.


    More work kept being handed to him, to the point where he was assigned menial tasks like making coffee, making photocopies, or going to a restaurant to get his co-worker''s orders.


    The workload left him working late into the night, only to return early the next day, still drowning in unfinished tasks.


    Alex contemplated resigning, hoping to escape this ordeal.


    However, when he attempted to hand in his resignation letter, Ethan tore it to shreds, issuing a warning that he held the power to ensure Alex didn''t get a job anywhere else.


    Alex panicked, if he couldn''t work in an organization how was he going to pay the massive loan his drunk excuse for a father had left him?


    How could he keep up with his bills? Survival seemed possible only in a big corporation with a steady monthly income.


    Alex quickly apologized stating it was a mistake, but Ethan kicked him on his shin causing him to kneel--and said with a mocking grin:


    "If you''re going to beg don''t do it half-heartedly you bastard."


    Ethan then placed his shoes on Alex''s fingers twisting them.


    "Son of a bitch treating me like a beggar. Who''s on their kneel pleading now huh?"


    Alex''s knuckles were burning in pain but he didn''t so much as wince.


    He didn''t want to give Ethan the satisfaction of seeing him in pain.


    All this suffering because he showed kindness to the wrong person.


    In the present, Alex came early to work as usual, his eyes heavy from little sleep. As usual, he had so much work to do and he wasn''t able to finish the ones from the previous day.


    His manager had kept adding the task of his co-workers to his and when he complained it was too much, he received a slap on his face.


    Alex was tempted to fight back but he held back, if he acted out now, he was sure to lose his job.


    As much as it hurt him he would hold on. Getting ridiculed was better than losing all of your organs to loan sharks.


    But for how long?


    Alex didn''t know, his father''s debt was way too massive, and he hadn''t even paid up to half yet. He wondered if he could do this forever.


    Sometimes, he wished an apocalypse would happen.


    In that scenario, his debt would be meaningless and he could finally get his revenge on his rich boss.


    But it was all his imagination.


    He entered his office and began his work.


    Later Alex glanced at the time on his computer and realized it was already afternoon.


    He hadn''t even realized none of his co-workers were in the office and had gone for lunch break.


    They kept their distance from him afraid they''ll also be targeted if they got close. Besides, due to Alex getting most of the workload, their work life was lax, and they weren''t about to sacrifice that, by standing up for him


    Alex didn''t mind this, especially not today, because his girlfriend, Katie, finally wanted to have lunch with him.


    Katie was a receptionist in the building.


    Usually, she didn''t have lunch with Alex, but today she had invited him to the office cafeteria to eat with her.


    Alex had once suggested they had lunch together, but she had told him she wanted to keep their relationship a secret in the name of professionalism.


    So the sudden invitation now came as a pleasant surprise.


    Alex got ready and headed to the elevator with a hearty grin.


    Katie was one of the few sources of happiness in his life, along with movies, video games, and football.


    As Alex waited for the elevator he noticed his worn-out shoes and sighed, realizing he needed to set aside some money to get new ones.


    The elevator door then arrived and Alex walked in with a sigh.


    But as he looked up, he saw two people inside locked in a passionate kiss.


    ''Who in their right mind would dare to do this in public, at work at that?'' Alex thought with a frown.


    The elevator descended and Alex thought they would stop, but they going at it even more aggressively.


    Alex hurriedly faked a cough to get their attention, before they pulled a fifty shades of grey with him inside.


    Now that would just be wrong.


    The two of them separated and Leo shook his head.


    He then got curious and peeked to see who they were.


    No surprise the man was Ethan, his boss.


    ''Of course it is. Who else in their right mind.'' Alex frowned


    He then turned towards the flustered lady and was forced to take a double look.


    His eyes widened as he realized who it was.


    It was his...

 Chapter 2 Breakup

    It was his girlfriend Katie, the same lady he was on his way to meet.Alex stood there frozen unable to believe his own eyes.


    His girlfriend was cheating on him with his boss.


    Katie, catching sight of Alex, gasped in shock.


    "You...what are you doing here?"


    Ethan moved away from the two and leaned casually on the elevator wall, folding his arm with a sly grin on his face.


    Alex struggled to find words amid the whirlwind of emotions crashing over him.


    "You--why--what''s was going on here?" Alex sputtered his voice quivering from the shock.


    It was as if his whole world had been turned upside down.


    Katie had a guilty look on her face but she quickly brushed it off and looked right at Alex with confidence.


    All trace of shame on her expression was gone.


    ""That''s right, Alex. I cheated on you. I was only with you because I thought you had potential, that you''d achieve greatness. But you''ve disappointed me. Reduced to a mere coffee boy, you''re nothing but an embarrassment."


    Each word Katie uttered was like a dagger through Alex''s heart. It was the most excruciating pain he had ever felt.


    No amount of mistreatment or harsh insult he faced had hurt this much.


    Alex had attempted to conceal the extent of his mistreatment from Katie.


    He had thought since Katie worked on the top floor and him on the 13th, he would keep her in the dark about his plight.


    He had hoped she wouldn''t discover the truth until he had a chance to change his circumstances, but she ended up finding out.


    Alex''s gaze then turned to Ethan and he saw him grinning. He frowned figuring out that Ethan must have been the one behind his secret been revealed.


    Ethan then affirmed with a nod as if reading Leo''s mind.


    He had seen Alex and Katie on a dinner date wearing a Couple Shirt and felt resentment.


    He couldn''t understand why a beauty like Katie would date a poor useless bum like Alex.


    Then he thought she mustn''t have known Alex had been reduced to a pathetic slave.


    So Ethan decided to expose him.


    Ethan had called her to the 13th floor and there she saw Alex mopping a coffee spill while his manager berated him.


    In a hurry to clean up the mess, he tripped and fell to the ground, causing the whole office to erupt into laughter.


    Katie covered her face in embarrassment, she couldn''t believe she was dating such a loser.


    Alex hadn''t even told her he had gotten demoted and wasn''t the manager anymore.


    Ethan seized the opportunity and asked her if she knew Alex.


    Katie denied it and Ethan proceeded to woo her, offering her riches and luxury. Katie couldn''t resist, seeing a chance to ascend the social ladder by dating the owner of the company.


    She accepted Ethan''s advances and had been waiting for the right moment to break up with Alex.


    That''s why she had invited him to lunch, to tell him it was over.


    But Ethan had called her earlier to give her a gift and offered to treat her to an expensive meal.


    She had immediately decided her meal with Alex would have to be postponed.


    On their way down the elevator stopped on the 13th floor, and as soon as the doors opened, Ethan suddenly started kissing her.


    Katie knew Ethan had done it on purpose because he knew she had a thing with Alex, but she didn''t care.


    The luxurious bag Ethan had just gotten for her was a dozen times the entire money Alex had ever given to her.


    "I''m breaking up with you Alex. I don''t want to date a loser who can''t even take care of me. I need to survive as well and you look like you''re barely hanging," Katie said coldly.


    Alex couldn''t deny the truth in her words, but the fact that she was cheating on him with the very person responsible for his suffering was a bitter pill to swallow.


    "I know I''m lacking," Alex painfully admitted, "and I can''t provide for you like he can. But you should''ve broken up with me before jumping into his arms."


    "Of all people why him?" Alex said pointing at Ethan.


    "Hey, watch where you point those hands. I think you''ve forgotten your place, you bastard." Ethan gave him a threatening look.


    But Alex refused to be intimidated.


    This was his breaking point.


    Things were never going to get easier, things would never get better.


    "Why would you date this bastard of all people!" Alex yelled unable to control his anger but Katie slapped him hard on the cheeks.


    "How dare you, talk to him like that!" Katie exclaimed.


    Alex''s cheek stung with pain and he felt humiliated.


    "Fine let''s break up. It seems I was so blinded by my feelings for you. I didn''t see you were just a shallow opportunist." Alex spat unable to control his anger.


    His insult earned him a kick to his stomach from Ethan, and he crumpled to the ground clutching his stomach in agony.


    "You son of a bitch. How dare you talk to my woman that way. You''re worth nothing and you don''t mean anything to her anymore. So know your place."


    Alex groaned feeling shitty that he said such awful words.


    He knew he couldn''t work here anymore that for sure.


    He couldn''t live like this any longer, one where he''d lose all his dignity, so Alex made his choice.


    "Hey, Ethan. Do you know the most painful thing you can do to a man?" Alex asked standing up with a wicked grin on his face.


    Ethan frowned wondering if Alex had gone insane, but then Alex suddenly moved, delivering a well-aimed kick to Ethan''s groin.


    Ethan yelps with a pained grunt as he collapses to the ground.


    His expression turned into an ugly visage of pain as he placed both hands on his crotch.


    Katie was shocked by Alex''s audacity, and rushed to Ethan''s side, cradling him as he groaned in pain.


    "Alex, have you mad? How dare you hurt him."


    Alex ignored her, he felt liberated.


    He flung off his glasses and loosened his tie, taking a heavy breath.


    He could finally breathe.


    Katie looked at Alex like he was a different person.


    She didn''t think he was someone capable of hitting someone.


    "You...you''ll pay for this. I''ll make sure you pay." Ethan managed to say but he was still in obvious pain.


    Alex didn''t reply and left with a snort.


    He didn''t care what would happen.


    Worst case scenario he gets thrown in jail for assault.


    At least that would spare him from the loan shark.


    As he walked towards the exit he ran into the manager, who seemed surprised to see him


    "You where are you going here? Don''t you have work to do?"


    "Work? What work? I quit just a few minutes ago."


    Mr Thompson blinked in disbelief.


    "Is this a joke?" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do I look like I''m joking?"


    Alex said and walked past him but then a voice caused him to pause.


    It was of Ethan yelling for security to catch him


    Alex looked back and saw a pair of burly men hurry toward him.


    He clicked his teeth in frustration and turned to run, but then, a text suddenly appeared in his field vision, startling him.


    [Initiating connection to the new world: Earth...]


    [Connection successful]


    [Integrating System]

 Chapter 3 Anomaly

    "What is this?"Alex asked, staring at the words written on the screen in front of him, but since security was chasing after him, he ignored the message and ran.


    As he raced towards the exit, Alex saw everyone was staring into the air with amusement.


    Alex stopped and looked back to see the security men had stopped chasing him as well.


    Alex''s gaze then fell to the words hovering in front of him, he realized he wasn''t the only one seeing the strange words, but everyone else.


    The words then changed with a mechanical ding and the message read:


    [System Integration will begin soon. Those who survive will become denizens of the new world, and those who fail will become abominations. Brace Yourself]


    "Brace yourself?"


    Alex repeated, confused, but then he felt a sharp pain sear through his head.


    He winced and clutched his temples, shutting his eyes as he endured the torment, but then the pain slowly dissipated, and Alex felt relief.


    Alex cautiously opened his eyes, wondering what was really going on, but his confusion was interrupted by the agonizing screams of those around him, writhing in pain on the floor.


    "What in the world is happening?" Alex asked, and the text on the screen changed once again, delivering a new message.


    [Congratulations Alex Knight on becoming the first player of the planet Earth. The tutorial is now available. You will be transported to a special location for a brief introduction. Brace yourself]


    "Again?"


    Alex hurriedly shut his eyes, expecting a headache to hit him just like the first time, but then nothing happened.


    Upon reopening his eyes, Alex found himself in a different location entirely.


    It resembled a sterile white room, with a desk and chairs in the center, reminiscent of an interrogation room in a police station.


    The sheer peculiarity of the situation left Alex wondering if he had fallen into some bizarre dream or illusion.


    "I assure you, you''re not hallucinating," a voice broke the silence, startling Alex.


    He turned to see nothing but a white wall.


    "Over here," the voice urged from behind.


    Slowly turning, Alex finally laid eyes on the source of the voice--a short humanoid rabbit in a suit, with a hat on, was seated on the opposite side of the desk, staring at him.


    Alex paused for a second, wondering if he was in some sort of bizarre dream. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re not dreaming. I can assure you I''m real. " the rabbit said.


    "Can you read my mind?" Alex asked baffled.


    He was more intrigued by the situation than scared.


    The rabbit shook his head."No, I can''t, but your expression says everything."


    "Have a seat." the rabbit gestured.


    Alex hesitated for a while, before deciding to sit.


    He crossed his arms and then spoke, "So, who are you?"


    "I''m Oracle, the overseer of the first tutorial zone."


    Alex frowned at the vague explanation, but the rabbit continued.


    "The tutorial is a place where humans slay monsters to get stronger. It''s like a training ground for humanity, so they become strong enough to survive the new world. Your current world is among the lowest of the low, and magical deities have deemed it ready to join the great realm but to achieve that, your world needs to be upgraded."


    Alex took in the lengthy explanation before probing


    "So, who are these magical deities, and what is this great realm? "


    "I can''t answer that question at the moment. But the more you progress, the more information will be revealed."


    "So in summary," Alex said. "The world is about to be upgraded and for humans to survive it, we need to be trained by slaying monsters in the tutorial, is that what you''re saying?"


    "Yes." oracle nodded.


    Alex sighed and rubbed his temples.


    It all sounded like nonsense to him, but at the same time, it felt eerily real¡ªtoo real for a dream.


    "Okay, let''s say I believe this is all true, then what happens to the old world, does it remain the same?"


    "Absolutely not, everything changes and a new world order will be formed. One where the strong rule."


    "It''s that simple?" Alex asked with a brow raised, and Oracle nodded in reply.


    "You don''t have to believe me. My goal is not to convince you, but to provide you with access to my tutorial zone."


    "So you''re saying I don''t have a choice but to go to this tutorial place."


    "Yes," Oracle affirmed. "Your current world will undergo a transformation, and only those who adapt will survive. That''s the purpose of the tutorial."


    Alex contemplated his situation, a serious expression on his face.


    According to Oracle, the old world would perish, replaced by an evolved one.


    This meant he didn''t have to go back, to be arrested for almost making his boss impotent, nor deal with his father''s loan.


    Although he knew the tutorial would present its challenges, it promised a fair chance for everyone, unlike the unjust world he had known where the wealthy held all the power.


    As Alex pondered, one question lingered in his mind. "Before I left, I saw everyone else writhing in pain, clutching their heads¡­ Can you explain what that means?"


    Oracle hesitated, his brows furrowing as he gazed into the distance.


    Alex recognized the look¡ªit mirrored the confusion everyone had experienced when the strange text had first appeared.


    "Wait, you mean the integration hasn''t finished."


    "Integration?" Alex pressed.


    Ignoring Alex''s question, Oracle consulted a floating panel that was invisible to Alex''s eyes.


    As he reviewed the list of humans assigned to his zone, he noticed that all but one remained greyed out.


    That single exception shone with white light¡ªAlex himself.


    He refused to believe it, how could one assimilate with the system so fast? A human at that.


    "Hmm, oracle are you alright?"


    Alex asked seeing the confusion on its face.


    Oracle then leaned forward and said in a serious tone.


    "The rest of the humans, were in pain because they hadn''t finished integrating with the system, which is expected, but you¡­you managed to integrate with the system in seconds. "


    "Is that a bad thing?" Alex asked, furrowing his brow.


    "Yes it is," Oracle replied with widened eyes. "You''re an anomaly, and you shouldn''t exist."


    Alex''s heart raced, and he leaned backward, contemplating whether Oracle''s words were a discovery or a threat.


    The rabbit, noticing Alex''s unease, calmed himself and clarified. "It seems like you''ve misunderstood my intention. I don''t intend to get rid of you, even if I wanted to I couldn''t. As I''m not allowed to hurt the players."


    Alex frowned, what the oracle said didn''t ease his worries, it only made him more cautious.


    "But you will if you could?" Alex asked, but Oracle simply shrugged.


    Alex then sighed, there was no point in panicking over something he had no control over or understood.


    He didn''t even know how he appeared here, and just a few minutes ago he thought this was all a dream.


    "So what you''re saying is, I''m a freak because I''m the first to integrate with the system?"


    "No," Oracle shook his head. "You''re an anomaly because you''re the fastest to sync with the system. The fastest I''ve ever seen since I became an overseer, and that was a long time ago. As the fastest, you will probably be granted a privilege like a special title that enables you to power up faster than the norm.


    Then you get an ability, which you''ll find out more about as soon as you explore the tutorial."


    "I also get an ability? Does it have anything to do with me breaking a record?"


    "No, everyone gets abilities, unique to each individual. You''ll get yours once you start the tutorial,"


    "This special title. It wouldn''t attract the wrong attention like those deities you mentioned now, would it." Alex probed.


    "I can''t guarantee it will not. But you don''t need to worry, just like I can''t hurt you, no other higher being can touch you during the tutorial. After that, well, it''s up to whether you do something rash to get their attention."


    Alex sighed, feeling both relief and dread at the same time.


    "My luck is bull crap as always," Alex shook his head.


    "You will be beginning the tutorial alone¡­"


    "Wait, why am I going in alone?" Alex interrupted.


    Oracle sighed wearily before speaking:


    "Time in the tutorial runs slower than that of your world. To be exact, a week in the real world is one year in the tutorial. It''ll take a few minutes before the rest of the humans integrate with the system, which means you have a couple of days to yourself before humans start popping up.


    If anything you get a head start to level up before the others, and with the privilege, you will be given, rising to the top should be easy." Oracle explained.


    The thought of venturing into a dangerous world filled with monsters terrified Alex, but he was also excited as well.


    His old world was painful, and he suffered a lot, but the new world offered opportunity, a chance to begin anew and make something of himself.


    "Alright, when do I start?" Alex said, a determined expression on his face.


    Oracle nodded at this, then snapped his finger, causing a floating panel to appear in front of Alex.


    [You will be transported to the tutorial zone in 10 seconds]


    [Brace Yourself]


    Alex''s chest began to thud.


    In ten seconds, he would be in a world filled with monsters, drastically different from his office work.


    "No pressure." Alex exhaled, placing his hand on his chest.


    "It''s good to be afraid, just don''t let it cripple you when your life is in danger," Oracle advised and Alex nodded.


    "It was nice meeting you, Alex," Oracle said as he stood on the chair. His height was like that of a toddler, very cute looking.


    "Likewise." Alex grinned before he blinked away from the white room.

 Chapter 4 Tutorial Danger

    A young man materialized in a green and lush forest, dressed in a white shirt, neatly paired with a black tie and tailored black pants, his attire starkly contrasting his surroundings.He looked around at his surroundings with curiosity and muttered in awe:


    "So this is the tutorial."


    This young man was Alex, and the tutorial was a far cry from the hellish landscape he had imagined.


    He had expected dark menacing woods, with creepy noises and roars, or a grim cave with weathered bones and skulls, where vicious bats jump at you from nowhere.


    But, Alex found himself surrounded by a sea of vibrant green foliage, where towering trees created a dense canopy, and dappled sunlight filtered through.


    The serene ambiance reminded Alex of a date he once had with Katie, but he shook his head wanting to erase the memory


    Ding!


    [System is now available]


    The holographic interface notified Alex.


    Finding a nearby tree, Alex settled down to explore the system and grasp its mechanics first, before he took any action.


    With a thought, Alex accessed the system, and the floating panel updated.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: E


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 1


    Hp: 100


    Mp: 10


    "Apocalypse Baby?" Alex frowned at the silly name.


    According to Oracle, this title was supposed to be a privilege and he wondered what its effect was, which prompted the description of it to pop up.


    [Apocalypse Baby: This is the title given to the first player to arrive in the tutorial]


    [Effect: Any reward gained will be doubled]


    Alex''s eyes widened at this, twice the reward of everything was an incredible advantage. He then scrolled down further and saw his stats.


    [Stats]


    Strength: 10


    Agility: 10


    Intelligence: 10


    Vitality: 10


    [Stats points: 10]


    It looked exactly like a video game interface, and since Alex played a lot of them, he understood the mechanics.


    Alex scrolled down even more and saw a section for skills but he only had one.


    [Ability: [ Exploding Touch (E)]]


    "This is my ability?" Alex muttered.


    The oracle had told him every human would get a unique ability as soon as they entered the tutorial.


    With a thought, Alex summoned the description.


    [Exploding Touch (Rank E): On using the ability, the area you touch would explode in 30 seconds.]


    [Cost: 5 mana]


    "Oh," Alex was stunned.


    He could turn anything he touched into a deadly explosion.


    And though he didn''t know how powerful the explosion would be, one thing was sure:


    It''ll do a lot of damage.


    "But how much damage?"


    To find out, he turned to a nearby tree, placed his hand on it, and activated the ability.


    A bluish circular light marked the spot he touched, displaying a countdown from thirty.


    Stepping back, Alex watched as the timer counted down and immediately it reached zero it exploded.


    Boom!


    The force of the blast sent Alex tumbling backward.


    Alex groaned and coughed up smoke, berating himself for not moving farther away before the countdown ended.


    He rose to his feet and then turned towards the tree, marveling at the damage he had caused.


    The tree now bore a burnt hole, barely holding on to life.


    And it seems like a single push should be enough to send it to the ground.


    Alex checked his HP and saw it had been reduced by half.


    "Eee...that''s a lot. "


    Alex winced, the force of the explosion had almost killed him, but he could see his HP was starting to regenerate along with the mana he had just used.


    Alex thought the ability was remarkable and he could already think of ways to use it to his favor.


    But the fact that he had to touch his target bothered him.


    It simply meant close combat was necessary, but with no weapon or armor, he thought it wouldn''t be a good idea.


    "System put all points in agility," Alex commanded, and immediately the system complied, raising his agility points to 20.


    He had decided the best place to put his free stat point was in his speed. His style of combat would be touch and flee to cover for his current lack of armor.


    ''You can''t hurt what you can''t catch''


    Alex nodded with a grin, feeling he made the right decision, but then a sudden noise caught his attention.


    Alex quickly rose to its knee and peeked to see what it was.


    It was a cat-like creature with horns on its head like a unicorn, walking towards the charred tree to investigate.


    [Felihorn: Rank-D]


    The name floated over its head.


    Alex figured the noise of the explosion must have attracted it, and once again scolded himself for not being cautious.


    Alex thought the Felihorn would probably find him if he stayed there, so he decided to move.


    Alex didn''t intend to fight against a monster he knew nothing about. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was about to take a step away when he saw something surprising happen.


    A chicken-like creature, the size of an ostrich with a scorpion-like tail, charged at the Felihorn.


    Its talons trapped the creature, and with a single strike of its eagle-like beak, the Felihorns life ended.


    Alex was left in shock, unable to move. The gruesome scene was hard to take in due to its realism of it all.


    He slowly turned towards the attacker and glanced at the name over its head.


    [Cockraice: Rank-D]


    The monstrous bird began feasting on the cat''s body, and Alex''s heart began to race as he watched.


    ''This place was dangerous.''


    The cockatrice ranking also got Alex''s attention, as it was a rank D monster, while he was Rank E, which he deduced meant the cockatrice was more powerful.


    ''Damn you oracle, you should have spawned me in an area with E-rank monsters.'' Alex cursed, glaring at the sky with a balled fist.


    The cockatrice suddenly stopped eating and turned his head towards Alex''s direction, and immediately, Alex drew back his head, his back leaning on the tree, and his heart was pounding like a drum.


    "It didn''t see me. it didn''t see me. it didn''t see me." Alex repeated to himself, his heartbeat racing so hard it hurt.


    He couldn''t hear any sound, not even that of the creature munching, which made him more tense.


    He slowly peeked out from the left side of the tree, only to see the monstrous bird was gone.


    Alex then sighed in relief, holding his chest, but then he saw the cockatrice''s beak slowly poke out from the right, and he froze.


    The cockatrice had approached from his blind spot which had prevented him from spotting it had gotten so close.


    Alex had thought the cockatrice was quite intimidating from a distance, but up close the creature was downright terrifying.


    Its purple feathers quivered as it exhaled, its beak stained with blood and entrails, and its eyes glimmered with the cold, predatory gaze of a serpent.


    Alex froze in fear, unable to move his body, only his arm, so he used it and pinched himself hard on his thighs, which loosened him a little.


    As he did that, the cockatrice drew downward and it noticed Alex.


    "Hi." Alex greeted the cockatrice awkwardly, but he was met with disrespect.


    The cockatrice''s sharp beak headed towards his head.


    Alex reacted immediately moving fast enough, to evade. He rolled away from the piercing attack and sprang up to his two feet. The points he had put into his agility showed its worth.


    The cockatrice''s beak smashed into the tree with great force, causing branches to shake and its beak to get stuck.


    The cockatrice''s body writhed, and its tail flailed about as it struggled to pull itself free.


    Alex, seeing this, thought it was a perfect opportunity to use his [Exploding Touch] before the cockatrice broke free, so he quickly drew closer and touched the bird''s legs, and then its slender neck.


    A bluish circular light appeared on the areas he had touched, and the countdown began.


    Alex wasted no time and executed a...

 Chapter 5 System Shop

    Alex wasted no time and executed a 180-degree turn, before sprinting off.As soon as the cockatrice felt Alex touch its neck, it wriggled with even more intensity and finally yanked its beak free.


    The cockatrice feeling wronged, screeched loudly and immediately gave chase, taking powerful strides, with each step kicking up a cloud of dust as it rapidly closed the distance to Alex.


    Alex could hear the cockatrice thundering footsteps and his eyes widened in shock. Even with the headstart and his agility being at 20, he still wasn''t fast enough to outrun the cockatrice.


    He just needed thirty seconds. Thirty seconds and his ability would take effect.


    He was panting wildly and his chest burnt in exhaustion, but he kept pushing


    "You stop you die" he yelled to motivate himself, but he could feel the cockatrice''s presence loomed behind him.


    It would catch him before the timer ended. Unless he did something about it.


    Alex veered sharply towards a tree and the cockatrice followed kicking up the gear. Its beak snapping viciously inches away from the back of his head.


    Just as it was about to strike, Alex leaped to the side, rolling across the dirt as the cockatrice''s beak missed him by a hair''s breadth.


    The cockatrice raised its head, confused as to what had happened, and suddenly saw a gnarled tree looming in front of it, far too close to avoid. The beast screeched, talons digging deep into the ground as it desperately tried to slow down.


    But it was too late.


    With a thunderous crash, the cockatrice slammed headfirst into the tree, the impact sending a violent shudder through its body. Dust and leaves exploded into the air as the beast crumpled against the trunk.


    Alex, on the ground, quickly sat up, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.


    He turned his gaze toward the cockatrice, watching intently.


    The beast lay sprawled against the base of the tree, its body twitching as it tried to rise, but the aftershock of the collision was still rippling through its body.


    It staggered to its feet, wobbling as it stood tall again. Its scales quivered, and its wings flexed as if trying to shake off the daze.


    As soon as its bloodshot eyes caught Alex, it screeched in a hateful manner, pawing the ground.


    Alex''s heart pounded in his chest, but he didn''t flinch. Instead, he glanced at the countdown ticking away in the corner of his vision.


    A slow grin of satisfaction spread across his face as the timer for [Exploding Touch] hit zero.


    "It''s time."


    The cockatrice, still blinded by rage, was about to charge. But just as it lunged forward, its feet erupted in an explosion.


    A burst of blood and dust filled the air, and the beast let out a gut-wrenching screech as it collapsed, its body crashing to the ground in agony.


    Before the cockatrice could even comprehend its fate, the second detonation followed¡ªthis time along its neck.


    The blast was fierce and unforgiving. The cockatrice''s head shot off its body with brutal force, soaring through the air before landing with a dull thud in the dirt.


    Alex''s grin widened, his breath steady, as he whispered to himself:


    "Game over."


    He watched as the cockatrice''s charred body fell to the ground. Smokes oozing out of the seared flesh. The burnt skin giving off the smell of roasted chicken.


    Alex stood to his feet feeling a sense of victory.


    He hadn''t died, and his plan had worked perfectly.


    He knew it was a close call, as he would have lost his head if it wasn''t for the tree,


    The cockatrice''s body dissipated into the light, and then a familiar mechanical sound chimed.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated Cockatrice]


    [Level Up!]


    [You have been rewarded with: ]


    [+5 Stat points]


    [1 Power Stone]


    [+5 coin]


    [2 pieces of meat]


    [Scalewalk Boots]


    "Nice." Alex grinned, but then the system rang again.


    [Title: Apocalypse Baby is now taking effect]


    [Reward doubled]


    [You have received an additional +5 Stat Point, +1 Power Stone, +5 coin, 2 pieces of meat, and another pair of Scalewalk boots]


    "So this was the effect of the ''Apocalypse Baby''."


    Alex grinned heartily, his title was really a privilege, giving him double every reward one would normally get.


    [All rewards are available in your inventory.]


    Inventory? Alex asked, and the system brought up a wide box in response. This box was made up of an even smaller box, and in the first row, all his rewards were lined up.


    Alex first took out the Power Stone.


    It looked like a regular stone but this one had a deep crimson glow with a glassy feel.


    [Power Stone (D): Intelligence]


    [Break to raise intelligence by five points]


    Alex''s lips parted and he grinned. before he hurriedly used it. The power stone looked solid, but the moment he squeezed, it cracked like an egg.


    Alex watched as his previous ten mana points rose by twenty five.


    It seemed a single point in intelligence, equates five points to his mana point.


    Since his title gave him an additional power stone, he used the second one as well and watched as his MP rose and sat at sixty points.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: E


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 2


    Hp: 100


    Mp: 60


    [Stats]


    Strength: 10


    Agility: 20


    Intelligence: 20


    Vitality: 10


    [Stats points: 10]


    Next, Alex took a piece of meat and realized it was the cockatrice meat from the smell and It was already cooked too.


    He wondered whether the cockatrice explosion cooked the meal, or if the system handled it.


    He was hesitant to eat it, but his stomach grumbled urging him on


    In the real world, he hadn''t eaten that morning and didn''t get to eat lunch either because of his cheating girlfriend and the descent of the system.


    Alex bit into the meat, and his eyes widened as the rich, savory flavor flooded his senses. The tenderness of the meat melted in his mouth, carrying a perfectly balanced blend of spices that danced on his tongue. It was so delicious, he knew it had to be the system at work.


    He ate two more pieces of meat and left the last one for later even though the temptation to consume it now was strong. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex then took out the golden coins and as usual, a description popped up.


    [Coins: Could be used to buy items, equipment, consumables, or weapons in the shop.]


    "Shop...there''s a shop?!"


    Alex exclaimed, and the shop panel opened.


    There was an option to buy or sell which Alex thought was pretty convenient as he had another boot to dispose of.


    He focused on [Buy] and saw there were five different categories of things he could get:


    Consumable, Clothing, Weapons, Equipment, and Items.


    Alex scanned through and saw different things like blankets, sweaters, a bowl of rice, soup, swords, and daggers, all in their own category.


    But when Alex''s eyes fell on the prices, his expression soured.


    [Buy]


    [Categories:]


    [Consumables: [?] Bowl of Rice ¨C 500 Coins[?] Hot Soup ¨C 600 Coins[?] Healing Potion ¨C 1500 Coins]


    [Clothing: [?] Wool Blanket ¨C 750 Coins[?] Sweater ¨C 1000 Coins[?] Leather Jacket ¨C 2500 Coins]


    [Weapons: [?] Iron Sword ¨C 8000 Coins[?] Steel Dagger ¨C 10000 Coins[?] Bow and Arrows ¨C 7000 Coins]


    [Equipment: [?] Steel Armor ¨C 20000 Coins[?] Wooden Shield ¨C 5000 Coins[?] Iron Helmet ¨C 4000 Coins]


    [Items: [?] Empty Backpack ¨C 2000 Coins[?] Camping Tent ¨C 3000 Coins[?] Cooking Set ¨C 1200 Coins]


    ''Bowl of Rice: 500 coins, Sweater: 1000 coins, Dagger: 10000 coins.''


    Alex shook his head in dissatisfaction. They were way just too expensive.


    The numbers felt unfairly steep, especially for something as basic as a bowl of rice.


    Killing a single cockatrice had earned him a mere ten coins and this was even because he had the special title.


    If he wanted to eat a single bowl of rice, he was going to have to kill fifty cockatrices to get the coins he needed.


    Was a bowl of rice worth going through all that danger?

 Chapter 6 Upgrade Stone

    Alex figured it only seemed hard because he was still a low-level player, but once he leveled up, killing so many cockatrices wouldn''t be that big of a deal.And with his special title, he would eventually reach a point where he would get enough coins to go on a shopping spree.


    Stronger monsters would drop more coins, so if he wanted to enjoy the comfort of the system, he had to power up quickly.


    "Guess oracle saying the strong will dominate wasn''t wrong," Alex muttered.


    For the time being, the cheapest item in the system shop was a simple bottle of water which cost ten coins, the exact number of coins Alex had.


    After consuming some meat earlier, his thirst had grown unbearable, and he also wanted to test if the shop was the real deal, so he decided to make a purchase.


    As soon as Alex''s ten coins disappeared from his wallet, a sparkling bottle of water appeared in his inventory.


    Alex casually took it out and examined it closely.


    The bottle of water looked just like a typical one from Earth, except for the label that read "Tutorial Water."


    Alex uncorked the bottle and eagerly tilted it back, gulping down the refreshing liquid in a couple of quick swallows.


    As he finished, he let out a satisfied sigh and squeezed the now-empty bottle.


    Despite water''s usual lack of flavor, this was the most refreshing drink he had ever tasted.


    His thoughts then shifted to the ten free stat points he had accumulated. The only stat he was focused on boosting was speed.


    He recalled how the cockatrice had outpaced him, even with his agility set at twenty. With ten additional points, bringing his total agility to thirty, he felt confident he could finally outrun one of those creatures.


    After adding the ten points to his agility, Alex set off through the forest, his eyes scanning the surroundings for potential prey.


    Within a few minutes, he spotted another cockatrice. However, this one was not alone.


    It had a companion, and together they were feasting on the carcass of a slain creature.


    Alex was confident he could take down one, but two cockatrices would pose a problem.


    From what he had observed, the cockatrices were intelligent creatures, and he couldn''t dismiss the possibility they might work together to take him down.


    Alex figured that would be the worst-case scenario for him, so he decided to play it safe.


    He had an idea that he had been itching to try since he tested his ability out with the tree, so he picked up a piece of rock and thought out loud:


    "Is there a limit to what he could be turning into a bomb?"


    According to his ability, anything he could touch could become a bomb so it was fair to say a rock was fair game.


    He gripped the rock firmly using [Exploding Touch] and a blue circular marking appeared on it.


    Alex grinned, excited that his ability had worked, but he overlooked one crucial detail: The timer.


    The countdown for the explosion had begun, indicating that the rock would detonate in just a couple of seconds.


    Alex noticing this, hastily threw the rock towards the pair of cockatrices and quickly sought cover. He knew the cockatrice had good detection sense and if he got too close they would discover him.


    The rock landed just in front of the cockatrices, and they paused, their alert eyes scanning the surroundings, wondering where the stone came from.


    Curiously, the two creatures approached the rock, with one cockatrice edging closer to poke at it with its beak.


    "Big mistake," Alex muttered as he watched the countdown reached zero.


    Boom!


    The rock exploded, taking off the cockatrice''s head, and the blast force hit the second one, knocking it to the ground, and leaving it disoriented.


    This is where Alex decided to make his move, with his thirty points in agility, he was super fast and had managed to reach the injured cockatrice in less than a second.


    The creature, still reeling from the explosion, could barely lift its head when it suddenly found a human standing directly in front of it.


    A moment of surprise hung in the air as they locked eyes, but Alex wasted no time.


    With a swift motion, he slapped the cockatrice across the face.


    Pah!


    Not once.


    Pah!


    Not twice.


    Pah!


    But three times.


    The consecutive slaps didn''t do much damage to the cockatrice physically, but it was enough to injure the cockatrice on a psychological level.


    The cockatrice screeched in a fury, its rage boiling over as it swung its tail in a desperate counterattack, however, Alex with swift grace evaded the blow, then executed a quick 180-degree turn before sprinting off.


    Fueled by anger and humiliation, the cockatrice gave chase, determined not to let its assailant escape.


    Not only had it lost its mate, but it had also been slapped in the face three times. Oh, the disrespect.


    There was no way it was going to let Alex live.


    But it didn''t matter what it wanted.


    No matter how fast the cockatrice ran, it couldn''t close the gap with Alex, whose speed had been significantly enhanced.


    But out of nowhere, Alex suddenly stopped and turned to face the cockatrice.


    The cockatrice seeing this, lunged forward with more vigor. It could almost taste the blood of the being in its front.


    But before it could reach its target, it met its doom.


    [Exploding Touch] detonated on its face, not once or twice, but three times--the same number of times Alex had slapped his ability unto the cockatrice''s face. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The explosion obliterated the cockatrice''s upper body, leaving only bloody remnants of its lower half behind.


    Grinning, Alex relished in his victory.


    He knew three explosions were overkill, but he wasn''t taking any chances.


    [You have killed 1 cockatrice]


    [You have killed 2 cockatrices]


    [Level Up]


    His rewards poured in: +5 stats point, a power stone, a cockatrice shirt, four pieces of meat, and ten coins.


    Then, [Apocalypse Baby] kicked in, doubling the rewards and causing Alex to grin with delight.


    "Totally worth it."


    Alex then ventured into the forest to find more cockatrice pairs to hunt them down.


    He had managed to find and hunt four more cockatrices earning him a [Level Up] before he decided to call it a night.


    However, as he searched for a place to take refuge, something golden caught his eye ¨C a treasure chest nestled at the base of a tree.


    Alex knelt before the golden box, placed his hand on it, and then a notification appeared.


    [Treasure Chest Found]


    [Would you like to open it?]


    "Yes, please," Alex eagerly replied, and with a click, the chest opened and revealed its contents, which promptly vanished into his inventory.


    Alex checked his storage and couldn''t help but gasp at the rewards:


    [You have received weapon: Eclipse Edge]


    [You have received Vitality Stone]


    [You have received an upgrade stone]


    [You have recieved a thousand gold coins.]


    "A weapon, yes!" Alex shouted as he took out the Eclipse edge, a sword with silver engraving that pulsated with a faint aura, and a blue leather hilt that made the sword convenient to grip.


    Before he could read the sword description, another notification flashed before him:


    [ Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have received another Eclipse Edge, vitality stone, upgrade stone, and 1000 coins]


    "Oh," Alex chuckled in surprise, he didn''t think it would work on the treasure chest too.


    He took out the second sword noting it was identical to the first and attempted to wield both, but the result was a somewhat awkward display.


    Alex was an office worker in real life, Alex had never handled a weapon before, so there was no way he would suddenly know how to use one.


    Acknowledging his inexperience, Alex put the swords away and turned his attention to the vitality stones.


    He used them and his vitality rose by four, causing his HP to rise by four hundred. Unlike intelligence stats which increase his MP by ten when one point is added, Vitality increases his health by a hundred points.


    Next, Alex took out the upgrade stone, and the description made his jaw drop:


    [Upgrade Stone: Raise one of your abilities to a higher rank]


    "What kind of luck is this?" he wondered aloud. He had gotten such amazing rewards from doing absolutely nothing.


    His [Exploding Touch] ability was currently E-rank, and with the upgrade stone, he could elevate it to D-rank.


    But here''s the thing: He had not one, but two upgrade stones.


    How much stronger would [Exploding Touch] become after he uses both?

 Chapter 7 Chaotic Brouhaha

    Alex''s anticipation bubbled as he clutched the upgrade stone in his hand. He hurriedly used it, unable to wait any longer to discover the effects it''d have.He squeezed, expecting the [Upgrade Stone] to crack like the [Stat Stone], but instead, a simple notification materialized before him.


    [Would you like to use the [Upgrade stone] on [Exploding Touch]?]


    "Hmm...Yes,"


    Alex mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed that he had enthusiastically tried to break it. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Responding to his consent, the [Upgrade stone] in his hand disintegrated into a radiant light.


    [Exploding Touch is now upgrading]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank D]


    Alex didn''t check its effect though, as he swiftly took out the second [Upgrade Stone] he had gotten thanks to [Apocalypse Baby] and used it as well.


    [Exploding Touch is now upgrading]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank C]


    Alex then checked its description to see what effect his unique ability had gotten for jumping two ranks.


    And not surprisingly, the changes were remarkable.


    [Exploding Touch (Rank E): The area you touch would explode in 20 seconds [Cost: 6 Mana]


    [Amp: Damage output can be amplified (up to 3x) at a cost, increasing both the explosion''s power and the area of effect. [2 mana per increase]


    [Pause: The timer can now be paused and resumed delaying explosion [Cost: 1 mana]


    [Dismiss: The user can now remove [Exploding Touch] set on an object [Cost: 2 mana]


    The countdown had been reduced to twenty seconds, and the mana cost had increased since he could now cause more damage with it.


    The power-up had also promised better manipulation of the ability, and Alex grinned evilly, as thoughts of how to use the new perks to his advantage flooded his head.


    He picked up a small rock to experiment with and used [Exploding Touch].


    The usual bluish circular light appeared with the number twenty over it, and the countdown to explosion began.


    Alex then hurled the rock forward and crotch low hiding beside a tree. Though he could hold in his arm using [Pause] to stop it he didn''t want to risk anything.


    He''d learned his lesson the first time when he tested his ability with the tree, and wasn''t blindly trusting of the system.


    Once the timer reached one, Alex used [Pause] halting the countdown. Then approached the rock and picked it up, seeing the number one on it.


    He then used another upgrade perk [Dismiss] and the bluish light disappeared, leaving nothing but an ordinary rock.


    Alex''s lips curled into a broad grin as excitement coursed through him, causing him to sweat. He could wreak havoc with this upgrade he''s gotten.


    "Haha"


    The Oracle calling it a privilege didn''t make it sound like much, but on experiencing it, was nothing short of mind-boggling.


    "A super ability crazy cheat title haha." he uttered, looking upwards. Unable to contain the exhilaration he felt.


    The sky had darkened and Alex dismissed the idea of hunting at night. Though he wanted to test the amplification effect he knew a loud explosion would attract unwanted attention.


    He valued his life now more than ever, especially because for once in his life he was genuinely fortunate. If he died now, it would just be too wasteful.


    Alex then took refuge in a nearby tree, trying to get comfortable amid the branches and leaves.


    It felt strange sleeping somewhere that was not his home.


    The rustling leaves, the chirping of insects, and the distant, animalistic roars echoing through the underbrush made it hard to relax.


    And the rough bark pressing against his back was anything but convenient.


    He checked the system [Shop] to see if they had a bed, but found they didn''t sell one, which made him sigh dissapointedly.


    Not that he could use a bed in the middle of the forest.


    It would simply be him presenting himself to the monsters on a platter.


    Alex observed his stats window and overall he was satisfied his growth.


    Tomorrow was another day to grind and thought of testing out his enhanced ability on the poor cockatrice made him excited.


    He would make use of this privilege he had gotten.


    Abuse it.


    So anyone--be it beasts, gods, or man--who tries to mess with him will regret it. But one thought lingered on his mind though


    The treasure chest.


    It was just laying there, almost too conveniently and had given Alex a massive boost for free. Alex hoped he could find more of the same treasure chest.


    If Oracle was there he would have coughed blood. There were only three golden chests throughout the entire tutorial and they were all concealed in secret locations.


    Alex was just lucky to find one lying in his path.


    *


    The next morning, Alex woke up with a loud yawn and then wiped the drool that had gathered on the corner of his mouth.


    He didn''t think he would sleep so deeply in an unfamiliar environment. And was grateful no danger came.


    It was like he woke up a second after he closed his eyes and it was morning.


    He ate a few pieces of cockatrice meat, savoring each bite as he washed it down with sips of bottled water.


    And though he had enough coins--thanks to the golden chest--to browse through some food, he figured he would save it for later, planning to use it as a reward for himself once he successfully took down a formidable monster.


    Feeling refreshed, Alex climbed down the tree, an evil grin on his face as he scoured for his first prey.


    But about an hour later, his grin turned into a frown.


    He had been walking for almost thirty minutes and hadn''t spotted any single beast.


    "Where did they all go?"


    Alex wondered, furrowing his brow as he scanned the empty woods. There was no trace of monsters anywhere.


    "Did they perhaps know I''ve upgraded my ability and have fleed in terror?"


    Alex questioned but then shook his head.


    He didn''t waste his free time though. As he walked, he picked up rocks and used his [Exploding Touch] on them, then he used [Amp] to increase explosion damage, before using [Pause] to halt the timer, storing them in his inventory.


    Once he ran out of mana he gathered more stones and stored them. And when his mana was refilled he repeated the process of turning rocks into grenades, which he was going to call: [Blastshards]


    As Alex walked a few more meters, his sharp ears caught an unusual commotion in the distance. There was no mistaking it, it was a shrill cry of a cockatrice.


    He grinned and sneaked close hearing a primal noise from most likely another creature mixed with it.


    It sounded like a chaotic brouhaha, and from what Alex could hear, it was getting closer to his location


    He took cover behind a tree to observe, feeling it was wise to see what he was up against, before jumping headfirst into action and putting himself in danger.


    The last thing he wanted was to lose his head--literally.


    As he watch from the cover, a group of greenish creatures burst out of the dense shrubbery, sprinting frantically as if pursued by something.


    Alex''s eyes widened in surprise on seeing these creatures, and he didn''t even need the system to help identify them as he recognized what they were:


    "Goblins!"

 Chapter 8 Speech

    [Goblin Troop: Rank D]The goblins were dressed in tattered rags, clutching wooden clubs with trembling arms, and only a single one holding a crude dagger.


    They had fearful expressions on their faces as they glanced back over their shoulder.


    In a few seconds, Alex found out what it was that was chasing them.


    A scorpion-like tail shot out from the shrub impaling the slowest goblin in the group.


    The creature effortlessly lifted the corpse and hurled it towards its companions ahead, causing them to tumble to the forest floor in disarray.


    The cockatrice stepped out and closed the distance with the goblin.


    The green creatures stood and gripped their weapons with trembling hands, showing their backs was suicide, they had no other option but to fight.


    Alex watching the show, took out a piece of meat from his inventory and began to eat. It just felt like the right thing to do at the moment.


    The goblins, driven by a primal instinct to survive, let out a collective battle cry and lunged at the cockatrice, brandishing their crude weapons.


    But the scary bird was fast, effortlessly evading their clumsy attacks.


    With its razor-sharp beak, the cockatrice ruthlessly impaled one of the goblins in the chest, and with a swift motion of its tail, it sent another hurtling into its comrade.


    With a flap of its wings, the cockatrice gracefully leaped onto one of the goblins, its talons slashing mercilessly at its writhing victim.


    The unfortunate goblin''s agonized screams pierced the air, and even Alex couldn''t help but wince at the gruesome sight.


    "Okay, now that''s just unnecessary violence."


    Alex shook his head, the cockatrice could have ended it in a move.


    While the cockatrice was busy with its blood-seeking assault.


    One of the goblins crept from behind, it''s beady eyes locked on the cockatrice.


    With a swift and merciless strike, the goblin swung its club towards the bird''s head, its malice evident in the grit of its teeth.


    The club found its mark, landing a clean blow on the back of the cockatrice''s skull.


    The cockatrice staggered forward, a yelp escaping its beak, disoriented by the unexpected attack.


    The goblin feeling emboldened by it''s success, charged at the cockatrice hoping to hit it once again, but it didn''t take account of it''s deadly tail.


    With a swift motion, the cockatrice took the goblin''s head off cleanly from its body.


    The goblin''s severed head went hurtling through the air, and it''s decapitated body crumpled to the ground.


    The cockatrice then began to shake its head vigorously, its eyes filled with pain.


    The goblin''s club had inflicted significant damage.


    Alex then noticed one of the goblins climb from under the corpse of another.


    One more goblin was still alive, and the bird didn''t seem to have noticed it.


    The goblin wasted no time, it picked up a wooden club and swung it with all its might, striking the back of the cockatrice''s head.


    The cockatrice, now in a drunken stupor, swayed and swung its tail wildly, but it found no target.


    The goblin, fueled by determination and perhaps a touch of madness, stepped forward once more, delivering a decisive blow that landed squarely on the bird''s face.


    With a thud, the cockatrice''s massive body collapsed to the side, twitching in its final moments.


    The goblin discarded the bloodied club and produced a crude dagger, a glint of savagery in its eyes.


    It stood over the cockatrice''s neck, and plunged the dagger into its skull.


    But it didn''t stop there, it began to struck the cockatrice head continuously.


    The air filled with the gruesome sound of flesh tearing, and blood spewing forth.


    The goblin''s assault continued until, finally, it severed the cockatrice''s head completely.


    It held the severed head to the sky and yelled in victory, it''s body drenched in blood.


    Alex shook his head at the barbaric scene. He hadn''t noticed it before, but this goblin had a different name.


    (Goblin Scout: Rank D)


    "No wonder it had a dagger," Alex muttered.


    He contemplated whether or not he should cut the goblin celebration short, but decided against it. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s was a victory poorly earned at the sacrifice of it''s allies.


    The goblins and cockatrice seemed to be enemies, and Alex guessed, it was more likely the birds fault as they were aggressively territorial.


    The goblin scout began to move, and Alex decided to follow it.


    The goblins will be an enemy in the future, and it was best to know their base of operation.


    Alex followed from a distance as he didn''t want to get close and alert it, but that made the goblin harder to track as it was small and nimble


    After a few minutes of running the goblin finally reached its destination.


    Alex stopped further away and watched as the little goblin approached what appeared to be the entrance of a cave, concealed beneath a canopy of trees.


    In the clearing before the cave''s mouth, gathered a lot of goblins.


    Some held clubs, others pitchforks and a few daggers.


    It looked like they were going to war, and Alex figured it against the cockatrices.


    The gathered goblin made way for the scout to pass.


    The small goblin heaving from exertion, walked towards a massive figure seated upon a wooden throne-like chair.


    This huge goblin was as tall as a human, with muscles that rippled beneath it''s greenish skin, and teeth that poked menacingly like that of a tiger.


    [Goblin Boss ( Rank D) ]


    The boss goblin sat lazily on the chair leisurely gnawing on a chunk of meat, relishing every bite.


    The scout goblin bowed deeply and gingerly laid the severed cockatrice head before the imposing leader.


    With a nod of acknowledgment, the goblin boss parted its gnarled lips, revealing a set of sharp, jagged teeth as it commanded:


    "Speak."


    Alex''s mouth dropped wide open.


    Among all the surprises he had gotten since beginning the tutorial this tops it all.


    ''The goblins could talk.''

 Chapter 9 Interspecies War

    "Goblin find chicken, chicken far over there, many chicken big and a big one but dangerous." The scout said dramatically to the goblin boss who nodded in response.Alex was baffled the scout could talk as well.


    The absurdity of it all left him speechless.


    He wondered if it was because the goblins being human-like in some ways, was why they were capable of speech. Which made sense as he hadn''t heard any intelligent speech come out of the cockatrice''s mouth.


    It seemed like the regular goblin troop couldn''t talk as well which meant only creatures with a title could speak.


    Suddenly, the boss goblin rose to his feet, its demeanor more serious as it announced with vigor:


    "Today we hunt down chicken. Territory is ours. And when we kill them. And after, we have feast!" he declared balling his feast and his words were met with enthusiastic cheers from his troops.


    ''Wow, what a motivating speech.''


    "You lead the way." The goblin boss commanded the scout and took its weapon--A crude oversized axe that fits its size.


    Alex decided to flee before he got spotted. As he sneaked away he couldn''t help but ponder how strange his life had suddenly gotten Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just a day ago he was working in his office with computers now he was watching goblins fight over territories with cockatrices.


    It was a show he wouldn''t miss.


    And as for picking a side, he was rooting for the cockatrice. Though the goblins were the underdog, they didn''t stand any chance. Judging from the fight he saw earlier.


    Unless the goblin boss was strong enough to cause an upset.


    Either way, he wasn''t too concerned about the outcome, as he was simply thinking of how he could take advantage of the chaos that would ensue, and become the winner of it all.


    ''That''s right. I''m the ''upset'' hehe.''


    The scout goblin navigated, and the boss and the rest of the packs toward the cockatrice.


    While distancing himself from the goblins, Alex was suddenly assailed by the distinctive sounds of cockatrices in the distance.


    It seemed that the cockatrices, too, had decided to take the fight to the goblins.


    He hurriedly climbed a nearby tree to watch how the chaos would play out from above.


    The two groups, goblins, and cockatrices, met in a standoff, glaring menacingly at each other.


    In a provocative display, the goblin boss hurled the severed head of a cockatrice toward the herd, eliciting angry screeches that reverberated through the forest.


    Despite their visible agitation, the cockatrices remained cool, unwilling to be provoked.


    Amidst the flock of cockatrices, Alex spotted one that stood out ¨C larger, leaner, and exuding an air of undeniable authority.


    Its feathers gleamed like blades, its eyes radiated intelligence, and its every movement was regal.


    It was unmistakably the leader of the cockatrices, the reason the birds hadn''t made their move, and the system identification confirmed his suspicions:


    [Cockatrice Boss: Dread Feather (Rank D)]


    [Proceed with caution]


    Alex was surprised. This was the first time the system had issued a warning, which meant this cockatrice was the real deal.


    "Great, we don''t have to walk so far to find chicken. We kill the bird here and party here!" The goblin boss yelled.


    "Stupid goblin, you dare hunt one of our own in cockatrice territory. Today, you pay with your life." the cockatrice declared threateningly.


    Alex double blinked.


    "The cockatrice could speak as well?"


    His shock didn''t linger much as he had earlier deduced that monsters with titles were capable of speech.


    He had to admit, that hearing monsters talk was weird, but it wasn''t too bad, as it could make things more interesting.


    The goblins had killed one of their own, and the cockatrice was here for revenge. He got the plot and was ready for the action.


    "Chicken talk now, chicken in my belly later," The boss goblin chuckled, undeterred by the cockatrice''s warnings, and raised his axe defiantly. "Troops attack!"


    The boss charged forth and the rest of the goblins followed.


    If it were just the regular goblin troop, they would have been terrified by the cockatrice''s size, but their boss''s presence gave them confidence.


    They clashed with the cockatrice and began to fight.


    Weapons clanging against beak and talon.


    Tail stabbing into green toddlers.


    The skirmish erupted in a frenzy of chaos and fury.


    Alex sat cross-legged on the tree, as he watched the battle. It was going exactly as he had imagined.


    A single cockatrice was able to take out about three goblins, and when one of the cockatrices was about to be surrounded, another came to its rescue.


    They covered each other back and gave the goblin no chance to utilize their numbers--which was the only way the green creature would ever be able to defeat one.


    One after another, the goblins fell, including the scout from earlier, lying motionless with a fatal wound to its head.


    Like Alex had predicted, they didn''t stand a chance.


    Alex shook his head at the one-sided onslaught.


    He had to admit, the goblin fought bravely for some cockatrice meat, but it was foolish bravery.


    Only the boss goblin was able to hold its own, killing two cockatrice but it was now engaged in a fierce duel with the cockatrice leader.


    Dreadfeather was fast using its blade for feathers, and scorpion tail, to rain deadly assaults on the boss goblin.


    The goblin, battered and bloodied, continued to fight relentlessly, but it was only a matter of time before he too would succumb to his injuries. Enough time for Alex to carry out his plan.


    ''Hehe.''


    He opened his inventory, which was filled with [Blastshards] made of the stones he had collected earlier, in his search for cockatrices. He had stopped the timer all at one, so they would explode a second after he resumed them.


    One by one, he took them out and swiftly hurled them onto the battlefield


    Since the cockatrice and goblin were busy fighting, they didn''t notice the stones dropping.


    It one had even struck a goblin on its head, but it was too busy trying to survive, to take it seriously.


    Once Alex had tossed enough to the battlefield, he seized a fistful of [Blastshards] and aimed them at the battling bosses.


    Dreadfeather saw some projectiles hitting the ground, causing it to stop and glance around, wary of danger.


    But before it could make sense of the situation, the goblin boss charged at it, forcing the cockatrice to defend itself.


    With a swift move, Dreadfeather shoved the goblin backward, using the brief opening to glance upward.


    Something didn''t feel right.


    Its sharp eyes quickly locked onto Alex, who was casually perched on a tree branch above, and it squinted its eyes in suspicion.


    Alex, unfazed by the piercing gaze, simply waved at Dreadfeather with a mischievous grin on his face.


    Then, he snapped his fingers.


    And in an instant, the air erupted with the thunderous roar of explosions.


    The battlefield consumed in a storm of fiery blasts as the [Blastshards] detonated, sending shockwaves that shook the ground.

 Chapter 10 Beast Slap

    The whole battlefield erupted with a powerful explosion consuming both cockatrices and goblins alike.Alex covered his ears so he wouldn''t get deaf from the earsplitting sounds.


    With his eyes shut, he grinned heartily enjoying the sounds of system notification ringing in his head.


    The [Blastshards] had finished exploding.


    And Alex opened his eyes to see the damage he had caused.


    His mouth shot open, the whole place was like a scene from hell.


    Trees fell and burnt on the ground, bushes caught on fire, and the body parts of goblins and cockatrices were everywhere.


    The explosion had killed about 80% of the monster below. And the remaining were far too injured to be a threat.


    He turned towards, the cockatrice boss and goblin, and saw they were still alive.


    But they resumed fighting with each other despite the chaos.


    He noticed the cockatrice, Dreadfeather was stealing glances in his direction while defending the attacks from the goblin.


    The cockatrice boss knew he was the source of the explosion,


    But it couldn''t do anything about it as its opponent was a persistent brute who lacked reasoning skills.


    Alex made a mental note to keep an eye on the cockatrice boss.


    He did not to be caught off guard by any unexpected attacks from the avian beast, who seemed rather shrewd.


    The remaining cockatrices alive had either, died, lost their body parts, or were burnt to a crisp and barely hanging.


    Alex could only see two of the goblin alive and he could only consider them as lucky.


    "Yep, my abilities are quite amazing."


    Alex nodded proudly at the result.


    Though the scene was horrific, Alex didn''t care too much about it.


    These monsters exist to be hunted, to make players stronger. And they wouldn''t hesitate to kill him if they got the chance, so he had no remorse.


    At first, he contemplated finishing them up with more [Blastshards], but he itching to get some experience with his weapon.


    He had no one to train him, so he decided to start working on his sword skills.


    The injured beasts were like practice dummies roaming around the field.


    So the situation was perfect.


    With a wicked grin, Alex equipped [Eclipse edge]. And then put on [Scalewalk boot] which added five points to his agility.


    He leaped off the tree and landed on the ground with a heavy thud.


    "System add ten points to strength"


    He said as he charged towards the nearest cockatrice.


    The cockatrice could not even react, as Alex took the beast''s head clean off his body.


    With his strength boosted his sword went through the cockatrice''s neck like butter.


    He turned to the next:


    A goblin with half its body burnt. It grunted at him in defiance, but Alex responded with a kick to its chest, which propelled the goblin''s body into a tree with a fatal impact.


    Ding!


    [You have killed creature goblin]


    [Level up!] S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Nice."


    With this he was now Level 7, adding the number of times he had leveled up from his [Blastshards] massacre.


    This noise caught the attention of the cockatrice nearby and they attacked Alex.


    But one by one they met their demise majorly due to their injuries.


    Meanwhile, the cockatrice and the goblin boss were still fighting.


    Dreadfeather with a worried expression on its face.


    It had taken glances and had noticed the human slaughtering his troop


    However, the goblin didn''t seem to have noticed this threat and that pissed it off.


    "You idiot stop! there''s a new enemy!"


    "No, this is all chicken''s fault! Chicken set trap, kill everyone. Goblin must have chicken and be victorious, make king proud!"


    The goblin began to attack in a frenzy.


    And the cockatrice shook his head realizing there was no getting through with the idiot.


    Its initial goal was to take down the goblin clan once and for all, so they wouldn''t come back to claim territory.


    But he couldn''t do that without his men so his only option was to kill their leader.


    And the human, and then return with new troops to face the goblin once again.


    With a sigh and a plan to follow.


    The cockatrice''s speed suddenly increased. Faster than what the goblin was used to.


    Dreadfeather overwhelmed the goblin with a flurry of attacks.


    Its wings, tail, beaks, and all its weapons dishing out relentless assault.


    The goblin bled unable to move.


    as he had taken most of the brunt from the bombs and was weakened, now he was suffering from assaults and wasn''t able to keep up with the cockatrice torrents of attacks.


    The cockatrice''s tail pierced into the goblin''s shoulder, and he was forced to jump back.


    The stab area began to change into purple indicating poison


    The goblin groaned and fell on its knees. Severely weakened and hurt.


    "This fight is over, surrender and I''ll make your death swift,"


    The goblin grinned.


    It wasn''t ready to tap out yet.


    With a thundering roar, it activated his special ability, [Bloodlust], which doubled the user''s strength for a few seconds.


    "If I''m going down. I''ll take you along with me."


    The goblin''s skin began to turn red as strength flushed through its body.


    But the cockatrice was familiar with the goblins'' skills and was prepared.


    It sucked in a deep breath energy bubbling in its throat, and fire out a wave of [Sonic Howl]. A move that stuns and damages the enemy using sound waves.


    The goblin skin that was turning red returned to normal. And it coughed out blood.


    The [Sonic Howl] had interrupted the goblin [Bloodlust]. Nullifying the power.


    And that caused a backlash.


    The goblin boss fell to its knees coughing out blood. The last attack had sealed its fate.


    The cockatrice then appeared behind the goblin and took its head off.


    With a plop, the goblin''s head dropped to the ground.


    But it was still conscious so it said its last words before life left its eyes.


    "I, Baran, a loyal boss to king, will be back and I will have meat!"


    The cockatrice simply shook his head at this. Glad he was done with the goblin.


    "Hey, birdface."


    The cockatrice suddenly heard a voice and sharply turned scanning the battlefield for the threat.


    The human was nowhere to be seen and all of its troops were dead.


    "Over here," Alex said appearing behind it


    And as the cockatrice turned, it was met with a powerful slap that sent it sliding to the side.

 Chapter 11 Mocking Defeat

    ''Ahh so tough.''Alex winced as he flexed his wrist, pain shooting through it. The cockatrice''s beak was like solid steel and he had hit it with so much force his bone creaked.


    ''Yeah, maybe I shouldn''t have done that.'' Alex thought. But he had no regret.


    Especially now that the arrogant look on the cockatrice''s face had disappeared, utter shock replacing it.


    Dreadfeather, with its head turned to the side, slowly redirected its gaze toward Alex. Disbelief is etched on its avian features.


    It blinked, trying to process what had just happened, and when it finally spoke, its voice was laced with cold fury.


    "How dare a mere Rank-E lay a hand on the mighty...."


    "Shut up!" Alex interrupted."Shut up and let''s get this over with. I don''t want to waste too much time on you I''ve got things to do before the tutorial begins."


    Dreadfeather was taken aback, baffled by Alex''s audacity.


    The human was inferior, yet it dared speak as if it was the apex predator. The insolence.


    Dreadfeather gritted its teeth and dove toward Alex with terrifying speed. Hatred burning in its eyes.


    Alex extracted a couple [Blastshards] from his inventory and tossed them toward the fast-approaching cockatrice.


    The cockatrice boss seeing this, recalled that it was the same kind of rocks that had exploded while battling with the goblin.


    Dreadfeather came to a halt and leaped backwards before the rock exploded.


    But Alex activated the detonation of the [Blastshards] midair.


    *BOOM


    The force of it hit the cockatrice, sending it sprawling to the ground. A part of his feather burnt by the flames.


    The cockatrice screeched in pain, glaring at Alex, who stood casually, watching the creature writhe with a satisfied grin.


    "I amplified the force of the explosion three times. You should feel honored. You''re an opponent I take seriously."


    Dreadfeather despite being angry, cautiously distanced itself from Alex. It was now more wary of the foe it was facing.


    Making sure its next attacks were carefully planned.


    "You coward, you have to resort to such tricky means to battle," the cockatrice sneered.


    "If it works then it''s effective. And besides I didn''t trick anyone. When I threw down these bombs, I didn''t do any sneaking. You all were just too distracted to notice me." Alex responded with a shrug.


    "You took advantage of our battle with the goblin. Like a coward. But no matter. Eventually, you''ll run out of tricks, and then I''ll have your head."


    "I thought you were intelligent, but you''re just as dense as the goblin." Alex said but Dreadfeather wasn''t listening.


    "I''ll give you a chance to surrender. Let me kill you peacefully human or fight me and die a slow, painful death." Dreadfeather said, and


    Alex frowned in confusion:


    "Surrender? Why would I? I mean look at you. You''re the one on the verge of collapse here. If I were you, I''d be running for my life. But even if you healed up and came back, you still wouldn''t stand a chance.


    So I''ll show some mercy and end this in the next two minutes."


    The cockatrice feathers flared in fury, and it panted heavily, rage consuming it.


    "You bastard, I''ll make sure you suffer worse than the green idiot."


    Despite its injuries, despite the exhaustion wracking its body, the cockatrice was too blinded by hatred to retreat. So it lunged again, determined to fight until the bitter end.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head.


    "If that''s how you want to play it..." He pulled out another set of [Blastshards]. "Then here, have some more rocks."


    Alex hurled the [Blastshard] at the cockatrice, but Dreadfeather was quick, leaping back just as the explosion rocked the ground. Thick fumes filled the air, momentarily clouding the battlefield. The cockatrice darted backward, its sharp eyes scanning for movement through the haze.


    Suddenly, Alex burst from the smoke, his form a blur, which came along with a gleaming [Eclipse Edge] heading dangerously towards the cockatrice''s neck.


    The cockatrice avoided the attack and whipped out its tail in a fierce counterattack. But it struck empty air. And the next thing the Dreadfeather felt was a powerful punch to its chest, the air knocked from its lungs.


    Then another hit to its face which sent it reeling backward, its talons digging into the ground as its body skidded across the field.


    "Come on now, don''t disappoint me like this. Is this all you''ve got? After all that arrogant talk?" Alex taunted.


    Dreadfeather''s eyes flared with fury, humiliated by the mockery. With a sharp screech, it lunged forward, its razor-sharp blade-like talons slashing toward Alex. But Alex effortlessly darted backward in quick bursts, staying just out of reach.


    The cockatrice, enraged and desperate, attacked like a beast possessed, but Alex calmly deflected its furious attacks with [Eclipse Edge]. Sword clanging against blades.


    He had to admit he was enjoying himself, as the more he used the [Eclipse Edge], the more fluid and natural it felt in his hand.


    Meanwhile, Dreadfeather was starting to panic. Its stamina was rapidly depleting, and no matter how hard it attacked, it couldn''t gain any ground.


    The cockatrice had fought its way to the position of boss, completing every mission the cockatrice king had given it.


    Yet here it was, struggling against a mere E-rank human.


    Should the cockatrice king find out that Dreadfeather lost to a lesser being, it will never grant revival.


    Unlike other monsters, such as goblins, second chances for cockatrices were much harder to come by because of how highly they valued their pride. To them, defeat wasn''t just a setback but a permanent stain on their reputation.


    Dreadfeather was seriously considering the thought of fleeing but Alex''s mocking voice cut through its frustration like a blade.


    "Are you thinking of retreating? You''ll still end up dead if you do that."


    "Damn you!" Dreadfeather screeched, its pride too wounded to walk away. It couldn''t bear the idea of running from an E-rank human. No, it had to kill Alex at all costs, even if it meant its own death.


    "You¡­ you''ll pay for underestimating me," Dreadfeather hissed, its throat swelling ominously.


    Alex could sense something was wrong, but before he could react, Dreadfeather unleashed a deafening sonic blast.


    The sound ripped through the air, and Alex barely had time to shield himself with his arms before the force of it hit him.


    The blast sent him skidding backward, his boots digging into the ground. Though it hadn''t caused much physical harm, the wave of sound left his head spinning. His muscles felt drained, and his steps turned into a stagger as he struggled to stay upright.


    He wondered what was happening and checked his stats, only to see they had all been halved.


    "What?!" Alex exclaimed in shock. He didn''t think the cockatrice had an ability with such a crippling effect.


    "Scared now?" the cockatrice said with an evil grin. "You should be."


    The cockatrice moved to attack but Alex, immediately threw [Blastshards] at the boss, causing the cockatrice to halt.


    Dreadfeather leaped backwards expecting an explosion, but nothing came.


    "Shit, I''m out of mana," Alex exclaimed and Dreadfeather heard.


    It found it made sense that Alex''s mana had run out as he had caused so many explosions and damages.


    Dreadfeather watched Alex with its sharp eyes and noticed Alex slowly stepping away. This made it realize Alex had indeed run out of mana and was trying to flee. A coward''s move when faced with a dilemma.''


    "Typical of an E-rank to overestimate their strength and fail to monitor their energy consumption," Dreadfeather taunted, strutting forward with a smug look on its face. "Thinking you''re invincible, only to crumble before the end of the fight."


    "Don''t come any closer!" Alex yelled in panic. "Stay away from me, unless you want to get blasted to smithereens!"


    Dreadfeather chuckled at how hollow and fear-filled the threat sounded.


    "This is how it''s supposed to be," Dreadfeather said, savoring the moment. "The prey, terrified of the predator."


    Drawing its feather blades, the cockatrice prepared to tear Alex apart, eager to repay the humiliation it had endured.


    But suddenly, Alex burst into laughter.


    Dreadfeather stopped and frowned.


    "Have you gone crazy knowing your death is imminent?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Death?" Alex wiped the moisture from the corner of his eye. A grin still lingering. "The only one dying here is you."


    Dreadfeather frowned, wondering if Alex had truly gone mad.


    "When I said you''re just as dense as the goblin, you didn''t believe me. You were so blinded by the vision of your victory you lost all caution against a tricky foe."


    "What are you talking about?" Dreadfeather demanded.


    "I''m not the arrogant one here, you are," Alex said and then gestured for the cockatrice to look downwards.


    The cockatrice followed and saw beneath its talon were rocks.


    The same rocks that didn''t explode earlier.


    The [Blastshards] Alex had thrown, paused at one second.


    Dreadfeather heart stopped. Its eyes widened in horror as it came to the realization.


    "Yeah, it''s too late." Alex sighed about to flick his fingers. "And to think I warned you of this exact moment."

 Chapter 12 A Rooster Curse

    Alex activated his ability, and the stones exploded, swallowing the cockatrice.The creature didn''t even get the chance to scream as the explosion consumed it, causing instant death.


    Alex watched emotionlessly as the charred body of the cockatrice fall to the ground. He fell on his butt and wiped the sweat off his forehead, with the back of his hand.


    The battle had taken a lot out of him, especially his stamina. The debuff he had received from the cockatrice''s last attack had made him even weaker.


    But when he checked his stats he saw it had vanished when the cockatrice had died.


    He then read the notification flashing in front of him:


    [You have defeated the cockatrice boss; Dreadfeather]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    "Three times nice."


    With this Alex was now level ten.


    [You have been rewarded with 15 stats points, 5 Power Stones, 20 coins, and New skill: Sonic Howl]


    "Yes," Alex exclaimed, raising his balled fists to the sky in victory.


    He had taken advantage of the battle between the two different creatures and had reaped bountiful rewards.


    From leveling up, which netted him power points, to power stones, coins, weapons, and even a new skill, Alex was eager to check out the new ability.


    [Sonic Howl]: Unleash a powerful shockwave from your mouth, disorienting enemies and reducing their stats by 20%. The blast disrupts their balance, leaving them vulnerable for a short duration.


    Alex gasped in shock.


    It was the skill Dreadfeather had used against him, to take half his stats, but this one was more downgraded. Nevertheless, it was useful.


    Not only did it stun and weaken the opponent, but It also decreased enemy stats by twenty percent.


    Alex wondered what would happen if he spammed it on an opponent. Would the reduction percentage increase? or would it not be effective?


    Maybe, maybe not.


    Alex decided to test his ability, and as usual, his test subject was the trees.


    He readied himself and activated the skill.


    Immediately he knew how to use it; energy bubbled in his stomach and then flowed to his mouth.


    Then he let out a scream, and shockwaves escaped his mouth, hitting the trees. When he was done, Alex took a deep breath and exhaled heavily, holding his chest that tickled slightly.


    "That was freaking cool."


    Alex imagined himself looking like a banshee when he had used the ability. It was like something out of a movie.


    Alex walked towards the tree, to observe the damage [Sonic Howl] had done. He could see the ability had caused only a small dent. The physical damage was not that high, but that wasn''t where its strength lay.


    The tree was a bad experimental target, so Alex didn''t test it anymore, knowing he would only get results against a living being.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t have used all my upgrade stones on [Exploding Touch]," Alex thought. If he had used an upgrade stone on [Sonic Howl], then he was sure the percentage of stats reduction would have risen.


    But there was no point in complaining or fretting about it. The skill he had used the upgrade stone one was already overpowered. And with it, he had decimated the battlefield single-handedly and cooked the cockatrice boss in such a dominating manner.


    Now that he was thinking about it Alex realized he had flexed hard on the cockatrice boss. Overconfidence might not be a good thing, as he hadn''t expected the cockatrice''s last attack.


    What this taught him was that he shouldn''t be a hundred percent sure of his victory until his opponent isn''t breathing.


    But it was not like he hadn''t prepared for any upset.


    With the first slap, he landed on the cockatrice he had plastered an [Exploding Touch] on its face.


    Meaning the fight could have ended almost immediately if he chose.


    But Grey didn''t want this, as he wanted to improve his sword skills.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have been rewarded with 15 Stat Points, 5 Power Stones, 20 coins, and a new skill: Slipstream]


    "Slipstream?"


    [Slipstream: You can easily escape a trap. Magical traps take time and may cost mana. The stronger the trap, the more time it will take]


    "Hmm."


    The skill certainly couldn''t be compared to [Sonic Howl] and [Exploding Touch], which were explosive abilities that would be useful in fighting against monsters. But Alex didn''t disregard it as it might show its use against humans.


    There was a chance he would get captured and in that scenario, the skill might prove extremely useful.


    The system notification then rang, and Alex read the new pop-up:


    [You have reached level 10]


    [You have earned the chance to choose an ability from three options:


    [Swiftstrike]


    [Arcane Aegis]


    [Titan''s Fury]


    "Whoa." That came as a surprise. Alex had not seen it coming. He just kept getting abilities.


    He first checked out the skill.


    [Swiftstrike]: Move at 2x speed for 5 meters, stunning any enemy in your path for 1 second. Your path is locked in a straight line, making it predictable to sharp opponents. Cooldown: 1 minute.


    [Arcane Aegis]: Blocks all attacks for 3 seconds, with a 30% chance to reflect damage back at the attacker, amplified by 50%. Great for defense and turning the tide of battle. The barrier slows your movement by 20%. Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    [Titan''s Fury]: Double your strength for 30 seconds, making attacks nearly unstoppable and allowing you to break through defenses. Ideal for short bursts of intense combat. After the effect ends, you suffer a 50% reduction in both strength and stamina for 15 minutes. Cooldown: 1 hour.


    These were all amazing abilities. But each came with its flaws.


    [Swiftstrike] was great for surprise attacks or quick escape but your movement was locked into a straight line meaning which would be predictable to a sharp opponent.


    With [Titan''s Fury] the 50 percent reduction will leave one in such a vulnerable state. Not useful when facing multiple enemies which Alex planned to do.


    The flaw of [Arcane Aegis] was the movement''s 20% speed reduction but it was great for defense and the 30% chance of reflection attack was a gamble that made things interesting.


    They were all great skills but Grey had made his decision, so he chose [Arcane Aegis]. There wasn''t much regret with this decision as he felt it was more of a risk not to have defensive skills when his close combat was so poor


    Again, Alex couldn''t help but wonder how strong the skill would get if he used an upgrade stone on it. The rate of reflection would increase, which would make enemies hesitate to attack him, afraid of the full counter that would proceed when they do.


    "Done with choosing an ability," Alex decided to assign points to his stats, but then a flickering dark purple light rose out of the Dreadfeathers body,


    This caught his attention and he watched.


    But then all of a sudden, it wrapped itself onto Alex''s arm, settling into a tattoo that had the disturbing image of the head of a cockatrice turned sideways. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ding!


    [For killing Dreadfeather, you have been marked with ''The Rooster Curse'']


    [Cockatrices will now seek out your tainted aura and as long as the curse exists, they will hunt you down]


    [Curse can only be removed when the cockatrice king dies]


    Alex froze for a few seconds, taking in what he just read.


    And he concluded that the only way to react to this info was to scream: ''What the hell!''


    So he did just that.

 Chapter 13 Goblin Cave

    Alex let out a scream of frustration, his voice echoing through the dense forest.His heart pounded, and he couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    It was mind-boggling that even after death the cockatrice refused to stop being a problem.


    Breathing heavily, Alex sighed and swiped away the notification hovering in the air.


    Though frustrated, he decided to accept the situation.


    There was no point fretting about it, and certainly nothing he could do about it.


    There was no way he would have known he would get cursed.


    And honestly, even if he had known, he doubted he would have made a different choice.


    Alex forced himself to think more clearly and decided to look at it from another angle.


    ''Instead of a curse I can just see it as a blessing?''


    His original plan was simple: get stronger, and gain an edge over the other players.


    But now he had another reason to push his limits, one with much higher stakes.


    He was literally standing in cockatrice territory and with the < Rooster curse> inflicted on him, once he was spotted by a cockatrice he would become an instant target that would immediately be hunted down without hesitation.


    Not wanting to risk an encounter just yet, Alex turned away and began walking down the familiar path leading to the goblin cave.


    His plan was clear: raid the goblin hideout, gain experience, and level up until he was strong enough to take on the cockatrices head-on.


    He recalled overhearing the goblin boss mention to Dreadfeather that it would return, meaning there was a good chance the goblins had respawned.


    Alex smirked.


    He needed a break from hunting bird-like monsters, and goblins would provide a nice change of pace. Soon, he''d be dealing with cockatrices nonstop, so why not take the opportunity to face a different foe for now?


    Standing in front of the cave he equipped [Eclipse Edge] S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The front was eerily quiet, compared to the rowdy scene he had seen about an hour ago.


    As he stepped closer, a notification flashed before his eyes.


    Ding!


    [Goblin Sub Dungeon]


    [Do you want to enter? Y/N]


    [Once you enter you can''t leave unless you defeat the boss]


    It turns out the cave was a dungeon like he had suspected.


    He knew the only explanation for what the goblin boss had said to the cockatrice was respawning. As long as the dungeon exists the goblin boss could always come back, like an undead.


    ''No wonder the cockatrice was pissed with them.''


    They were like annoying chicken-loving cockroaches that just wouldn''t die.


    Alex was quite confident he could handle whatever the dungeon would throw at him.


    He had leveled up a lot and gotten many power stones along with new abilities, so he was ready to unleash on the poor goblins.


    He accepted the prompt to enter and stepped into the dark cave.


    The air inside the cave was thick and damp, carrying the smell of decay and mold. Jagged rocks jutted from the uneven walls, casting shadows that flickered in the dim light of the bioluminescent fungi that clung onto the stones illuminating Alex''s path.


    Five minutes inside, and Alex was starting to get pissed, his frustration growing with every step.


    ''Seriously where the hell are the goblins?''


    He had been walking with his nose covered, as the smell of the place left a putrid taste in his mouth, and hadn''t found any single thing to kill but time.


    ''Seriously, I should send a complaint to the oracle for the lack of monsters to fight.''


    As if on cue, he heard a faint noise echo from behind him.


    He noticed it came from a distance, so he walked backward towards the noise.


    Peeking around a corner, he saw some goblins chattering gibberish, along with more appearing out of thin air, one by one.


    ''So that''s why I found no goblins.'' Alex nodded coming to a realization.


    The goblins had all died in their fight against the cockatrice, so the dungeon probably needed time and energy to respawn them back.


    He then saw the scout goblin from the forest. He too had been respawned.


    Alex wondered if the same applied to the cockatrice. Would they respawn after they died?


    He really wished they didn''t.


    If that were the case, he would not only have to deal with a curse but also an angrier Dreadfeather.


    Alex shuddered but he was snapped out of his thoughts by a low grunt behind him.


    Turning quickly, Alex saw a goblin that had spawned right behind him, and without hesitation, he swung his blade, [Eclipse Edge], cleanly slicing through the goblin''s neck.


    The decapitated head rolled into the open. And one of the goblins who spotted the rolling head let out a shrill scream, alerting the rest of the group. In an instant, the goblins were armed, ready for battle.


    "Well, at least now I''ve got something to fight," Alex thought, tightening his grip on his sword.


    He stepped out of his hiding and waved to the goblins, grinning "Hi."


    Two of the goblins charged at him immediately, as if provoked by the greeting, but Alex with a single fluid motion, swung [Eclipse Edge], slicing both of them in half at the waist.


    Their bodies drop to the ground with a chilling thud.


    And the rest of the goblins weren''t so eager to rush in.


    Instead, they moved cautiously, slowly forming a circle around Alex, their eyes glinting with malice. The goblin scout from amongst them stepped forward and a notification blinked into Alex''s vision.


    [Goblin Scout: Rusuk (Rank-D)]


    Rusuk raised its dagger and pointed it menacingly at Alex.:


    "Human drop weapon and all belonging. Human leave with head in one piece."


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Unlike the usual gibberish from the other goblins, he could actually understand Rusuk''s words.


    That meant one thing: named monsters could speak human language, or at least he could understand them.


    The rest of the goblins grunted, howled, and banged their weapons against the cave floor and walls, trying to intimidate him. The noise reverberated around the cavern, but Alex wasn''t the least bit fazed. In fact, he found it all rather amusing.


    With a smirk, Alex addressed the scout.


    "Rusuk, huh? I''m Alex. I''ve been watching you since you killed the cockatrice in the forest. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have gotten so many treasures and skills. So, thanks for that."


    Rusuk paused, tilting its head as if processing the information. Then, completely catching Alex off guard, it asked, "Human have chicken?"


    "Eh."


    Alex blinked, stunned by the sudden question.


    Rusuk, seemingly serious, stretched out its hand, palm up. "Human have chicken. Hand it over."


    Alex chuckled finding the gesture comedic.


    It was crazy that they thought of cockatrice meat as treasures.


    And though Alex could spare some cockatrice meat, he had no intention of handing over anything to them. If anything, he was here to take.


    "I''m sorry Rusuk I can''t do that."


    Rusuk''s face twisted in annoyance.


    "Human surrounded, no escape, human die, hand it over?"


    From their viewpoint, they saw Alex as a fool, surrounded in their territory with little chance of escaping.


    But it was far from what they thought.


    Alex wasn''t the prey here; he was a predator.


    And they would come to know that very soon.

 Chapter 14 Entrapped

    Alex drew [Eclipse Edge], the sleek blade gleaming with a dark aura. The goblins grunted in alarm, but when they noticed his sword, their fear twisted into greed.Their grunts turned into excited snarls, and they looked eager to steal the powerful weapon.


    Alex shook his head, amused my their reaction.


    "Seriously, how dumb can these creatures be?"


    With a sigh, he suddenly vanished, moving so fast it seemed like he teleported.


    In the blink of an eye, he reappeared in the middle of a group of goblins, and before they could react, Alex swung his sword in a wide arc.


    The air whistled as [Eclipse Edge] cut through them like paper, slicing several goblins clean in half.


    The scout goblin, frozen in shock, snapped out of it and screamed for the rest to attack.


    In an instant, the rest of the goblins rushed at Alex, weapons raised, snarling in rage


    Energy gathered in Alex chest, swelling up until his mouth bulged. With a roar, he unleashed [Stun Howl], the soundwave tearing through the air with a deafening boom.


    The goblins caught in its path were blown backward, tumbling through the air like ragdolls.


    Those hit at close range froze mid-step, their bodies trembling.


    Blood oozed from their ears and mouths as they collapsed, dead on their feet.


    With a cold grin, Alex dashed toward the remaining goblins, his movements a blur.


    His sword swung with precise fury, each strike hitting its mark.


    Limbs flew, and goblin after goblin fell, unable to match Alex''s sheer speed and power.


    He fought like a wild beast, slashing and hacking through his enemies, unstoppable in his rampage.


    It was a one-sided massacre, with each swing of his sword sending limbs and goblin corpses flying.


    But no matter how many he killed, more kept coming. Like all the goblins in the dungeon had gathered to take him down.


    The green beasts charged without hesitation, showing no fear, no concern for their own lives.


    Alex frowned as he fought, his mind racing:


    ''Why aren''t they scared?''


    Unlike when he had fought the cockatrice boss, the monsters had shown some caution, some survival instinct.


    But these goblins? They attacked like mindless drones, rushing him in waves, as if they were being controlled.


    ''Is it because we''re in a dungeon?'' he wondered, as he swung his sword to meet two goblins leaping at him from above like wild monkeys


    . Their bodies hit the ground before they even knew what happened.


    A third goblin lunged at his legs, but Alex reacted quickly with a spin, kicking it into a nearby wall with a bone-cracking thud.


    Anothwd group of goblins rushed him next, but Alex barely flinched, as he opened his mouth, gathering energy, and unleashed a powerful [Stun Howl].


    The soundwave hit the goblins head-on, their bodies dropped to the ground, lifeless, as blood streamed from their ears.


    But while Alex was focused on the swarm, the goblin scout hung back, watching him with calculating eyes.


    It made a series of quick hand gestures, signaling some of the goblins to fetch nets.


    Without hesitation, the goblins obeyed, grabbing nets and preparing to spring the trap.


    Alex, too engrossed in fighting, didn''t notice the goblins above, quietly positioning themselves with the net ready.


    He only realized something was wrong when it was too late.


    The net dropped over him in an instant.


    Goblins on all sides grabbed the edges, pulling it tight and trapping him.


    Alex cursed under his breath, struggling against the tough, tangled net.


    His movements were slowed, his sword arm pinned down.


    Before he could break free, he felt a sharp pain in his back.


    A goblin had stabbed him with a pitchfork, the crude weapon digging into his flesh.


    Snarling in pain, Alex gritted his teeth. With a pained yell, he swung his arm and backhanded the goblin behind him.


    The creature flew through the air like a ragdoll, slamming into the cave wall with a sickening thud.


    But the sharp pain in his back made Alex groan, his hand instinctively clutching the bleeding wound.


    "Argh, that hurts," he muttered through clenched teeth. Just as he tried to catch his breath, a dagger came out of nowhere, burying itself deep into his thigh.


    "Gah!" Alex gasped, the sharp pain shooting up his leg. Before he could even react, another dagger was already flying toward him.


    Reflexively, Alex activated his [Aegis Arcane], the invisible barrier flaring up just in time to block the deadly blade. It clanged off the shield and fell to the ground.


    His eyes shot up, narrowing in on the culprit:


    Rusuk, the goblin scout.


    The crafty goblin stood in the distance, a cold smirk on its face as it drew more daggers from its belt, aiming with sniper-like precision. Without missing a beat, Rusuk unleashed a flurry of daggers, each one zipping through the air toward Alex. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Aegis Arcane] held firm, but Alex felt the pressure building. Every dagger that struck the shield drained more of his energy.


    Worse, he was still stuck under the iron net, its weight pressing down on him like a vice.


    More goblins piled onto the net, pulling it tighter, keeping him pinned.


    ''This is bad,'' he thought, panic creeping in.


    He could feel his energy reserves depleting. The shield wouldn''t hold much longer, and when it dropped, he''d be defenseless against the scout''s relentless attacks.


    He needed a way out¡ªfast.


    And he found he had one.


    [Slipstream: You can easily escape an entrapment. Magical traps take time and may cost Mana. The stronger the trap, the more time it will take.]


    It was the passive skill he had gotten as a reward for killing the cockatrice boss, Dreadfeather.


    Gritting his teeth, he deactivated [Aegis Arcane], letting the protective barrier disappear and the net landed directly on his skin.


    His muscles strained as he fought to stay upright, but his legs began to buckle. He was slowly being forced to his knees.


    He activated [Slipstream] and immediately felt the restriction ease giving him enough time to raise [Eclipse Edge], using the side of the blade to parry the daggers flying at him.


    Using his sword to block wasn''t ideal as his limited movement caused some of the daggers to graze his arms and legs, cutting him multiple times.


    But this was the only was he could escaped the entrapment.


    Alex clenched his jaw and with his free hand, he...

 Chapter 15 Shadow Goblin

    Alex clenched his jaw and with his free hand, he gripped the iron net, wrapping his fingers around it. Then pulled hard, dragging the goblins holding the net closer to him.His plan was simple:


    Pull the net in, get closer to the edge, and then break free in one powerful move.


    But the goblins weren''t going to make it easy. More of them piled on, tightening their hold, their weight pulling Alex down even lower.


    His muscles burned, and he found himself struggling to stay upright as the net pressed him further into the ground.


    The sudden shift in weight made him lose balance for a split second¡ªjust enough time for a dagger to fly straight for his neck.


    His eyes widened. And at the last moment, Alex jerked his head to the side, but the blade still grazed him, slicing the back of his neck. Pain shot through him, and his vision blurred for a moment.


    Anger flared inside him. His blood pounded in his ears, and with a furious and desperate shout, Alex unleashed [Stun Howl], aimed directly at the goblin scout.


    The force of the blast shook the air, sending debris flying in all directions.


    Rusuk, the goblin scout, tried to leap away from the attack, but the edge of the blast caught its arm, sending the creature tumbling to the ground.


    Its arm hung limp, useless, leaving the scout temporarily out of the fight.


    Alex took a deep breath, feeling the burning pain in his body. But he wasn''t done yet.


    Using the chance he had created, he dropped [Eclipse Edge] and used both hands to grip the iron net firmly.


    And with a fierce yank, he pulled the goblins closer, dragging them along as he inched toward the edge of the trap.


    His muscles strained, but he kept pulling the net and its captors along towards him.


    As he got closer to the edge, Alex reached into his inventory and pulled out a [Blastshard].


    A quick glance around the cave reminded him of his biggest fear¡ªthat a powerful blast could bring the entire cavern down on him. But he weighed his options and made a decision:


    "One ''Blastshard'' should be fine."


    Without hesitation, he threw the [Blastshard] into the midst of the goblin troop and triggered the explosion immediately.


    The cave shook, and multiple goblins were hurled through the air, their bodies flailing like ragdolls.


    The explosion cleared an entire side of the net, leaving an open path for Alex to escape.


    Without wasting a second, Alex grabbed [Eclipse Edge] and dove out of the net, rolling back to his feet.


    As soon as he was free, a few goblins tried to rushed in to replace the fallen ones.


    But Alex was ready.


    With a furious swing of his sword, he cut them down, his blade flashing in the dim light as he hacked through the remaining goblins.


    Breathing heavily, Alex glared at the goblins troop and then at the scout, Rusuk.


    He had to admit he had underestimated them¡ªespecially the goblin scout. He hadn''t seen the trap coming as he was less focused on his environment.


    "You..." Alex muttered, his eyes narrowing:


    "I should''ve taken you out first."


    He raised [Eclipse Edge], pointing it directly at Rusuk. Determined to finish the fight, Alex surged forward with terrifying speed, his body blurring as he dove toward the goblin scout.


    But just as he was about to strike, Rusuk disappeared into thin air.


    Alex skidded to a halt, eyes wide in shock:


    "What...?"


    The goblin had vanished, blending seamlessly into the shadows.


    Alex scanned the area, realizing that Rusuk must possess rogue-like abilities¡ªstealth and shadow manipulation.


    This explained why the goblin was a named monster, as only monsters with abilities had names.


    Alex clenched his sword tighter his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of the scout.


    But his attention snapped to the goblins trying to utilize the iron net once again.


    "Yeah...not going to happen."


    With a furious roar, he unleashed a [Sonic Howl] that tore through the goblins holding the net, instantly killing them.


    His rage boiled over, and without hesitation, he turned his wrath on the rest of the goblin troop.


    His sword became a whirlwind of death as he hacked and slashed through the creatures, the sharp blade of [Eclipse Edge] cutting through their bodies like butter.


    The goblins screamed in agony, their cries filling the cave, turning the space into a chaotic, blood-soaked nightmare.


    Minutes later, Alex stood alone, panting heavily, covered in the blood of the fallen goblins.


    His muscles ached, and his energy was nearly depleted.


    The toll of his frenzied attack had left him exhausted, and as he caught his breath, he couldn''t shake the lingering sense of fear.


    He had to admit it to himself: he''d been scared. The moment the goblins trapped him, panic had crept in.


    He had gotten too confident after wiping out enemies with [Exploding Touch] in previous battles. And that overconfidence had almost cost him his life this time. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex shook his head, realizing how reckless he''d been. Walking into enemy territory without a plan had been a mistake.


    And now, his wounded thigh was a painful reminder that this could have gone very wrong.


    "I need to be smarter," Alex muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.


    This wasn''t just about strength¡ªit was about thinking things through. He couldn''t let his guard down again.


    Determined to proceed with caution, Alex stayed on high alert. He knew there was still one enemy left.


    Suddenly, a sharp noise echoed from above.


    Instinct kicked in, and Alex dove into a barrel roll just as a volley of daggers rained down from the shadows.


    He looked up and saw the goblin scout, Rusuk, emerging from the shadows, grinning with rotten teeth.


    In a place where lights was quite dim and darkness was all over this was his domain. Winning without [Exploding Touch] will not be easy but it was certainly not impossible.

 Chapter 16 Im No Cockatrice

    Alex knew he had to stay sharp to take down the goblin scout.He didn''t know where the next attack would come from, so every sense was on high alert.


    He felt the weight of exhaustion pull at his muscles as he had used up so much energy just escaping the earlier trap, and now he was paying the price.


    He would have felt confident about facing this goblin one-on-one if he hadn''t used so much energy earlier. Now, he had to be careful.


    As Alex scanned the dimly lit cave, he couldn''t help but wonder if the goblin had planned this all along.


    It had sent its troops to exhaust him, forcing him to burn through his strength before this showdown.


    The goblin scout was more than just a mindless monster. It was smart, strategic, maybe even as cunning as the cockatrice he had faced earlier.


    If these tutorial monsters were this intelligent, humanity was in more danger than they had realized.


    A distinct noise came from behind like a burst bubble.


    And the goblin scout darted out from the shadows behind him, with quick movement and with a flick of its wrist, the goblin launched a volley of daggers, each one aimed right at Alex''s back.


    He reacted instantly, twisting his body to the side, dodging the blades by mere inches.


    Using his momentum, Alex dashed forward, aiming straight for the goblin, hoping to catch it off-guard.


    But just as he was about to strike, the scout melted back into the shadows as if it had never been there.


    "Tcch!"


    Alex clicked his tongue, his eyes darting around, searching for any sign of movement.


    Suddenly, the goblin scout dropped from above like a shadow, its dagger aimed right at the back of Alex''s neck.


    With a quick step backward, Alex dodged the deadly strike, feeling the breeze of the blade pass just inches from his skin. He watched the goblin land lightly before him, its yellow eyes gleaming with a taunting challenge.


    Without hesitation, Alex lunged forward, hands outstretched to make contact. One touch was all he needed to use his [Exploding Touch].


    But the goblin was ready.


    It twisted its body with surprising agility, spinning out of Alex''s reach, and bolted toward the nearest shadow. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Whoa," Alex thought, his heart racing. The goblin moved faster than he expected, almost like it was dancing on air.


    Gritting his teeth, he chased after it, refusing to let the creature slip away.


    But then, the goblin whirled around mid-sprint, launching a pair of daggers at him.


    Alex managed to duck and weave, the blades whizzing past his head and he saw the goblin was about to vanish into the shadows again.


    Desperately, he grabbed the hilt of [Eclipse Edge], his trusted blade, and threw it like a javelin, aiming right at the retreating goblin.


    But Rusuk was too quick.


    It melted into the shadows at the very last second, and [Eclipse Edge] plunged harmlessly into the dirt.


    "Damn it!"


    Alex''s frustration boiled over as he clenched his fists.


    He had been so close. A few more inches and the goblin would have been caught in his [Exploding Touch].


    He hurried over to retrieve [Eclipse Edge], yanking the blade free from the ground. But at that instant, a flicker of motion caught his eye.


    The goblin scout had already taken advantage of his distraction, launching another dagger.


    A glint of metal was headed straight at him.


    Alex''s body froze, his eyes widening as he watched the blade cut through the air.


    At the last possible second, he activated [Aegis Arcane], and the shimmering magical shield, deflected the attack. The impact drained the last of his mana, and the shield shattered in a burst of light.


    "There goes the last of my mana," Alex muttered, his breath ragged.


    He had reacted just in time, but now he was out of energy.


    The goblin''s hit-and-run strategy was wearing him down, and he knew if this kept up, it was only a matter of time before the goblin landed a real hit.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he analyzed the situation. The goblin''s tactics were clever using speed and stealth to chip away at him.


    It was no wonder it had taken down the cockatrice earlier in the woods.


    But he wasn''t about to go down like that.


    He was no cockatrice, and he certainly wasn''t helpless.


    He had noticed an opening he could exploit.


    The goblin''s shadow ability had a clear limitation:


    It could only attack once it fully emerged from the shadows, and every time it did, there was a distinct bubble-like sound.


    If he timed it right, he could strike before the goblin scout even have a chance to react.


    With a deep breath, Alex steeled himself, his mind racing with a plan.


    He wasn''t going to let the goblin slip away. Not this time.


    The faint bubbly sound echoed from behind him, and Alex immediately spun, bolting in the direction of the noise.


    As he ran, he pulled a [Blastshard] from his inventory and hurled it high into the air, above where he expected the goblin to appear.


    As Rusuk, the goblin scout, was caught off guard as Alex charged.


    Its eyes widened in shock, and it tried to retreat back into the shadow, but it was too late¡ªthe blastshard detonated overhead with a blinding flash and a deafening boom. The explosion lit up the darkness, forcing the shadows to scatter and exposing the goblin''s hiding spots.


    Panic flashed across the goblin''s face as it scrambled to flee to a darker area. But Alex was ready. He activated [Stun Howl], unleashing a sonic wave that rippled through the air.


    The sound wave hit the goblin from behind, and it stumbled, crashing to the ground in a daze. It lay there, disoriented and vulnerable.


    Seizing his chance, Alex rushed forward, [Eclipse Edge] raised high above his head, ready to deliver the final blow.


    The goblin desperately lifted its dagger to block, but...

 Chapter 17 Goblin Boss

    The goblin desperately lifted its dagger to block, but Alex''s strength was overwhelming.The sword struck the dagger with a powerful crack, shattering the flimsy blade and continuing through to slice off the goblin''s arm.


    Rusuk howled in agony, clutching the stump of its arm as blood spilled onto the forest floor. It tried to crawl away, but Alex didn''t give it a chance.


    With a fierce glare, he lunged forward and swung his sword in a swift, merciless arc, cleanly severing the goblin''s head from its body.


    The scout''s head hit the ground with a dull thud, its eyes still wide with shock. Alex stood there, breathing heavily, the tension in his muscles finally relaxing. He exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of relief settle over him.


    The fight was over.


    Ding!


    [You have killed a Goblin Scout.]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have been rewarded with 5 stat points, 1 power stone, 5 coins, weapon Shadowfangs, and a new ability: Stealth Walk]


    [Stealth Walk: Erase your presence from the senses of your enemy blending seamlessly into the air and evading detection for 20 seconds. Ineffective against beings of higher rank or with those with advanced detection skills.]


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have been rewarded with 5 stat points, 1 power stone, 5 coins, weapon shadowfangs, and a new ability: Blade Barrage]


    [Blade Barrage: Hurl daggers with heightened accuracy and speed. Channeling a burst of energy into the throw which gives the dagger extra momentum to pierce through armor or hit fast-moving targets.]


    Alex allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction as he read the notifications.


    He was still panting from the fight, but he couldn''t help but feel a surge of accomplishment.


    The goblin scout''s strengths weren''t in raw power but in speed, precision, and stealth.


    It had been a tricky opponent, especially in a dark environment where shadows gave it the upper hand. And its ability to command other goblins had made the earlier skirmishes a real headache.


    Alex lowered himself to the ground to catch his breath.


    The fight had taken everything he had, and he needed to rest.


    The new ability, Stealth Walk, sounded promising.


    Unlike the goblin scout''s method, he didn''t have to jump into a shadow.


    Instead, he could cloak himself and become nearly invisible to weaker foes. But it came at a price, using it would drain a huge chunk of his mana, so he''d have to be careful when and how he used it. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was also [Blade Barrage] which would only be effective using blades. He had two dual blades which he had gotten for killing the goblin scout but Alex doubted he would be using it much as he preferred using swords rather than daggers.


    But he didn''t dismiss it as the skill could end up being what saves his life depending on the situation.


    Alex sat there, letting his energy replenish.


    He closed his eyes, listening to the silence of the cavern.


    His health and mana were slowly creeping back up.


    He knew what was coming next, and it wasn''t going to be an easy battle.


    The goblin boss was ahead, and it was bound to be tougher¡ªstronger, probably with more brute force, and possibly less cunning.


    But if there was one thing Alex had learned, it was not to underestimate any of these tutorial monsters.


    They were more than they seemed, and each one carried its own set of deadly surprises.


    When he felt his strength return, Alex pushed himself off the ground, taking one final deep breath. His muscles ached, but he was ready.


    ''Time to move.''


    He approached the massive stone door that marked the entrance to the boss''s lair. It towered over him, a solid barrier of rock with strange carvings etched into its surface. Gripping the rough edges, he heaved with all his might.


    The door groaned in protest, but finally, it slid open, revealing a vast chamber beyond.


    Inside, the space opened up into a wide arena-like room, the ceiling jagged and rocky, towering impossibly high above him.


    Faint torchlight flickered from the walls, casting long, shifting shadows across the ground. The air was thick with a strange, musty smell, and a low, ominous rumbling echoed from the far end of the chamber.


    Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him¡ªthis arena gave him enough space to use his [Exploding Touch] rather freely. Here, he could go all out.


    He took a deep breath and moved deeper into the chamber, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls.


    At the far end of the room, he spotted the Goblin Boss, Baran.


    It was standing on a crumbling altar, gripping a glowing orb tightly in its clawed hand, a deep scowl of concentration etched on its green face.


    It was taller and bulkier than any goblin he had faced so far, its muscular form draped in ragged armor. The creature radiated a sense of raw power and danger, but Alex didn''t let it intimidate him.


    Instead, he casually started stretching. Rolling his shoulders, bending down to touch his toes, and shaking out his arms.


    He wasn''t too concerned about whatever ritual the Goblin Boss was performing with the orb.


    All he cared about was finishing this fight and getting out of the dank, suffocating cave.


    This action caught the attention of the goblin boss who glanced at Alex and took a double look when it saw Alex doing jumping jacks.


    His nonchalant attitude seemed to throw the Goblin Boss off.


    Alex stopped mid-jump and waved casually, grinning as if he were greeting an old friend:


    "Yo!"


    But the Goblin Boss didn''t seem to share his sense of humor.


    With a guttural roar, it flung its arm forward. And in a blur of motion, a massive, spinning axe shot out from the altar, hurtling directly at Alex''s face.

 Chapter 18 Lets Dance

    Alex arched his back, bending like a bow just in time to let the axe whistle inches above his nose.The weapon sailed past him, its sharp edge close enough to feel the rush of air on his face, and slammed into the stone wall behind him, shattering rock with a thunderous crack.


    Alex''s eyes widened, his heart beating like a drum.


    That attack had power¡ªreal power. If he had reacted even a second slower, he would''ve been done for.


    He pushed himself back upright, breathing hard, his muscles tensed and ready.


    The Goblin Boss''s roar echoed through the cavern, its red eyes glowing with fury as it growled:


    "You miserable worm. Do you know how much energy I wasted because of you?!"


    "I don''t know. How much was it again?"


    The goblin''s fury burned in its eyes as it glared at him, but instead of another axe, it reached down and pulled out a massive greatsword, the blade nearly as tall as the goblin itself.


    "Human...You''re dead!"


    With a deafening roar, the Goblin Boss charged, covering the distance between them in a flash. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex barely had time to react as the goblin brought the greatsword down with brutal force.


    For a split...dumb second, he thought about blocking it with [Eclipse Edge], but he quickly changed his mind.


    Not doubting that the sheer power in the swing was enough to shatter his weapon¡ªand probably him along with it.


    At the last moment, he leapt to the side, the blade crashing into the ground where he''d just been standing, sending a shower of dirt and rock flying.


    The goblin snarled, lifting the greatsword for another strike and yelled:


    "Stay still, you coward!"


    But Alex was already in motion.


    His body became a blur as he shot forward with lightning speed and aimed for the goblin''s neck¡ªhoping to end the fight with a single, decisive strike.


    The Goblin Boss, however, reacted with shocking speed, tilting its head just in time.


    Alex''s blade whizzed past its neck, and instead, he adjusted his aim mid-strike, bringing his sword down hard on the goblin''s wrist.


    There was a sickening *crunch* as the blade cut deep, severing muscle and bone. Blood sprayed into the air as the goblin''s wrist was torn open, and the greatsword tumbled from its grip.


    The Goblin Boss roared in agony, clutching its injured arm, blood pouring from the ragged wound. Alex landed a few feet away, his breathing steady and his eyes focused.


    He knew this creature was different¡ªstronger, faster, smarter, and he should finish it off quick, but he couldn''t resist the temptation of facing such a terrifying creature head on.


    Alex muttered, wiping the blood from his cheek with the back of his hand and teased with a grin:


    "You''re tougher than you look."


    "Fucking human!"


    The goblin snarled, rage dripping from every word.


    "Wow, you''ve got quite the potty mouth for a goblin. Where''d you learn to talk like that, anyway?"


    "Silence!" the goblin growled and picked it''s weapon with its second arm, charging forward.


    It swunh the greatsword in a deadly arc, but Alex jump back just in time to avoid the blade.


    "C''mon, what did I do to make you so angry? I thought we could have a civil conversation, but you''re giving me the silent treatment."


    "You bastard! Son of a bitch!" the goblin spat, his words more vulgar Alex couldn''t resist chuckling.


    "You have no idea, human! Do you know how much energy I wasted resurrecting my fallen soldiers because of you? Now they''re all dead. Again. And I can''t bring them back this time!"


    "Why not"


    "Baran can''t! Baran failed king once by letting them die. Can''t fail him again!"


    Alex''s eyebrows shot up in surprise:


    "Wait, you have a king? Like, a Goblin King?"


    "Don''t you dare speak of Baran king!"


    The goblin yelled, charging again with fury.


    Alex barely managed to block the attack, their blades clashing violently. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward until his back slammed into a rocky outcrop.


    He was pinned.


    "Crap."


    The goblin raised his greatsword high above his head, ready to finish Alex off.


    But Alex''s used [Aegis Arcane] and an invisible barrier shimmered above him, stopping the blade just inches from his face. The barrier cracked under the pressure, sending spiderweb-like fractures through the air.


    Alex''s eyes widened as he wondered how much strength was behing that swing for [Aegis Arcane] to begin to crack.


    Not wasting time he leaped out of danger just as the barrier shattered.


    But the goblin charged again, but Alex reacted fast, thrusting face forward and releasing a [Sonic Howl].


    The shockwave hit the goblin square in the chest, sending him slidding backward across the rocky ground.


    The goblin''s eyes narrowed: "*You... you have the same power as chicken! You one of them?!"


    "What? Do I look like a giant chicken to you?"


    "You might be chicken in disguise. Me no know?"


    Alex placed his palm on his forehead shaking his head:


    "I hate to break it to you, but I''m just a regular human."


    "No matter¡ªCockatrice, human, it doesn''t matter! You''ll all pay with your lives!" The goblin''s voice was a furious snarl. "Your essence will revive my army, and we will hunt the Cockatrice King! I''ll bring its head to my lord, and then, *finally*, I''ll earn the rank of Commander and escape this cursed cave!"


    "Yeah, that''s not happening," Alex said, shaking his head. "You really think you have a shot against the Cockatrice? You''re out of your mind."


    "You talk too much, human!"


    The goblin raised his sword, the air around him growing thick and heavy with power. His body began to glow with a sinister red light, his skin steaming and boiling as dark energy poured off him like smoke.


    The he growled, his voice twisted with raw fury.


    [Bloodlust]


    Alex''s eyes went wide as the goblin''s power skyrocketed.


    He could feel the heat rolling off the goblin''s boiling skin.


    With a mental shout, he activated his system, dumping all of his free stat points into Strength.


    He barely had time to react before the goblin was suddenly right in front of him¡ªmoving almost as fast as him.


    The goblin''s blade came crashing down, and Alex managed to block it with [Eclipse Edge], but the sheer force of the blow sent him flying.


    His feet left the ground, his body rocketing through the air until he slammed into the cave wall with a bone-rattling thud.


    Stars danced in his vision, and the impact knocked the breath from his lungs.


    "What the hell was that?"


    Alex gasped, blood dripping from his mouth.


    His whole body ached, and his chest burned from the impact, but he didn''t have a second to catch his breath as....

 Chapter 19 Now You See Me Now You Dont

    Alex''s whole body ached, and his chest felt like it was on fire from the goblin''s last attack. There was no time to catch his breath; the goblin was already charging at him again, eyes burning with rage."Move!''


    His instincts screamed, and he dove to the side just in time.


    The goblin''s axe whistled past, missing him by inches. It crashed into the cave wall behind, sending a shower of stone fragments into the air as deep cracks split the rock.


    "Okay," he muttered under his breath, heart pounding, "definitely not blocking any more of those."


    He darted away, catching a glimpse of the destruction the goblin had caused.


    His arms throbbed with a dull, relentless pain from the strain of defending against earlier attacks. Every step made his muscles screamed


    ''One good hit from that goblin and it''s over.''


    For a brief moment, he regretted not using [Exploding Touch] when he had the chance. He''d been close enough to lay a hand on the goblin multiple times, but he had decided against it.


    Somehow during the fight, he''d unknowingly placed restrictions on its use.


    He wondered why he held back as dodged another blow. His mind searching for an answer.


    He had told himself it was about practice about getting used to the pressure of real danger. But as he narrowly ducked a wild swing, he realized the truth:


    He was doing this because he liked the feeling.


    The thrill of the fight, the adrenaline of being on the edge, the satisfaction of outsmarting and overpowering an enemy. He enjoyed it.


    The thought hit him like a punch to the gut.


    ''Am I... a maniac?''


    Maybe he was.


    Maybe something about being in this brutal, unforgiving world, fighting monsters alone, had changed him¡ªhad brought out this fierce, almost feral side.


    But he couldn''t deny the rush that surged through him whenever he was in a life-or-death struggle, facing an enemy that could kill him with a single mistake.


    The goblin swung again, faster this time, but Alex''s instincts took over. He sidestepped and countered with a quick slash, the blade biting into the goblin''s shoulder. It roared in pain, staggering back, and Alex''s grin widened.


    He knew he was playing a dangerous game.


    If it were anyone else, they would have blown the goblin boss to bits by now ended the fight, and saved themselves.


    But he couldn''t stop himself.


    There was something about the danger, the thrill of risking his life, that brought a twisted kind of joy. It was almost like he was rediscovering a part of himself he''d buried long ago.


    He remembered being a teenager, prowling the hallways of his high school, hunting down bullies like some kind of self-appointed vigilante. He had told himself back then that he was fighting for justice, but even he knew that was a lie.


    He fought because he loved it.


    One day, he went too far. He had picked a fight with a whole group¡ªtwenty guys from a rival school, all armed with metal pipes, ready to turn him into a bloody mess. But instead of fear, he felt a thrill, an electric excitement coursing through him.


    He remembered grinning at them, practically daring them to come at him.


    He didn''t care about the injuries he left with. Cracked rib and bruises that took weeks to heal.


    What stuck with him was the look of terror on the faces of those twenty guys. One of them had lost an ear, and Alex''s own teeth had been the culprit.


    He was more beast than boy back then, a wild animal who couldn''t be tamed.


    But the thrill came at a cost.


    His constant brawling brought trouble down on his family, and his parents were always bailing him out.


    One night, when they got a call from the police station about another one of his fights, and they rushed out to get him.


    But they never made it home. A car accident took them both, and the guilt settled like a stone in his chest.


    After that, Alex swore off fighting.


    He went from being the feared rebel to the quiet loser, letting people walk all over him till adulthood. He was treated like thrash in his workplace and his girlfriend had cheated on him.


    He truly had become a shell of the person he used to be, drowning in guilt and regret.


    But right now, none of that mattered.


    As he stared down the goblin, a spark of the old fire flared in his eyes. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could feel it. The rush. The thrill.


    The excitement of a real fight.


    For the first time in years, he felt alive.


    "System add 10 points to all stats."


    Alex had been hoarding his stats points and hadn''t used any in a while. He had 80 free stats points which was reduced by half when he added ten to all his attributes.


    Alex felt rejuvenated. Like he had been reborn.


    A small, determined smile tugged at his lips, and he rolled his shoulders, feeling the tension leave his body.


    The goblin roared, charging at him with a wild fury.


    But Alex didn''t flinch. He stood his ground, eyes locked onto his opponent.


    He wasn''t the prey here.


    He wasn''t some weakling waiting to be crushed.


    He''d lost everything once because of his love for fighting, but now, he was going to use that same hunger to take back his life. And he was going to do it without his trump card.


    Why?


    Cause he was a maniac.


    The goblin charged, its eyes wild and frenzied, moving faster than ever. Its berserk state had pushed it past its limits, and in seconds, it was in front of Alex, raising its massive greatsword high above its head. The blade seemed to shimmer with deadly intent as it whistled downwards.


    Alex stood firm, his gaze unblinking, waiting for the perfect moment. As the goblin''s blade came down, he sprung into action.


    With a swift, fluid motion, he flipped forward, palms hitting the ground.


    He used the momentum to kick upward with both legs, his boots slamming into the goblin''s jaw.


    The goblin stumbled back, momentarily stunned.


    The kick didn''t do much damage, but it gave Alex the opening he needed. The instant his feet touched the ground, he moved his head and used [Stun Howl]


    A sonic wave shot out from his mouth, hitting the goblin square in the chest. The creature jerked back, stunned.


    And without hesitation, Alex fired again.


    And again.


    The blasts kept coming¡ªone after another, relentless.


    Each howl rippled through the air, slamming into the goblin''s chest with brutal force, forcing it back with every hit.


    Dust and debris exploded from the cave walls as the shockwaves carved into the rock, filling the air with a cloud of grit.


    Alex could feel his mana draining with each attack, but he didn''t care.


    He could see the effects now¡ªthe goblin''s powerful movements were slowing, its once-frantic roars turning into pained grunts.


    The goblin howled, fury and pain twisting its face. It rushed forward, swinging wildly in a blind rage, but Alex was no longer there.


    The goblin bellowed, its voice booming and desperate:


    "Where did you go?!"


    It swung its greatsword in wide, sweeping arcs, hoping to hit anything that moved. But the only answer it got was the sound of its own frantic breaths.


    Suddenly, a blur appeared inches from the goblin''s face, and the creature barely had time to register the movement before there was a flash of silver.


    A searing pain tore through the goblin''s skull, and it staggered back, a scream of agony ripping from its throat as blood poured down its face.


    Its hands flew to its ruined eyes, now nothing but bloody pits. Blinded, the goblin wailed stumbling wildly as it clutched its face.


    Alex landed lightly, his feet barely making a sound on the rocky floor.


    In his hand, the dark blade of the goblin scout''s dagger [Shadow Bites] dripped with blood. He''d used [Stealth Walk] to disappear and his agility to close the gap in an instant, driving both daggers straight into the goblin''s eye sockets.


    The goblin''s shrieks echoed off the walls, filling the cavern with its desperate, agonized roars.


    Alex with a cold, confident grin on his face, strode forward.


    His voice low and taunting as he toyed with his daggers:


    "Now, let''s see how you kill something you can''t see, you piece of shit."

 Chapter 20 Another Curse?

    Slice.Slice.


    Slice.


    Each cut tore through the goblin boss, its pain-filled grunts echoing off the cave walls.


    Alex darted around his blind opponent, slashing and striking with precision.


    The goblin swung its massive arms wildly, its movements frantic, like a cornered beast that had lost all sense.


    Even with the goblin boss thrashing in its berserk state, Alex kept his distance, carefully staying out of reach of its deadly, random swipes.


    Every time he got close, he dodged away, making sure it couldn''t grab or hit him.


    He knew that getting too close while it was berserk would be a mistake.


    Instead, Alex relied on his speed and agility, darting in and out with his sword in hand, landing quick, shallow cuts that weren''t fatal but were enough to cause pain.


    Not because he wanted to torment the creature, but because the goblin still had enough strength to react quickly to any direct attack.


    If he tried going for a finishing blow, the goblin might catch him off guard.


    So, he attacked unpredictably.


    Sometimes he struck from the left, sometimes from the right, and sometimes he feinted, letting the goblin''s swings miss wide.


    The goblin couldn''t see him, couldn''t land a hit, and couldn''t even guess when the next strike would come.


    The creature''s mind was breaking under the pressure.


    Every missed swing and every unexpected cut made it scream and lunge blindly, more desperate each time. Its rage and confusion pushed it to the edge of madness.


    With a sudden, precise strike, Alex targeted its shin, slicing deep. The goblin howled, its leg buckling as it crashed down onto one knee.


    Not wasting a moment, Alex followed up with a brutal swipe to the side of its neck.


    Blood poured from the wound, thick and dark, and the goblin''s second knee hit the ground with a dull thud. Its roars faded to weak groans, the berserk fury dying out as its skin turned from fiery red back to its natural green.


    The creature''s huge frame shrank, its body now looking frail and broken.


    The goblin boss slumped forward, covered in cuts and bruises, its body trembling as it clung to the last shreds of life.


    With so many wounds, it looked more like a corpse than the fearsome beast it had been just moments before.


    Alex stepped forward slowly, crouching before the defeated goblin boss.


    The goblin''s empty eyes stared blindly forward, its breaths ragged.


    "Just kill me already."


    "So you can resurrect and get another chance? Alright. But just so you know, even if you came back, you''d die again. Better you stay dead."


    With that, Alex raised his blade, [Eclipse Edge], and, with a swift stroke, sliced through the goblin''s neck.


    The goblin''s head fell, and its body crumpled to the ground, bursting into a flash of light that scattered into particles.


    A cheerful chime sounded as Alex''s inventory filled with his reward.


    [You have leveled up!]


    He grinned and opened his window to check out the loot:


    [+5 stat points]


    [Power Stone: Strength]


    [Fury Gauntlet: Gauntlet that boosts strength and physical defense by 10 percent. With one chance to triple the power of a blow every ten minutes.]


    Alex gasped. This meant he could unleash a blow backed by two times his normal strength, which would make his attacks significantly more powerful. The best part? He could use this ability every ten minutes.


    It was quite impressive.


    And¡ªbest of all¡ªthe final reward: a skill similar to the goblin''s own [Bloodlust].


    [Titan''s Fury]: Double your strength for 30 seconds, making your attacks nearly unstoppable and allowing you to break through defenses. After the effect ends, strength and stamina are reduced by 50% for 15 minutes.


    It was one of the skills he''d initially passed on when he chose [Aegis Arcane]. As powerful as [Titan''s Fury] was, the drawback was intense. But now, as a backup skill, it wasn''t bad at all. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He smirked, tucking the new skill into his mental arsenal.


    "[Titan''s Fury]... not bad for a last resort. Guess I''ll save it for when things get really intense."


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have been rewarded with +5 stat points, a Vitality Power Stone, another Fury Gauntlet, and a new skill ''Vigor Drive.'']


    [Vigor Drive: Stamina passively increases during drawn-out battles, allowing the user to engage in combat for a long period without succumbing to fatigue.]


    The thought of being able to fight longer filled Alex with confidence.


    Even if he ran out of mana to use his skills, he could always resort to physical attacks and outlast opponents.


    Alex felt like he was a walking cheat with the skills he had obtained. Literally, all his skills would be useful going forward.


    He truly was privileged.


    But he was still greedy for more.


    Alex began to search the boss''s room, scanning every corner for hidden loot.


    Then his eyes landed on something tucked beneath the massive goblin throne¡ªa small, shimmering orb.


    It was the same one he''d seen the goblin holding when he first entered the cavern.


    Curious, he picked it up, and a system notification appeared.


    Ding!


    [Evolution Orb: Creature]


    [Use to raise the rank of any lower creature to the next tier.]


    Alex''s brow shot up.


    "Creature¡­ does that include humans?"


    With a spark of excitement, he pressed the orb against his chest, hoping he could use it to evolve himself.


    Ding!


    [Would you like to use the orb on a creature?]


    Alex replied, barely able to contain his eagerness.


    "Yes!"


    [No creature found. Orb can only be used on monsters.]


    ''Worth a shot,''


    Alex sighed, a little deflated.


    He figured the goblin must have been using it to try to rank up, but he had interrupted, halting the process.


    With nothing left for him here, he stuffed the orb in his bag and decided to leave the damned cave.


    But before he could turn away, a flicker of light filled the room.


    His gaze snapped back to the center of the cavern.


    Out of nowhere, Baran, the goblin boss, was reassembling, pieces of its body forming together like a horrifying jigsaw puzzle.


    Muscles stretched over bone, skin knitted over muscles, and soon the goblin was whole again.


    Alex grinned.


    He didn''t give Baran a chance to blink. As soon as the goblin was fully formed, he drove his blade straight through its chest.


    The goblin gurgled in shock, and its eyes went wide as it slumped back, collapsing to the ground once more.


    Minutes later, the goblin reappeared¡ªonly to fall yet again as Alex stabbed him in the chest without hesitation.


    This became a rhythm:


    Baran would reappear, only for Alex to end him in one swift, practiced motion, over and over.


    The goblin''s spirit was breaking. The next time he resurrected, Baran''s hand was raised as if to beg for mercy. Alex didn''t even flinch, driving his blade into the creature''s heart.


    Eventually, Baran appeared again, looking exhausted and defeated.


    He croaked, eyes pleading.


    "Wait! If a human kills me¡­ I really die this time."


    Alex tilted his head, a playful smile on his face.


    "Not my problem."


    Kill.


    Baran resurrected once more, his form weaker, more desperate.


    "Baran¡­ Baran can''t keep coming back. Essence runs out."


    "Still not my problem."


    Kill.


    The goblin appeared, frantic. "Human, Goblin¡­ let''s deal!"


    "No, thanks."


    Kill.


    Baran''s voice cracked as he reappeared.


    "You bastard, I''ll fucking¡ª"


    Kill.


    Finally, Baran dropped to his knees.


    "Please! Wait, please hear me out¡­ just one second. No more resurrection after this."


    Alex paused, intrigued.


    The goblin''s strength had noticeably weakened with each death, barely resembling the boss that had once been a challenge. Now, he felt like dealing with a regular goblin.


    Figuring it couldn''t hurt to hear him out, Alex crossed his arms.


    "Alright, one chance. But make it good."


    The goblin raised his head, a glint of hope flickering in his eyes. "Deal. Baran will not hunt humans after this. Let the human go. Truce."


    He shook his head, unimpressed. "You don''t get it, do you?"


    The goblin flinched as Alex lifted [Eclipse Edge], eyes wide with fear.


    "Wait! This time, I won''t come back. Baran wants to come back¡­ please."


    Alex chuckled darkly.


    "If you''d challenged me to one last fight, despite knowing this would be your last life, I might''ve prolonged your death. But instead, you cower and beg. You''re a terrible leader. Rusuk was more of a threat than you."


    The goblin whimpered, its body trembling.


    It tried to speak, but Alex shushed it with a finger to his lips.


    And with one clean strike, he ended it.


    This time, he was sure it was over.


    A burst of light filled the room, swirling around him and settling on his skin. A faint glow wrapped around him, pulsing with energy.


    As the radiant light circled him, Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "This glow... it looks familiar."


    His mind flashed back to the fight with Dreadfeather, that cockatrice boss, and how it had left him with a lingering curse that gave him a tiny panic attack whenever he thought about it.


    "Seriously¡­not another curse!"

 Chapter 21 1 vs An Army

    "Seriously, not another curse!"Alex blurted, expecting the worst. The tense feeling whenever he remembered he still had a lingering bother. But now he has to deal with another.


    ''No please.''


    But then, the system chimed, revealing a notification that made him breathe out a sigh of relief. It wasn''t a curse this time but rather it was a blessing.


    A tattoo began to appear on his wrist, spiraling into intricate, dark patterns.


    Ding!


    [You have received Goblinoid Tattoos: Status increases by 20% every time you face a creature from the goblin family.]


    ''Goblin family?''


    Alex recalled what he knew about similar creatures from games he''d played. The goblin family were called goblinoid and they included hobgoblins, bugbears, kobolds, orcs, and even ogres.


    A grin stretched across his face as he realized what this meant.


    From now on, every time he faced one of these creatures, his stats would increase by 20% which was a massive advantage that would make him more powerful in fights with them.


    He guessed that the system had awarded him this skill because he''d defeated so many goblins in such a short time, especially the goblin boss he had killed repeatedly.


    Suddenly, a low rumble shook the ground.


    Alex glanced at the walls as cracks snaked up, dust trickling down in small streams.


    The cave was starting to crumble as the dungeon couldn''t sustain itself without its boss.


    Then, a small crystal appeared in front of him, glowing faintly.


    Curious, Alex reached out placing his hand on it and a notification popped up.


    Ding!


    [Do you want to leave the dungeon?]


    [Yes/No]


    Alex muttered with a smirk:


    "How convenient."


    He''d been wondering if he''d have to sprint out of here, dodging falling rocks and collapsing ceilings, but the crystal had offered a shortcut.


    "Yes, I''d like to leave," he said in response and the crystal glowed brighter.


    A burst of light enveloped him, so intense he had to shut his eyes.


    When the brightness faded, Alex opened his eyes¡ªand found himself standing outside at the cave''s entrance, greeted by the cool breeze of the open air.


    The full moon cast its silver glow over everything, lighting up the night like a scene straight out of a movie. The dark blue sky, scattered with clouds, gave the whole area an eerie, otherworldly feel.


    Alex heard a rumbling sound and turned to see the cave entrance collapse, crumbling into a heap of dust and rock. Seeing it fall gave him an odd, hollow feeling.


    His adrenaline had faded, and he felt the weight of what he''d just done.


    He''d invaded the goblins'' home, crushed their leader''s dream of rising to power, and brought their whole world crashing down.


    To the goblins, he was the monster¡ªa force that came out of nowhere and destroyed everything they knew.


    This so-called tutorial world was brutal, a place that didn''t care if he lived or died. Waiting around would only get him killed. He had to be smart and had to use every advantage he could to survive.


    Taking the fight to them meant he''d be the one to make it out alive. And in this strange world, he''d been dragged into, surviving was the only thing that mattered.


    Alex shook off his thoughts, snapping his focus back to the present, and opened his stats window. His eyes widened a bit, seeing the improvements since his last check.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: E


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 12


    HP: 200


    MP: 150


    [Stats]


    Strength: 30


    Agility: 30 [+5]


    Intelligence: 30


    Vitality: 20


    [Stat Points Available: 50]


    [Powerstones: 20]


    [Skills:]


    [Exploding Touch] [Sonic Howl] [Aegis Arcane] [SlipStream] [Stealth Walk] [Titan Fury] [Vigor Strike]


    [Weapons/Items/Accessories]


    [Eclipse Edge] [Scalewalk Boots] [Shadow Bites]


    Alex grinned, taking in the changes.


    His level had shot up to twelve, and he''d earned some new skills to boot.


    Best of all, he now had a whole 50 free stat points waiting to be used.


    ''Time to put these to work.''


    He quickly allocated the points, spreading them across his stats but giving agility a boost.


    With ten points each to strength, intelligence, and vitality, and a solid twenty points to agility, his stats now looked like this:


    [Stats]


    Strength: 40


    Agility: 50 [+5]


    Intelligence: 40


    Vitality: 30


    [Stat Points]: 0


    [Powerstones]: 20


    Satisfied, he closed the stat window, feeling a noticeable shift in his energy and movement.


    He still had power stones left to use, but he postponed the usage for later. His priority now was to figure out where to rest and recover.


    But then a rustling noise caught his attention.


    He spun towards the sound, only to find two cockatrices stepping out of the forest shadows. Their eyes glowed red in the moonlight, fixated on him with a menacing intensity.


    ''Seriously?!''


    Alex clenched his fists in frustration. All he wanted was a break, but two cockatrices had appeared out of nowhere.


    He took a deep breath:


    "Okay, just two more cockatrices, and I can finally rest."


    But as he took a step forward, another cockatrice emerged from the shadows.


    And then another.


    And another.


    Within seconds, a dozen pairs of blood-red eyes stared at him under the moonlight, and within minutes, the number multiplied to nearly a hundred.


    Alex''s pulse raced as he took in the sight¡ªa crowd of cockatrices all fixated on him, their eyes blazing with hatred.


    "What the hell is happening?"


    It was almost surreal, the way they gathered around him, like a nightmarish festival of feathers and fury.


    The way the moonlight hit them, illuminating the sea of scales and wings, was strangely beautiful... if only he weren''t glaring at him with murder in their eyes.


    Alex''s mind raced as he tried to piece together what was going on. And then, a horrible thought crossed his mind.


    He quickly opened his status window, eyes scanning for the description of that dreadful curse he''d earned after defeating the Dreadfeather.


    ''Yep, this was the reason.''


    There was no other explanation:


    [Roosters Curse: Cockatrices will now seek out your tainted aura and as long as the curse exists, they will hunt you down. The curse can only be removed when the cockatrice king dies]


    Alex sucked in a shaky breath:


    "So¡­ that''s what this is about."


    The curse had drawn every cockatrice in the area to him, and now their numbers were overwhelming.


    Each one glared at him, their collective hatred almost palpable in the cold night air.


    But then he spotted a cockatrice that stood out from amongst the crowd.


    This one was larger than the rest, its feathers an iridescent blend of blue and green, shimmering under the moonlight like a peacock''s tail.


    But its feathers weren''t just decorative; they looked razor-sharp, humming with an energy that made Alex''s skin crawl.


    The creature stepped forward, its piercing gaze locked onto him. And then, impossibly, its beak twisted into a sinister smile and it screeched, its voice hoarse and commanding:


    "Kill the cursed one!"


    The screeches of the cockatrices filled the night as they charged forward, talons pounding against the ground in a deafening rhythm. The earth trembled beneath their sheer numbers, a stampede of feathers and fury hurtling toward one single target.


    His chest tightened as he faced the onslaught. Their blood-red eyes gleamed with one singular purpose to tear him apart.


    But he steadied himself, fingers closing around a fistful of [Blastshards] he had prepared earlier. A grim smile touched his face. This felt like something straight out of an apocalypse.


    Hundreds of cockatrices, all converging on him, their intense gaze making him feel like prey. It wasn''t fair¡ªbut then again, in this world, fair didn''t matter. This was survival.


    Any slight guilt he''d felt for decimating the goblin vanished in an instant.


    These creatures would have done the same to him without hesitation. They were the ones who ruled this forest, who had preyed on weaker creatures for ages. It was his turn to be on top.


    With a grin, he clenched the [Blastshards] tight and hurled them into the charging horde. And in the next second, he vanished, activating [Stealth Walk].


    The skill made him nearly invisible, slipping him out of sight just as the [Blastshards] hit the ground.


    A massive explosion ripped through the front line of cockatrices. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bodies flailed and feathers flew as the shards detonated, scattering them with deadly force.


    Alex didn''t wait for the smoke to clear as he darted from his hidden position, [Eclipse Edge] drawn and gleaming, his mind sharp and focused.


    He charged forward, swinging the blade in a powerful arc.


    The first cockatrice he met let out a shrill squawk as it fell, felled with one clean strike.


    Landing amid the chaos, he raised his voice over the clamor, grinning wickedly:


    "Just so you know. I eat your kind for breakfast. How''d you think I''d react when food shows up on my doorstep?"


    With a roar, he unleashed [Sonic Howl] from deep within his chest.


    The blast of sound tore through the night, sending shockwaves through the remaining cockatrices, many of them stumbling back from the sheer force.

 Chapter 22 Hit and Run

    Strike and run. That''s all Alex could do.He darted through the trees, setting explosions and tossing [Blastshards] whenever he had the chance.


    Cockatrice claws thundered behind him, their screeches piercing through the air.


    As one got too close, he swung his [Eclipse Edge], slicing through its feathers before lobbing another [Blastshard] into the horde.


    Another explosion erupted, and several cockatrices were blown back, screeching as they fell.


    But there were always more.


    Alex didn''t let himself slow down.


    The plan was simple: strike, run, and repeat. He threw [Blastshards] and set traps with [Explosion Touch] as he sprinted, blowing up trees to slow down the ones hot on his heels.


    Each time he paused to swing or set a trap, he dashed off again, never giving them a clear shot at him.


    Six hours had passed, and still, the wave of cockatrices surged after him, relentless.


    His mind spun, struggling to predict where they''d come from next, but they seemed to swarm in from every direction like a nightmare.


    The curse wasn''t helping either.


    No matter how far he sprinted, the curse acted like a beacon, drawing them to him the moment he thought he had a break.


    The more cockatrice blood he spilled, the stronger the curse seemed to get, luring in any cockatrice nearby with an almost magnetic pull.


    His legs felt like lead, and his sword arm ached from the constant swings, yet he couldn''t stop.


    He leaped onto a branch, trying to catch a second''s rest, but a cockatrice sprang up from below, flapping its wings furiously.


    Normally, they didn''t fly or jump high, but the hatred and curse had driven them to desperate, unnatural feats.


    Alex reacted instantly, flipping over the cockatrice and severing its wing mid-air, sending it crashing below. Before it even hit the ground, he tossed a [Blastshard] behind him.


    The explosion scattered feathers and talons, but that was the last of his [Blastshards]. He was out.


    [You have leveled up!]


    [+5 stat points]


    [Power Stone: Strength]


    Alex shouted, grabbing the power stone he had gotten and using it as well:


    "Add the 5 points to vitality!"


    He had used up all the stats points he had stockpiled including his power stones.


    The stat points and powerstones he earned each level were his lifeline, keeping him going as he fought wave after wave of cockatrices.


    With each level-up, his energy renewed, if only for a short time. This time, he poured the points into vitality, boosting his health and stamina to hold off the mounting exhaustion.


    His heartbeat steadied, and his muscles loosened. And he continued.


    As he ran, he noticed the swarm around him had thinned.


    Dozens of cockatrices lay fallen in his wake; he hadn''t kept count, but he was sure he''d slain close to fifty.


    He spotted a group ahead, blocking his path.


    Without hesitation, he picked up speed, gripping [Eclipse Edge] tightly.


    His momentum powered the swing as he cut through the first cockatrice''s neck, sending feathers flying.


    [Eclipse Edge] had tasted a lot of blood tonight, but Alex didn''t slow down.


    Four more cockatrices rushed him, their screeches almost deafening.


    He met their charge, one precise swing after another.


    His swordsmanship had evolved since he''d first wielded the blade, every swing smoother, more controlled.


    His boosted agility made the creatures look sluggish, every move was easy to dodge.


    With his increased strength, each strike cut deep, slicing through them as if they were made of paper. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the last of the group fell, Alex leaned on his sword, panting.


    His lungs burned, his muscles ached.


    Part of him wanted to collapse, to let it all end, but he knew he couldn''t.


    Then he heard a bone-chilling screech.


    He looked up and froze.


    Descending from the shadows was a cockatrice larger than the others, its feathers reddish as crimson and eyes blazing with hate.


    It was a cockatrice boss similar to Dreadfeather.


    The Cockatrice looked different from the others, its feathers marked with streaks of orange and red around its neck like a fiery mane.


    Its throat bulged, a sign it was about to attack.


    From experience, Alex knew that meant it would use [Sonic Blast].


    But then a notification flashed:


    [Flame Blessed Cockatrice Infernia - Rank D]


    Alex whispered: "Flame¡­?"


    Before he could react, the cockatrice opened its beak, unleashing a torrent of fire.


    He threw himself to the side just in time, feeling a burning sting as the flames grazed his arm.


    His heart hammered as the Flame Cockatrice swept its head to follow him, keeping the fire aimed right at him.


    Desperate, Alex dodged¡ªonly to stumble right into the path of a regular cockatrice. And before he could raise his guard, it clamped its beak into his shoulder, fangs sinking in deep.


    "Argh!" Alex gritted his teeth as hot pain surged through his shoulder. Blood poured from the wound, and his arm quickly went numb.


    Gritting his teeth, he raised [Eclipse Edge] and stabbed the creature''s skull, shoving it back.


    They crashed into a nearby tree, sending a tremor through his aching body.


    Alex pried his arm free, but blood kept flowing from the wound, each heartbeat making him feel weaker. And then¡ªhis senses flared with danger.


    Another stream of fire roared toward him. With no other choice, he summoned [Aegis Shield].


    The barrier of light flickered to life just in time, blocking the flames. Alex could feel the shield trembling against the power of the blast.


    Finally, the cockatrice ran out of fuel and stopped.


    Alex took his chance. He let out a shout and used [Sonic Howl], the shockwave hitting the Flame Cockatrice and sending it stumbling backward.


    Panting, he knew he had no time to lose.


    Summoning the [Shop], he quickly bought four health potions, ignoring the price.


    He gulped down two of them, letting their healing warmth seep through his body, easing the pain and restoring his strength.


    He stashed the remaining two for later, feeling ready for round two.


    The Flame Cockatrice had already recovered, glaring at him with renewed hatred. But before Alex could charge, a sinister voice came from behind him.


    "A creature who can use a cockatrice''s [Sonic Blast]... how interesting," it sneered.


    Alex spun around, eyes narrowing. It was the same creepy cockatrice that had led the horde straight to him. Its cold, calculating gaze unsettled him.


    And then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted another cockatrice approaching¡ªthis one was leaner, with powerful legs built for speed.


    Now he was surrounded, each cockatrice boss forming a deadly triangle around him.


    His mind raced. The speed-based cockatrice could probably strike and retreat faster than he could keep up, and the Flame Cockatrice could engulf him in fire at any moment.


    But the sinister one... he couldn''t read it.


    Its presence alone was enough to send a chill down his spine.


    Alex used [Identify], and a notification popped up:


    [Cockatrice General Azurnyx- Rank D]


    "A general?" he muttered, eyes narrowing. Now he was dealing with two bosses and a general.


    Injured as he was, facing three powerful cockatrices was going to be a nightmare.


    This general might not have flashy abilities, but there was something about its calm stare that made Alex''s skin crawl.


    Then, to his surprise, the cockatrice general spoke in a raspy voice, "Did you kill Dreadfeather?"


    The name made Alex grit his teeth.


    Dreadfeather¡ªthe cockatrice that had set him up with this curse in the first place.


    He replied coolly: "I did. Are you here for vengeance?"


    The general tilted its head, studying him:


    "Not really. Tradition demands we take out anyone who kills a leader. But Dreadfeather''s not the reason I''m here. You¡ªhow did you steal his ability?"


    Alex shrugged, playing it off:


    "I don''t know magic."


    The cockatrice''s eyes narrowed with clear annoyance. It sighed, its face turning cold and serious:


    "I''ll make this simple, human. Surrender. If you present your head to me, I''ll make sure the rest of you is offered to our king."


    Alex''s brows rose:


    "King? You have contact with your king?"


    The general lifted its head proudly:


    "Yes. I''m one of his generals, after all."


    A glimmer of realization dawned in Alex''s eyes, followed by a grin.


    ''Finding the Cockatrice King... that could be my way out of this curse.''


    He held up [Eclipse Edge], pointing it directly at the general:


    "I''ll make you a better offer, bird. How about you tell me where your king is, and I''ll spare you the pain of ripping the information out of your beak myself?"


    For a split second, the three cockatrices glanced at each other as if Alex had lost his mind. In a way, maybe he had.


    The general sneered, a dangerous glint in its eye: "You don''t understand your position, human. It''s three against one."


    Alex smirked, unfazed:


    "Three?"


    He gave the general a mocking look, then vanished into the darkness, his voice echoing around them:


    "All I see are two corpses and a general begging for mercy. You want to hunt? Fine. Let''s play your little game. But mark my words¡ªI''ll wipe out every trace of cockatrice in this forest."

 Chapter 23 Two Left

    The three cockatrices stood in tense silence, their eyes darting around as they searched for any trace of Alex.Then, out of nowhere, a tree erupted in a thunderous explosion, sending shards of wood and dust flying.


    The force of it shook the ground and caught the cockatrices completely off guard.


    In the split-second of confusion, Alex emerged from the smoke, his eyes locked on the cockatrice general.


    He lunged forward, his hand outstretched to make contact with the general''s leathery skin and use his skill, [Exploding Touch].


    His plan was clear: take down the biggest threat first.


    But just as his fingers brushed its feathers, the cockatrice general whipped its head around like it had eyes in the back of its head, and darted out of range with lightning speed.


    The general''s eyes narrowed, and with a powerful swipe of its wings, it launched a flurry of shimmering, razor-sharp feather blades directly at him.


    Alex barely had a second to react, diving to the side as the deadly projectiles tore through the air where he had just been standing, slicing through branches and embedding themselves in the ground like knives.


    Alex raised his hand, summoning [Aegis Arcane] just in time as the feather blades hurtled toward him.


    The shimmering shield of energy materialized in front of him, absorbing the impact and deflecting the projectiles harmlessly into the ground, and before the cockatrice could react, he vanished into the shadows again.


    The cockatrice general, now tense and frustrated, scanned the area.


    "Be on guard," it warned in a grating voice:


    "This human can vanish whenever he likes."


    The general''s narrowed eyes reflected its irritation; Alex was more resourceful than it had imagined.


    But as it remembered that he''d managed to take down Dreadfeather, the general''s resolve hardened. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, a series of explosions tore through the ground and the trees, echoing across the battlefield.


    Each blast separated the cockatrices further from one another.


    The force of the detonations sent dirt and splinters flying, creating a dense fog of smoke that obscured everything around them.


    Alex had set up these traps while he was fleeing earlier and he was using them to scatter the three bosses as they were more dangerous together,


    He scanned the chaotic battlefield, he noticed the flame cockatrice lingering a bit farther from the others, and a smirk appeared on his face.


    Using [Stealth Walk], he moved in, picking up speed and keeping his footsteps light. In one swift movement, he closed the distance, ready to take down his first target.


    Alex appeared right behind the Flame Cockatrice, his blade flashing as he slashed down, landing a cut across its back.


    The creature reacted quickly, darting forward, but Alex pressed on relentlessly, swinging his sword in quick, precise arcs, pushing it on the defensive.


    Each strike forced the bird to dodge, its movements growing more frantic as Alex gave it no space to counter.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Alex saw the Speed Cockatrice charging in to protect its ally.


    Anticipating the ambush, Alex roared, activating [Sonic Howl]. And the powerful sound wave erupted from him, striking the Flame Cockatrice and sending it stumbling back.


    Then he detonated another trap¡ªand an explosion burst right in front of the charging Speed Cockatrice, stopping it in its tracks as it skidded back.


    The Flame Cockatrice tried to shake off the effects of the howl, but before it could recover, it caught sight of Alex charging straight at it with his sword glistening dangerously and his eyes blazing crimson.


    The Flame Cockatrice knew it was seconds from losing its head.


    But then¡ªa faint whistle.


    Alex''s instincts screamed danger as feather blades, deadly and precise, sliced through the air toward him from behind.


    He spotted them in time, sidestepping, but the projectiles homed in like heat-seeking missiles.


    He then used [Aegis Shield] to receive the attack which absorbed the impact in a burst of sparks and feathers.


    The Cockatrice General then suddenly appeared beside Alex, its feathered blades flashing in a powerful swing.


    Alex raised [Eclipse Edge] to block, but the force of the strike sent him skidding back, his palm scraping painfully against the ground.


    He quickly steadied himself, feeling a jolt of surprise¡ªthis creature was not only fast but exceptionally strong.


    Without warning, the Cockatrice General unleashed a barrage of feathered blades.


    Each one whizzed through the air, sharp and deadly, homing in on him with eerie precision.


    Alex immediately activated [Stealth Walk], disappearing from view. The feather blades slammed into the ground where he had been, scattering dirt and debris in their wake.


    Hidden and watching, Alex noticed something crucial: while in stealth, the blades couldn''t track him. This discovery made a smirk creep onto his face.


    The Cockatrice General, visibly frustrated, clicked its beak in irritation.


    Turning to the other two cockatrices, it growled:


    "We need to stay close. When he appears, we strike together."


    The Flame Cockatrice and Speed Cockatrice nodded, each of their eyes gleaming with lethal intent.


    Then the Speed Cockatrice asked, its voice sharp with suspicion:


    "What if he tries to run?"


    Alex''s voice cut through the air, steady and menacing:


    "Don''t worry. I won''t. You''re all going down."


    With that, he detonated an explosion right in the middle of the three cockatrices, the blast rippling outward with a roar.


    He''d planted it earlier while sliding across the ground, and now it paid off perfectly.


    The force of the explosion flung all three birds backward, their screeches cutting through the smoke.


    The Flame Cockatrice staggered, feathers singed from the blast, its eyes blazing with fury.


    But before it could recover, Alex descended from above with [Eclipse Edge] gleaming.


    At the last second, the Flame Cockatrice darted forward, narrowly avoiding his strike.


    It whirled around, beak open in a furious screech¡ªonly to find that Alex had vanished, a cocky grin on his face as he disappeared into the shadows once more.


    It shrieked, rage building with every missed attack, and then it spotted something on the ground: a small, splintered piece of wood that hadn''t been there before.


    Its instincts flared in warning, but just as it leaped away, the piece of wood exploded into splinters, right where it had been standing.


    Alex was keeping them on edge, forcing them into his rhythm. Now it was time to start taking them down.


    The Flame Cockatrice, sensing the General was in trouble, rushed to its side. But just as it got close, Alex appeared right next to it, casually reaching out to tap its feathers as if petting it.


    The Flame Cockatrice recoiled in shock, screeching as it swiped its feather-blade at him, aiming to slice him in two.


    But Alex''s [Aegis Shield] flared to life, blocking the attack and only slightly nudging him back. He had to admit the skill was really useful.


    Unfazed, he met the Flame Cockatrice''s strikes head-on, his [Eclipse Edge] deflecting blow after blow with practiced precision.


    Each swing from the cockatrice was powerful, but Alex parried each one, his blade a blur as he held his ground.


    Frustrated, the Flame Cockatrice reared back and unleashed a blast of fire but Alex raised [Aegis Shield] just in time, the shield absorbing the flames as they wrapped around him in a fiery whirlwind.


    When the flames died down, Alex stood unscathed, his gaze unyielding.


    Suddenly, the Speed Cockatrice darted toward him from behind, feathers ready to strike. But in a flash, Alex vanished, leaving behind a small piece of wood in his place.


    The cockatrices barely registered the trick before the wood exploded, blasting both backward with a shockwave.


    The General was panting, its breaths labored as it watched.


    It had started to piece together how Alex''s abilities worked, realizing he could vanish at will, plant traps, and reappear out of nowhere.


    But understanding the trick wouldn''t make Alex any less dangerous.


    The General scanned the battlefield, wary of any hidden explosives.


    Alex''s unpredictability and his knack for slipping out of reach made him a deadly opponent.


    Alex leaped into a nearby tree, perching himself on a thick branch as he watched the three cockatrices below with a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    A grin spread across his face as he called out:


    "I promised you three would die. It''s time to fulfill that promise."


    He pointed a finger at the Flame Cockatrice, his gaze locked on it:


    "Starting with you."


    The Flame Cockatrice, enraged, opened its beak and prepared to unleash a searing torrent of flames.


    But Alex just smirked, twisting his fingers slightly and in an instant, the Flame Cockatrice ignited with a hidden explosive he had set earlier.


    Its body was blown apart, feathers and embers scattering in every direction as the remnants fell to the ground in a smoking heap.


    The Cockatrice General''s eyes widened as it spotted the faint, glowing mark on what remained of the Flame Cockatrice¡ªnow just scorched fragments.


    Alex appeared behind the General in a flash, his palm aimed directly at the creature''s chest.


    But the General''s reflexes were fast; it screeched, lunging backward and releasing a furious spray of feather blades in Alex''s direction.


    Alex activated [Aegis Shield], the transparent barrier shimmering as the razor-sharp feathers collided with it.


    But instead of stopping the feathers deflected in all directions, one of them skimming past the General''s chin, leaving a thin, bloody scratch.


    [Aegis Arcane] had a 30% chance of deflecting an attack and for the first time, it showed that effect.


    The General''s eyes narrowed, its anger boiling over.


    But Alex just grinned wider, clearly enjoying the thrill of the hunt.


    "Don''t let the human touch you, no matter what," the Cockatrice General warned, eyeing Alex with caution.


    Alex only grinned, cracking his knuckles:


    "I don''t need to."


    The Speed Cockatrice lunged toward him with incredible speed, but Alex twisted his fingers, triggering another hidden bomb.


    The ground erupted in a fiery explosion that sent shockwaves through the battlefield, catching the Speed Cockatrice off guard.


    The blast tore into its leg, throwing it off balance.


    The Cockatrice''s momentum sent it hurtling toward Alex, and he equipped [Fury gauntlet] the weapon he had gotten from defeating the goblin boss.


    On wearing it he felt his strength surge and he threw a powerful punch straight at the oncoming creature.


    His fist connected with a thunderous impact, knocking the cockatrice backward.


    The Speed Cockatrice, now injured and struggling, hopped on one leg, trying to shake off the shock of Alex''s blow.


    But Alex didn''t give it a moment to breathe.


    He charged forward, unleashing a relentless barrage of quick punches and strikes, each one harder than the last.


    The sheer intensity of his attacks showed he was channeling every ounce of his strength and frustration into each blow.


    Yelling: "Ora Ora Ora Ora Ora!"


    As he pummeled the poor cockatrice.


    Then...he activated the gauntlet special skill, which tripled the power of a blow


    And with a final heavy swing, Alex landed a brutal strike that sent a sickening crunch through the air.


    The cockatrice''s neck twisted, and it collapsed to the ground with an eerie, final thud.


    [You have leveled up]


    Alex exhaled and then stepped back, catching his breath as he looked at the fallen creature.


    Then he turned towards the general who trembled on seeing Alex''s gaze.


    "Two down... one more to go."

 Chapter 24 You Can Run But You Cant Hide

    The Cockatrice General froze, feathers ruffled with a chill of fear as he watched Alex mercilessly take down the Speed Cockatrice.The brutal ending¡ªthe crunch, the thud¡ªleft no question:


    This human was no prey; they were.


    With heavy breaths, Alex turned toward him, eyes fierce, almost feral. "Two down. One more to go."


    The Cockatrice''s heart raced. He was outmatched, and worse, he had no idea where Alex''s next bomb lay hidden.


    Any step could set off another explosion.


    Just the thought made his skin prickle as he felt something unfamiliar.


    ''Sweat.''


    The Cockatrice muttered:


    "Am...am I sweating?"


    It was stunned that a mere human had him this shaken.


    Alex''s gaze was locked on him, and the Cockatrice could feel his own heart pounding faster than he''d ever felt in battle.


    Every step Alex took forward felt like the ticking of a bomb about to go off.


    First one step, then another.


    By the third, the tension snapped.


    The Cockatrice General''s instincts screamed:


    It was fight or flight and the cockatrice general chose flight, leaving all thoughts of pride behind.


    Alex couldn''t help but grin, amused by the sight.


    He called out, his voice taunting:


    "What happened to all that confidence you displayed earlier?"


    "What did you say...''I''ll do you a favor¡ªsubmit your head'' is that accurate? You said that and now you''re running."


    Alex expression went cold and he launched into a sprint after the beast:


    "I don''t think so."


    Realizing Alex was chasing him, the Cockatrice fired feather blades without looking back, hoping to slow him down, but Alex used [Aegis Arcane] deflecting each blade with ease.


    He laughed as he ran, his cackling echoing through the trees, amplifying the Cockatrice''s fear.


    In a desperate burst of speed, the Cockatrice surged forward, putting more distance between them.


    Alex, though, wasn''t worried.


    A notification flickered in his vision, a reminder of the new power he''d gained:


    [You have killed Speed Cockatrice.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have acquired skill: Fast and Furious.]


    With a smirk, he activated his new skill.


    In an instant, his legs seemed to pulse with energy, propelling him forward with blazing speed.


    The world around him blurred as he caught up to the Cockatrice in moments, closing the gap with startling ease.


    The Cockatrice looked back, its eyes widening in terror.


    Alex''s grin widened as he called out, feigning disappointment:


    "Hey, don''t run! You''re making me look like the bad guy here!" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Cockatrice squawked back, its voice dripping with fear and irritation:


    "You are the bad guy!"


    Without missing a beat, it unleashed a barrage of feather blades at him.


    Alex raised [Aegis Shield] just in time, the feathers clashing against it and scattering harmlessly away. Undeterred, he closed in again, noting the path of one of his traps up ahead.


    With a snap of his fingers, an explosion erupted right next to the Cockatrice, sending it tumbling across the ground before slamming into a tree.


    For a moment, it lay there, battered and burnt, its body damaged from the blast.


    But then, to Alex''s surprise, the creature''s wounds began to knit themselves back together, closing up as it shakily got back on its feet.


    Alex on a tree muttered, on seeing this:


    "Oh, that''s quite surprising?"


    The cockatrice had some kind of regenerative power.


    However, Alex wasn''t intimidated. In fact, he was confident he could outlast it, and wear it down with enough damage, as he was sure the cockatrice''s healing ability had a limit.


    If the cockatrice was truly immortal then it would have taken riskier attacks and wouldn''t be running the way it was.


    Its healing ability would only delay the inevitable.


    Alex then leaped into the air, bringing his sword down in a powerful overhead strike. The blade bit into the earth with a heavy thud as the Cockatrice narrowly rolled away.


    The Cockatrice general, still wounded but healing, darted off again.


    It had no desire to continue fighting as it knew its regenerative powers wouldn''t save it if Alex kept riddling him up with injuries.


    It wasn''t strong enough to recover from repeated, severe wounds, and if it ended up with its body blowing up like the flame Cockatrice, then it would truly be finished.


    Alex wasn''t about to let it escape though.


    He chased it with relentless determination, closing the gap with an intense burst of speed from his newly acquired skill, [Fast and Furious].


    In a swift, calculated move, Alex feigned a grab for the Cockatrice''s wing, causing it to flinch and react defensively.


    The instant it shifted to protect itself, Alex changed tactics, drawing his sword instead.


    In one fluid motion, he sliced clean through the creature''s leg.


    The Cockatrice let out a sharp, pained screech and, desperate, retaliated with a flurry of feather blades aimed directly at Alex.


    He sidestepped the deadly projectiles, dancing out of their path.


    Just as the last feather whizzed by, he vanished, leaving the blades to embed themselves uselessly in the ground.


    The Cockatrice staggered, its eyes wide with terror as it looked around, searching for Alex.


    The Cockatrice general groaned in pain from his injured leg. Though his wound was starting to heal, the process was slow, and his biggest problem now was the unknown¡ªthe fact he couldn''t spot Alex anywhere. This was a nightmare scenario.


    Panicking, the Cockatrice unleashed a massive number of feather blades, arranging them in a protective ring around himself, hoping to prevent Alex from getting close.


    "Oh, that *would* have been clever¡­"


    Alex''s voice echoed around him. The Cockatrice immediately launched a volley of feather blades toward the source, but they hit nothing but air.


    "¡­if I wasn''t your opponent."


    Suddenly, a rock appeared, falling from above right through the opening in the feather barrier and landing next to the Cockatrice.


    "You messed up."


    Boom!


    The explosion shook the ground, sending the Cockatrice flying to the side.


    But as the smoke cleared, Alex noticed that the Cockatrice had used its feathers to form a makeshift shield, absorbing most of the blast.


    The Cockatrice''s defensive reflexes had...

 Chapter 25 Its Too Much

    The Cockatrice''s defensive reflexes had saved it from the worst of the attack¡ªthis time."Here, have another!"


    Alex tossed another [Blastshard] toward the Cockatrice, but the it leaped back, quickly shielding itself with a fan of its feathers.


    Alex smirked:


    "You keep burning through those feathers. Aren''t you worried you''ll lose your beautiful quill?"


    The Cockatrice snarled, feathers bristling in anger:


    "Enough with the taunting coward! Show yourself!"


    "I will! Just don''t rush me...I''m shy."


    The Cockatrice''s face contorted in fury, but it forced itself to stay focused on escaping.


    It made a break for the nearest opening, but the ground exploded, sending it stumbling back.


    Desperate, it pivoted in the opposite direction, only to be forced to shield itself again as another trap detonated nearby.


    Realization dawned on the Cockatrice general:


    Alex had created a minefield around him, each direction rigged to explode on his command.


    Every move was a step closer to getting blown apart. He was completely trapped, with no way to escape this deadly maze of traps.


    But if this was the end, the Cockatrice was determined to make Alex go down with him.


    The Cockatrice general lifted its beak to the sky and let out a piercing, ear-splitting screech, its throat vibrating with an unnatural, grating sound.


    Alex winced, covering his ears as the sound made his head throb.


    But he noticed something strange¡ªthe Cockatrice''s feather blades had stopped mid-air, frozen in place.


    Seeing his chance, Alex darted forward, equipping the Goblin Blade.


    In a swift, powerful strike, he slashed across the Cockatrice''s neck, silencing its scream.


    "Ughh¡ª!"


    The Cockatrice staggered back, blood oozing from the wound on its neck, its once-commanding presence faltering.


    With a feeble attempt to regain control, it commanded its feather blades toward Alex, but they drifted slowly and haphazardly.


    Alex dodged and parried them effortlessly, inching closer with each step.


    The Cockatrice swung a desperate swipe of its feathers, but Alex sidestepped and slapped an explosive charge onto its back, the force knocking it off balance.


    He didn''t let up, driving his blade into its side, only to be met with another frantic swing.


    Alex evaded, landing another explosive tap and stab, then another, and another.


    Each strike left deep, unhealing wounds, overwhelming the Cockatrice''s regeneration. It was no longer healing¡ªits strength drained with every relentless blow.


    The Cockatrice sagged, feathers dulling, its powerful screeches reduced to ragged breaths.


    The Cockatrice groaned weakly, stumbling backward, but Alex closed in and grabbed the beast by the back of its head, pulling its face close to his.


    With a low voice, he whispered:


    "Tell me¡­ how does it feel to be the hunted?"


    The Cockatrice''s only response was a feeble moan of pain, too weak to answer.


    Alex released his grip and took a few steps back, eyeing the creature covered in bombs he''d attached earlier:


    "One last question. Would you rather go in a single hit or¡­ in multiple, slow blows?"


    The cockatrice gave a strained groan, too beaten to even understand, but Alex raised an eyebrow mockingly:


    "What''s that? I think you said¡­ multiple blows."


    It managed a hoarse, broken:


    "You¡­ bastard¡­"


    Alex grinned, snapped his fingers, and set off one of the bombs.


    A massive explosion rocked the clearing, ripping a chunk of flesh from the Cockatrice.


    It collapsed to the ground, its body torn and struggling, but it was still alive.


    Its regenerative powers worked sluggishly, trying to heal the wounds.


    Alex waited, watching as the Cockatrice''s wounds slowly stitched back together.


    The moment it was almost fully healed, he snapped his fingers and another explosion erupted, shredding its flesh all over again.


    The Cockatrice writhed in agony, only for its healing to kick in once more.


    When it had almost fully recovered, Alex snapped his fingers again, triggering another blast.


    This brutal pattern repeated, each explosion tearing the Cockatrice apart just as it was beginning to regenerate.


    Finally, the sun began to rise, casting its first light on the battlefield.


    Alex stood with his hands in his pockets, shadows of the long night retreating behind him.


    He looked down at the Cockatrice with an unreadable expression:


    "I guess it''s time I finished this."


    The Cockatrice general lay on the ground, barely recognizable.


    Its wings were nothing more than tattered stumps, its legs blown off, and its once-proud face was charred and cracked.


    Alex''s repeated blasts had reduced it to a grotesque shadow of its former self, but its cursed regeneration still forced it to cling to life.


    The Cockatrice let out a weak, hoarse groan, its voice barely audible:


    "This... this isn''t over¡­"


    Alex raised his hand, fingers poised to snap one last time. His voice was cold, steely:


    "But for you, it is."


    *Snap.*


    A final explosion detonated, and the Cockatrice''s head shattered in a blast, ending it in a violent flash.


    Alex stared at the smoking remains, his eyes emotionless, as the system notifications rang in his mind:


    [You have killed a Cockatrice General.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have received 10 stat points]


    [You have received +10 Powerstones.]


    [You have received Skill: Minor Regeneration.]


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby Taking Effect]


    [You have received 10 stat points]


    [You have received +10 Powerstones.]


    [You have received Accessory: Glider Cloak.]


    Alex exhaled in relief, letting the first rays of the morning sun wash over him.


    The once-dark forest around him was scorched from his relentless explosions, charred trees smoldering and ash drifting in the dawn air.


    Yet, as he stood catching his breath, he noticed something strange¡ªthe forest seemed to be slowly restoring itself, as though it were alive, healing in response to the battle''s destruction.


    Watching was rather therapeutic, easing his mind.


    But Alex couldn''t help but worry about one thing though:


    The cockatrice''s ear-grating scream.


    The creature had been able to continue fighting, yet it had stopped, throwing its defenses aside to let out that screech.


    Alex rubbed his chin thoughtfully wondering aloud:


    "Why would it do that?"


    Suddenly, he got his answer.


    A deep, rhythmic thumping filled the air, like something huge flapping its wings overhead.


    Alex''s eyes darted upward, feeling an unmistakable sense that something was coming. And it was heading straight for him.


    His instincts screamed for him to move, to run¡ªbut his legs refused to respond.


    His body felt like it was shackled in invisible weights, each muscle locked in place.


    A cold sensation ran down his spine as a notification flashed across his view:


    [You have been hit with a movement restriction skill by an enemy.]


    [You cannot move for 10 seconds.]


    Alex''s eyes widened in disbelief: S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me¡­"


    He could feel the approaching presence closing in, heavy and powerful.


    Whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªwas coming wasn''t here to talk.


    Alex forced himself to look up, heart pounding in his chest. What he saw made his blood run cold.


    ''Who said cockatrices couldn''t fly?''


    Boom!


    The massive cockatrice descended from the sky, landing in front of Alex with a thunderous thud.


    The force of the impact shook the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked Alex off balance.


    As the beast screeched, a chilling sound that echoed through the forest, Alex felt a jolt of fear shoot through him.


    Sweat dripped down his forehead as he quaked, his body trembling from a mix of adrenaline and dread.


    He gritted his teeth, frustration boiling over:


    "Seriously¡­ this is too much. You stupid overseer! How am I supposed to defeat this?"


    Just then, a notification flashed before his eyes, cutting through his panic:


    Ding!


    [Tyrant Of Talons]


    [Cockatrice King ''Morvok'' - Rank C]

 Chapter 26 The End?

    [Tyrant of Talons][Cockatrice King ''Murvok'' Rank C]


    The Cockatrice King, Murvok, loomed above Alex, casting a dark, suffocating shadow.


    Its scales glistened with a metallic sheen, segmented like a giant, armored centipede.


    Unlike the other cockatrices Alex had fought, this one looked more like a dragon¡ªits wings spread wide, spiked with jagged edges that caught the light of the smoldering forest.


    The beast''s eyes, gleaming with predatory focus, locked onto Alex.


    Alex''s breath caught in his throat.


    He could feel the heat radiating from Murvok''s nostrils, each breath sounding like the rumble of a powerful engine revving up.


    The Cockatrice King craned its neck, scales clinking like shifting metal plates, and let out a deep, guttural growl that vibrated in Alex''s chest.


    His heartbeat raced so fast it felt like it might burst out of his ribcage.


    Murvok took a step forward, each massive clawed foot thudding against the charred ground, sending tiny tremors through the earth. As it advanced, it examined the devastation in the forest with a quick, dismissive glance.


    The remnants of Alex''s explosion were still smoldering, evidence of the fierce battle that had just taken place.


    Murvok''s gaze shifted to the lifeless body of the Cockatrice general, torn apart and barely recognizable amidst the scorched earth.


    Alex''s body tensed, fear washing over him in a cold wave. He felt if the cockatrice was angry, he''d be dead in seconds.


    So he watched, half-expecting Murvok to roar in fury at the sight of its fallen kin and charge him without mercy.


    But the cockatrice king lifted its head and snorted dismissively as if the general''s death was beneath its concern.


    The Cockatrice King''s gaze remained fixed on Alex, unbothered and unwavering.


    The Cockatrice King then opened his beak, and to Alex''s surprise, a deep, resonant voice emerged. It sounded both ancient and menacing, vibrating the air around them:


    "Human. Since you managed to defeat so many of my kin, I will grant you the respect you''ve earned. Your end will come in a single, merciful strike."


    Alex''s heart pounded, and a bitter smirk crossed his face.


    ''Always the arrogant talk.''


    This time, the pride in Murvok''s words was justified as one skill from this creature had locked Alex in place, rendering him helpless.


    And he had no doubt the cockatrice King had even more devastating tricks up its sleeve.


    But he was going to die that easily. His eyes darted to the fallen cockatrice general right behind the cockatrice king


    One of his explosion traps was still attached there that he had denoted.


    So without hesitation, Alex activated it:


    Boom!


    Alex didn''t actually need to snap his fingers to set off his explosions¡ªhe just enjoyed the dramatic flair it added.


    The explosion rocked the clearing, sending a wave of heat and force that lifted the restriction off Alex.


    He felt the invisible shackles shatter and wasting no time he turned and ran.


    It was like day one all over again with the first cocktrice he had defeated.


    His legs launched him forward with raw, desperate energy, grass, and dirt flying up behind him as he bolted through the forest.


    Trees blurred past as he sprinted, each step pounding the earth like a drum. The wind roared in his ears, his breath coming fast. Alex''s mind raced.


    He loved challenges that was true, but this wasn''t a challenge¡ªit was a death sentence. Murvok was way beyond anything he''d faced before.


    With practiced speed, Alex reached into his inventory and activated [Glider Cloak] the cloak he had gotten from defeating the cockatrice general.


    He had glance at the description earlier and had saw that the cloak added an extra 10 points to his agility.


    The fabric fluttered around his shoulders, and he felt the power surge through his legs, his pace increasing in an instant.


    He followed up with one of his special skills:


    [Fast and Fury], doubling his speed.


    The forest around him dissolved into streaks of green and brown.


    The world turned into a chaotic blur, and Alex felt like he had become pure motion, the god of speed at that moment.


    "Flash has nothing on me."


    He darted through narrow gaps between trees, leaping over fallen logs and roots without breaking stride.


    But even with his newfound speed, a sinking feeling crept up his spine.


    Traveling at such high speed, he thought the cockatrice shouldn''t be able to catch up.


    He was wrong.


    A dark shadow swept over Alex, and before he could fully react, a searing pain sliced across his back. It felt like a hot blade had been dragged down his spine.


    "Aah!"


    The sound strained and raw as his body crumpled to the forest floor.


    His speed betrayed him, turning his fall into a brutal tumble.


    He rolled over rocks and roots, dirt and ash grinding into his skin, every bump and twist amplifying the agony he felt.


    When he finally came to a stop, Alex lay on the ground, gasping for air, his body screaming in pain. The sharp sting of the wound burned fiercely, and he could feel warm blood trickling down to his waist, soaking the back of his clothes.


    He tried to move, but the pain made every shift unbearable.


    He had activated [Aegis Arcane] the moment he sensed Murvok above him¡ªa shield spell that had always protected him before. But this time, the Cockatrice King''s attack had shattered it like glass, its talon slicing clean through and leaving him vulnerable.


    Alex clenched his jaw, as he rose to his feet.


    And a mocking voice resonated:


    "Oh, you''re quite fast..."


    Murvok stood a few yards away, its eyes gleaming with satisfaction as if savoring its prey''s struggle.


    Alex gritted his teeth, took out a [Blast shard] and without a second''s hesitation, he hurled it at the Cockatrice King.


    Boom!


    The explosion engulfed Murvok in a cloud of fire and smoke. The shockwave pushed Alex back, and he winced as it jolted his wounded back.


    But when the smoke cleared, Murvok emerged, scales gleaming, completely unharmed. A thin, translucent barrier shimmered around it before fading away.


    *It has a defense skill,* Alex realized, dread sinking in his gut.


    He took a step back, reaching behind him.


    He was out of [Blastshards] and his options were limited.


    But his mind still raced for a plan.


    His fingers closed around a bottle of water he had bought from the system shop. I


    Channeling his skill, he infused [Exploding Touch] on it, and used [Amp] which tripled the explosive force within, turning an ordinary item into a dangerous weapon.


    Now he just had to stall for 20 seconds.


    Alex tried to buy time:


    "Tell me¡­ what prompted a whole king to come down from his throne just to defeat an insignificant human?".


    Murvok chuckled darkly, the sound echoing like thunder in the clearing:


    "Believe it or not, I would have preferred to blow this entire place to pieces and end you right here. But I received a direct message from the gods. They say you are¡­ special."


    "What?" Alex''s eyes widened in shock. The mention of gods sent a jolt of confusion through him. He recalled the overseer''s cryptic warnings about the existence of highed beings.


    And wondered if his actions caught their attention.


    The thought sent shivers down his spine and he couldn''t help but feel overwhelmed.


    ''It''s too soon for this.''


    He tried to keep his voice steady despite the rising dread within him and said:


    "I thought you were supposed to be a king, but here you are, taking orders instead. Why is that?"


    Murvok''s gaze narrowed, sharp and calculating as he spoke:


    "I see what you''re doing, human. Stalling to buy time while you prepare whatever you''re hiding behind you. It won''t work."


    In an instant, Alex was struck by the movement restriction skill once more. He tried to fight against it, but his muscles felt heavy and unresponsive.


    Murvok''s throat began to gurgle ominously, and Alex''s instincts screamed at him. He had seen this before, and he knew what was coming.


    "Shit¡­" Alex whispered, panic rising.


    He activated [Aegis Arcane] focusing all his energy on forming a protective barrier around himself, even knowing it wouldn''t be enough.


    The Cockatrice King unleashed a terrifying roar, the sound erupting from its beak like a shockwave:


    "RRRAAAAHHHHH!"


    The powerful sonic attack blasted toward Alex, a wall of destructive sound that shattered trees and rocks in its path.


    The barrier Alex conjured was no match for Murvok''s ferocity as it exploded on impact, sending a violent wave crashing into him.


    "Ugh!"


    He gasped as the force slammed into him, shaking his body violently.


    The sheer power of the sound was deafening; his ears rang painfully, and he felt a sharp pain pierce through his skull.


    Blood seeped from his ears and nose as the wave battered him, his vision blurring from the impact.


    His body crumpled to the ground, the world spinning around him as he gasped for breath.


    Everything felt fuzzy like he was swimming in a haze.


    But even through the fog, he could sense the massive figure of the Cockatrice King stalking toward him, each step heavy and deliberate.


    ''So this is how I die''


    Alex thought, a sense of bitter disappointment washing over him. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hadn''t even achieved anything.


    Heck, the real tutorial hadn''t even begun.


    But he was going to die due to his shitty luck.


    Alex coughed out blood as he cursed:


    ''Dammit! This was all because of that stupid curse.''


    But thinking about it, Alex knew that if he could go back in time and choose whether he should spare or kill Dreadfeather.


    He would have chosen the latter without hesitation.


    He had killed close to a hundred cockatrices and three bosses.


    That was no easy feat.


    And Alex consoled himself finding solace in the belief that it was enough achievement to die proudly.


    He had done all he could.


    He was just unfortunate.


    Alex recalled the bottle he had prepped to explode, its countdown ticking away


    The explosion he had set on the bottle only had five seconds left, and Alex decided not to dismiss it.


    If he was going to die then he was going to go out with a bang.


    Hopefully taking the cockatrice king along with him


    The cockatrice king stood before Alex eyeing him intently, then he noticed Alex grin with his bloodied lips.


    And there was a rocking explosion.

 Chapter 27 Deal or no Deal

    As Alex hovered between consciousness and oblivion, he felt a cold rush of air hit his face, sharp and biting against his bloodied skin.His whole body throbbed with pain, every nerve screaming.


    He forced his eyes open, but his vision was hazy, blurred by exhaustion and injuries.


    His gaze fell on something that made his heart jolt: he was high above the ground, soaring through the air.


    He blinked, struggling to focus, and that''s when he noticed the massive, scaled claws wrapped around him. They were gripping his body tightly, each talon digging painfully into his sides.


    He realized at that moment that the Cockatrice King was carrying him, its powerful wings flapping as they cut through the air, each stroke of the creature''s wings sending a gust of wind rushing past him.


    The world beneath him was a dizzying blur of trees, rivers, and distant mountains.


    He felt utterly helpless, dangling in the air like a broken doll.


    Even if he wanted to fight back, he was too injured to even lift his arms.


    His head lolled forward as exhaustion overtook him.


    His strength was gone, his vision darkening again.


    The next time Alex woke up, he found himself lying on solid ground.


    His head was pounding, and every inch of his body ached as if he''d been hit by a truck.


    Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinking against the faint light coming from above. Sunlight filtered down through a high, grated skylight, casting thin rays across the floor.


    With a groan, he forced himself to sit up, his joints cracking as he moved.


    The pain was intense, sharp, and unforgiving, and a high-pitched ringing echoed in his ears like he''d just stood too close to a blast.


    He remembered those last chaotic moments: setting off the explosive he''d rigged.


    The explosion swallowed both him and the cockatrice.


    But it seemed like he hadn''t taken the monster down.


    Leaning back, he felt the rough stone wall behind him and took a slow, shaky breath.


    The space around him was strange; when he looked out, he saw the vast, open sky stretching beyond the edge of what seemed like a narrow cliff ledge.


    He tried to figure out how much time had passed, but he had no idea.


    Only his [Minor Regen] skill was keeping him from passing out again.


    Once the healing had done enough to make the pain dull, he pushed himself up, wobbling as he found his footing.


    A rail ran along the edge of the cliff.


    He reached out to grip it for balance, but the second his hand touched it, a jolt of electricity surged through his fingers, forcing him to yank his hand back.


    Looking around warily he muttered:


    "What is this place?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was like he''d ended up in some strange prison on the edge of nowhere.


    Alex drew his weapon, [Eclipse Edge], and slashed at the iron gate in front of him. The blade struck with a loud *clang*, but to his frustration, the gate just pushed back, repelling his sword as if it were coated in some kind of invisible shield.


    "What kind of barrier is this?" he said eyeing the gate suspiciously.


    As he glanced around the area, he noticed the ground was littered with stones of all shapes and sizes.


    A slow grin crept across his face.


    This place has all he needed to make as many [Blastshards] as possible.


    He picked up a rock and made a [Blastshard], thinking about using one to blow the gate open.


    But in this narrow space, he''d probably catch himself in an explosion¡ªagain. The last blast had nearly finished him off, and he wasn''t eager for a repeat while he was still aching from head to toe.


    So he began gathering the stones, preparing a fresh round of makeshift explosives.


    One by one, he set up small bombs around the prison wall using [Exploding Touch]


    He didn''t intend to use them just yet, but they''d be there in case he needed a quick exit.


    As he worked, a familiar sound reached his ears¡ªa flapping, like wings slicing through the air. He looked up and squinted into the distance, spotting a shadowy figure against the sky.


    It grew larger as it drew closer, its outline becoming more distinct.


    "Another cockatrice,'' he frowned with a mix of irritation and relief.


    "Perfect timing," he muttered.


    At least now he might get some answers as to why was he thrown in here instead of being killed on the spot.


    Not that he was complaining. He was grateful to be alive.


    A massive shadow loomed as the cockatrice landed before Alex, its claws clicking against the stone floor.


    Instantly, Alex recognized it wasn''t the Cockatrice King who had overwhelmed him with terrifying strength and nearly broken him within minutes.


    A part of him still shuddered at the memory, but he steeled himself, focusing on the creature before him.


    This one wasn''t nearly as powerful; it had to be a general, a subordinate.


    The cockatrice eyed him, its sharp gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and judgment.


    Alex locked eyes with it, refusing to back down.


    Whatever intimidation it attempted was nothing compared to the suffocating aura of the king.


    A title shimmered briefly in his vision, confirming his suspicion:


    [Cockatrice General Talvok]


    The cockatrice narrowed its eyes, and to Alex''s surprise, it spoke, its voice raspy and laced with disdain:


    "So, you''re the creature that took down three high-ranking cockatrices and a general? Impressive."


    Alex didn''t flinch, and he certainly wasn''t interested in small talk. He straightened, his expression cool:


    "Where''s Murzok? I have business with him."


    The cockatrice''s eyes flashed, and it hissed:


    "You dare speak of the king in such a manner?"


    Yet, its tone lacked true anger, sounding more like an empty threat than genuine outrage.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, noticing the strange detachment in its voice.


    He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes as he studied the creature.


    There was something strange in the way the cockatrice spoke.


    It lacked the reverence that every other cockatrice seemed to have when they mentioned their king. Instead, the general''s words were sharp and dismissive.


    The cockatrice sneered:


    "A weakling like you shouldn''t even mention the one who left you in this pitiful state. It''s distasteful."


    Alex smirked, picking up on the subtle hint of contempt in the creature''s voice. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with realization.


    "You...you have ill intent for your king don''t you?"


    The cockatrice''s face twitched, its pupils narrowing as it shot him a deadly glare. For a moment, its mask slipped, revealing a spark of something darker¡ªresentment, perhaps?


    Alex''s grin widened, his suspicions now confirmed.


    He had found something he could exploit.


    Alex said coolly:


    "Look, I don''t care why you hate him and I don''t need to know. But... I have a proposal."


    The cockatrice tilted its head, curiosity evident as it remained silent, waiting for him to continue. It hadn''t shut him down, which was a good sign.


    "Let''s make a deal," Alex offered, pulling a small, glowing object from his pocket. It was an [Evolution Orb] shimmering with a faint green light¡ªthe powerful item he''d acquired after defeating the goblin boss.


    [Evolution Orb: Creature]


    [Use to raise the rank of any lower creature to the next tier.]


    The cockatrice''s eyes widened, its pupils dilating as greed overtook its gaze.


    It took an involuntary step forward, unable to hide its desire.


    The creature''s eyes never left the orb, its beak twitching with need.


    "Interested?"


    Alex taunted, fiddling with the orb as he waited for the general''s response.


    The cockatrice''s eyes widened, pupils, flaring with greed as it took an uncontrollable step closer to Alex, its gaze fixed on the shimmering Orb.


    Alex grinned as he said smoothly:


    "Here''s the deal. You open these gates, and this is yours. With it, you could evolve and become as powerful as your king. Imagine that¡ªno more orders, no more bowing. So, what do you say?"


    The cockatrice''s expression shifted, its eyes narrowing as it mulled over the offer.


    Then, in a flash, its beak twisted into a dark smile, and it let out a sudden, ear-splitting howl.


    A wave of sonic energy blasted forward, intending to knock Alex off his feet.


    But Alex remained rooted in place, unfazed.


    A glowing barrier, [Aegis Arcane], flickered to life around him, absorbing the impact of the sonic blast with ease.


    When the attack dissipated, Alex shook his head with a disappointed sigh.


    He had expected the cockatrice to try something.


    With a flick of his wrist, the orb disappeared, vanishing back into his inventory.


    Alex shook his head, slipping the orb back into his inventory with a smirk. "Guess you don''t want this after all."


    The cockatrice hissed, its eyes narrowing dangerously:


    "Hand it over, and I won''t have to torture you to get it."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, feigning interest:


    "Oh, torture me, huh? Sounds thrilling. What''s your plan, exactly?"


    "Don''t test me, human," the cockatrice growled, stepping closer.


    Alex''s gaze hardened, his voice dropping to a deadly calm:


    "I wouldn''t try me, either. The second you open that gate with any ill intent, you''re as good as dead. And that''s not a threat¡ªit''s a promise."


    The cockatrice froze, visibly shaken by Alex''s chilling words. It took a step back, studying Alex with newfound caution, sensing a danger it hadn''t noticed before.


    Somehow, it almost felt as if he was the one imprisoned and being watched.


    The cockatrice shook its head, torn.


    The allure of the orb was undeniable¡ªwith it, it could evolve, challenge the king, maybe even take the throne. It weighed its options, then slowly said:


    "Alright, then... let''s make a deal."

 Chapter 28 Escape

    The cockatrice finally agreed, and Alex grinned, satisfied to have hooked it."Alright, then. Let''s make a deal."


    "Like I said, I''ll hand over the orb, and you let me go free."


    The cockatrice narrowed its eyes, studying him:


    "Even if I help you escape, your chances of getting off this cliff are slim. You''ll have other cockatrices on your trail¡ªit''s suicide, human. Just accept your fate and hand over the orb."


    Alex smirked, unfazed:


    "How about you stop flapping your beak and open the cell? I''ll handle the rest."


    The cockatrice clicked its sharp teeth in annoyance but then moved toward the gate''s edge, pressing a claw against a small rune.


    Alex heard a hum as the barrier that had shocked and deflected his blows flickered and vanished.


    He grinned. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now he could use his powers¡­ but not yet.


    The cockatrice strutted inside the cell, posture tense, eyes fixed on him, clearly expecting a double-cross:


    "Alright, human. Hand over the orb."


    Alex tilted his head, a playful smirk dancing across his face:


    "You know what? I don''t feel like it."


    A vein pulsed on the cockatrice''s head, its feathers ruffling in anger. It turned, about to back out of the cell, but Alex raised a hand, halting it.


    "Wait... how about you let me pat you three times on the head, and then I''ll consider giving you the orb."


    The cockatrice''s eyes narrowed, its feathers bristling:


    "Do you think I''m a joke?"


    "No, not at all," Alex replied with a smirk. "But your king probably does. Why else would he have put you here to guard me? Am I right?"


    The cockatrice stiffened, its gaze darkening:


    "What do you know, human?"


    Alex shrugged, his tone casual. "I''ve been treated like that too¡ªoverlooked, underestimated. I get it."


    The cockatrice''s face twitched with frustration, and Alex knew he''d struck a nerve.


    Keeping his expression calm, he slowly pulled out the orb, letting its glow catch the creature''s attention.


    He tilted it back and forth, the light reflecting in the cockatrice''s hungry eyes.


    "This," Alex said, holding the orb out just far enough to tempt the creature, "could change everything for you. With this, you could challenge Murzok and take his place. I genuinely want to help you get what you deserve. But here''s the thing¡­ you won''t get it unless you grant my request. And if you kill me? This orb disappears, and so does your chance."


    The cockatrice''s eyes flickered as it considered his words.


    Finally, it muttered:


    "Human, what makes you so confident? What stops me from killing you once I get the orb?"


    "I''m trusting you won''t," Alex replied, meeting its gaze, calm but unwavering.


    After a long, tense pause, the cockatrice let out a grudging sigh. It seemed Alex had left it with no other option:


    "Fine."


    Reluctantly, it leaned its head down toward Alex, who flashed a sly, almost wicked grin.


    ''What an idiot.''


    "Just three pats, nothing else," the cockatrice warned.


    Alex nodded with a straight face, masking his excitement.


    Talvok, the cockatrice, had no idea these weren''t just any pats¡ªthey were a death trap in disguise.


    Alex raised his hand, and Talvok flinched slightly but pushed its head forward, trying to remain still.


    Alex reached out, placing his hand gently on the side of its head.


    "There, there," he muttered, patting it once.


    ''First explosion set.''


    He patted it again, making sure his touch lingered just long enough.


    ''Second explosion set.''


    And finally, a third pat.


    ''Done.''


    Alex fought the urge to pat it a fourth time just to test his luck, but Talvok jerked its head back and fixed him with a demanding glare:


    "Now the orb."


    Alex forced a friendly smile:


    "Alright. You''ve earned it."


    He took out the orb, holding it out as Talvok grabbed it eagerly with its clawed wing, a greedy gleam in its eyes.


    Without wasting a second, the cockatrice began absorbing the orb''s power, its feathers glowing as the orb''s light swirled around it.


    A faint hum filled the air as energy surged into Talvok, enhancing its strength and lifting it to the next rank. It groaned in satisfaction as its body expanded, absorbing every bit of the orb''s essence.


    Alex, momentarily awed by the display, quickly snapped back to focus.


    This was his chance.


    He activated [Stealth Walk] and slipped out of the cell, moving past the glowing cockatrice without a sound.


    As soon as he was through the gate, he quietly pulled it shut and locked it, trapping Talvok inside.


    As the transformation neared its end, the cockatrice''s feathers shimmered with new brilliance, each quill now strikingly vibrant. Its talons gleamed sharper, its beak looked deadly, and its eyes burned with a fierce confidence.


    It flexed its claws, feeling a surge of power through its body.


    "Now...now I can face the king. "


    But first, the human.


    He could hardly believe what he''d stooped to¡ªletting a mere human touch him for the orb.


    The memory filled him with disgust, but the power he now held made it worth the humiliation.


    Lifting his head, he prepared to end this farce.


    But his gaze fell on the empty cell. He blinked, momentarily confused, scanning the area. Where had the human gone?


    Then he spotted Alex just outside the gate, a smug grin on his face as he gave a mocking wave:


    "Hey there."


    "You¡­ how did you get out?"


    The cockatrice''s mind raced, baffled by how Alex had escaped without him noticing. But he quickly brushed it off¡ªhe''d just finish him from outside.


    With a furious shriek, he lunged at the gate, intending to pry it open.


    But the moment he made contact, a powerful electric shock blasted through him, sending jolts of pain through his body. He staggered back, his feathers singed and smoking.


    "How does it feel to be the one locked up?" Alex taunted, his voice filled with satisfaction.


    The cockatrice shook off the lingering pain, glaring at Alex:


    "You think a cage like this can hold someone of my rank?" he growled, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice as he was sure the prison most likely could. As it was built to hold powerful prisoners.


    The cockatrice''s throat rumbled as energy swirled around its body, its eyes flashing with rage.


    It was preparing to unleash a devastating attack¡ªits fury was palpable.


    Alex wasn''t intimidated.


    He simply shook his head with a smirk and snapped his fingers.


    *Boom!*


    An explosion ripped through the air, slamming into the cockatrice with a force that shook the entire cell.


    The blast sent shockwaves through the narrow space, and the barrier around the entrance absorbed the impact before repelling it back toward the cockatrice.


    The full force of the explosion slammed directly into him, concentrating all the damage on his body.


    The cockatrice staggered back, furiously shaking off the effects of the blast. It barely seemed harmed, but the fire in its eyes only grew stronger.


    "You bastard!" the cockatrice roared, its voice filled with venom.


    It began to summon more energy, ready to strike back.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    He snapped his fingers again. And again. And again.


    *Boom!*


    Another explosion tore into the cockatrice, rocking the cage even harder.


    Dust and debris filled the air, the walls of the cell groaning under the pressure.


    Still, the cockatrice stood tall, its injuries mounting but not enough to bring it down.


    *Boom!*


    Another explosion went off, sending a shockwave that rattled everything.


    But again, the cockatrice only staggered, its body battered but its rage unwavering.


    Alex watched the creature carefully, his face unreadable.


    The cockatrice was bruised and bloody, its feathers charred and ragged, but it was still alive.


    The energy swirling around it wasn''t gone¡ªits anger was fueling it, keeping it on its feet.


    Alex''s voice was calm, almost casual:


    "Are you ready to talk now? I''ve got plenty more explosions where that came from."

 Chapter 29 Info Gathering

    The cockatrice general slumped to the ground, panting heavily.Smoke curled off its singed feathers, and its once-proud stance was reduced to a trembling mess.


    "Alright... What do you want to know?" it finally croaked, its voice weak but laced with reluctant defiance.


    Alex stood tall just outside the cage, his expression cool and calm.


    His hand rested casually by his side, ready to snap again at a moment''s notice.


    "How many cockatrices are in the area?" Alex asked, his tone sharp and commanding.


    The cockatrice general hesitated, glancing at the glowing ruins of its once-impressive cell.


    After a long pause, it grumbled, "About fifty."


    Fifty.


    Alex''s mind raced.


    That was fifty more cockatrices standing between him and freedom¡ªfifty more reasons to take this grudge to its bitter end.


    He couldn''t help the smirk that tugged at his lips.


    These birds had caused him too much trouble already.


    Sparing them wasn''t an option.


    "And the cockatrice king," Alex continued, stepping closer to the cage. "You''ve been plotting to overthrow him, haven''t you? Any idea what his weaknesses are?"


    The cockatrice''s eyes flickered with a spark of resistance.


    Even beaten and battered, its pride refused to let it submit completely.


    "Why should I tell you?" it spat, glaring up at Alex with all the defiance it could muster.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head like a disappointed teacher.


    He raised his hand, his fingers poised to snap.


    "I don''t think you understand who''s in charge here," Alex said coolly. "Let me remind you."


    Snap.


    An ear-splitting explosion roared through the air, slamming into the cockatrice with brutal force.


    The creature screeched as it was hurled violently to the side, crashing into the charred remains of the cell walls.


    The blast ripped into its side, leaving a charred chunk of flesh missing.


    It staggered, screeching in agony.


    Blood dripped to the ground, sizzling against the scorched dirt.


    Dust and debris rained down as the echoes of the blast faded.


    Gasping for air, the cockatrice finally realized there was no escape.


    If it wanted to survive, it had to play Alex''s game.


    "Alright!" it hissed through gritted teeth, each word laced with pain. "You win! What do you want to know?"


    Alex tilted his head, arms crossed, but his fingers were still itching to snap again.


    "Let''s start with the cockatrice king," Alex said calmly. "You''ve got nothing to lose, so spill it. What''s his weakness?"


    The general snarled, reluctant but too broken to resist. "Weakness in combat? None that I''ve seen," it spat bitterly. "But¡­"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he leaned in closer.


    The cockatrice continued, its voice a rasping whisper, "He''s been looking for an heir. And he''s finally got one. An egg. He treasures it like a jewel, won''t let anyone near his lair where he feeds it energy daily."


    Alex raised an eyebrow:


    "The egg, huh? So it''s his soft spot."


    The cockatrice nodded begrudgingly:


    "Destroy the egg, and you destroy him. That''s the only weakness I know."


    "And where''s this lair of his?"


    Alex pressed, his tone steady but unrelenting.


    The cockatrice glared at Alex, struggling.


    "The highest cliff," it growled. "It''s heavily guarded¡ªtwo cockatrices of my rank patrol the entrance. You''ll never make it."


    Alex smirked:


    "We''ll see about that. Thanks for the info."


    The cockatrice general ground its beak, its fury bubbling beneath the surface.


    Even in its weakened state, it refused to bow completely:


    "You¡­ you won''t make it out of here alive," it hissed, trembling with rage. "I''m sure of it."


    Alex took a step back, his shadow falling over the broken creature.


    His expression turned colder, the smirk fading into something sharper and more dangerous.


    "You''re right," he said, voice low and ominous. "I probably won''t. But killing you will give me a better chance."


    The cockatrice froze, its eyes widening in confusion and growing dread.


    "W-what?" it stammered, its bravado crumbling. "What do you mean by that?"


    Alex''s lips curled into a smug grin as he locked eyes with the cockatrice general. "It''s simple," he said coolly. "The EXP I get from killing you will level me up multiple times. Boosting my odds of survival."


    The cockatrice general''s eyes flared with fury. Its massive wings rustled as it let out a growl of defiance.


    "You can''t kill me with your puny explosions!" it roared, its voice cracking with rage. "I''ll heal in seconds, you pathetic human!"


    Alex didn''t flinch. He raised his hands slowly, fingers curling as if preparing to snap. "Now you''re asking for it."


    The cockatrice''s beak snapped open, continuing its angry rant:


    "Cut with the arrogant attitude, human! Once I get out of here, I''ll rip your throat out! I''ll¡ª"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The third explosion hit, and the cockatrice general''s head shattered into a bloody mess, chunks of flesh and bone flying in every direction.


    Blood splattered across the charred wall, the force of the explosion violently knocking the body to the ground.


    It was dead before it even hit the floor.


    Alex stood motionless, his hand still held up in the air, the remnants of the cockatrice general scattered in front of him.


    His smirk remained, unfazed by the destruction.


    It didn''t matter that the cockatrice general was ranked higher than Grey.


    No matter how fast it healed, an explosion to the head was always a fatal blow. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex casually dropped his hand to his side, his gaze lingering on the smoldering remains of the creature:


    "Guess you won''t be ripping anyone''s throat out now."


    Ding!


    You have killed Cockatrice General


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    Five times. Wonderful.


    Alex''s lips curled into a wide grin as the notifications filled his vision, one after another.


    He could almost hear the sweet sound of power flooding into his body with each level-up.


    The adrenaline from the battle mixed with the thrill of advancement.


    [You have received 25 stat points]


    [You have received 5 power stones]


    [You have received skill: [Flame Immunity]


    Ding!


    Apocalypse Baby kicking in


    [You have received 25 stat points]


    [You have received 5 power stones]


    [You have received Accessories: [Amulet of Resistance]


    "Alright." Alex''s voice was low and satisfied, the taste of victory on his tongue.


    His fist tightened as he reveled in the feeling of newfound strength.


    But he didn''t have time to bask in it.


    Not yet.


    His ears twitched at the sound¡ªflapping wings.


    Loud and fast.


    Backup was on the way.


    The cockatrice that landed on the cliff scanned the area, its eyes sharp and alert.


    It saw only a shadowy figure in the distance¡ªtoo far to make out details.


    It flapped its wings and dove toward the silhouette, ready to strike.


    But the figure vanished before it could land.


    The cockatrice screeched in confusion, its talons barely missing the spot where the figure had stood.


    It flapped wildly, spinning around, its eyes darting in every direction, but the figure was nowhere to be found.


    The bird''s heart raced.


    There was no sign of the human... but there was something off about this place.


    More cockatrices arrived, their wings cutting through the air with thunderous beats.


    They saw the disturbance, the strange noise, and circled the area, chattering amongst themselves.


    One cockatrice, seeing the dark figure of Talvok, lying lifeless in the prison cell, squawked in alarm.


    "It''s Talvok! He''s dead!"


    Another cockatrice, scanning the area, narrowed its eyes:


    "Where''s the human prisoner? He must have done this¡­"


    The first cockatrice to arrive was about to respond when it suddenly felt a tap on its back.


    It spun around warily but found nothing and frowned in confusion.


    Eyeing the cockatrice behind him in suspicion before saying in an irritated tone:


    "Watch where you''re..."


    Before it could finish its sentence, something brushed across its face.


    Its body stiffened in shock, and with a loud squawk, it jumped back, wings flapping in alarm.


    "What was that?" the cockatrice muttered, its voice a mix of confusion and fear.


    It looked around, eyes wide, but still... there was nothing to see.


    Something had touched its face.


    But whatever it was, it wasn''t visible.


    "Ohh!"


    Another cockatrice leaped into the air, flapping wildly, its sharp talons slashing the air as it recoiled in fright.


    Then another cockatrice joined in, its eyes wide with panic, its wings snapping open as it searched for the source of the unseen threat.


    "There''s someone else here!" one of them squawked, its voice full of wariness.


    The cockatrices huddled together, glancing around, trying to pinpoint the source of the unease.


    "It''s the prisoner," the first cockatrice said, its voice trembling with realization.


    "I saw him briefly. He must have an ability that makes him invisible."


    The other cockatrices stiffened, unease settling deep into their bones.


    "Bingo."


    Alex''s voice suddenly rang out, calm and confident.


    And he appeared at the edge of the cliff, his silhouette outlined by the bright sky.


    The cockatrice immediately moved to attack on seeing him, but before they could take a step.


    He leaped off the edge of the cliff.

 Chapter 30 Airborne Slayer

    Alex grinned as he leaped off the edge of the cliff, the cockatrices screeching in surprise as they watched him fall.The creatures scrambled to the edge, expecting to see his body plummet toward the rocky abyss below.


    But what greeted them wasn''t a helpless descent.


    Alex''s back arched, and from his shoulders, a sleek, shimmering cloak unfolded on activation.


    The air around him shifted, and in an instant, he wasn''t falling anymore.


    He was soaring.


    The human with no physical features that could possible enable him fly was soaring through the air.


    The cockatrices froze in stunned silence, their talons scraping against the rocky edge of the cliff as they wondered how Grey got wings all of a sudden.


    The answer was the [Glider''s Cloak], an accessory Alex had equipped.


    The wind whipped around him as a pair of shimmering, wings extended from his back.


    [Gliders Cloak] didn''t just for boost speed¡ªit came with a unique ability to generate wings that allowed him to glide through the air with grace.


    Wings large, translucent, and aerodynamic, stretching out like a bird''s, catching the wind as they unfurled.


    Alex shot upwards, rising with a graceful, controlled motion.


    With the cloak, Alex could ascend and descend as he pleased, though it had one critical flaw: its lack of speed.


    Realizing their prey wasn''t falling to his death, the cockatrices erupted into a frenzy.


    Furious screeches echoed from the flock as they took to the skies.


    Alex glanced over his shoulder on seeing the cockaatrice and simply smirked.


    More cockatrices perched on nearby cliffs spotted the commotion and joined the chase on seeing Alex, screeching loudly as they spread their massive wings.


    Soon, dozens of the beasts were in the air, their sharp eyes locked on Alex as they moved to cut off his escape.


    The sky above the canyon filled with the beating of wings as the flock organized, encircling Alex from all directions.


    Their agility in the air was unmatched as weaved through the currents with ease, quickly closing the distance between them and their target.


    But Alex wasn''t worried. In fact, his grin widened as the chaos unfolded around him.


    With a bold yell that echoed across the canyon, he shouted:


    "Let the chaos begin!"


    In that instant, he snapped his finger activating the hidden bomb he had secretly planted on one of the cockatrices with [Exploding Touch] during their earlier skirmish.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion erupted in mid-air, turning the unfortunate cockatrice into a shower of blood and jagged pieces of bone.


    The force of the blast sent shockwaves rippling through the flock, throwing them into disarray.


    One cockatrice, caught completely off guard, was struck square in the face by a sharp fragment of bone. It screeched in pain, swerving wildly to the side and nearly colliding with another bird.


    Another cockatrice flying too close to the explosion was also hit by the shockwave.


    The blast stunned the creature mid-flight, its wings faltering as it spiraled helplessly toward the canyon floor, disappearing into the depths below.


    But Alex wasn''t finished.


    Not even close.


    He smirked and activated another explosion.


    Snapping his finger three times. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    More explosions rippled through the air as the bombs he had managed to plant on other cockatrices detonated in rapid succession.


    Feathers, smoke, and debris filled the skies as the carnage spread.


    Each blast took out not only its target but also the cockatrices unlucky enough to be flying too close.


    Suddenly, one of the cockatrices ahead of Alex screeched furiously and charged straight at him, its sharp beak gleaming and talons poised to strike.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    His grin only grew more feral as he took a deep breath, his chest expanding.


    Then, with explosive force, Alex unleashed a [Sonic Blast].


    The sound wave roared from his mouth, visible as ripples of vibrating energy.


    The cockatrice charging at him was hit point-blank, the force of the blast slamming into it like a wrecking ball.


    Its screech was cut short as it was hurled backward with brutal force, crashing into the rocky side of the cliff with a sickening crunch.


    The shockwave from the [Sonic Blast] didn''t stop there.


    It rippled outward, catching several other cockatrices in its path.


    Those closest to the blast were flung backward like ragdolls, wings flapping uselessly as they tumbled through the air.


    One crashed into another cliffside, while others were thrown into chaotic spirals as they fought to regain control.


    Alex wasn''t slowing down.


    With a wicked grin, he activated another explosion.


    And then the last.


    Explosion tearing through the air, sending shockwaves rippling across the sky.


    The cockatrices began to fall one after another, spiraling down like shattered comets.


    The sky erupted into chaos as screeches of pain and panic echoed through the canyon.


    Those unlucky enough to fly too close to the cockatrices carrying bombs didn''t fare much better.


    The concussive force of the explosions stunned them mid-flight, their wings faltering as they plummeted helplessly.


    Others were struck by chunks of flesh and bone, sharp fragments ripping through their feathers.


    Some wounds proved fatal, and the lifeless bodies of the birds rained down to the ground below.


    Amid the chaos, one cockatrice locked its blood-red eyes on Alex.


    Fueled by rage, it dove at him with incredible speed, its sharp, blade-like feathers glinting ominously in the sunlight.


    With a shrill screech, it reared back mid-air, preparing to slice him apart.


    But Alex saw it coming and didn''t panic.


    Instead, he smirked and did the unexpected.


    He temporarily deactivated his [Glider''s Cloak], allowing himself to drop like a stone. The cockatrice''s attack sliced through empty air where he''d been moments before.


    As Alex descended, he twisted his body mid-fall, pulling his blade free.


    With precise timing, he slashed at the cockatrice''s exposed back as he passed by.


    Blood sprayed into the air as his strike found its mark, the creature shrieking in pain as it tumbled downward, out of the fight.


    Another cockatrice took the opportunity to strike, seeing Alex as vulnerable without his gliding cloak.


    Its sharp talons flashed as it closed in.


    But...


    CLANG!


    The sound of metal meeting an invisible barrier echoed as Alex activated [Aegis Arcane], the protective aura shimmering in front.


    The cockatrice''s talons glanced off harmlessly, its momentum throwing it off balance.


    And Alex didn''t waste a second.


    With a swift swing of his sword, his blade cut cleanly through the creature''s neck.


    And the cockatrice gave a gurgling cry before its body went limp, falling to the earth below.


    Alex reactivated the [Glider''s Cloak], wings flaring out as he met an approaching cockatrice head-on.


    Without hesitation, he unleashed a [Sonic Blast], the powerful soundwave ripping through the air.


    The cockatrice screeched in agony as the force slammed into its body, sending it careening into a nearby cliff.


    More cockatrices began to converge on him, their cries echoing like a war chant.


    Alex''s sharp eyes narrowed as he reached into his inventory and pulled out a handful of [Blastshards]¡ªsmall, grenade-like stones pulsing with raw energy, hurling the shards toward the flock.


    And with a snap and flick of his wrist, he activated the bombs mid-air.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The explosions lit up the sky like fireworks, engulfing the cockatrices in fiery blasts.


    Feathers, flesh, and blood rained down like a crimson storm, painting the rocky cliffs below.


    The smell of scorched feathers filled the air as the wounded creatures spiraled downward, their wings too damaged to keep them aloft.


    As Alex darted through the chaos, [Eclipse Edge] gleamed in the sunlight, slashing through any cockatrice foolish enough to get too close and killing the injured ones.


    Every swing of his sword was precise and deadly.


    And paired with his quick reflexes and the agility granted by the [Glider''s Cloak], Alex was a force of nature in the air.


    To the onlookers he looked like a raging bat in the midst of his enemies, dominating an airborne battle against creatures born to rule the skies.


    His movements were a perfect balance of grace and brutality, weaving between attacks, striking down his foes, and dodging their desperate retaliations.


    Soon there were no more cockatrice in this sky and Alex grinned rather satisfactorily.


    Despite the intense fight, Alex found himself smirking as the mid-air battles against the oversized chickens was easier than he thought.


    He hadn''t even needed to enhance his attributes yet with his stats point.


    The battle was exhilarating, but it didn''t pushing him to his limits.


    However, Alex knew the real challenge was yet to come.


    The two cockatrice generals guarding the king''s lair would be a completely different story as they would both have special abilities. And the cockatrtice king himself.


    He quickly opened his system interface while evading another attack, glancing at the fifty stat points he had yet to allocate.


    On top of that, there were even more points he hadn''t spent from defeating the three generals earlier.


    Alex opened his system window, the glowing holographic display floating before him as he...


    =================


    Quick heads-up, readers!


    I realized I left out an important detail about creature rankings. While two creatures might share the same rank, their strength can vary significantly. Why? Because ranks are divided into three levels:


    - High (R)


    - Medium (Y)


    - Low (G)


    From now on, every introduced creature will have its rank level clearly specified. So don''t be surprised on seeing this symbols.


    I''ll also go back and update earlier chapters to include this detail where it was missing.


    Thanks for your support and for sticking with the story!

 Chapter 31 Devils Descent

    Alex opened his system window, the glowing holographic display floating before him as he scanned his current stats :[Stats]


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 50 [+5] [+10]


    Intelligence: 40


    Vitality: 45


    [Stat Points Available: 60]


    [Powerstones: 9]


    He smirked, his finger hovering over the agility stat:


    "If I''m going to outmaneuver that oversized turkey king, I''ll need to be faster than ever."


    With a decisive tap, he allocated 40 stat points into agility, effectively doubling it.


    Instantly, a surge of energy rippled through his body. His muscles tightened and refined, their density shifting.


    They didn''t grow bulkier¡ªif anything, his frame seemed leaner, more streamlined, like a runner honed for speed.


    He flexed his fingers, feeling the new power coursing through him. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t just strength¡ªhis entire body felt lighter, almost weightless.


    Even mid-air, as the wind rushed past him, he noticed the difference.


    Subtle adjustments to his glider''s wings became smoother and sharper.


    He tilted his body slightly, testing his maneuverability.


    To his delight, he turned effortlessly, slicing through the air with precision.


    "Not bad," Alex murmured, a grin tugging at his lips.


    He dipped low, then ascended sharply, executing a barrel roll just to test his newfound speed and control.


    The shift wasn''t dramatic enough to disrupt his glide, but it gave him an edge that felt almost unfair.


    He thought back to the cockatrice king¡ªit had been unnervingly fast, way too fast to keep up with, and that was a problem which was why he had put so many points into his Agility stat.


    As he felt the decision settle in, Alex couldn''t help but smirk, remembering something he''d told himself when he first started experimenting with the system:


    "You can harm what you can''t touch."


    He still believed that.


    If he could just stay out of reach, he could pick apart his enemies without ever giving them the chance to strike back.


    But there was more to do. Alex had to prepare for the intense battle ahead.


    So, he quickly allocated 20 points to Intelligence, making sure his mana reserves would be more than enough for the fight.


    The remaining points went to Strength¡ªhe needed more power to deal with any heavy hitters-- and he felt his body grow even sturdier and more powerful.


    Satisfied with his upgrades, Alex was about to close the stats window when a glowing notification blinked at the corner of his vision.


    He hadn''t had time to read it earlier because of the chaos with the cockatrice arriving.


    Ding!


    [You have reached Level 20]


    [You are now a D rank]


    [+5 to all stats]


    "Oh nice"


    [You have reached Level 20]


    [You have earned the chance to choose an ability from three options]


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    It seemed the system gave him an ability every time he hit a new milestone level.


    The system rewarded him with a special ability every ten levels, meaning when he hit Level 30 or 40, he''d get another shot at choosing out of three abilities.


    He read through the options, his curiosity piqued:


    [Ability Options]:


    [Foresight] [Shockwave Slash] [Ethereal Dodge]


    [Foresight: You can see 3 seconds into the future. Cost 1 Mana point per minute.]


    ...


    Alex''s eyes widened as he read the first skill, a rush of excitement flooding through him.


    He didn''t even need to look at the other options.


    The geeky side of Aex had kicked in full force after reading the description.


    "A Sharingan? No way I''m passing that up," he thought, grinning like a kid who just got his hands on a rare treasure.


    Without a second thought, he tapped the first one [Foresight] without bothering to read the description of the rest, and the choice was made.


    No hesitation.


    No need to check the others.


    It may be reckless, maybe even foolish, but Alex wasn''t worried.


    With this ability coupled with the insane speed he''d just gained, he could be a deadly force.


    With this boost in strength and his new ability, Alex felt more confident in the rematch with the cockatrice king.


    This fight was no longer going to be one-sided like the last one.


    He wasn''t the underdog anymore¡ªhe was the hunter, and the cockatrice king was his prey.


    Alex soared into the sky with newfound vigor and muttered to himself:


    "I''m coming for you, bird king."


    As he approached the cockatrice king''s lair, he spotted about a dozen of the feathered monsters diving down toward him.


    But Alex wasn''t fazed.


    He tightened his grip around [Eclipse Edge] the blade humming with power.


    At his level, these cockatrice were nothing more than mobs, just obstacles in his path.


    Meanwhile, the two generals, stationed outside the cockatrice king''s lair, heard the commotion below.


    The air was filled with strange sounds¡ªexplosions, the screeching of their kin, the chaotic flurry of battle.


    They exchanged wary glances as they wondered what was going on below and if the cockatrices were being attacked.


    But as much as they were curious, they couldn''t leave their post.


    They had been ordered to guard the lair, and nothing else, not even the most tempting chaos, could distract them from that duty.


    Behind them, the cockatrice king''s heir¡ªa tiny, precious egg¡ªlay nestled in the protection of the lair.


    The king had made it clear with his instruction:


    Guard the egg with your lives. Nothing else mattered.


    The cockatrice king didn''t even seem to mind the massive losses they''d sustained¡ªthree generals and nearly a hundred of their kin had fallen in battle.


    But the king had captured the one responsible, the human who''d done all this damage.


    And instead of executing him on the spot, he''d done something... unexpected.


    He had thrown the human into a prison, all to appease their god, hoping that some treasure or boon would be granted to make the king''s heir stronger.


    It was selfish, it was cowardly, and frankly, it wasn''t kingly at all¡ªbut who were they to question the decisions of the king?


    Strength ruled, and they were weak compared to their untouchable king.


    Suddenly, a gust of wind tore through the air, sharp and furious, yanking the generals from their thoughts.


    Their heads snapped up instinctively, searching the sky.


    But there was nothing.


    Then, without warning, a heavy thud echoed from behind them.


    They turned around, hearts racing, as they readied their feather blades.


    Then they saw his figure slowly solidified.


    His clothes were drenched in cockatrice blood, painting him in gruesome shades of red that made him look more beast than man.


    With a feral grin on his face that radiated a menace that rivaled the devil himself.

 Chapter 32 Fly Swatting

    The two cockatrice generals froze when they realized who was standing before them.It was the human who the one was supposed to be in the fortified cell rumored capable of holding monsters of B ranks.


    Their wide, shocked eyes darted to each other as they tried to process what they were seeing.


    That prison wasn''t just a cage. It was laced with powerful magical barriers, designed to be impenetrable.


    To escape, one would have to overcome both the barriers and Talvok, the general assigned to guard it.


    And Talvok wasn''t just any general; he was a seasoned warrior on the verge of breaking through to a C-rank.


    If Alex was here then it only meant one thing:


    Talvok must be dead.


    Their expressions darkened as the weight of that conclusion sank in.


    If this human had managed to defeat Talvok, then he was no ordinary foe.


    He had to be incredibly strong, perhaps stronger than either of them individually.


    The cockatrices tensed, feathers bristling, as they prepared for a fight they weren''t sure they could win.


    Alex stood there, completely unfazed.


    Cockatrice''s blood dripped from his face and clothes, a stark reminder of the chaos he''d left behind.


    His piercing gaze locked onto the two generals, calm and unwavering.


    To him, they were nothing more than another obstacle in his path.


    His demeanor wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was confidence earned through battle.


    Alex had fought and defeated three cockatrice generals before, and that was before he reached D-rank. Compared to the challenges he''d already overcome, these two weren''t a threat; they were just a warm-up.


    Even though the two cockatrice generals in front of Alex were high-level C-ranks, he didn''t feel the slightest concern.


    His strength had skyrocketed, and he doubted their ranks would make any difference in the fight to come.


    Alex took a single step forward, [Eclipse Edge] gleaming faintly under the light.


    The motion was subtle, but the effect was immediate, as both cockatrices flinched, their talons scraping against the rocky ground as they instinctively stepped back.


    Fear flickered in their glowing eyes.


    They were wary.


    Alex was an anomaly¡ªhis strength, his tactics, everything about him was unpredictable.


    Rushing in recklessly would only lead to their deaths, and they knew it.


    Their bodies were tense, feathers puffed as they tried to size him up.


    Alex, on the other hand, was calm and collected.


    His stance was firm, his eyes steady, and he showed no intention of making the first move. He waited, his blade pointed downward but ready.


    The tension was unbearable as neither side moved.


    But finally, one of the cockatrices snapped under the pressure and stepped forward, talons raised, preparing to strike.


    And that was all Alex needed.


    In a blur of motion, [Eclipse Edge] struck true, tearing into the beast''s fur and flesh with a sickening crunch.


    Blood sprayed as the cockatrice let out a guttural screech.


    "Gaah!"


    Its massive body crumbled to the ground in a heap, lifeless.


    The second cockatrice froze, its glowing eyes wide in utter shock. It stared at its fallen companion, trying to comprehend what had just happened.


    "Just like that?!"


    He didn''t even see the human move.


    "Dammit!" the cockatrice cursed internally, leaping backward as its throat began to glow, preparing to unleash a deadly [Sonic Howl].


    But before it could release the attack, Alex vanished from its sight.


    In the next instant, he appeared directly in front of the beast.


    His movement was so blindingly fast that the cockatrice hadn''t even registered it.


    Panic surged through the creature as it instinctively swung its feathered blades in a wild slash.


    The attack connected, but instead of piercing flesh, it rebounded.


    Alex had activated [Aegis Arcane], his magical barrier absorbing the strike without a scratch.


    The cockatrice''s glowing eyes widened in alarm. It immediately realized it was completely outmatched.


    This human¡­ he''s beyond me!


    Without hesitation, it tried to escape, flapping its powerful wings and turning to flee.


    But Alex wasn''t about to let it go.


    He shot forward like a missile, his hand wrapping around the cockatrice''s neck in an iron grip.


    With brutal strength, he yanked the bird toward him, slamming it to the ground with a deafening crack.


    The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the earth, creating a web of cracks beneath the beast.


    Feathers exploded into the air like a burst of fireworks.


    The cockatrice thrashed violently, screeching and flailing in an attempt to retaliate. It flapped its wings desperately, but Alex''s grip didn''t falter.


    He pressed it harder into the ground, pinning it with an almost inhuman force.


    Then, without warning, the feathers that had scattered into the air froze mid-flight.


    They twisted unnaturally and pointed downward, gleaming with deadly intent.


    The feathers rained down like razor-sharp darts, forcing Alex to release his grip and leap backward to avoid being skewered.


    The cockatrice didn''t waste a second.


    As soon as Alex moved, the beast scrambled to its feet and launched itself into the sky, wings flapping frantically.


    It thought it had escaped.


    For a brief moment, it felt relief as the ground grew distant beneath its talons.


    But before it could fly far, the cockatrice''s neck erupted in a gruesome spray of feathers and blood, its head separating cleanly from its body in a spiraling motion.


    The decapitated corpse fell off the sky and Alex got a notification:


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have received +5 Stat Points!]


    [You have received 1 Powerstone!]


    No skill this time?


    Alex thought to himself every time he had killed a high-rank cockatrice he had gotten a new skill.


    But this time...Alex figured it was because he had ranked up.


    It sucked but it didn''t matter as he still had his title to make him happy.


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received an additional +5 Stat Points!]


    [You have received an additional 1 Powerstone!]


    Alex exhaled deeply, his breath misting in the cool air as he dismissed [Eclipse Edge] into his inventory.


    In less than a minute, he had taken down two cockatrice generals¡ªan accomplishment that would''ve seemed impossible not long ago.


    He turned his gaze toward the cave entrance that the generals had fiercely guarded.


    The massive stone opening loomed before him, shadowed and mysterious, like a doorway into another world.


    Alex muttered, his tone calm but laced with anticipation: S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So this is the king''s abode."


    The cockatrice king wasn''t here¡ªAlex was certain of it.


    If the king had been inside, the chaotic battle outside would have drawn it out by now.


    But that only heightened Alex''s curiosity.


    With steady steps, Alex approached the cave, his boots crunching against the gravel.


    The air grew noticeably cooler as he entered, carrying a faint metallic tang.


    He couldn''t help but think back to the goblin cave he had cleared earlier.


    That place had been a nightmare: dark, cramped, and reeking of decay and filth.


    It was a testament to the chaotic, mindless nature of the goblins.


    This cave, however, was something else entirely.


    The walls were smooth and clean, etched with glowing runic symbols that pulsed with a faint, rhythmic light.


    Each rune seemed alive, humming softly with energy.


    The interior was spacious and organized, exuding a strange sense of refinement.


    It was the difference between a luxury mansion and a rundown shack in the slums.


    Alex ran his fingers along the smooth surface of the cave wall and mused aloud:


    "Not bad for a beast."


    He stopped placing his palm firmly against the wall using [Exploding Touch]:


    "But it''s too bad...I''m going to turn this neat little palace into a mess."

 Chapter 33 The Kings Abode

    "But it''s too bad...I''m going to turn this neat little palace into a mess."Alex moved methodically through the cave, planting small explosive charges along the walls and ceiling.


    As he continued deeper, the narrow passage suddenly widened into an enormous chamber.


    And the moment Alex stepped into the room, his jaw dropped in sheer disbelief.


    The entire space glowed with a radiant golden light, and it wasn''t coming from lamps or magical runes.


    The source of the glow was the massive piles of gold coins scattered across the floor, shimmering like liquid sunlight.


    Heaps of treasure were stacked as far as his eyes could see, sparkling with an almost hypnotic allure.


    Alex whispered, his voice barely audible as he stepped closer, eyes fixed on the nearest mound of coins:


    "So much¡­"


    His heart pounded as he crouched down, scooping up a handful of the glittering coins.


    The cool metal clinked softly in his palm, and the system immediately displayed the value:


    [212 gold coins.]


    A grin stretched across Alex''s face as he reached out with his other hand, grabbing an even larger handful.


    The system chimed again:


    [322 gold coins.]


    His hands trembled as he let the coins slip through his fingers, the weight of his newfound fortune sinking in.


    His body shuddered with exhilaration.


    "I''ve struck gold¡­ literally. I''m freaking rich!"


    Without wasting a second, Alex began pouring the coins in by the handful into his inventory. The treasure vanished into his storage space in a steady stream, the numbers in his system climbing rapidly.


    Coins clinked and jingled as he worked, his hands moving faster with each scoop. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thought of just how much gold he was amassing sent a thrill through him.


    He couldn''t stop grinning, his mind already racing with possibilities.


    "I''m going to wipe this place clean."


    He crouched by another pile of gold, his hands moving swiftly as he shoveled coins into his inventory.


    As he worked, he wondered what could a cockatrice possibly need all this gold for?


    That thought was interrupted when something caught his eye amidst the treasure¡ªa piece of clothing.


    He pulled it out, the fabric soft yet sturdy, with faint glowing runes stitched into it.


    [Dusk Overcoat: +10 Defense, +5 Speed]


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "A stat-boosting coat? Oh, you''re definitely coming with me."


    He tossed it into his inventory without hesitation.


    He kept digging, his hands brushing against another item¡ªa long, sleek staff. Its surface shimmered with a faint glow, exuding a quiet but powerful energy.


    The system chimed:


    [Staff of Power: Increases Mana by 30%.]


    "Oh, man," Alex gasped, holding the staff up to inspect it.


    "This would come in handy."


    He twirled it once before tossing it into his inventory.


    At this point, Alex was on a roll.


    He wasn''t just collecting¡ªhe was looting everything in sight. Coins, clothing, weapons, accessories¡ªit all disappeared into his inventory with rapid efficiency.


    He pulled out a pair of boots with agility boosts, a necklace that increased stamina regeneration, and even a ring that nullified minor curses.


    It didn''t matter if the items were impressive or mundane; if it wasn''t nailed down, Alex was taking it.


    "Why stop at gold?" he chuckled, picking up a golden goblet and examining its intricate design.


    Into the inventory, it went.


    As he continued, he realized he now had enough clothing to outfit an entire wardrobe. Coat, shirts, jackets, pants boots¡ªsome with unique buffs.


    He could now change into new clothes every day and Alex imagined himself strolling into battle in a different outfit every time.


    Alex scooped another handful of gold coins into his inventory, shaking his head as he considered the absurdity of it all.


    "Why on Earth would a giant bird need clothes or a wand?" he muttered, holding up a pair of boots.


    The mental image of a cockatrice strutting around in a coat was enough to make him chuckle.


    But he quickly dismissed the thought.


    Not that it matters. This is all a bonus¡ªa gift from the heavens.


    But then a cold truth settled over him, wiping the grin from his face.


    All this looting would mean nothing if he didn''t survive.


    There was no way the cockatrice king was going to let the robbery slide.


    Alex steeled his resolve and kept moving, methodically looting and planting bombs as he explored the chamber.


    His eyes scanned the area, sharp and calculating, looking for anything of real significance.


    That''s when he saw it.


    In the corner of the room, almost hidden, was an object placed on a glowing altar.


    It wasn''t the object itself that caught his attention at first, but the golden light radiating from the altar''s intricate runes.


    Curious, Alex moved closer, his steps cautious but steady.


    As he got nearer, the object came into focus: an egg.


    Its surface was smooth and iridescent, shimmering faintly with a soft golden hue.


    Alex''s heart skipped a beat as realization struck:


    "No way."


    This wasn''t just any egg¡ªit was the egg.


    The cockatrice king''s most prized treasure. Its heir.


    Alex crouched down, his eyes darting over the glowing runes etched into the altar.


    The magic was intricate, the patterns swirling as if alive, pulling energy from the very air around it.


    Alex''s gaze shifted from the glowing runes on the altar to the egg resting atop it, and the pieces began to fall into place.


    "This explains it," he murmured, glancing around at the scattered loot he''d collected earlier.


    Some of the clothing had been of embarrassingly low quality, barely worth the space in his inventory, and a few weapons felt so fragile they might shatter with a single swing.


    The altar wasn''t just a showpiece¡ªit was active, siphoning magic from everything within its reach.


    Anything that contained even the faintest traces of magical energy was slowly being drained to feed the egg.


    Alex turned back to the egg. H could feel the raw power radiating from it, faint but undeniable.


    The cockatrice king wasn''t just hoarding wealth for no reason¡ªit had poured everything it had into ensuring its offspring''s strength.


    For a brief moment, Alex almost admired the effort:


    "I''ll give it to you, King. You''re a good parent," he muttered, his hand hovering over the egg.


    But admiration didn''t change the facts.


    This wasn''t just the king''s treasure¡ªit was Alex''s greatest enemy in the making.


    With a deep breath, Alex placed his hand on the egg, feeling its cool, smooth surface beneath his fingertips.


    The moment he picked it up, a notification blazed across his vision.


    [Egg - Rank C (G)]


    Alex blinked in disbelief:


    "What the hell?" he muttered.


    An egg¡ªa seemingly ordinary egg¡ªhad the same rank as Talvok, the powerful general he''d taken down earlier.


    He shook his head in astonishment.


    He couldn''t help but think about Talvok.


    If that general had known about this egg, he would have lost his mind.


    The thought of something as unhatched and defenseless as an egg being on par with his own strength would have been an insult to his pride.


    He also had only just broken into Rank D himself. Yet here he was, holding an egg that was already considered stronger than him¡ªan egg that hadn''t even hatched yet.


    Seriously, how the hell is that even fair?


    He couldn''t deny it¡ªthe egg''s situation wasn''t ordinary.


    The cockatrice king had gone to extreme lengths, sacrificing resources and energy to boost its strength.


    The altar alone was proof of that.


    But still...


    Alex glanced back at the altar, its runes still faintly glowing:


    "Might as well take this too," he muttered, storing it in his inventory.


    "Who knows? It might come in handy someday. "


    His eyes shifted back to the egg, and a thought crept into his mind.


    What would happen if he broke it right now?


    Would he level up? Would he gain power like he did after defeating Talvok?


    The temptation gnawed at him, but so did something else¡ªa faint flicker of doubt.


    Destroying an unborn being just to grow stronger...


    It felt wrong.


    Horribly wrong.


    But this wasn''t a world where morality held much weight. It was a world of predators and prey, where the weak didn''t survive, and hesitation could get you killed.


    His grip tightened around the egg, conflicting thoughts battling for dominance.


    Meanwhile, the cockatrice king was a blur of motion, diving through the sky at breakneck speed.


    He had been hunting for treasure when he sensed Talvok''s presence had vanished.


    And just moments later, the auras of the two generals guarding the cave also disappeared.


    Someone¡ªor something¡ªhad invaded its domain, killed its generals, and now threatened its most prized treasure.


    The cockatrice king screeched in fury, wings beating furiously as it hurtled back home, its golden feathers catching the light like a blazing comet of vengeance.


    Murzok had initially thought the commotion was caused by one of his rivals daring to encroach on his territory.


    But when he felt Talvok''s presence vanish, he knew it had to be the human.


    Fury surged through him as he dove up the cliff.


    The wind howled around him, his golden feathers gleaming like molten fire under the faint light.


    He passed the corpses of one of his generals without a second glance as failures didn''t deserve his attention.


    In an instant, he swooped into the cavern''s grand opening, his talons ready to tear apart the intruder.


    But then he froze.


    The sight before him sent a jolt of rage and fear through his massive frame.


    Alex stood there, his figure illuminated by the golden glow of the egg.


    His expression was cold and unyielding, but it was what he held that froze Murzok in place.


    The egg.


    Alex''s dagger hovered mere inches from the delicate shell, its sharp tip poised to strike.


    And Murzok tensed, his wings flaring wide as if preparing to lunge, but Alex''s voice cut through the air like a blade:


    "Move, and I''ll turn your heir into scrambled yolk!"

 Chapter 34 Serious Threat

    "Move, and I''ll turn your heir into scrambled yolk!"Alex yelled, his voice echoing off the cavern walls.


    Murzok, froze momentarily, his fierce golden eyes narrowing as he processed the sight before him.


    The blade in Alex''s hand hovered dangerously close to the egg, his heir¡ªthe king''s most precious treasure.


    The air around Murzok seemed to ignite, his golden feathers radiating a fiery glow as his energy flared.


    Each step he took forward sent a ripple through the cavern, the sheer weight of his presence making the very ground tremble.


    Alex''s heart pounded in his chest.


    The confidence he''d built up began to falter as the cockatrice king closed the distance.


    Up close, Murzok was terrifying. His massive form loomed over Alex like a mountain, his razor-sharp talons clicking against the stone floor with every deliberate step.


    The air grew thick and heavy, making it hard to breathe.


    Alex clenched his jaw, trying to steady himself, but the sheer power of Murzok''s presence was overwhelming.


    Murzok''s voice erupted like thunder, shaking the very walls of the cavern:


    "You dare command me, the king of the skies? Who do you think you are, you insignificant worm?!"


    As the last word left his beak, Alex felt it¡ªa crushing force enveloped him.


    Ding!


    [You have been hit with a movement restriction skill by an enemy.]


    [You cannot move for 10 seconds.]


    Murzok had unleashed the same movement restriction skill he had used in their first battle.


    Alex''s body locked up, his muscles refusing to obey.


    It was as if invisible chains bound him, holding him in place.


    Panic surged through Alex as he realized he was frozen, completely at Murzok''s mercy.


    But then, he remembered: he wasn''t the same as before.


    He had grown stronger, leveled up, and gained new abilities. This wasn''t the end. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. He felt the restriction like a weight pressing down on him, but he also felt his own power, waiting to be unleashed.


    "Alex growled, his voice low but firm.


    And with a surge of willpower, he pushed against the invisible force, his entire body trembling as he fought back.


    The restriction skill resisted, tightening its grip, but Alex wasn''t giving up.


    Then, with a sharp crack, like glass shattering, the restriction broke.


    [Movement Restriction Skill Resisted]


    Alex barely had a moment to catch his breath before Murzok, the cockatrice king, closed the gap in an instant.


    A massive, glowing feather blade swept toward Alex''s neck with lethal precision. The sheer speed and power of the attack were terrifying, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp whistle.


    Reacting purely on instinct, Alex dropped low, his knees grazing the rocky floor as he ducked beneath the deadly strike.


    The blade narrowly missed him, its force sending a gust of wind that tousled his hair.


    Without hesitation, Alex pushed off the ground, moving like a blur to put distance between himself and Murzok.


    His speed was incredible, leaving a faint afterimage in the dim cave light.


    The cockatrice king''s feather blade hit nothing but air, but the energy from the missed strike surged forward like a shockwave.


    The sharp energy sliced into the cave wall, leaving a deep dent and causing debris to crumble and scatter.


    Alex reappeared on the opposite side of the cavern¡ªthe exact spot where Murzok had stood moments earlier.


    It was as though the two had swapped places in the blink of an eye.


    Murzok turned, his golden eyes narrowing dangerously.


    For the first time, the cockatrice king was truly observing Alex.


    His piercing gaze seemed to weigh every movement, every breath, every ounce of strength Alex had gained.


    Murzok''s intense glare bore into Alex, his feathers glowing brighter as his energy flared and the air in the cavern grew thick, almost suffocating.


    He let out a low growl, a sound that echoed ominously through the cave.


    Alex''s grip on his blade tightened as he stared back at the towering beast, sweat dripping down his temple.


    "You dared touch what is mine," Murzok snarled his voice a mixture of fury and disdain. "And for that, you''ll pay dearly."


    Alex watched the cockatrice king with a confident grin spreading across his face.


    He couldn''t help but feel a swell of satisfaction¡ªhe had dodged a strike that could have ended him in an instant.


    When Alex first encountered Murzok, he had been terrified, his legs trembling like jelly under the sheer presence of the massive beast. The memory of that one-sided beatdown still stung, but this time was different.


    This time, Alex had resisted the cockatrice king''s movement-restricting skill, and he''d been fast enough to evade the deadly feather blade.


    He didn''t feel entirely powerless and that was a good thing.


    But it wasn''t just his newfound strength giving him confidence¡ªit was the egg he held.


    The fragile treasure in his hands was Murzok''s weakness, a bargaining chip that Alex could use to level the playing field.


    After all, no good father or mother would risk harming their offspring.


    Wait... father or mother? Alex blinked, suddenly realizing he had no idea about cockatrice biology.


    Was Murzok a protective dad or an overbearing mom? The absurd thought of the hulking bird laying an egg crossed Alex''s mind, and he had to suppress a chuckle.


    Focus, Alex. Focus.


    His smirk vanished, replaced by a deadly serious expression.


    He held the egg higher, the tip of his blade hovering near its surface.


    "Disregarding my warning is a bad idea, Murzok," Alex said coldly, his voice steady despite the tension.


    Murzok''s golden eyes burned with fury, and the air seemed to ripple with his anger.


    The cockatrice king let out a low, menacing growl:


    "It''s King Murzok to you, you impudent whelp!"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he held the egg firmly in one hand, his dagger poised in the other.


    "You think I''m bluffing about destroying all your hard work? Fine. Watch closely," Alex said and without hesitation, he drove the dagger into the surface of the egg.

 Chapter 35 Devils Deal

    Without hesitation, Alex drove the dagger into the egg.The sound of metal against the fragile shell echoed in the cavern.


    The cockatrice king flinched, his golden eyes widening as he instinctively took a step forward.


    For a moment, terror flickered across his face, fearing the worst.


    But Alex had calculated his strike perfectly. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The dagger barely pierced the surface, leaving only a tiny crack that shimmered faintly in the dim light.


    "Oh, that was risky," Alex muttered, half to himself, as he inspected the crack. Then he looked up at Murzok with a cold grin.


    "But I think it gets the point across."


    "Have you gone mad!" Murzok roared, his voice reverberating like a thunderclap.


    His wings flared wide, making him seem even more imposing.


    Alex''s grin widened, his expression almost maniacal.


    "Oh, I''ve been mad for a while now."


    He paused, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light:


    "But maybe now you''ll understand, I''m dead serious about ending your bloodline."


    The cockatrice king scowled, his feathers bristling.


    Every instinct screamed at him to attack, to end this insolent human once and for all.


    But the egg¡ªhis most precious treasure, his legacy¡ªwas in Alex''s grasp, and one wrong move could shatter it completely.


    Murzok''s mind raced.


    How had it come to this? He regretted not finishing Alex when he had the chance.


    The human had been nothing but a nuisance, and now he was standing here, defiant, threatening everything Murzok held dear.


    The cockatrice king exhaled sharply, his frustration evident in the way his claws scratched against the rocky floor.


    Finally, he let out a reluctant sigh, his pride warring with the need to protect his offspring, the words tasting bitter on his tongue:


    "Fine. What do you want?" .


    Alex didn''t hesitate, his voice steady and sharp:


    "I want your head."


    The cockatrice king twitched at Alex''s demand, his razor-sharp talons scraping against the rocky floor as if ready to strike.


    But he held himself back, his blazing golden eyes locked onto Alex with pure hatred.


    Alex couldn''t help but chuckle, the sound echoing in the tense silence of the cave:


    "Oh, I''d love to take your head right here and now, but I doubt you''d give it to me. So, how about this instead? You let me leave this place unharmed, and I promise your precious egg stays in one piece."


    Murzok paused, his wings folding slightly as he appeared to consider the offer.


    But his hateful glare never wavered.


    After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, Murzok finally spoke, his voice low and seething with restrained fury:


    "Fine. I''ll let you leave. But drop the egg, and you can go."


    Alex raised an eyebrow and shook his head, his smirk widening:


    "Nope. I''m taking the egg with me."


    The cockatrice king''s frown deepened.


    "You think I''m stupid?" Alex said, his tone casual but with a sharp edge. "The second I put this egg down, you''ll swoop in and tear me apart without a second thought."


    "That''s certainly true," Murzok admitted his tone cold and measured.


    Alex blinked, surprised by the honesty.


    But then it clicked.


    He thinks I''m bluffing, Alex realized.


    Murzok wasn''t taking his threat seriously.


    He was simply confident¡ªno, arrogant.


    And believed Alex wouldn''t dare truly harm the egg, as in his eyes, the egg was Alex''s lifeline, the only thing keeping him alive.


    The cockatrice king saw no scenario where Alex could win.


    His sheer power was overwhelming, and the idea that Alex might defeat him wasn''t even on the table.


    Murzok''s next words only confirmed it:


    "Even though it''s true I''ll rip you apart. You still have to drop the egg."


    Alex furrowed his brow, his grip tightening on the fragile shell:


    "Why the hell would I let go of my only bargaining chip?"


    Murzok took a slow step forward, the air around him suffocating:


    "So you intend to take the egg with you? That, I cannot allow."


    Alex held his ground, his eyes narrowing:


    "Don''t worry. Once I''m far enough away, I''ll leave it somewhere safe for you to recover."


    The cockatrice king''s laugh was low and menacing, echoing through the cavern like the rumble of distant thunder:


    "You expect me to believe that? You''re either foolish or desperate. Likely both. You could easily leave with the egg... or kill it the moment you escape to devour its essence."


    Alex''s brow furrowed in genuine confusion:


    "Devour its essence? What are you even talking about?"


    The cockatrice king''s feathers bristled with hostility:


    "That''s how your kind grows stronger, is it not? The goddess Gaia told me about you."


    Alex stiffened at the mention of a goddess.


    "Gaia?" he echoed, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.


    Murzok''s eyes burned with contempt:


    "I''m not here to answer your questions, invader. Release the egg now, or face the consequences."


    Alex''s mind raced. Gaia?


    He recalled Apollo''s warnings about higher beings in this world.


    So this Gaia knew about players¡ªpeople like him.


    Did she share that knowledge with the creatures of this world? If so, it explained why Murzok seemed so well-informed.


    This world isn''t as disconnected as I thought, Alex realized.


    The creatures might have some kind of link to these higher beings, a way to monitor what was happening.


    If that was true, Alex would have to tread carefully moving forward.


    Drawing too much attention was a risk he couldn''t afford.


    But considering the chaos he''d caused¡ªthe dead cockatrices and the generals¡ªit was too late to stay under the radar.


    He just hoped this Gaia doesn''t take an interest in him.


    Alex sighed deeply, shaking off his thoughts and he said, his voice laced with cold authority:


    "You seem to be making a mistake here, Murzok. You don''t make the demands here."


    He leveled a steely glare at the cockatrice king:


    "You''re in no position to."


    Murzok''s eyes narrowed at Alex''s arrogant remark, his piercing gaze sharpening as if to dissect the human standing before him.


    His feathers quivered, radiating tension and anger.


    And he sneered, his voice thick with disdain:


    "Oh? And why is that?"


    Alex placed a hand on his forehead in mock weariness, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. Then said with his tone dripping with faux pity:


    "Oh, Murzok¡­you really shouldn''t have asked me that."


    Alex''s lips curled into a sly grin, and slowly he raised his hand, his fingers poised as though ready to snap:


    "You''ll regret it."

 Chapter 36 Tasty Egg

    With a confident grin, Alex snapped his fingers.And in an instant, the closest explosion to Murzok detonated with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves through the air.


    The blast sent a rush of heat and debris in every direction, but Alex didn''t wait around to see the aftermath.


    He was already on the move.


    His feet pounded the ground as he triggered a series of explosions he had strategically set up earlier.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The sound echoed through the cave, each blast closer than the last.


    Alex''s [Fast and Furious] skill flared to life, making him move at blistering speed, a blur of motion.


    Though he had [Flame Immunity] now, protecting him from most fire-based attacks, Alex didn''t want to test the limits.


    He wasn''t a masochist, after all.


    And more importantly, he couldn''t afford to get scorched, as he was still holding the cockatrice egg¡ªhis lifeline¡ªand he''d be damned if it got damaged.


    The explosions rumbled behind him like a relentless wave of destruction, but Alex was already out of the cave, his speed and skill keeping him just ahead of the blast radius.


    As he reached the cave''s edge, he leaped into the air, activating his [Glider Cloak].


    In a flash, wings erupted from the cloak, stretching wide and catching the air.


    Alex''s descent turned into a controlled glide, and he dove down, putting distance between himself and the chaos he''d left behind.


    He didn''t believe for a second that the explosions would take down Murzok¡ªafter all, the cockatrice king was no ordinary creature.


    But he hoped, at the very least, that it would slow him down, give him the opening he needed.


    With the egg safely tucked under his arm, Alex sped toward the ground, praying the damage would be enough to make Murzok hesitate, even if just for a moment.


    Raaarkh!!


    The terrifying roar echoed behind Alex, sending a jolt of adrenaline through his veins.


    Even though he was grinning, his heart hammered wildly in his chest.


    He didn''t need to look to know what was coming.


    With a blast of wind and a shower of rocks, the cockatrice king shot out of the cave.


    Some of its feathers were charred, but despite the scorch marks, the cockatrice was far from defeated¡ªits wounds were minor, easily ignored.


    The beast dove down, its massive wings cutting through the air with a shrill screech, a blur of fury and hatred.


    Its eyes locked onto Alex with a burning intensity, and Alex could feel the murderous rage radiating from it.


    The cockatrice king was determined to rip him to shreds.


    Alex''s senses flared, his instincts screaming at him.


    He could feel the presence of the cockatrice drawing closer, the weight of its fury pressing down on him.


    He gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on the egg.


    It''s coming fast. Too fast.


    He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes locking onto the cockatrice as it closed the distance with terrifying speed.


    "Human! Hand over what you stole right now!" the cockatrice roared, its voice booming through the air.


    Alex smirked, his confidence flaring in the face of the oncoming threat:


    "Quit wasting your breathe. You know I won''t do that."


    The cockatrice let out a shriek of pure rage:


    "Then die!"


    Without warning, the cockatrice king unleashed a deadly energy blade, slicing through the air toward Alex with a shriek.


    The blade crackled with power, its destructive force unmistakable.


    Alex''s heart raced, but he didn''t panic.


    With a swift motion, he deactivated his [Glider Cloak] and snapped into action.


    His body moved with fluid grace as he spun midair, twisting just out of the path of the energy blade.


    The slash barely missed him, its power singing past his ear as it tore through the air with a deafening whoosh.


    He then turned to face the cockatrice, holding the egg before him.


    "Try firing another one of those blades, and I might just be tempted to use your baby as a meat shield," Alex taunted, his eyes narrowing.


    The cockatrice king snarled, its eyes flashing with fury:


    "You bastard."


    Without warning, the beast let out a deafening howl, more powerful and guttural than anything Alex had ever heard from a cockatrice before.


    The sheer force of the sound seemed to vibrate through the air, sending shivers down Alex''s spine.


    His instincts kicked in, and he activated his [Glider Cloak] and immediately dove forward, narrowly avoiding the blast wave that followed the howl.


    The force of the cockatrice''s cry tore through the air behind him, sending gusts of wind that whipped at his back.


    He could feel the tremor of the wave, but he didn''t let it slow him down.


    As Alex hurtled toward the ground, he could feel the cockatrice king closing in, its monstrous wings flapping with terrifying speed.


    The beast was getting closer, too close and Alex''s mind raced.


    With a swift motion, he reached into his pack, pulling out a few [Blastshards].


    Without missing a beat, he hurled them backward, aiming for the cockatrice''s path.


    Boom!


    The explosion rocked the air, a brilliant flash of light and sound as the blast hit the cockatrice directly.


    The force of the impact sent the creature skidding backward, its massive body tumbling through the air for a brief moment.


    The cockatrice screeched in pain and surprise, momentarily stunned by the blast.


    As the cockatrice reeled from the explosion, Alex landed in the dense forest below, his boots crunching against the leaves.


    He exhaled, the tension finally easing from his body.


    "Finally land."


    He was on solid ground now, but he knew this fight was far from over.


    The cockatrice also king landed in front of Alex with a heavy thud, its claws digging into the forest floor.


    Its eyes were burning with fury, its wings unfurling in a menacing display.


    Alex then began to speak:


    "This forest brings flashbacks, It''s where I massacred a lot of your kin."


    "You bast¡ª" the cockatrice began, but Alex cut him off with a casual gesture.


    "Hmm, hmm... calm down. You don''t want to be the one to destroy everything you''ve built," Alex said rubbing the egg, his voice smooth, almost mocking.


    The cockatrice''s eyes flashed with outrage, and it lunged forward, wings flaring as it hissed: "I''ve had enough from you already. What''s your plan, huh? You''re not going to survive this."


    Alex stood his ground, coolly watching the cockatrice''s furious approach.


    He dropped the egg to the ground and placed his foot on it.


    The cockatrice flinched, its eyes wide with shock and fear.


    "Hold on, give me a second," Alex muttered under his breath, a grin creeping across his face as he reached for his gear.


    He slipped on his Fury Gauntlet, its weight familiar and comforting.


    The gauntlet hummed with power, enhancing his physical strength.


    He then pulled on a special coat he had taken from the cave that boosted his strength and speed by 10 points, adjusting it with practiced ease.


    Next, he slipped on stat-boosting rings, feeling the surge of energy as it enhanced his stats.


    As he finished dressing, Alex locked eyes with the cockatrice, his grin widening.


    The cockatrice hissed, its feathers bristling:


    "Using the items you stole from me to boost your strength? Pathetic."


    He raised an eyebrow as he stared down the cockatrice, his eyes full of confidence:


    "I have no choice, after all, I''m a weakling in another world. Which is why I need to play dirty," Alex said, his voice smooth as he lifted the egg with his foot, catching it in his hand with a swift motion.


    The cockatrice''s eyes narrowed, taking a step forward, clearly sensing the danger.


    "You''re right, Murzok. I''m really pathetic." Alex''s tone was mocking his grip firm on the egg and the cockatrice could tell what Alex was about to do.


    "Stop!" the cockatrice shouted, its voice tinged with panic. "Don''t do...


    "You said something about consuming the essence of my egg?" Alex cut him off with a cold smirk.


    "I said stop!" Murzok yelled, desperation creeping into his voice. His wings flared, and his feathers rustled with rage.


    "You shouldn''t have."


    "You bastard!!"


    Without warning, the cockatrice dove at him, its claws extended, fury written across its face. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex was ready.


    He activated Aegis Arcane, a shimmering barrier of magic forming around him just in time.


    The cockatrice''s deadly energy blade slashed at Alex, but the barrier reflected the attack back.


    The cockatrice shrieked in surprise as its own attack hit it square in the chest, sending it reeling back.


    Alex grinned:


    "It''s been a while since I''ve eaten an egg. Though it might be raw, it''ll do."


    With a sudden movement, Alex crushed the egg in his fist, the shell cracking with a sharp crunch. The yolk and whites spilled out, and without hesitation, he lifted the mixture to his mouth and began to gulp it down.


    The cockatrice watched in horror as Alex casually devoured the contents of its precious egg, a symbol of the creature''s most prized possession, and possibly its last hope.

 Chapter 37 Goddess Who?

    Alex tilted his head back and downed the yolk in one go, ignoring the slimy texture as it slid down his throat:''Consume everything,'' he said to himself inwardly.


    ''Leave nothing left.''


    He slurped at the egg with an intensity that could only be described as desperate.


    It wasn''t elegant.


    It was primal like a starved beast finally finding sustenance.


    He was gulping it down as if his very survival depended on it, and to some extent, it did.


    The taste was unlike anything he''d ever experienced¡ªrich, invigorating, and oddly satisfying.


    The yolk coated his mouth with warmth, and the whites, though slimy, left a tingling sensation that coursed through his body. It felt as though every sip was pumping raw energy into his veins.


    His senses sharpened, his muscles tightened, and his mind became razor-focused. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, it happened.


    Ding!


    A familiar notification echoed in his mind, and Alex froze momentarily.


    [You have killed the Cockatrice King''s offspring.]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have received 10 stat points.]


    [You have received 2 Powerstones.]


    [You have received Gaia''s Blessing:]


    +5 to all stats, new skill: [Stone Face]


    [Stone Face]: You can transform your foes into rock by maintaining eye contact for 5 uninterrupted seconds. Returning them to normal requires the same condition.


    Alex wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, his lips curling into a smug grin as the notifications filled his vision.


    Cracking and consuming the egg had paid off big time in ways he hadn''t imagine.


    A smirk formed on Alex''s face as he realized the enormity of what had just happened. Not only had he leveled up twice, but he''d also gained stat boosts comparable to when he ranked up to D-rank and an ability that practically made him Medusa.


    "This is insane," he muttered, clenching and unclenching his fists as raw energy coursed through him.


    But just as he was basking in his newfound power, another notification popped up.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in...]


    [You have received an additional 10 stat points.]


    [You have received 2 Powerstones.]


    [Additional +5 to all stats.]


    Alex froze, his smirk widening into a grin.


    This couldn''t be real.


    He was getting another boost? It felt like Christmas morning.


    "This just keeps getting better," he said, flexing his arms as his body adapted to the exponential growth in strength.


    Then, another notification appeared, and his excitement peaked.


    [Apocalypse Baby demands another ability from Gaia.]


    [Gaia refuses...]


    "What?" Alex blinked, his grin faltering. "That''s... was new."


    The next notification sent a chill down his spine.


    [Apocalypse Baby threatens Gaia.]


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    "Eh yo...what the hell?! Don''t force her!" he exclaimed.


    The last thing he wanted was to provoke the wrath of a deity.


    Another notification followed, and Alex could almost feel the tension in the air.


    [Gaia has no choice.]


    [Gaia unwillingly accepts.]


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath:


    "This isn''t good. This isn''t good at all..."


    Finally, the last notification arrived, and Alex let out a nervous laugh.


    [You have received the skill Earth Dive.]


    [Skill: You can swim through the earth like water and remain submerged for 20 seconds.]


    Alex froze, his mind racing.


    He wasn''t sure if he should feel thrilled or terrified about this new skill.


    The realization had hit him like a thunderbolt. His title¡ªApocalypse Baby¡ªhad just picked a fight with a literal god and won.


    His eyes narrowed as questions flooded his mind:


    "What even is this title? Is it just a name? A position? Or some kind of entity with its own will?"


    He shook his head, frustration bubbling under the surface as he had no answer.


    Whatever it was, it had gone head-to-head with Gaia and forced her to comply.


    And that--though cool--Alex thought grimly, was not a good thing for him.


    This Gaia lady''s eyes will certainly be set on him for sure from now on, if it isn''t already is.


    And Alex knew there will be repercussions for it. It it would most likely be bad.


    As gods were known to have an ego. At least the gods he read about.


    "Shit!"


    Alex cursed but then the cockatrice king voice sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts:


    "You bastard!"


    Turning, Alex caught sight of the enraged cockatrice.


    Its burning eyes locked onto him, radiating pure hatred.


    The feathers on its body bristled, some still smoldering from earlier explosions. Alex could almost feel the murderous intent radiating from the beast.


    Alex held back the urge to swallow hard.


    He didn''t need to be a mind reader to know the cockatrice was seconds away from tearing him apart.


    Steeling himself, Alex called out, "System, add 20 points to strength and 10 to vitality!"


    He still had ten points as a reward for killing the cockatrice''s guarded Murzoks cave so he used them up all together.


    The familiar chime of the system rang in his ears as the allocation took effect.


    A wave of energy coursed through him.


    The cockatrice king reared back, letting out an ear-piercing screech.


    Its talons dug into the ground, and its wings flared wide.


    "No... no, no, no, NO!"


    Murzok let out a deafening scream, a mix of despair and rage that echoed through the forest like thunder.


    "What... what did you do?" he roared, his voice trembling with disbelief.


    Alex casually wiped the remnants of yolk off his lips, his expression a mix of fake guilt and amusement:


    "I ate your kid, man. I''m sorry!"


    The cockatrice''s eyes widened in shock before narrowing in unbridled fury: "No!"


    Murzok screeched again, throwing his massive wings to the sky as he staggered backward, his body trembling with raw emotion.


    Alex stood there nonchalantly, licking the remaining yolk off his fingers like it was the best thing he''d ever tasted.


    He watched Murzok''s meltdown without an ounce of remorse.


    In fact, he almost found it entertaining.


    The giant bird flailed about, shaking its head violently as if trying to wake up from a nightmare.


    It was a sight to behold¡ªthe once-mighty cockatrice king, brought to madness by grief.


    Alex couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.


    Thinking if he were back in the real world right now, he''d totally be recording this, framing Murzok''s tantrum in the air in 4K and uploading it.


    It would break the internet.


    But then Alex''s grin faded slightly as he tried to feign some sincerity:


    "Look, you kinda pushed me into it. It wasn''t intentional, okay?"


    Murzok froze mid-stagger and slowly turned to face Alex, his glowing eyes burning with murderous intent. If looks could kill, Alex would''ve been reduced to ash on the spot.


    "Wasn''t intentional?" Murzok''s voice dropped to a guttural growl, his talons digging deep into the dirt.


    "Wasn''t intentional!"


    "You don''t have to say it twice, my ears hurt."


    "It was supposed to be me!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the ground. "It was supposed to be mine!"


    Alex furrowed his brow, the cockatrice''s words gnawing at him.


    Something about the statement felt rather odd.


    ''Supposed to be mine? What the hell was supposed to mean?''


    "The blessing from Gaia was supposed to be mine! I worked so hard!" Murzok''s voice quivered with rage and desperation, his eyes wild.


    Alex''s curiosity peaked, and he almost blurted out:


    "What the hell do you mean by that?"


    Murzok tone dripped with bitterness:


    "I was going to wait. Wait until it hatched and then consume it for maximum harvest. The ultimate reward for all my efforts. But you¡­"


    The cockatrice turned to Alex, his glare sharp enough to pierce steel:


    "You...you ruined it all."


    Alex''s eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to process what he''d just heard.


    The reveal hitting him like a truck.


    He hadn''t expected the twist at all.


    "Wait, what? Wow." Alex couldn''t find the words.


    He placed both hands on his waist:


    "And here I thought you were some noble, protective father."


    He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head:


    "You just wanted to eat your kid? That''s¡­ that''s disgusting man! You''re unbelievable!"


    Murzok ignored the insult heck he wasn''t even listening. There was no point as Alex was a dead man in his eyes.


    His talons scraped against the ground, his body trembling with fury:


    "You... This forest will be your graveyard. I promise you that."


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk, his confidence overflowing:


    "Nah, I''m not dying by your hand, you sick freak."


    The cockatrice''s voice dropped into a menacing growl:


    "We''ll see about that."


    Murzok crouched low, his muscles coiled, preparing to strike.


    But Alex struck first.


    ----


    A/N


    Hello readers, so I''m here today to get your opinion as to what numbers of chapters you would prefer. Would you rather you get two chapters of a shorter word count or a single one like this one which is the longer version. Let me know what you guys think in the comment. And also note that I would drop updates on uploading bonus chapters but that would depend on the support I get. So without stealing your attention for too long proceed with the reading.

 Chapter 38 Overwhelmed

    Alex''s blade ripped through the air with deadly precision, slicing through the cockatrice''s cheek as the creature darted to the side in a blur of feathers and rage.His heart raced, but his mind was as calm as ever. Alex had activated Foresight, his irises glowing a vibrant blue as he saw a couple seconds of the future unfold in front of him.


    He knew exactly what Murzok was about to do¡ªrelease a barrage of razor-sharp feather blades from its wings.


    But Alex wasn''t waiting around for that. He moved first. His blade, Eclipse Edge, cut through the air and aimed straight for the cockatrice''s head.


    The strike would''ve been fatal¡ªif only it had connected.


    But at the last possible moment, Murzok''s insane reaction speed kicked in.


    The cockatrice jerked its head back, narrowly avoiding the deadly arc of Alex''s sword.


    Murzok launched itself back into the air, its wings flapping with a deafening roar before charging at Alex, who also ran toward him.


    He wasn''t going to give Murzok a chance to recover. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The bird was momentarily disoriented, and Alex knew this was his window.


    This was his chance to deal a devastating blow before Murzok regained his composure.


    He held Eclipse Edge with both hands, his grip tight, ready to rain down hell on the cockatrice.


    The cockatrice howled, feathers flaring with a surge of anger, and Alex activated Earth Swim, feeling the ground give way beneath him as if he was sinking into water.


    His body dropped into the earth, the dirt and rock slipping past him with ease.


    In an instant, Alex shot back up, propelled by the earth itself like a spring-loaded missile.


    He burst from the ground in front of Murzok, his momentum carrying him high.


    And shouted:


    "Surprise!"


    Before twisting midair and slamming his boot into the cockatrice''s face.


    The impact was brutal.


    Murzok''s head snapped to the side, and the massive bird tumbled to the ground, kicking up dirt and leaves in its wake.


    Alex landed lightly, his eyes locked on the fallen beast.


    As Murzok staggered back to its feet, it saw glowing rocks scattered around.


    And a snap later, the rocks detonated in a thunderous explosion, shrouding the area in smoke and debris.


    But the cockatrice-like shadow shot out of the fumes, feathers blazing, its eyes burning with fury. It unleashed a barrage of razor-sharp feather blades, each slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    Alex moved like liquid, weaving through the onslaught predicting the blades'' paths.


    His Foresight ability illuminated each attack in his mind, allowing him to sidestep and duck with near-superhuman agility.


    But the intensity of the blade release increased.


    And the sheer number of blades became overwhelming, forcing Alex to make a split-second decision.


    With a quick breath, he activated Earth Swim once again and dove into the ground, vanishing from sight just as a wave of blades struck where he had been standing.


    This time, Alex had a plan.


    Instead of surfacing elsewhere, he tunneled beneath the cockatrice, feeling the vibrations of its massive talons through the earth.


    He reached up, his hands wrapping around one of the bird''s scaly legs.


    With a powerful yank, Alex pulled the cockatrice downward.


    The beast screeched in confusion and fury as half its body was dragged into the earth, its wings flailing helplessly.


    Alex then surfaced a few feet in front of the immobilized creature.


    His hand shot out, aiming to touch the cockatrice''s crown, but Murzok wasn''t done yet. Blades erupted from half its body in a sudden, desperate attack.


    Alex''s Foresight flashed, warning him just in time, and he leaped back, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.


    But he had missed one


    Pain lanced through his side as one of the feather blades found its mark, grazing him deeply. Alex hissed, clutching his side as blood seeped through his fingers.


    The cockatrice howled, its cries echoing through the battlefield.


    With a burst of raw power, it shattered the earth around it, freeing itself from the ground.


    Dust and debris swirled as it rose, towering over Alex once more.


    The bird''s fiery eyes locked onto Alex:


    "Even with Gaia''s blessing," it taunted, its voice dripping with disdain, "you''re still weak."


    Alex wiped the blood off his cheek with the back of his hand, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Am I? You won''t be saying that in the next ten seconds."


    Murzok''s fiery eyes narrowed as it let out a screech of rage. The cockatrice dove at Alex with incredible speed, activating its movement restriction skill. Alex froze mid-step, his muscles locking up as if invisible chains were holding him in place.


    The cockatrice''s bladed wings reared back, ready to deliver a devastating strike.


    But Alex wasn''t going down that easily. With sheer willpower and a surge of mana, he shattered the restriction just as it locked in place.


    "Nice try," he muttered, diving into the ground with Earth Swim a split second before the blade struck. The attack sliced through the air where his head had been, close enough to trim a few strands of his hair.


    Alex resurfaced behind the cockatrice and lunged, aiming to touch its head once more.


    The bird, anticipating his move, leaped into the air with a powerful flap of its wings, unleashing a deafening sonic howl. The shockwave struck the ground like a bomb, creating a massive crater and sending debris flying in all directions.


    But Alex was already elsewhere, reappearing unharmed a short distance away. He dusted off his coat and smirked. "It''s been ten seconds," he said, his voice calm but dripping with confidence. "Time to lose a leg."


    With a snap of his fingers, the trap he had planted on Murzok''s leg detonated.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion echoed through the battlefield. The cockatrice let out a bloodcurdling screech as its leg was obliterated, chunks of flesh and feathers scattering. The massive bird toppled, crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud, the impact shaking the ground.


    Murzok writhed in pain, his remaining talon clawing at the ground as he tried to stabilize himself.


    Murzok groaned in agony, the searing pain from its missing leg clouding its thoughts. It hadn''t anticipated the attack¡ªit didn''t even realize when Alex had set the trap.


    The cockatrice''s eyes darted down to its maimed leg, blood dripping onto the ground. Then it clicked.


    "His ability... it must make things he touches explode," Murzok muttered, piecing it together.


    The realization sent a chill through the massive bird. Alex wasn''t just quick on his feet; he was far more dangerous than Murzok had assumed.


    A flicker of movement caught its eye. Murzok''s feathers bristled as more of Alex''s glowing Blastshards came whizzing toward it. With a grunt of effort, the bird leaped to the side, balancing precariously on its one remaining leg.


    BOOM!


    The shards detonated nearby, blasting dirt and smoke into the air. The shockwave sent Murzok stumbling, but it narrowly avoided taking another direct hit.


    Breathing heavily, the cockatrice scanned the battlefield, its sharp gaze darting from one spot to another.


    "He''ll strike from below again," Murzok growled to itself, flaring its wings in preparation. It hopped backward, keeping one eye on the ground, fear tightening its chest.


    The memory of Alex''s hand gripping its leg flashed in Murzok''s mind. That must have been the moment. The human had planted the trap right under its nose.


    "Dammit!"


    Suddenly, a shockwave of sound blasted through the air.


    "Sonic Howl!"


    The devastating sound wave slammed into Murzok, sending ripples through the ground. The bird screeched, feathers flying as it recoiled in pain.


    It flapped its wings furiously, retaliating with a screech of its own, but its attack struck only empty air.


    Alex was nowhere to be seen.


    The cockatrice''s heart pounded as paranoia set in. The battlefield was silent except for the ringing in its ears. It scanned wildly, its body tense and ready to strike.


    Alex moved like a shadow, his Stealth Walk ability rendering him nearly invisible against the chaotic backdrop.


    Murzok growled in frustration, his remaining leg shaking under the strain.


    "Dammit," he cursed through gritted teeth. The pain from his missing limb burned like fire, clouding his mind and making it nearly impossible to focus on tracking Alex''s movements.


    And then it happened.


    Alex blitzed forward, his speed blinding. His blade gleamed in the faint light, slicing through the air with deadly precision. His target: Murzok''s head.


    The cockatrice barely reacted in time, leaping backward in a frantic bid to evade the attack. But Alex''s gaze had already revealed Murzok''s next move.


    Adjusting his trajectory mid-sprint, Alex closed the gap with terrifying precision, his hand poised to touch the bird''s head and set another explosive trap.


    But Murzok wasn''t done yet. Desperation ignited its instincts. With a powerful, clumsy roll, the cockatrice managed to evade Alex''s strike. Dirt and feathers flew as it scrambled to its feet.


    Before Alex could follow up, Murzok made a move that left him stunned¡ªit started to run.


    Alex froze mid-step, blinking in disbelief.


    "Is it... running away?" he muttered, almost amused by the sight.


    Murzok, panting heavily, suddenly skidded to a stop. Its pride flared, shame boiling within its chest.


    "Me? Running away from a human?" the cockatrice snarled in disbelief.


    Before it could recover, a sharp pain exploded in its thigh. Murzok let out a guttural groan, glancing down to see a jagged piece of metal embedded in its flesh.


    It whipped its head around in panic.


    But Alex was gone again.


    Fear gripped Murzok like a vice. His chest heaved as his eyes darted across the battlefield, trying to spot the elusive human.


    "What''s this?" Murzok muttered trembling.


    ''Am I afraid?''

 Chapter 39 New Form

    Murzok''s gaze darted in every direction, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of Alex.Left. Right. Below. Above.


    The cockatrice thought, panic rising in his chest.


    "Where is he?"


    His massive body trembled as the tension built, his powerful legs aching from constant movement.


    The pain from his injury gnawed at him, making every step more difficult, more desperate.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    He, the king of his species, had been reduced to this¡ªa frantic, cornered beast.


    And by what? A mere human?


    Murzok snarled, leaping to the side, then dashing forward.


    His instincts screamed at him to keep moving; Alex could appear from anywhere.


    His wings flared out, ready to strike, but hesitation slowed him.


    He was losing his composure.


    Then, out of nowhere, a Blastshard whistled through the air, landing mere feet from him.


    Boom!


    The explosion sent a shockwave rippling through the ground.


    And Murzok leaped to avoid the brunt of it, but the force still hit him, throwing him off balance.


    He hit the ground hard, feathers scattering around him.


    Pain shot through his body as he struggled to rise, its single leg trembling beneath his weight.


    "Get up! Move! Now!" his mind screamed, but it was too late.


    The ground erupted just in front of him, and Alex shot up like a predator springing from a trap.


    A wicked grin spread across Alex''s face as he locked eyes with the stunned cockatrice.


    His hand¡ªsteady, deliberate, and merciless¡ªreached out, aimed directly for Murzok''s face.


    Murzok froze.


    In that split second, the so-called king of his species knew: He''d been had.


    The moment Alex''s palm hovered inches from Murzok''s face, it felt like time slowed.


    If his hand connected, it would be over.


    Unless he killed Alex in time, the explosion would end him immediately.


    But that seemed impossible now as one of his legs was gone.


    Alex''s hand hovered closer, the final strike just moments away.


    Murzok''s body trembled, and in his last desperate move, he squeezed his eyes shut.


    "It''s over..." Murzok thought.


    "Not."


    With a primal scream, Murzok roared:


    "Like hell, I''m going to die to a measly human!"


    With a piercing screech that rattled the forest, a freezing gust erupted from Murzok''s body like a desperate last stand.


    The icy blast hit Alex square in the chest, the sheer force hurling him backward.


    Caught completely off guard, Alex tumbled through the air, spinning uncontrollably as the frost clung to his clothes and skin.


    His body slammed into the ground, skidding to a stop just before hitting a tree, his back softly colliding with it.


    The cold numbed his arms as he struggled to push himself upright, his breath visible in the chilled air. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Seriously?" Alex groaned, wiping frost from his face.


    His teeth chattered slightly as he glared at the towering cockatrice.


    "Why can''t you just die easily?"


    Alex groaned, gripping his forehead as a sharp pain pulsed through his temples.


    His eyes burned, the strain from using his ocular ability for too long catching up to him.


    "Great," he muttered, blinking rapidly to shake off the discomfort. But he quickly reminded himself, his regeneration and near-unlimited stamina would handle it. This was far from over.


    He turned his gaze to Murzok, whose body was now emitting waves of icy energy.


    The air grew heavier, the chill biting into Alex''s skin as frost crept across the ground.


    Trees crackled and groaned as a layer of ice covered their bark.


    The cockatrice''s cold fumes froze everything in its wake.


    But then, something unexpected happened.


    Murzok began to slow, his massive frame trembling as the icy aura intensified.


    His breaths were labored, his movements sluggish, and to Alex''s surprise, the ice started to consume the cockatrice itself.


    Ice crawled up the bird''s legs, spreading across its wings and torso.


    Its feathers sparkled as frost encased them, and Murzok''s fierce glare never wavered despite the cold overtaking his body.


    Alex narrowed his eyes realizing the avian beast was undergoing some sort of transformation.


    But he wasn''t going to let it happen,


    Alex gripped his sword tightly, ready to strike but as he lunged forward, his instincts screamed at him, and he froze mid-step, his body stiffening.


    With Foresight still activated, he had seen that as he took a couple of steps forward, the freezing aura oozing out of the cockatrice king would have swallowed him whole, turning his body into an icy statue.


    "Damn it," Alex muttered, stepping back.


    He pulled out a handful of Blastshards and hurled them toward the freezing bird.


    But before they could land the blastshards froze mid-flight.


    Alex frowned as the bombs dropped to the ground, encased in ice.


    The countdown timer on the shards was frozen in place, locked in suspended animation.


    "Are you kidding me?"


    Alex let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration mounting as he realized there was nothing he could do but wait.


    It was as time around the cockatrice king had stopped.


    It was infuriating, and the worst part was that he could only stand by as the transformation continued.


    "Dammit," Alex cursed in frustration.


    He had no doubts that whatever form the cockatrice king was evolving into would be something dangerous. Something overwhelmingly powerful.


    For a brief moment, Alex considered retreating and trying again later.


    But the thought evaporated as quickly as the icy mist forming in front of his face with each exhale.


    The [Rooster Curse] still clung to him like a bad omen, and as long as it did, the cockatrice king could track him wherever he went.


    Besides, Alex was done running.


    The endless pursuit by these monstrous birds had worn him thin mentally.


    He was sick of the constant ambushes, and the gnawing sense of being prey.


    This ends here.


    His decision made, Alex surveyed the area. The once lush forest had transformed into a frozen wasteland.


    The ground crunched under his boots, now blanketed in a thick layer of frost.


    Trees stood like skeletal statues, their branches encased in ice and glistening under the dim light.


    Grainy particles of snow and ice swirled around him, carried by an otherworldly wind that bit into his skin.


    He exhaled sharply, watching his breath turn to white vapor in the frigid air.


    A shiver ran down his spine despite his resolve.


    The temperature was dropping fast, and if he didn''t prepare, the cold would sap his strength before the real fight began.


    Reaching into his inventory, Alex pulled out another coat--this one thicker to withstand the biting chill--and slipped it on, the weight and warmth of the coat grounding him.


    He then took out thick gloves and sturdy boots putting them on, then finished the ensemble with a fur-lined cap that snugly covered his head.


    He then purchased a cup of warm coffee from the shop that cost 100 coins.


    As with the number of coins he possessed he could now buy anything he wanted.


    As he drank the coffee he then decided to browse through the shop to see if there was anything that might give him an edge in his fight against Murzok.


    He scrolled through item after item, but nothing stood out.


    All the weapons, potions, and gear seemed either too similar to what he already had or not quite powerful enough for the battle ahead.


    Then, he spotted it.


    A glowing icon at the top of the list caught his attention, standing out like a beacon.


    [Spectral Warden Armor.]


    The price alone made Alex pause.


    [Cost: 100,000 Coins.]


    It was the most expensive item in the shop, and for a good reason. Intrigued, he clicked on it.


    [Name: Spectral Warden Armor]


    [Type: Legendary Armor]


    [Cost: 100,000 Coins]


    [Defense: 350]


    [Durability: 500]


    [Resilience: +15% against elemental and magical damage]


    [Weight: 0 (No movement penalty, retains full agility)]


    [Special Effects:]


    Wraith''s Ward: Reduces damage taken from high-ranked creatures by 25%. Increases evasive capabilities by 10%.


    Silent Step: Increases the wearer''s stealth by 50%, making it difficult for enemies to hear or detect movements unless in close range.


    Alex nearly choked on his coffee as he read the stats.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    This was exactly what he needed¡ªa legendary piece of equipment that could turn the tide in his favor.


    The armor''s special effects alone were enough to boost his chances against the cockatrice king, especially with Murzok being such a formidable opponent.


    Without a second thought, Alex clicked BUY.


    A soft glow enveloped him, and before he knew it, the armor materialized on his body. It was sleek and smooth, fitting perfectly like a second skin.


    He felt the immediate difference¡ªthe armor was light, and yet he could feel its power radiating from it.


    This was the edge he needed.


    Alex took a final sip of his coffee, his eyes now focused, locked on the frozen form of the cockatrice king.


    His mind raced as he pieced together the situation.


    If his theory was correct, then time itself had been distorted by the transformation.


    Once it ended, not only would the cockatrice regain its mobility, but so would his bombs.


    Determined not to waste the opportunity, Alex turned the surrounding area into a death trap. Every object he could remotely charge had been transformed into an explosive.


    Rocks, broken tree limbs, even chunks of ice¡ªall were primed and ready.


    The air was eerily still, the only sound the occasional groan of shifting ice.


    Then came the first crack.


    Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    Another crack followed, louder this time, like thunder rolling across a frozen plain.


    The ice around the cockatrice king''s body began to splinter, fissures spreading like veins across its surface.


    Crack!


    Large chunks of ice tumbled to the ground, shattering into glittering shards.


    Alex''s breath hitched as the creature''s new form was revealed, the cockatrice king''s new form emerging from the crumbling ice.


    The cockatrice king rose to its full height, its frame radiating an otherworldly majesty.


    Its feathers, now a brilliant bluish-white, shimmered with an iridescent glow, each plume refracting light like shards of frosted glass.


    As it moved, the feathers seemed to ripple, catching the faintest light and scattering it into dazzling patterns, like sunlight glinting off a frozen lake.


    A swirling storm of snow particles encased its body, moving in rhythmic, ghostly spirals as though the air itself had been enchanted to follow its will.


    Its icy breath flowed out in visible plumes, chilling the surrounding air even further.


    Where its leg had once been severed, there now stood a gleaming appendage of sculpted ice¡ªsleek, jagged, and razor-sharp.


    The new limb caught the light with a crystalline brilliance, but its jagged edges hinted at its lethal purpose.


    Its movements were deliberate, almost methodical, as though it was reacquainting itself with its transformed body.


    With every step, the earth beneath its talons surrendered to frost, freezing solid in an instant.


    The crunch of ice breaking underfoot echoed in the unnerving silence, each sound a reminder of the cold, merciless power it now commanded.


    For a moment, Alex was awestruck.


    The creature''s new form was breathtaking, a perfect blend of elegance and danger.


    It was beautiful.


    But his admiration was quickly replaced by a cold, sinking realization.


    In the wild, the most beautiful creatures were often the deadliest.

 Chapter 40 Alexs Domain

    The cockatrice king raised its head proudly, its voice echoing through the frozen forest. It was loud yet smooth, an unsettling mix of boldness and intimidation."Human," Murzok began, its tone heavy with disdain, "to think you would force me to use this form."


    Alex swallowed hard, his pulse quickening.


    "This form was meant for my evolution," Murzok continued, clearly dissatisfied. "Now it will be much harder to rank up."


    The words hit Alex like a hammer. His heart thudded in his chest, and an ominous thought crossed his mind. Had Murzok pulled a fast one?


    Quickly, Alex called up the cockatrice king''s description, a glowing screen materializing in his vision. His eyes scanned the information, dread creeping in as he read:


    [Cockatrice King Murzok (Rank B)* (G)]


    Alex''s mouth fell open.


    A Rank B monster? He wasn''t ready for that kind of leap in power.


    For a moment, panic clawed at his mind¡ªhad he made a terrible mistake by staying?


    But something caught his eye: a small asterisk next to the rank. Narrowing his gaze, Alex tapped on it to reveal the details.


    [Forced Evolution (*): This ability temporarily grants the user stats and abilities of a higher rank. However, it comes with severe consequences after use. The transformation is short-lived.]


    Alex let out a slow sigh, his breath visible in the freezing air. He tightened his grip on his weapon, assessing the situation.


    Despite being a D-ranker, he knew his attributes coupled with the accessories he wore, boosted to match those of a C-ranker.


    That''s how he''d been able to hold his own against Murzok up until now.


    But things were different now.


    Murzok''s so-called rank-up¡ªa.k.a cheating¡ªhad shifted the balance. The cockatrice king''s forced evolution had made him a rank B, even if only temporarily. The question that burned in Alex''s mind wasn''t about fairness. It was about survival. Could he bridge the gap in power again?


    Murzok''s icy voice broke through Alex''s thoughts, each word laced with menace.


    "But no worries, human. Even with this temporary boost, I''ll treat you as the threat you are. Brace yourself for hell."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    "No, you brace yourself."


    With a snap of his fingers, Alex triggered the Blastshards he''d hidden around the battlefield.


    The small orbs lit up in an instant, glowing with an ominous red light before erupting in a chain of violent explosions.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The concussive force ripped through the air, ice, and debris flying everywhere.


    But as the smoke cleared, Alex''s smirk vanished.


    Murzok was already on him.


    The cockatrice king had blitzed through the explosions, his bluish-white form weaving through the chaos like a ghost.


    His feather blade gleamed with an icy chill, a sharp edge aimed straight for Alex''s chest.


    "Damn, he''s fast!"


    But Alex was ready. His foresight kicked in, a flash of the near future playing in his mind. He saw the strike before it came.


    As Murzok''s blade slashed toward him, Alex twisted his body at the last second, pivoting sideways.


    The blade missed by inches, cutting through empty air.


    A wave of cold energy radiated from the near-miss, frost crystals forming on the ground where Alex had just been standing, the slash tearing through the air, releasing a frigid burst of energy that slammed into a nearby tree, shattering it in an explosion of frost and splinters.


    Alex grinned, his eyes glowing as he snapped his fingers, and suddenly, the ground beneath them erupted in a violent explosion.


    BOOM!


    Both combatants were flung backward. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cockatrice king instinctively curled into itself, its feathers glowing with icy energy as a protective shell of frost formed around its body.


    The explosion''s force sent cracks spidering across the icy armor, but it held.


    When the dust settled, Murzok unfurled with a scowl, his frosty shield splintering and falling away.


    Meanwhile, Alex was launched into the air like a ragdoll.


    Tumbling mid-flight, he spotted a thick tree branch and reached out.


    His fingers gripped it firmly, and with a powerful swing, he launched himself upward, landing gracefully on another branch like a monkey. His movements were precise and fluid, his agility making the maneuver look effortless.


    From his perch, Alex peered down at the cockatrice.


    A faint smirk tugged at his lips.


    From their brief exchange, it was clear to Alex that going head-to-head with Murzok in his evolved form was suicide.


    The cockatrice''s ice-infused strength and speed were too much to handle directly.


    But the transformation wasn''t permanent, and Murzok''s forced evolution was on a timer.


    So his strategy was clear¡ªhit hard, then disappear.


    Keep the cockatrice guessing, wear it down, and run out the clock.


    The cockatrice then flicked its wings, launching a flurry of feather blades. These weren''t ordinary feathers¡ªthey gleamed like deadly icicles, razor-sharp and glistening with frost.


    Alex''s sharp instincts kicked in.


    He leaped from his branch just as the icy projectiles shredded the tree into splinters, the trunk collapsing with a thunderous crack.


    Mid-air, Alex didn''t aim for the ground. Instead, he vanished into it, seamlessly activating Earth Swim, disappearing beneath the surface like a shadow in water.


    The cockatrice''s sharp eyes darted across the battlefield, scanning for any sign of movement.


    Its feathers bristled its form tense but composed.


    It wasn''t going to be caught off guard again.


    But suddenly, the ground rumbled, and several glowing rocks shot up from beneath the earth, crackling with energy.


    BOOM!


    The first explosion sent debris flying, but the cockatrice was quick. With a sharp hiss, it darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the fiery blast.


    Before it could catch its breath, the earth quaked again. Another trap triggered beneath its feet, and an eruption of flames and dirt burst upward.


    The cockatrice hissed again, leaping clear just in time. Its icy claws found new footing, but then there was another explosion and then another.


    And the realization that he was surrounded hit Murzok.


    Explosives had been hidden all around, turning the battlefield into a minefield. Every step was a gamble.


    "Clever pest," the cockatrice muttered, its voice a low growl.


    As the cockatrice landed, confident it had evaded the worst, the ground beneath it suddenly rippled. Alex erupted from below in a spinning blur, his blade gleaming in the dim light.


    He twisted like a Beyblade, his momentum carrying him forward, and his blade connected with the cockatrice''s chest, slicing cleanly through its icy armor.


    The cockatrice winced, blood seeping from the gash on its chest.


    Yet, the injury seemed more an annoyance than a debilitating wound.


    Its furious eyes locked on Alex, and with a sudden burst of icy energy, it dived toward him at an alarming speed, its blade-like feathers aiming directly for his neck.


    Alex, however, didn''t flinch.


    Instead, a confident grin spread across his face.


    "Not today, birdbrain."


    At the last possible second, Alex snapped his fingers.


    And then there was another deafening explosion


    BOOM!


    The ground beneath them detonated, hurling both combatants backward.


    The cockatrice was flung into the air, its icy armor cracking further, while Alex skidded across the ground, his boots digging into the dirt to steady himself.


    He came to a stop several yards away, crouched low with smoke curling around him. His breath misted in the cold air as he straightened, brushing off the debris from his shoulders.


    "What''s the matter?" Alex called out, his voice laced with mockery. "Weren''t you about to show me hell?"


    The cockatrice hissed, its feathers rattling like blades ready to strike.


    Alex smirked, glancing at his armor.


    The legendary plating covering his chest shimmered faintly, absorbing the brunt of the explosions and keeping him relatively unscathed.


    Combined with his enhanced heat resistance, he had just enough of an edge to keep pulling off these dangerous maneuvers.


    But he knew he couldn''t rely on this strategy forever.


    Each blast drained the armor''s durability, and it wouldn''t last indefinitely.


    Alex adjusted his grip on his blade.


    He needed to think of something that would be more effective.


    The cockatrice hissed, its icy breath visible as it vented its growing frustration.


    Every second that passed was another step closer to its temporary evolved form running out of time¡ªand it hadn''t even landed a decisive blow on Alex.


    Its sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, and for the first time, it began to understand the true nature of the situation.


    This wasn''t just a random skirmish.


    No, this place had been turned into Alex''s domain.


    The traps, the explosions, the controlled chaos¡ªall of it had been meticulously prepared. And Alex must have set this up while it was undergoing its transformation.


    "Clever human," Murzok growled once again, its voice resonating with an icy chill that seemed to freeze the air itself. "But it doesn''t matter."


    The cockatrice''s body began radiating an overwhelming amount of cold energy.


    Frost spiraled outward, creeping across the battlefield like tendrils, consuming everything in its path.


    Trees shattered into icy shards, the ground hardened into a glacial surface, and the already frigid air became suffocating.


    The solution was simple.


    He just had to make Alex''s domain his.

 Chapter 41 Mana Freeze

    The cockatrice exhaled deeply, its breath clouding the air as frost danced around it. Then, in a voice that was both calm and foreboding, it muttered:"Mana Freeze."


    In an instant, the temperature plunged further, as if the world itself had been plunged into an eternal winter.


    The cockatrice unleashed a surge of power, and a blizzard erupted around it, the winds howling like wild spirits.


    Snow and ice spun violently, creating a swirling vortex of destruction.


    Alex shielded his face as the bitter cold gnawed at his skin, even through his protective gear.


    The air felt heavy, saturated with icy mana, and frost began spreading across the ground in jagged patterns.


    The transformation of the battlefield was terrifyingly complete. Ice coated everything, turning the already-frozen wasteland into a deathly Arctic expanse.


    Trees groaned under the weight of thick frost before shattering into glittering shards.


    Leaves fell like fragile crystals, breaking into pieces upon impact with the icy ground.


    Through the storm, Alex caught sight of the cockatrice moving forward, each step deliberate and powerful. Its icy aura expanded with every move, freezing everything in its path.


    Alex clenched his jaw, reaching into his pouch and hurling a blastshard. The shard zipped through the air, glowing faintly with explosive energy¡ª


    Only to freeze mid-flight, crystallizing into a useless chunk of ice before it could reach the cockatrice.


    "Damn it!" Alex muttered under his breath.


    The cockatrice''s Mana Freeze wasn''t just cooling the battlefield; it was suppressing his abilities entirely.


    Every trap, every shard, every explosive he had prepared was now inert, frozen by the overwhelming cold.


    The cockatrice''s glowing, frost-coated feathers gleamed ominously as it advanced, its eyes locked on Alex.


    Alex took a cautious step back, his mind racing.


    His usual strategy was in shambles.


    The very thing he had been avoiding¡ªclose combat¡ªwas now his only option.


    "No more tricks," the cockatrice hissed.


    And then lunged at Alex with terrifying speed, its icy blade cutting through the frigid air. Alex tightened his grip on [Eclipse Edge], and met the charge head-on.


    Their weapons clashed with a thunderous clang, the impact sending shockwaves through the icy wasteland.


    Alex gritted his teeth, feeling the sheer weight behind Murzok''s attack.


    Each strike from the cockatrice king carried overwhelming force, pushing him closer to his limit.


    The cockatrice''s blade came down in a swift arc, and Alex barely managed to block it.


    But the force sent a chill through his arms, numbing his grip.


    As Murzok pressed its advantage, Alex realized he was being overpowered.


    In a desperate move, he summoned [Aegis Arcane], his barrier flickering to life just in time to intercept the cockatrice''s next strike.


    But something was wrong¡ªthe barrier cracked upon impact, shattering like glass and forcing Alex to stumble backward.


    "What the¡­?"


    He summoned the barrier again, pouring more energy into it, but the result was the same.


    The cockatrice''s icy blade sliced through it with ease, as if mocking his efforts.


    Sweat trickled down Alex''s temple despite the freezing cold.


    He tried another strategy, activating [Earth Swim] to escape beneath the ground. But when he tried to dive, the ground remained firm, unyielding beneath his boots.


    "No¡­ No way," Alex whispered.


    Murzok''s Mana Freeze didn''t just nullify his explosives¡ªit was shutting down his entire arsenal.


    "Shit," Alex cursed under his breath.


    Thinking quickly, he activated [Stealth Walk], vanishing from sight.


    But his invisible form was immediately revealed, and Murzok with a feral hiss, lunged at the him, its icy blade gleaming.


    Alex cursed realizing [Stealth Walk] didn''t work as well, and raised his sword in time to block, but the cockatrice''s strike carried incredible power.


    The blow sent him flying backward, his boots skidding across the frozen ground.


    He slammed into a tree, ice splintering beneath him as he gasped for breath.


    Looking down, Alex saw frost spreading across his chest.


    The icy energy from Murzok''s blade had seeped through his defenses, leaving half his chest frozen and his movements sluggish.


    The blow struck hard, but luckily, Alex''s spectral armor absorbed most of the impact. A faint glow pulsed from the armor as cracks of ice splintered off and fell to the ground. Even so, Alex winced; the force of the attack still left him rattled.


    "Damn it," Alex muttered under his breath, his frustration mounting. He could feel it¡ªthe cockatrice wasn''t just fighting him; it had turned the entire battlefield into its domain.


    Murzok hissed, spreading its massive wings as it fired a barrage of quill-like icicles. Each shard glinted dangerously, slicing through the air with lethal precision.


    Alex reacted instantly, slashing with [Eclipse Edge] to deflect as many as he could. Some quills clattered harmlessly to the ground, but there were too many.


    He dodged the rest with swift, desperate movements, narrowly avoiding being skewered.


    But the cockatrice king stomped hard, and icy energy rippled outward from its talons. Frost spread rapidly across the terrain, reaching Alex in an instant and freezing his legs in place.


    "Shit!" Alex growled, yanking at his legs.


    The ice was solid, holding him in place.


    Before he could free himself, the cockatrice lunged forward, its blade-like feathers glowing with frosty energy, and swung down in a vicious arc.


    Alex summoned [Aegis Arcane] in a panic, but the moment Murzok''s blade struck, the barrier shattered like brittle glass.


    The force of the blow slammed into Alex, knocking him back.


    He grunted in pain, his body jerking as icy energy clawed at his skin.


    The biting cold left him momentarily dazed, but the cockatrice wasn''t done. It let out a screech, launching another wave of razor-sharp ice slashes.


    Gritting his teeth, Alex gathered his strength and smashed through the ice binding his legs with a powerful kick. Freed, he leaped into the air just as the slashes tore through where he''d been standing.


    But the cockatrice tracked his movements, launching another flurry of ice blades in quick succession.


    Alex twisted and turned mid-air, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.


    He landed, sliding backward on the frozen ground, only to find himself under attack again.


    His movements grew heavier under the unrelenting cold and Alex stumbled but managed to keep his footing.


    He tightened his grip on [Eclipse Edge], his knuckles white.


    His mind racing for a way out, but the options were dwindling.


    He couldn''t attack as the cockatrice''s abilities had effectively neutralized all his long-range skills, and each failed attempt to counter only served to remind him how outmatched he was in this icy battlefield.


    The biting cold was relentless, and Alex could feel it seeping deeper into his body.


    Even with his elemental resistance, the durability of his spectral armor had dropped significantly from the barrage of hits it had endured.


    The once-reliable protection now faltered, cracks forming as the freezing energy gnawed away at its strength.


    Alex''s breaths came out in short, visible puffs as the chill tightened its grip. His teeth chattered uncontrollably, and his movements began to slow, frost forming along the edges of his clothing.


    Before he could react, a sharp ice slash shot through the air, striking him square in the chest. The force of the blow sent him sprawling forward, slamming hard into the frozen ground.


    "Argh!" Alex groaned, his hands slipping on the ice as he tried to push himself up


    His vision blurred slightly from the impact, but he forced himself to focus.


    That''s when he noticed it¡ªa massive shadow looming over him.


    His heart sank as he looked up to see a storm of feather-like blades descending upon him, each glinting with icy malice.


    "Shit!" Alex hissed, scrambling to move.


    But his frozen limbs refused to respond quickly enough, and the blades struck.


    One after another, they pierced through him, shattering what little remained of its durability of the armor.


    Frost spread from the points of impact, biting into his skin and leaving deep, stinging wounds.


    Alex gasped, his knees buckling under the weight of the attack as he collapsed back onto the icy ground.


    Pain flared through his body, frostbite spreading from the impalements.


    He clenched his fists, trembling. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The armor had saved Alex once again, from immediate death absorbing the worst of the cockatrice''s relentless attacks.


    Without it, the damage would have been catastrophic.


    But the cracks spreading across the glowing armor were a grim reminder¡ªit was hanging on by a thread, its durability now sitting at a critical 100.


    The cockatrice king moved forward, its icy gaze locked on the kneeling Alex.


    A smug expression spread across its monstrous face as it extended control over its feather blades.


    One blade shot forward, hooking Alex by the collar and lifting him off the ground like a broken puppet.


    Ice surged from Murzok, flowing toward Alex''s back and forming a jagged, icy crucifix that pinned him in place.


    The cold was unbearable, biting deep into his flesh and sapping what little strength he had left.


    Alex''s head hung low, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead, staining the ice at his feet.


    The cockatrice king leaned in, its voice laced with condescension.


    "Human...where''s that confidence you always carry on your face? Lost it, have you?"


    Alex didn''t respond, his head still bowed, his breaths labored.


    The cockatrice hissed in satisfaction.


    "I told you¡ªyou''re not making it out of this forest alive. You should have fled when you had the chance."


    For a moment, silence hung in the frozen air.


    Then, suddenly, a sound broke through¡ªsoft at first, but quickly growing louder.


    It was laughter.


    Alex threw his head back, cackling with a wild, almost unhinged energy.


    The sound echoed through the icy forest, sending a ripple of unease through the cockatrice.


    "What...?" The cockatrice squinted, taken aback by the unexpected reaction.


    Alex caught his breath, his lips curling into a bloodstained grin.


    "Flee?" he repeated, his voice sharp with defiance. "Why the hell would I do that? I don''t doubt for a second that I''ll win."


    The cockatrice narrowed its glowing eyes, anger flashing across its face.


    "You''ve lost your mind. There is nothing you can do to stop your death at this point."


    Alex''s grin widened, his gaze locking onto the cockatrice with an intensity that made the air feel heavier.


    "Oh? Is that so?"


    The cockatrice reared back one of its icy blades, ready to deliver the final blow. The weapon gleamed in the pale light as it swung forward.


    But Alex''s voice cut through the moment, low and guttural, reverberating with raw power.


    "Titan''s Fury."

 Chapter 42 Assault

    Alex stared at the skill description one last time, committing every word to memory.[Titan''s Fury: Double your strength for 30 seconds, making your attacks nearly unstoppable and allowing you to break through defenses. Drawback: After 30 seconds, strength and stamina are reduced by 50% for 15 minutes.]


    The trade-off was brutal, but at this point, Alex had no other choice. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening like the ice around him.


    "If I can finish this in thirty seconds..." he muttered, his voice firm, "then it''s worth it."


    He took a deep breath, steeling himself.


    "Titan''s Fury!"


    The moment he activated the skill, an explosion of raw energy erupted from his body.


    The ice crucifix holding him shattered instantly, shards of frozen debris shooting out in all directions.


    The sheer force of the release was enough to shake the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the frozen wasteland.


    The cockatrice king instinctively shielded itself with its massive feathered wings as icy debris rained down.


    It hissed in confusion, its sharp eyes scanning through the swirling frost and fumes.


    Then, Alex emerged.


    His figure cut a menacing silhouette as the icy mist cleared.


    His aura glowed an ominous red, crackling like flames in the cold air.


    His muscles tensed, veins pulsing with an overwhelming power that coursed through him like a roaring river.


    Even the air around him seemed to vibrate under the weight of his presence.


    The cockatrice froze momentarily, its confidence faltering as it sensed the shift in Alex''s aura.


    Whatever this was, it wasn''t the same opponent it had been toying with moments ago.


    Alex''s body trembled¡ªnot from weakness, but from the sheer intensity of the strength now surging through him.


    His vision narrowed, locking solely on the cockatrice king as he put on [Fury Gaunlets]


    His breathing was heavy, almost animalistic as if the power demanded to be unleashed.


    Rage and adrenaline coiled within him like a spring ready to snap.


    His mind was laser-focused on one thing: destroying the creature that had tormented him since his arrival in this twisted "tutorial."


    The cockatrice king hissed, his mind racing as he assessed the situation.


    Dozens of jagged ice spikes materialized in the air behind him, each one gleaming dangerously under the faint light, all aimed at Alex, their sharp tips glinting like deadly spears.


    This human had been troublesome enough before, but now? Now he was something else entirely.


    The surge of power emanating from Alex was terrifying, a strength that no D-rank fighter should possess.


    The cockatrice''s thoughts churned, anger bubbling within him.


    How can a mere D-rank be this strong? This shouldn''t be possible.


    He clenched his talons into the frozen ground, his evolved form straining to maintain its power.


    He could feel the energy he''d poured into this transformation waning.


    His body wasn''t built to sustain this state for long¡ªit was only a matter of time before he reverted.


    And once that happened, he''d need days, maybe weeks, to recover.


    To make things worse, his flock was gone, shattered by the very intruder standing before him.


    Rebuilding them would be an exhausting, painstaking process.


    Alex''s interference had ruined everything.


    The cockatrice''s fury burned hotter than ever, a seething hatred for the defiant human standing before him.


    Why here? Why now? Why did such a troublesome creature have to appear in my territory? Why couldn''t he have been someone else''s problem?


    But even as his anger threatened to consume him, Murzok forced himself to focus.


    There was no point in dwelling on these thoughts.


    Complaining wouldn''t change the fact that Alex was here, and he needed to be eliminated before it was too late.


    The cockatrice bared his fangs, his eyes glowing with icy determination.


    A lower rank? Defeat me? Impossible.


    The cockatrice king''s Mana Freeze ability was still active, locking down Alex''s active skills and keeping him from unleashing his usual arsenal of abilities.


    That gave the king a sense of superiority¡ªhe believed this advantage would be enough to claim victory.


    Alex''s explosive power from earlier? A nightmare to deal with, especially when paired with that strength-enhancing skill he''d activated.


    But even now, with Alex radiating raw energy, Murzok was confident he could end this fight before his evolved form burned out.


    Raising his clawed wings, the cockatrice king summoned a storm of ice spikes¡ªhundreds of them, all razor-sharp and glinting in the cold light.


    With a screech of determination, he launched them toward Alex, creating a blizzard of death aimed directly at the human.


    This was it. The fight would end here.


    But Murzok made one fatal mistake.


    He underestimated his opponent...Severely.


    Before he could even register what had gone wrong, a sudden blur streaked through the frozen battlefield.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    Alex''s fist, enhanced by the glowing red power of his [Fury Gauntlet], smashed into the cockatrice king''s face with the force of a meteor.


    The sound of the impact echoed through the forest like thunder.


    Murzok''s head snapped violently to the side, the shockwave from the punch cracking his once-impenetrable beak.


    His vision blurred, the world spinning out of control as he rocketed backward like a cannonball.


    CRASH!


    The cockatrice king slammed through the first tree, splinters flying everywhere.


    CRUNCH!


    The second tree exploded into icy shards as his body plowed through it.


    THUD!


    The third tree buckled, sending a cascade of frozen leaves into the air.


    By the time Murzok''s back slammed into the fifth tree, he finally stopped, his massive body crumpling against the trunk with a dull, resounding WHAM.


    "Gaaah!"


    Murzok let out a guttural cry, blood dripping from its cracked beak.


    Its once-imposing icy scales were shattered into tiny, glittering shards, offering no protection against Alex''s devastating blow.


    The impact had left its body reeling, and the cockatrice king lay there, stunned and disoriented, its mind scrambling to process what had just happened.


    What... what was that?


    It tried to move its neck but failed. Pain shot through its body, and it realized with dread that its neck was stuck, forcibly twisted to the side by the sheer force of Alex''s punch.


    The world around Murzok blurred, but one thing was clear¡ªAlex was already in front of him again.


    His eyes glowed an ominous red, like a demon emerging from the depths of hell. His clenched fists trembled with unrelenting fury, and his breath was heavy with adrenaline.


    Murzok''s heart pounded in panic.


    He wasn''t used to fear, but now it gripped him like a vice.


    Desperate, the cockatrice king raised its claws and conjured an ice barrier, a thick, crystalline shield to protect itself.


    CRACK!


    Alex''s fist slammed into the barrier, sending a web of fractures rippling across its surface.


    The cockatrice widened its eyes. That was impossible!


    But Alex didn''t stop.


    With another ground-shaking punch, the ice shield shattered into jagged pieces, scattering in all directions like broken glass.


    "Aaaah!" Murzok shrieked, panic and pain mingling in its cry.


    Before it could even think of a counterattack, Alex reached down, grabbing the cockatrice king by its tail.


    "You''re not going anywhere," Alex growled, his voice low and menacing.


    With a primal roar, Alex lifted Murzok off the ground. The cockatrice thrashed, its wings flailing wildly, but Alex''s grip was unyielding. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In one swift motion, Alex slammed the massive creature into the frozen earth with enough force to crack the icy ground beneath them.


    The impact sent tremors through the forest, chunks of ice and snow flying into the air.


    Not done yet, Alex twisted his body, using every ounce of his enhanced strength to hurl the cockatrice king into the distance.


    Murzok''s body sailed through the air like a ragdoll, smashing through branches and leaving a trail of destruction before skidding to a halt in the snow.


    The cockatrice slammed into a tree, splinters flying from the impact, but it managed to steady itself just before colliding with another.


    With a guttural roar of fury, it unleashed a swarm of feather blades, a storm of icy projectiles as dense as a locust swarm, all aimed at Alex.


    But the blades struck nothing but air.


    Above the cockatrice, Alex descended like a meteor, slamming his boots onto the creature''s back with a bone-rattling impact.


    The cockatrice screeched in panic, thrashing beneath him. It tried to escape, knowing it couldn''t afford to be pinned under its enemy.


    But as it struggled, it realized something horrifying: its own feather blades, the ones meant to kill Alex, had been driven into the ground, trapping its wings and pinning it in place.


    Alex stood atop the struggling beast, his fist drawn back, the raw power radiating from him like heat waves.


    And then the assault began.


    BAM!


    The first punch landed squarely on the cockatrice''s head, forcing its beak into the icy ground.


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    One blow after another rained down, relentless and unmerciful.


    Each strike sent shockwaves through the ground, creating cracks in the frozen earth.


    The cockatrice screeched, trying desperately to fight back, but the sheer force of Alex''s attacks left it reeling.


    It attempted to flap its wings to break free, but Alex caught one mid-thrust.


    RIP!


    With a sickening tear, Alex wrenched the wing from the cockatrice''s body, tossing it aside like discarded trash.


    The beast howled in agony, its cries echoing through the frozen forest, but Alex growled:


    "Shut up,"


    He grabbed Murzok''s face, and slammed its head back into the ground with brutal force, the ice shattering beneath the impact, shards flying in all directions.


    The cockatrice lay there, stunned, its beak cracked, blood pooling beneath its head.


    And Alex leaned down, his red-tinged eyes boring into the creature''s.


    "Stay still," he commanded in a voice cold as the ice beneath them.


    "I''m not done yet."

 Chapter 43 Defeat

    Alex clenched his fists tighter, his knuckles cracking as he delivered another crushing blow to Murzok''s skull.His movements were relentless, each strike faster and harder than the last.


    The sound of fists meeting flesh echoed through the frozen wasteland like thunderclaps, a brutal rhythm of vengeance and fury.


    Blood sprayed across Alex''s arms, painting his glowing red aura in a sickening crimson.


    Shards of ice mixed with the gore, flying into the air like glass as the cockatrice''s body was pressed deeper into the shattered ground.


    Alex''s muscles burned with the raw power surging through him, but he didn''t stop. He couldn''t stop.


    Murzok''s feather blades, once sharp and deadly, lay useless on the ground, forgotten.


    The cockatrice king had lost his focus, his once-proud control over the battlefield shattered by the unrelenting assault.


    His mind blurred, each punch driving him closer to the edge of unconsciousness.


    The pain was beyond anything Murzok had ever known.


    He couldn''t move.


    He couldn''t scream.


    Even breathing felt impossible under the crushing weight of Alex''s blows.


    The agony was endless, and the fear¡ªraw, paralyzing fear¡ªwas worse.


    This wasn''t a fight anymore.


    It was a nightmare, and Alex was the monster.


    Every fiber of the cockatrice king''s being screamed for escape, but his body refused to respond.


    He had no strength left to summon, no cunning plans to execute.


    Every ounce of power he had poured into his icy form now seemed meaningless against the raw, primal force tearing him apart.


    Alex''s eyes burned with unyielding determination, his voice a low growl as he struck again and again.


    "You should''ve run when you had the chance," he muttered, his words cutting through the chaos like a knife.


    And then, with one final punch, Alex unleashed the full power of his [Fury Gauntlet]¡ªits x3 special effect activating in a fiery burst of energy.


    His fist slammed into Murzok''s skull with the force of a falling meteor.


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted beneath them, sending a shockwave rippling through the icy forest.


    The earth cracked and split, ice shards and rocks exploding into the air as if the very world were breaking apart.


    A gust of wind tore through the trees, bending them to its will and scattering snow like a blizzard.


    The tremor spread outward, shaking the forest with a mini-earthquake.


    Murzok''s body convulsed once before going completely limp.


    His massive frame slumped into the crater Alex had created, blood pooling beneath him as his shattered form lay still.


    Alex stepped back, his hand trembling as blood dripped down his arm and onto the frozen ground.


    His chest heaved with every breath as he stared at the cockatrice king''s crumpled form, the massive creature lying in a lifeless heap.


    But even as steam rose from its shattered body, Alex''s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing.


    The notification of victory hadn''t come.


    That could only mean one thing: the damned bird was still alive.


    "Damn it," Alex muttered through gritted teeth.


    His battle-worn face twisted with frustration, and his blood-streaked fist rose once more, ready to deliver the final blow.


    But then it happened.


    The red glow surrounding him flickered and disappeared.


    His body jolted as if struck by lightning. Titan''s Fury had run out.


    All at once, the overwhelming strength he''d relied on was gone, replaced by an agonizing wave of weakness.


    His knees buckled as if the weight of the world had suddenly crashed onto his shoulders.


    He froze mid-action, his arm dropping limply to his side as his legs gave out beneath him.


    With a choked gasp, Alex collapsed to the side, his body hitting the icy ground hard.


    Pain wracked his entire frame as his muscles seized up, refusing to obey. T


    he backlash of Titan''s Fury had begun.


    "Ugh!" Blood spurted from his mouth, staining the frost beneath him.


    He tried to push himself up, his arms trembling as he clawed at the ground.


    The cold bit into his skin, but it was nothing compared to the crushing fatigue that made even breathing feel like a herculean effort.


    Alex gritted his teeth, forcing his body to move.


    He dragged himself forward, inch by agonizing inch, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. His arms quivered as he reached for anything to anchor himself, but his body screamed in protest.


    "No... not yet..." he whispered hoarsely, his breath misting in the frigid air.


    The will to fight still burned in his eyes, but his body refused to cooperate.


    The drawback of Titan''s Fury was brutal.


    Though Alex''s accessories and equipment still provided some passive enhancement, they weren''t enough to offset the immense loss of strength and stamina.


    Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, the fatigue digging into him like claws.


    His only chance to recover was Vigor Strike, but the ability came with a catch: it only worked if he kept moving.


    The moment he fell to the ground, groaning from the Titan''s Fury backlash, Vigor Strike ceased to function.


    Alex clenched his fists against the icy ground, his frustration boiling over.


    The Titan''s Fury drawback would last 15 minutes¡ªan eternity in the heat of battle.


    This was the reason he always hesitated to use the skill. The raw power it granted came at a cost he could barely afford.


    But even as his battered body betrayed him, Alex suddenly grinned.


    His head tilted back, and a hoarse chuckle escaped his lips.


    The sound was raspy and weak at first, but it quickly grew louder, turning into a full-blown cackle.


    "What... the hell am I doing?" he muttered, shaking his head as his laughter filled the frosty air.


    His ribs ached with every laugh, and his limbs felt like lead, but he couldn''t stop.


    He lay sprawled on the ground, helpless and broken, yet he couldn''t help but laugh.


    If the cockatrice king got back up and attacked him now, it would be over.


    He couldn''t move, couldn''t defend himself, and couldn''t even crawl to safety.


    Yet, somehow, he found the entire situation absurdly hilarious.


    He''d thrown everything he had into that final punch¡ªmore power than he thought his body could handle.


    And judging by the crater where the cockatrice had landed, it wouldn''t be getting up anytime soon.


    Or so he thought.


    Forcing himself to sit up, Alex gritted his teeth, his body trembling under the weight of fatigue.


    He squinted through the frost and blood in his eyes, his heart sinking as he saw the cockatrice king stood before him like a zombie,


    Its body was a grotesque ruin.


    Blood dripped from countless wounds, pooling beneath its talons.


    Its face was twisted and misshapen, chunks of flesh missing where Alex''s fists had torn through.


    One of its wings hung limp at its side, broken beyond use, while the other was entirely gone.


    The icy armor that once made it nearly invincible had vanished, leaving its raw, battered form exposed. It swayed on one trembling leg, its body a living testament to agony.


    And yet, it stood.


    Alex let out a dry laugh, his lips curling into a smirk despite the pounding in his chest.


    "You''re one stubborn bird," he said, his voice raspy.


    The cockatrice king staggered forward, its talons dragging across the ground. Its breaths came in ragged gasps, each one a fight for survival.


    Blood bubbled in its throat as it spoke, its voice barely above a whisper.


    "I... I cannot lose... not to a human."


    Alex chuckled, though the sound was bitter.


    "Oh, so it''s your pride keeping you standing, huh? How unfortunate..."


    The cockatrice''s dull, half-lidded eyes locked onto him.


    "Is... that... so..." it rasped, pausing as if every word drained what little strength it had left. "But... I''m the only one... who can move." It staggered closer, its body barely holding together, but its determination unwavering. "And I... I have enough energy... for one more sonic howl. Enough... to end this... once and for all."


    "Oh, lucky for you," Alex said mockingly, a crooked grin spreading across his face. "But you don''t seem to realize something¡ªthe situation isn''t in your favor anymore."


    The cockatrice king glared at him, but its weary eyes flickered with unease.


    "Your new form," Alex continued, pointing a bloodied finger at the battered beast, "means the ability you used to lock down my skills? Gone. No more Mana Freeze."


    The cockatrice''s eyes, half-closed with fatigue, snapped wide open. Realization dawned like a hammer striking its skull.


    Alex''s smirk widened. "And, if you remember while we were brawling... I got all handsy." He clenched his fist for effect, his tone smug. "Basically, every part of you is now a bomb."


    The cockatrice froze, its breath catching in its throat. It looked down at its trembling body, panic spreading like wildfire.


    "Also, fun fact¡ªI''ve got just enough Mana for one last attack. But here''s the kicker..."


    He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a taunting whisper.


    "Would you be fast enough to hit me with your Sonic Howl before I snap?"


    The cockatrice''s eyes darted wildly, panic flooding its expression. With a desperate screech, it lunged forward, its body trembling under the strain.


    But before it could even get close, it''s leg exploded.


    The cockatrice screamed, collapsing to the ground in a heap.


    Blood sprayed across the snow as it thrashed, now completely legless. Its once-mighty form, reduced to a pathetic, flailing figure, looked almost comical¡ªa shrieking duck stripped of its power.


    "Oh, did I forget to mention?" Alex said, his tone dripping with mockery. "I don''t actually need to snap to trigger my ability."


    "Damn you!" the cockatrice roared, its voice laced with pain and desperation.


    It clawed at the ground, but it was hopeless.


    Its strength was gone, its body broken.


    Alex sighed dramatically, raising a hand as if to wave goodbye.


    "And now... your end. Goodbye, Murzok."


    He snapped his fingers, and the world erupted.


    The explosions were everywhere¡ªon the cockatrice''s broken body, in the forest surrounding them.


    Alex had planted bombs during their fight, hidden beneath the snow and scattered among the trees before the area froze over.


    Each one detonated like a mini-nuke, sending shockwaves rippling through the icy wasteland. Fire and ice mixed violently, the sky glowing with the light of the blasts.


    The cacophony of destruction drowned out the cockatrice''s agonized screeches. Its body was torn apart in the inferno, leaving nothing but ash and smoke in its wake.


    And in the center of it all, Alex lay flat on the ground, his body aching, his breath ragged.


    He coughed, blood dribbling from his mouth, but the sound quickly turned into laughter.


    Weak, hoarse laughter that grew louder and louder until it echoed across the ruined forest. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ======


    A/N


    And that''s a wrap for the Cockatrice Arc!


    Next up, we''ll be shifting the perspective to the Overseer¡ªbecause you know he''s got opinions about Alex''s little performance.


    Oh, and get ready, because the new players are about to arrive. Let''s just say the game''s about to get a whole lot more chaotic.


    Stay tuned, because things are only heating up from here.

 Chapter 44 Oracles POV

    In a pristine white room, a rabbit dressed sharply in a tailored suit and a hat lounged on a sleek white couch.A bowl of carrots, styled like popcorn, rested beside him.


    He casually plucked a carrot and munched on it while watching a large holographic screen in front of him.


    On the screen, Alex was locked in a ferocious battle with the Cockatrice King.


    Despite the beast''s overwhelming power, Alex was not only holding his own but outright dominating.


    His explosive attacks were leveling the forest, trees erupting into splinters as he laughed maniacally, reveling in the chaos.


    The rabbit chuckled, amused at the sight.


    Then muttered through a mouthful of carrot:


    "What a lunatic."


    But then, his ears twitched and it seemed to have come to his senses. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was right he shouldn''t be enjoying watching Alex''x progress, he should despise it.


    The rabbit''s amusement quickly faded, his eyes narrowing as realization set in.


    He bolted upright, standing precariously on the couch.


    His paw gripped the carrot like a weapon before slamming it onto the pristine white floor, the vegetable snapping in two.


    Then he yelled like a mad man, his voice echoing in the empty room.


    "Goddammit! DAMN ANOMALY!"


    Frustration consumed him as he clutched his head with both paws, pacing back and forth. His polished shoes clicked sharply against the floor.


    "Every...single...plan has failed!" he muttered, his voice rising with each word.


    His mind raced back to his first attempt.


    He had dropped Alex¡ªa mere newbie¡ªinto a D-rank danger zone crawling with monsters, creatures that should have torn him to shreds.


    It should have been the perfect death sentence.


    Instead, Alex had turned it into a goldmine of opportunities.


    Fighting higher-ranked monsters and leveling up faster than any beginner should.


    It was insane!


    And it was all because of that ridiculous, cheat-like ability: [Exploding Touch] he had gotten.


    The rabbit ground his teeth, his frustration mounting.


    "No player should have an ability that broken this early in the game! It''s against all the rules! Unfair! Completely unfair!"


    And as if that wasn''t bad enough, Alex also had a title: [Apocalypse Baby]


    That cursed title doubled Alex''s growth rate, allowing him to gain strength twice as fast as any other player.


    "Twice the growth rate!" the rabbit yelled, throwing up his paws. "How does the system even allow this? It''s going to break the balance!"


    As if things weren''t already bad enough, Alex had found a golden chest.


    And not just finding it¡ªstumbling upon it effortlessly.


    That damned upgrade stone inside had made Alex''s cheat ability even more overpowered. [Exploding Touch], already a nightmare to deal with, was now enhanced to levels that shouldn''t even exist in the tutorial stage.


    The rabbit slammed his paw onto the couch, fuming.


    "Unbelievable!" he growled.


    The golden chest wasn''t even supposed to be findable.


    Oracle had painstakingly hidden every golden chest in locations that required insane luck or extreme effort to uncover. Players were meant to bleed, sweat, and cry their way through the tutorial before earning the slightest chance of finding one.


    But no, not Alex.


    The anomaly had simply walked past a tree and spotted the gleaming treasure sitting there like it was gift-wrapped just for him.


    Oracle stood up, throwing his arms in the air as he replayed the absurd scene in his mind.


    "What kind of cosmic joke is this?! The tutorial is supposed to be hell¡ªnot a freebie-filled holiday!"


    Worse, Oracle could still hear Alex''s smug voice echoing in his mind:


    "I wonder if there''s more golden chest! I should look for more of them."


    That comment had made Oracle''s fur stand on end.


    "More of these? MORE?!" Oracle had roared at the screen when it happened. He had been so furious he nearly ripped out chunks of his fur, pacing and ranting like a lunatic in his pristine white room.


    It had taken him hours to calm down.


    Now, sitting back on the couch, Oracle let out a long, exasperated sigh. His elbow rested on the armrest, and he leaned his head against his paw, eyes half-closed with exhaustion.


    "Why is this so stressful?" he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the anomaly''s actions crushing down on him.


    To the outside world, Oracle might appear calm and composed.


    But internally?


    Oracle was a dramatic, anxiety-ridden mess.


    When the Cockatrice King descended into the fray, Oracle had been ecstatic.


    The proud, territorial beast had finally appeared, and Oracle was certain it would do what no one else could¡ªwipe out the anomaly.


    But no.


    Not only did the Cockatrice King fail miserably, but the stupid bird captured Alex instead of killing him.** Why? Because some meddling god had whispered divine nonsense into the Cockatrice''s ear, telling it to imprison Alex for future greatness.


    "Typical gods," Oracle muttered, gripping his temples at the memory. "Always sticking their noses where they don''t belong!"


    And what did that lead to?


    The anomaly thanks to its title had forced the same meddling deity into granting him a skill.


    Another damned skill.


    Oracle had thrown an entire bowl of carrots at the screen when it happened.


    "That cursed anomaly!"


    And it didn''t stop there.


    Alex had completely wrecked the Cockatrice''s lair.


    He pillaged its treasure hoard, pocketing more gold coins than a new player had any right to possess. Then he murdered the Cockatrice''s heir¡ªits only child¡ªbefore turning his fury on the king itself.


    What came next was an absolute slaughter.


    The Cockatrice King, the supposed ruler of the forest, was beaten black and blue by Alex in front of its remaining flock.


    Oracle could still hear the memory of the beast''s desperate cries as Alex finished it off, obliterating the once-proud king.


    He''d even tried to stop Alex from gaining more power by messing with the System Shop, a feature designed to tempt players into spending their resources recklessly.


    The shop worked on a simple principle: the more gold a player had, the more expensive and powerful items would appear in their listings. It was a perfect trap, luring players into draining their wealth on flashy, high-end gear.


    But in Alex''s case?


    Oracle had scrambled to hide every powerful skill, weapon, and accessory that might make defeating the Cockatrice King too easy.


    But it didn''t matter.


    Even with all the setbacks, Alex still won.


    The Cockatrice King, the powerful apex predator of the zone, had been reduced to nothing more than a footnote in Alex''s chaotic rise.


    For Oracle, it was infuriating.


    He''d bent rules, pushed limits, and exploited loopholes in the system to hold Alex back¡ªbut none of it had worked.


    The only reason he could even manipulate events like this was that the tutorial hadn''t fully started yet.


    The systems weren''t locked into place, giving him just enough wiggle room to interfere.


    But once the tutorial properly began, all of that would change.


    The rules would be set, opportunities for Alex to grow would multiply, and Oracle would lose the ability to directly intervene.


    This realization sent Oracle spiraling.


    "What the hell am I supposed to do?!" he yelled, pacing the room as his carrot snacks went forgotten.


    His mind raced through the possibilities, but nothing seemed to stick.


    The problem wasn''t just Alex¡ªit was what Alex represented.


    Anomalies.


    They were the most dangerous and unpredictable players in existence. They didn''t just break the rules; they shattered them, leaving chaos in their wake. And the stronger they became, the worse the damage.


    Oracle shuddered as he remembered the last time an anomaly had reached god-level power.


    That anomaly''s rise had thrown the entire multiverse into chaos. Gods had waged war against each other, fighting tooth and nail to claim the anomaly for their side. The battles had torn worlds apart, leaving countless realms in ruins.


    But it didn''t end there.


    The anomaly had done the unthinkable:


    He had killed a god.


    That single act sent shockwaves through the multiverse.


    The delicate balance of power among the deities was shattered.


    Terrified of what the anomaly might do next, gods from every corner of existence united to stop him.


    Yet even then, it wasn''t enough.


    The anomaly carved a bloody path through their ranks, destroying countless worlds and slaughtering dozens of gods before he was finally brought down.


    The memory of that event was burned into Oracle''s mind. It was a cautionary tale, a reminder of what could happen if an anomaly was allowed to grow unchecked.


    And now, Alex was shaping up to be just as dangerous¡ªif not more so.

 Chapter 45 Oracles Scheme

    Oracle''s world was one of many destroyed by the anomaly.That''s why he wasn''t messing around.


    He had seen firsthand what carelessness could cost: entire worlds reduced to ash lives snuffed out like candles in a storm. For Oracle, this wasn''t a game¡ªit was survival.


    If Oracle could have, he would have killed Alex the second he learned what Alex truly was. No hesitation. No second thoughts. Just a clean end to the threat. To Oracle, anomalies like Alex were like mosquitoes they could evolve and they become monsters.


    The best solution was to get rid of them early before they became unstoppable.


    But there was a catch.


    The system''s rules made it clear: overseers like Oracle were forbidden from directly harming humans. At least, not directly.


    The system''s rules weren''t perfect¡ªthey had loopholes, and Oracle was more than willing to exploit them.


    It wasn''t just duty that drove him. It was rage.


    The anomaly that had destroyed so much was a lunatic, a being that lived without limits, wreaking havoc just because it could.


    And now Alex was starting to show the same dangerous signs¡ªthe same disregard for boundaries, the same chaotic energy.


    That''s why Alex had to be stopped.


    Before another father lost his wife.


    Before another family was shattered.


    Before someone lost their entire race.


    This wasn''t just about Alex; it was about justice


    . It was about ensuring that no one else would suffer the way Oracle had.


    That''s why he accepted the role of overseer: to hunt and eliminate anomalies like the lunatic who had destroyed his world.


    He had gotten rid of plenty of anomalies but none like Alex.


    He wasn''t an easy one.


    Even though Alex was innocent now, the potential chaos he could become was what made him so dangerous.


    In the future, Alex could grow into a force, powerful enough to shape the universe.


    Oracle didn''t know which side Alex would choose¡ªgood or evil.


    But the possibility of Alex becoming a destructive force¡ªa being that lived only for itself¡ªwas something Oracle simply couldn''t accept.


    No, wouldn''t accept.


    An evil Alex must never be allowed to exist.


    He swore he would make sure of that.


    But now, that Alex had defeated the Cockatrice King he had taken a leap towards power.


    The rewards Alex would gain from such a feat would be insane.


    Alex had already surged ahead of everyone else.


    Other unique individuals would become irrelevant.


    No one would be able to catch him. And with every step Alex took, he would grow stronger. Stronger than anyone should be allowed to become.


    Oracle had one option left, which was manipulating the interfering deities and enlisting other players to throw Alex off track.


    Oracle knew Alex better than most.


    Thanks to his position as an overseer, he had bent the rules¡ªno, abused them¡ªto get a brief look at Alex''s life.


    He had seen the cracks, the weaknesses, and the people who could throw Alex''s path into chaos.


    That''s what Oracle planned to use.


    The tutorial begins with players appearing in a specific territory¡ªone filled with weak monsters to ensure they don''t perish too quickly.


    Alex, who was already in the tutorial within a rank D zone, would also be repositioned into this territory alongside other players. Just like he had arrived with them, seamlessly integrated into the group.


    He would place Alex alongside players who could disrupt his progress, who would challenge him, push him to his limits, and, eventually, become his enemies. These weren''t just random players; they were strategically chosen¡ªpeople who would no doubt hold Alex back, to make him uncomfortable.


    But that wasn''t the end of it.


    Oracle was going to pull the deities into this.


    He would guide their attention to these chosen players, ensuring that they were blessed with enough strength to fight Alex.


    His hope was that these players would be strong enough to eliminate Alex.


    However, Oracle knew that Alex''s growth rate was unpredictable. Every victory Alex achieved pushed him further beyond what most players could accomplish.


    Still, Oracle wasn''t aiming to outright defeat Alex in a conventional sense.


    His real goal was to mess with Alex''s mind.


    He would manipulate the situation to make Alex question his sanity, erode his confidence, and ultimately fracture his mental state.


    By placing Alex in a situation where he was constantly under pressure, constantly fighting his kind, and forcing him to question his morality, Oracle intended to push him to the brink.


    If Alex eventually passes the tutorial phase, his mental stability will be crumbled, and that''s where Oracle would step in.


    He would present a case to the Reigners¡ªan undeniable argument that Alex was a loose cannon, too dangerous to be left unchecked.


    If Alex couldn''t control his own mind, how could he be trusted not to destroy everything around him?


    That case would no doubt be convincing.


    With Alex''s growing power coupled with his fragile mental state, Oracle knew the gods would see him as a risk. And once that bill was put forward¡ªonce the reigners debated the fate of Alex, the outcome was inevitable.


    Alex would be eliminated.


    Oracle had no doubt about it. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    He would pull it off. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Oracle wouldn''t leave it to chance.


    He''d always be watching, manipulating the system whenever he could to tip the scales in his favor. His calm, composed demeanor hid the constant strategy and control he maintained over every detail.


    As Oracle pondered, a flood of notifications appeared.


    Ding!


    [Player 002 is ready to be initiated]


    [Player 0500 is ready to be initiated]


    [Player 3700 is ready to be initiated]


    [Player 10000 is ready to be initiated]


    More notifications kept pouring in, and Oracle exhaled. His calm state returned, his mind calculating every new player''s potential to be molded, to be turned into pawns in his game.


    It was time for new players to make their descent into the tutorial, and for Oracle to begin his work. Just like he had done with Alex, he''d give them a brief introduction¡ªbrief, but calculated.


    As an overseer, he held complete control in this white room.


    He could create infinite versions of it to tend to new, confused players all at once.


    The sheer power of his position allowed him to be omniscient, able to be in multiple rooms at once, giving each player an introduction like he did with Alex.


    As Oracle began his work, a version of himself scanned through the system searching for two names specifically.


    The two who could make his plan to eliminate Alex feasible.


    He scanned through the system, eyes flicking through player profiles until he found them.


    "Katie and Ethan, was it? I''ll be counting on you two."

 Chapter 46 Rewards [Bonus]

    Alex''s eyes fluttered open, greeted by a clear, endless blue sky.He groaned softly, raising a hand to his throbbing head.


    His mind felt hazy, as though shrouded in a thick fog.


    For a moment, nothing made sense. The memories were gone, but the disorientation didn''t last long.


    Suddenly, it all came rushing back, and a smile crept onto his face.


    The corners of his mouth curled into a grin as he remembered it¡ªthe maniacal laughter that had escaped his lips just before he passed out.


    "Ah¡­" he groaned, satisfied.


    "That''s right. I won."


    Sitting up, Alex let his gaze sweep across his surroundings.


    But almost immediately, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    This place was completely unfamiliar.


    Gone was the icy forest where he had battled the Cockatrice King.


    There were no trees, no frost-covered ground, no green canopy above.


    Instead, he found himself sitting on jagged stone.


    He rose to his feet, his boots scraping against the rough cliffside beneath him. The sharp wind tugged at his hair, and as he stepped closer to the edge, he stared down and saw green below.


    He had somehow ended up on a cliff.


    "What the hell¡­" he muttered, his voice low. "How did I get here?"


    His mind scrambled for an answer.


    Could Murzok have survived? That thought struck him like a lightning bolt.


    Maybe the zombie bird dragged me here while I was unconscious.


    But as soon as the idea formed, Alex dismissed it.


    "No," he said under his breath, shaking his head.


    There was no way Murzok would have gone to the trouble of moving him instead of finishing him off.


    Besides, the last thing he remembered before blacking out was hearing the system notification informing him he had killed the Cockatrice King.


    Alex clenched his fists as the memory became clearer.


    Murzok hadn''t survived.


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    He''d won.


    But that still didn''t explain how he had ended up on this cliffside.


    Alex checked the system notification, his fingers swiping instinctively in the air to bring up the familiar glowing screen. As his eyes scanned the lines of text, he exhaled in relief.


    There it was.


    The confirmation he needed.


    The battle hadn''t been a dream or some cruel trick.


    "We''ll, as long as I''m not in any danger," Alex muttered to himself with a smirk, dismissing his worry about his location.


    He sat cross-legged on the ground, eager to dive into the notifications and see the rewards waiting for him¡ªespecially the skills and accessories he might have earned.


    The chime of the system rang out again.


    Ding!


    [You have killed the Cockatrice King, Murzok.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    Alex blinked, staring at the screen in disbelief.


    "Five times? Wow."


    He hadn''t expected that.


    Before battling Murzok, he had been at level 23. By his calculations, leveling up from there should have been a grueling process, requiring endless fights and grinding.


    But Murzok wasn''t just any opponent.


    The Cockatrice King had been a high-ranking beast, and the experience points (EXP) gained from the fight were enough to catapult him up by five whole levels.


    Ding!


    [You have received 25 stat points.]


    [You have received 5 power stones.]


    [You have received skill: Petrify]


    [You have received weapon: Murzok''s Fangblade]


    Alex''s eyes widened as he read through the rewards, but it was the new skill that immediately caught his attention.


    "Petrify?" he muttered, tapping the notification to pull up the skill''s description.


    [Petrify]:


    User unleashes an aura of paralyzing energy that freezes all movement within a 20-meter radius. Targets affected by this skill are unable to move, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.


    Resistance is futile for most, as the skill bypasses standard defenses.


    Duration: 10 seconds.


    (Note: Those with exceptional willpower or unique resistances may shatter the effect prematurely.)


    "Pretty sick," Alex said with a hearty grin, leaning back slightly.


    It was the skill Murzok had used on him.


    He had almost pissed his pants the first time it was used on him.


    A skill like this was no joke, it was a game-changer, especially in tight battles where movement could decide life or death.


    But the rewards didn''t stop there. Next, Alex checked the weapon he had received: Murzok''s Fangblade.


    It was a sleek, one-handed sword with a jagged, fang-like design with a high damage output and a deadly poison effect that sapped an opponent''s strength over time. The sword increased the user''s speed, making them faster on the battlefield.


    Alex studied the blade''s glowing details in awe.


    It was a masterpiece, perfectly balanced for deadly strikes and swift movements.


    "Oh¡­" Alex muttered, running his hand through his hair.


    A smirk spread across his face. "Looks like Eclipse Edge might be getting a replacement."


    He couldn''t help but feel thrilled. The rewards from the Cockatrice King were better than he had hoped, and the combination of Petrify and Murzok''s Fangblade would make him a force to be reckoned with.


    "Let''s see who''s ready to mess with me now," Alex murmured with a confident chuckle.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received 25 stat points.]


    [You have received 5 power stones.]


    [You have received skill: Minor Telekinesis]


    [You have received accessories: Attribute Converter]


    Alex''s eyes scanned the glowing text, and one phrase immediately grabbed his attention: Minor Telekinesis.


    [Minor Telekinesis]:


    Allows the user to move small objects using the power of their mind. (Scale increases with level.)


    "Oh," Alex gasped, his eyes lighting up like a kid who just found out they had superpowers. "So freaking cool."


    His mind raced with possibilities. The idea of moving things without lifting a finger made him grin.


    However, a quick skim of the description dampened his excitement a little¡ªsmall objects.


    He couldn''t throw trees or boulders around just yet.


    "Well, I guess I''ve got to start somewhere," Alex muttered, shrugging.


    He stood up, cracking his knuckles, and decided to test his new ability.


    His eyes locked onto a nearby rock, small enough to fit in his palm. Alex focused, willing the object to come to him.


    At first, nothing happened.


    But then, the rock wobbled slightly before lifting off the ground, floating through the air toward him. Alex grinned as he reached out and caught it mid-flight.


    "Okay, that''s pretty sweet," he said, admiring the rock for a second before deciding to push things further.


    Holding the rock in front of him, Alex concentrated again, making it hover and spin around in the air like a planet orbiting a star. After a few seconds of showing off, he flicked his hand and sent the rock flying off into the distance.


    "Not bad," he mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    Now it was time for a bigger challenge.


    He turned to a larger rock, about the size of a basketball, and focused hard, willing it to move.


    He clenched his fists, furrowed his brow, and even let out a low groan of effort.


    The rock didn''t budge. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sheesh!" Alex groaned, rubbing his temple as he eased off. "I almost popped a vein."


    Alex then turned his attention to the newly acquired item, his eyes narrowing as the glowing text shimmered in front of him. From the name alone, he knew it was something special.


    [Attribute Converter]: Exchanges 50 assigned attribute points for a single Upgrade Stone, which can be used to rank up skills.


    Alex''s jaw dropped.

 Chapter 47 Familiar Faces [Bonus]

    [Attribute Converter]:Exchanges 50 assigned attribute points for a single upgrade stone, which can be used to rank up skills.


    Alex''s jaw dropped.


    "An upgrade stone?!"


    He nearly jumped in excitement.


    Upgrade stones were valuable as they were capable of amplifying a skill''s power to insane levels.


    It was why [Exploding Touch] was so strong.


    The thought of his skills becoming stronger sent a thrill through him.


    He could already imagine upgrading [Minor Telekinesis], [Foresight], or even his devastating [Aegis Arcane]. The possibilities were endless!


    But then, his excitement fizzled as his eyes fell on the cost.


    "50 attribute points?"


    Alex groaned, slapping his forehead. "That''s... a lot of points."


    Fifty points weren''t something you casually gave up.


    Those points could go into boosting his strength, agility, or intelligence¡ªall essential for survival and growth.


    Trading them away felt like handing over treasure for a lottery ticket.


    Alex furrowed his brow, crossing his arms as he stared at the converter. "Someone''s definitely trying to nerf me. Probably because I''ve gotten too strong."


    Meanwhile, elsewhere...


    Oracle sat in his white room, sipping from a sleek black mug filled with something resembling coffee. As Alex''s words echoed through the system, Oracle sputtered mid-sip, coughing uncontrollably. The mug slipped slightly, spilling its contents onto his immaculately pressed suit.


    "Damn anomaly," Oracle growled, grabbing a napkin to clean himself.


    Back to Alex...


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the converter.


    The Upgrade stones were seriously tempting.


    The thought of boosting his skills was hard to resist.


    [Minor Telekinesis] could evolve into something truly dangerous, allowing him to manipulate larger objects with ease. [Foresight] could grant him longer, more precise glimpses into the future. And [Aegis Arcane]¡ªhis trusty defensive skill¡ªcould become practically impenetrable.


    There were so many options, and Alex''s skill list was growing rapidly.


    Alex exhaled sharply and decided to open his stat window. The familiar glowing interface appeared before him, displaying his hard-earned progress.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 28


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]:


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 95 [+5] [+10]


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    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 50


    [Powerstones]: 10 S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Skills]:


    [Exploding Touch], [Sonic Howl], [Aegis Arcane], [SlipStream], [Stealth Walk], [Titan Fury], [Vigor Strike], [Fast and Furious], [Minor Regen], [Flame Immunity], [Foresight], [Stone Face], [Earth Swim], [Petrify], [Minor Telekinesis]


    Alex studied the window with a critical eye, his mind racing with possibilities. Fifty available stat points¡ªit was no small amount. This was the reward of tireless battles, close calls, and victories against foes like the cockatrice king.


    He could assign those points to bolster his stats, pushing his strength or agility to new heights. Or... he could trade them for an upgrade stone.


    The idea lingered in his mind. If he really wanted, he could even shave off some points from his existing stats¡ªmaybe from Strength or Agility¡ªto get a second upgrade stone.


    But the thought made him grimace.


    "Man, this doesn''t feel right," Alex muttered, clenching his fists.


    He had worked for those points. Risked his life for every single one.


    Trading them away so easily didn''t seem fair. It was like the system was demanding a tax on his success, asking him to give up ten levels'' worth of stat rewards¡ªminus the power stones and skills¡ªfor just one upgrade stone.


    "That''s ridiculous," Alex groaned, his frustration bubbling up. "Someone''s got to be messing with me. There''s no way this exchange is balanced."


    Yet the allure of an upgrade stone was undeniable. It could make his skills even more powerful, transforming them into something truly unstoppable. The idea of supercharging [Minor Telekinesis], [Aegis Arcane], or even [Foresight] was hard to ignore.


    Still, the tradeoff gnawed at him. Alex sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don''t know if it''s worth it," he muttered. "But at least I''ve got time to decide."


    For now, he would hold onto his points and weigh his options. There was no rush. If the opportunity presented itself to earn more points or a better way to gather upgrade stones, Alex would be ready.


    As Alex mulled over how to allocate his stat points, a sudden *whoosh broke his concentration. The sound came from behind him, sharp and unnatural, like air being displaced.


    Instinctively, Alex spun around, his body tensing.


    Standing a few steps away was a man who had seemingly materialized out of thin air.


    The man looked disoriented, his eyes darting around in confusion.


    But then his gaze landed on Alex, and his expression shifted from bewildered to shocked recognition.


    "Alex?" the man stammered, his voice shaky.


    "What the hell is happening? What did you¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, another whoosh interrupted, and then another. People were appearing out of nowhere, blinking into existence one after the other.


    Alex''s heart sank as realization hit him like a freight train.


    His eyes widened as he muttered under his breath:


    "No way..."


    It was happening.


    His time alone in the tutorial was over.


    The others were arriving.


    "Shit!" Alex cursed, his mind racing.


    He had been so consumed by the trials, the battles, and the system itself that he hadn''t even stopped to think about this moment.


    The tutorial wasn''t just his anymore¡ªit was theirs too.


    One of the new arrivals¡ªa woman¡ªlet out a piercing scream as she appeared, clutching her head in panic.


    Another man materialized beside her, his face pale and drenched in sweat.


    He took one look at his surroundings, staggered forward, and promptly fell to his knees, vomiting onto the ground.


    Alex stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest.


    He knew them.


    He knew all of them.


    Each face that appeared was painfully familiar. Coworkers.


    Former colleagues from the life he had left behind.


    Alex swallowed hard, his fists clenching as he fought to keep his composure.


    More and more faces emerged, and with every new arrival, his dread grew.


    "Please," Alex muttered under his breath, his stomach twisting in knots. "Please don''t let them show up. Anyone but them."


    He wasn''t ready for a reunion.


    He didn''t want to see them.


    Another whoosh.


    A man appeared, which made Alex''s blood boil on sight.


    "Thompson," Alex growled under his breath.


    Seeing his familiar face again sent a wave of irritation coursing through him.


    Thompson looked around, clearly baffled by what was happening, but his presence alone was enough to reignite old grudges.


    Alex clenched his fists tighter, trying to calm the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm him.


    Those two were coming as well.

 Chapter 48 Denizen of New World

    Alex stood rooted in place, his breath caught in his throat as more people blinked into existence around him.Each new arrival felt like a drumbeat against his nerves, tightening his chest further.


    His entire body was tense, every muscle coiled as if preparing for a fight.


    Why am I so on edge?


    Alex wondered, his hands balling into fists.


    He''d faced the Cockatrice King, battled swarms of deadly monsters, and stared death in the face more times than he could count. And yet here he was, shaken to his core, his heart pounding like a war drum.


    Two normal humans shouldn''t have been enough to rattle him like this.


    Another soft whoosh broke the silence. A new figure appeared just a few feet away, swaying slightly as they adjusted to the strange surroundings. Alex''s eyes darted toward the newcomer, scanning their face with a mix of hope and dread.


    And then¡­ nothing.


    No more sounds. No more arrivals.


    Alex held his breath for a few agonizing seconds, his eyes scanning the space around him. The air was still, quiet as if the tutorial had paused its relentless summons.


    "Is that it?" Alex murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible.


    His nerves refused to settle, the tension in his chest still lingering. He didn''t trust it. Not yet.


    A soft ding echoed in his ears, and Alex''s heart skipped a beat. It was a system notification.


    Judging by the way everyone suddenly froze, their eyes flickering toward the invisible screens in front of them, it wasn''t just his notification¡ªit was a general announcement.


    [Welcome to the Tutorial]


    The words hovered in Alex''s vision, stark and simple, but they carried a weight that made him exhale sharply. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave, loosening the knot of tension in his chest.


    It seemed they weren''t coming after all. Not yet.


    Alex took a moment to glance around, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He did a quick headcount¡ªtwenty people in total.


    Some of them were familiar faces, people he had worked closely with back at the office. Others were more distant acquaintances, employees he barely knew beyond a nod in the hallway.


    Twenty of them, Alex thought. And still not the two I was worried about.


    Just as he began to process the situation, another notification popped into view.


    Ding!


    [You have earned the title: ''Denizens of the New World.'']


    Alex blinked in surprise.


    "A title?" he muttered, his curiosity piqued.


    He quickly opened his stat window to check out the details of the title.


    [Ding! You have earned the title: Denizens of the New World.]


    [Title Effect: You have successfully completed the introduction and entered the tutorial as a trainee of the new world. +3 to all stats.]


    Alex raised an eyebrow. So it wasn''t anything special, he thought, his excitement fading slightly. Judging by the reactions of the others around him, it was clear they had received the same title.


    "Figures," Alex muttered to himself, brushing it off. He''d been hoping for something unique, something that would set him apart even more.


    But a generic bonus to stats? Useful, sure, but nothing groundbreaking.


    As Alex closed the notification window, he noticed someone approaching him.


    A tall, sharp-featured man with a shrewd look in his eyes strode over.


    At first glance, you''d think he was calm and confident, maybe even boisterous. But Alex knew better.


    "Alex!" the man exclaimed, his voice overly loud, as though trying to draw attention. "You good, man? Did you see that rabbit too? Creepiest thing I''ve ever seen¡ªhonestly, I almost peed my pants!"


    Alex winced as the man''s words came at him like a machine gun. He barely had time to react as the barrage of chatter continued.


    The man''s personality was the exact opposite of Alex''s¡ªextroverted, overly friendly, and naturally charismatic. People were drawn to him like moths to a flame, but Alex found his energy overwhelming.


    This was someone Alex knew well. Back at work, he had been one of the few who treated Alex with decency, even speaking to him like a normal person. But he had never once stood up for Alex when the bullies came for him. Not once.


    Jonah was the only one who had ever been remotely nice to Alex at work. He''d treated Alex with some decency, speaking to him when most others wouldn''t. But he had never once stood up for Alex when the bullies came for him.


    This left Alex conflicted. Was Jonah genuinely unaware of my situation, or was he just acting clueless?


    The thought stung more than Alex wanted to admit. It made him feel weak¡ªpathetic, even. He had silently relied on Jonah to step in and help, rather than standing up for himself or simply asking for support. That dependence, combined with Nathan''s inaction, gnawed at him.


    Shaking the thoughts away, Alex observed Jonah more closely. Unlike the sharp suit Jonah had worn to work, here he was dressed in sturdy armor, just like the others who had been summoned.


    So, we all start with gear now? Alex wondered, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the group. His gaze swept over the crowd, pausing when he caught someone staring directly at him.


    It was a woman¡ªher face familiar, though her name escaped him. Alex furrowed his brow, piecing together where he''d seen her before. The floor below us, he recalled. She worked in the department beneath his.


    Their only interaction had been brief¡ªa polite conversation during an elevator ride when they''d been the only two inside.


    He remembered her being nice, maybe even a bit friendly, but he hadn''t paid much attention to her back then. His heart had been entirely consumed by Katie at the time.


    Now, though, with nothing else to distract him, Alex found himself looking at her more closely. Her features were striking¡ªfar more than he''d noticed before. She''s... beautiful, Alex realized, the thought surprising him.


    For a moment, he held her gaze, but as the weight of the stare grew heavier, he quickly turned his eyes elsewhere, his face heating slightly.


    "Hey, Nancy!" Jonah called out, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.


    Nancy turned her head, her expression softening as she replied warmly, "Hi, Jonah."


    Her gaze, however, quickly shifted back to Alex, lingering on him. Alex noticed and tensed up slightly, unsure of what she wanted to say.


    "You okay?" Nancy asked, her tone gentle yet curious. "You seem a little... tense."


    Alex hesitated, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, well, who wouldn''t be? The situation we''re in isn''t exactly... normal."


    Nancy nodded a small smile on her lips.


    "You''re right about that. I mean, I''d just stepped into the office when my head suddenly felt like it was going to explode. The next thing I knew, I was in a white room talking to a rabbit. And then... I appeared here."


    Jonah chimed in, gesturing around.


    "Same here. It was so weird¡ªone second, I was at my desk, and the next, I''m face-to-face with some rabbit thing. I''m guessing it''s the same for everyone here."


    Nancy turned back to Alex, her gaze steady. "What about you, Alex? Was it the same for you?"


    Alex gave a small nod, trying to avoid looking too stiff. "Yeah. It''s the same," he replied simply.


    His response felt awkward, and he knew it. He wasn''t trying to come off as distant, but the words just didn''t flow naturally.


    Maybe it''s because I''ve spent days talking to beasts, Alex thought, and suddenly having to interact with people feels...off.


    Alex shifted uncomfortably, noticing the way Nancy''s eyes lingered on him, her expression curious, almost suspicious. It wasn''t the kind of look you gave just anyone¡ªit was like she was trying to piece something together about him.


    "Is that so... then why do you look like you just got into a fight with a bull?" Nancy asked, her tone light but her words pointed.


    "Huh?" Alex blinked, confused.


    She gestured subtly toward him. "I mean, look at you."


    Alex glanced down and immediately saw what she meant. His clothes were a mess¡ªtorn and dusty, with faint streaks of dried blood across his shirt. In comparison, everyone else looked pristine, decked out in gleaming armor that seemed like it had been plucked straight out of a fantasy game.


    "There''s blood on your clothes, too," Nancy added, tilting her head slightly. Her sharp observation made Alex feel a little self-conscious.


    He scratched the back of his neck, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Well... uh, my landing wasn''t exactly soft," he explained. "I pretty much crashed into the ground. Must''ve hurt myself a little in the process."


    "Is that so..." Nancy murmured, her tone unreadable.


    Jonah, however, jumped in, flashing his usual easygoing grin. "Man, Alex, you''re always so... different. It''s like you''re from another world or something."


    Alex narrowed his eyes slightly, unsure how to take the comment. What the hell does that even mean? Is that supposed to be a compliment... or an insult? He didn''t like overthinking things, but Jonah''s words stuck in his head.


    Before he could respond, Alex''s attention was pulled elsewhere.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement¡ªsomeone was making their way toward him, their steps deliberate.


    His stomach dropped as he recognized who it was. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    Thompson.


    And he looked like he was coming to pick a fight.

 Chapter 49 Confrontation

    Alex''s gaze sharpened as he noticed Thompson heading straight toward him, his face set in a mix of anger and suspicion. His footsteps were heavy, his posture tense, and it didn''t take a genius to tell that confrontation was inevitable."You! What did you do?" Thompson barked, loud enough to draw everyone''s attention.


    Alex''s frown deepened. Here we go. He vaguely remembered threatening to beat the man up if he interfered, and shortly after, the system had descended.


    Before Alex could say anything, Jonah stepped in, his tone equal parts curious and defensive. "Whoa, what are you talking about? What did he do?"


    Thompson''s accusing glare didn''t waver as he pointed a shaking finger at Alex. "He assaulted Mr. Ethan! And then¡ªthen all of a sudden this happened!"


    Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group. Jonah''s expression twisted in disbelief as he turned to Alex. "You assaulted Ethan? Like... the head of the company?"


    Alex hesitated. He didn''t want to explain himself to these people¡ªnot here, not now¡ªbut the weight of their stares pressed on him. He muttered under his breath, just loud enough to be heard, "You seriously think that matters now?"


    "What?!" Thompson roared, his voice rising in both pitch and volume. "You don''t think it matters? You assaulted the head of the company!"


    Alex met Thompson''s gaze, his expression unyielding. A flicker of annoyance crossed his features.


    Nancy chimed in, her tone firm yet calm.


    "He''s right. It doesn''t matter."


    Thompson spun toward her, his expression twisted in frustration.


    He raised a dismissive hand.


    "Huh... you butt out of it! This doesn''t concern you!"


    Jonah stepped in next, his voice steady but tinged with disbelief.


    "Mr. Thompson, you''re getting your priorities all wrong here. Think about it for a second¡ªwhat''s the connection between Alex supposedly doing that and us all ending up here?"


    Thompson turned to Jonah, his face flushed. "You¡­ you don''t know! What he did probably caused all of this!"


    Jonah raised an eyebrow, folding his arms as he replied with slow, deliberate sarcasm. "So, let me get this straight. You''re saying that Alex punching Ethan was so catastrophic, it broke the laws of reality, shattered the matrix, and somehow triggered a rabbit in a suit to drag us into this bizarre place to ''train'' us as citizens of a new world? Is that what you''re saying, Mr. Thompson?"


    The group around them went quiet. All eyes were on Thompson as Jonah''s words hung in the air.


    Thompson froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. The logic¡ªor lack of it¡ªbegan to dawn on him. He stammered, trying to find a response, but he couldn''t.


    "¡­I¡­" he muttered, clearly flustered.


    Alex watched the scene unfold, his sharp gaze noting the flicker of realization in Thompson''s eyes. The man had blurted out his accusation out of panic, scrambling for someone to blame, and Alex had just been his convenient scapegoat.


    Because that''s what Thompson always did¡ªshove responsibility onto someone else the moment things got tough.


    Thompson clicked his tongue in frustration, the sharp sound cutting through the tense silence.


    He turned toward Alex, his expression twisting into one of disdain.


    Alex was an easy target, after all.


    "You''re such a piece of shit," Thompson spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Acting all arrogant earlier, like you''re above everyone else. But let''s face it¡ªyou''re still the same wimp, hiding behind other people. Letting them speak for you. Just wait¡­ when we get back, you''ll pay for what you did to Ethan."


    Alex stood still, his face betraying no emotion as he watched Thompson rant. He didn''t flinch, didn''t respond, didn''t even blink. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But inside? Inside, Alex was boiling.


    Should I just blow him up? The thought came unbidden, simmering in the back of his mind. It would be so easy¡ªhe could do it in an instant. Heck, if he wanted to, he could wipe out everyone here in seconds.


    But Alex clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms to ground himself. He wasn''t a psychopath. Killing Thompson¡ªor anyone else here¡ªwouldn''t do him any good. It wouldn''t solve anything. And deep down, he knew Thompson''s words had struck a nerve.


    Because Thompson wasn''t entirely wrong.


    Alex had let others fight his battles for far too long. He''d stayed quiet, kept his head down, hoping to avoid conflict. It was pathetic, and he hated himself for it.


    As the anger churned inside him, Alex felt a sharp tug of awareness¡ªNancy''s gaze was on him again.


    He turned his head, meeting her eyes.


    Her expression wasn''t harsh like Thompson''s or worried like Jonah''s had been. It was¡­ curious. Searching. She was studying him, almost like she was trying to figure him out.


    Alex furrowed his brow, confused.


    Nancy''s gaze lingered for a moment longer before she looked away, as if pretending she hadn''t been staring.


    Alex''s mind raced. What the hell was that look about? he wondered.


    It felt like her gaze was saying, I''m watching you.


    But why?


    Alex shifted uncomfortably. The attention was unsettling, something he actively avoided. He didn''t want eyes on him, especially now.


    Should I just disappear? he thought, imagining himself slipping away from the group to figure things out on his own. It wasn''t like he needed anyone here¡ªthey''d probably be better off without him anyway.


    But deep down, Alex knew there was a reason they''d all been brought here together. The system had gathered them for something bigger than personal grudges. For now, he''d stay. He wanted to see how things unfolded before making any rash decisions.


    Meanwhile, Nancy found her eyes drawn to Alex again, her thoughts lingering on him.


    He seemed¡­ different.


    Not just because of his rough appearance, but the way he carried himself. There was a weight to him, like someone who had been through more than anyone else here could imagine.


    Nancy had overheard whispers in the office about how Alex was treated, but she''d never known the details. Watching him now, it became painfully clear that those rumors hadn''t been exaggerated.


    The way Thompson had spoken to him, the judgmental glances from their co-workers, and the oppressive silence surrounding him all pointed to someone who had been ostracized for far too long.


    Nancy frowned. How had he put up with all of this?


    Before she could dwell on it further, a man stepped forward, breaking the tension.


    He was tall and athletic, dressed in a sleek archer''s outfit, a bow slung over his back. His expression was one of frustration, his voice carrying a mix of desperation and confusion.


    "Can someone please explain what''s going on here?" he asked, his tone edged with impatience. "I''ve been trying to wrap my head around this, but no matter how much I think about it, nothing makes sense!"


    The atmosphere was tense, filled with restless murmurs and shifting eyes. Suddenly, a soft sob broke the silence, a haunting, emotional sound that filled the air.


    Alex''s eyes flickered toward the source of the noise. It was Evelyn, a girl he barely knew, dressed in flowing robes, holding a wand that trembled in her grasp.


    "Sob, sob¡­ I don''t want to be here. I want to go back," Evelyn whimpered, her voice quivering as tears streamed down her face.


    "Stop crying, dammit. It wouldn''t solve anything." A harsh voice cut through the air.


    It woman, dressed in dark, form-fitting clothes looking like an assassin.


    "Everyone, calm down," a towering figure, clad in heavy armor said, his voice still steady. "This is probably some illusion or prank¡­ a dream?"


    But Evelyn''s sobs only grew louder, and her despair seemed contagious.


    Alex watched the crowd panicking.


    He couldn''t give more or less of a shit about any worries but as he glanced around at the others, he noticed something that he hadn''t paid more attention to due to his nervousness.


    Unlike him, who had been thrust into the thick of it, everyone else was prepared, somewhat.


    They weren''t thrown into the chaos with just a suit and empty hands.


    No¡ªmost were armored, weapons slung across their backs or at their sides.


    Swords, axes, wands¡ªevery one of them had some kind of tool for survival.


    Even Evelyn, who was sobbing uncontrollably, had a wand clutched tightly.


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    Meanwhile, Alex had landed here his business suit.


    He had fought tooth and nail for everything he had¡ªno fancy gear, no convenient weapons¡ªbut here, they were fully equipped from the start.


    ''Seriously, why didn''t I get this when I first appeared here?''


    Alex thought, his frustration bubbling just below the surface.


    The question bounced around his mind, both confusing and infuriating.


    Jonah''s voice then cut through the rising tension and then began to speak:


    "I don''t think this is a dream or an illusion or anything like that. It''s real¡ªreal as it gets. But I believe this is survivable¡ª if we stick together. Let''s focus on what we know and start from there."


    The group hesitated, but Jonah''s confidence seemed to anchor them. Slowly, the chaos subsided as people began speaking up, each sharing the knowledge they had.


    "We get a skill every ten levels."


    "Ranking up gives you +5 to all attributes."


    "Defeating boss monsters drops skills or weapons."


    "There''s a shop¡ªapparently, you can trade items and buy items there."


    As more people talked, the panic drained from the room.


    These weren''t ordinary people¡ªthey were professionals, and they were starting to act like it.


    Calm logic replaced fear, and the group began piecing together how this world worked.


    But Alex wasn''t calming down. If anything, with every new detail revealed, his anger burned hotter. His mind raced as he listened.


    ''All of this... the damned Overseer didn''t tell me any of it!"''

 Chapter 50 Player Killer

    Alex stepped forward and tapped Nancy on the shoulder, snapping her attention away from the group''s chatter. She turned to face him, eyebrows raised in curiosity."All of this... did the damned¡ª" Alex bit back his words, forcing a calmer tone. "Did the Overseer really tell you all this?"


    Nancy nodded without hesitation.


    "Yes. He explained the basics of the tutorial and answered any questions we had. Willingly, too. The only time he clammed up was when we asked about the Deities or the origin of the system."


    Alex froze for a split second. His expression didn''t change, but inside, his frustration flared like wildfire. He forced a smile, though his body betrayed him¡ªhis fists curled tight, his shoulders tensed.


    "Oh, is that so," he said absentmindedly, the words rolling off his tongue while his mind boiled.


    Before Nancy could notice anything strange, Alex added quickly, "Thanks." Then he turned away, his expression darkening the moment she couldn''t see his face.


    "That damned rabbit¡­" he cursed silently, his thoughts a storm of anger. The Overseer had handed them everything on a silver platter¡ªinformation, guidance, answers¡ªwhile leaving him to stumble around blind, piecing things together the hard way.


    But then he paused, taking a slow breath to steady himself. His anger began to cool, and for a moment, Alex let the truth sink in.


    "I have to admit... figuring it out myself wasn''t all bad."


    The thought hit him like a realization. Every hardship, every piece of knowledge he had earned on his own had shaped him. Made him sharper. Stronger.


    He glanced around at the other players¡ªtheir faces still tense, their eyes filled with uncertainty. If he wanted to, he could wipe them all out right now. They weren''t even close to his level.


    The corner of Alex''s mouth twitched into a faint, almost amused smile.


    "Let them have their answers. I''m already ahead."


    Nancy, who had been watching him, suddenly tilted her head and frowned.


    "Are you constipated or something? Why do you look like that?"


    The question blindsided Alex. His faint smile disappeared, replaced by an incredulous look. He blinked at her, then let out a small, almost inaudible chuckle as he relaxed.


    "It''s nothing," he replied, shaking his head.


    He focused on the other players, carefully observing how they interacted¡ªtheir body language, their conversations, and the subtle way they grouped together.


    It didn''t take long for him to notice something interesting.


    "Jonah''s more resourceful than I thought," Alex muttered to himself.


    Jonah moved through the crowd like it was second nature. He spoke to everyone, his tone confident but approachable. Even the players who had been withdrawn¡ªarms crossed, faces tense¡ªfound themselves talking to him. Alex watched as their walls came down, bit by bit.


    He noticed the way their eyes lingered on Jonah when he spoke. They weren''t just listening; they were hanging on his words. His presence carried weight. Influence.


    "Yeah, he''ll probably be their leader," Alex thought, his expression unreadable.


    Turning away from the group, Alex walked to the edge of the massive tower they stood on. Wind rushed past him, carrying with it the faint noise of distant shouting. He squinted into the distance, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.


    His gaze landed on other towers rising through the misty horizon, their silhouettes standing tall like forgotten giants. He noticed players¡ªother people like him¡ªscattered on top of each one.


    "Same number as us¡­" Alex realized, narrowing his eyes. Their confusion was clear even from this distance. They milled about, looking as lost and uncertain as he had felt when he first arrived.


    "We''re not alone in this mess," he muttered under his breath.


    Then, as his gaze drifted further, something caught his attention¡ªsomething that made him freeze.


    Atop another tower, a single player with a scythe sat at the very edge, legs dangling carelessly over the side. Alex''s sharp eyes took in the unsettling sight just behind the figure¡ªseveral unmoving bodies strewn across the rooftop.


    Dead.


    A chill ran through him.


    "Did he kill all those players?"


    His body tensed, his mind racing. They had just arrived, and hadn''t even faced any tutorial monsters yet. And already, people were dying.


    Alex exhaled, shaking his head as a bitter thought surfaced.


    "I knew it. Humans are bound to cause trouble here."


    He let out a quiet sigh, staring at the chaos unfolding from afar. He was human, too, yet he''d already caused enough destruction in just a few days. Multiply that by thousands of people running around in a place like this, and chaos was unavoidable.


    For a fleeting moment, Alex wished he was the only one here. Alone.


    Behind him, he heard footsteps approaching. He glanced over his shoulder to see Nancy walking toward him. She slowed when she noticed his distant expression.


    "What are you doing here all by yourself?" she asked, her voice curious but cautious.


    Alex didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he pointed across the misty expanse.


    "See that?" he said, his tone quiet but firm. "Other players. Just like us."


    Nancy followed his gaze, narrowing her eyes as she stepped closer. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she squinted to make sense of the distant scene.


    But Alex noticed something. She stopped short, careful not to get too close to the edge. Her posture stiffened ever so slightly.


    Alex''s lips twitched into a small, knowing smile. "Is she afraid of heights?" he wondered silently.


    Compared to Alex''s enhanced eyesight, Nancy''s vision was laughably poor. She squinted into the distance, clearly struggling to see what he''d pointed out.


    "Wait¡­ oh," she murmured after a moment. The players on the other towers appeared as tiny, barely visible dots to her. "It''s true."


    Before Alex could stop her, Nancy turned back to the group.


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    "Hey, Jonah! Look¡ªother players!" she called out, waving an arm and drawing everyone''s attention.


    Jonah looked up, his interest piqued. "Where?"


    Nancy pointed toward the towers. "Over there. Alex spotted them."


    Alex frowned, his jaw tightening slightly. "You didn''t have to say it was me¡­"


    Jonah grinned at him, his usual enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "Good job, Alex." He turned to address the others, his voice carrying the kind of authority that naturally drew attention.


    "We should try to meet up with them," Jonah said, optimism shining in his words. "If we join up with a larger group, we''ll have better chances of survival. There''s no need to worry too much, everyone¡ªif we work together, we can get through this place."


    The crowd murmured in agreement, hope flickering in their expressions.


    But Alex stood quietly at the edge, shaking his head.


    "Naive,"


    He turned his gaze back toward the lone figure on the far-off tower who looked like a grim reaper, and his fingers curled slightly.


    He sincerely doubted everyone would share Jonah''s wide-eyed, team-player ideals.


    Heck, he didn''t even agree with Jonah''s views.


    This place was dangerous.


    And people¡ªwhen pushed¡ªwere far worse than any monster lurking here.


    He planned on leaving the group soon as working in a group, especially with people who had treated him poorly, wasn''t going to happen.


    Trust in a place like this? Impossible.


    In a world with no rules or regulations¡ªwhere strength made the rules¡ªhumanity always ended up being its own worst enemy. People would fight, betray, and tear each other apart long before the real threats did. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex''s thoughts were interrupted when the archer who had spoken earlier raised a concern.


    "Okay, I agree with the idea of meeting up with others," the archer said, crossing his arms. "But how are you planning to get down? We can''t exactly climb."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to the edge of the tower. He peered downward, scanning for a path. The sheer drop was dizzying¡ªsmooth, unforgiving walls that stretched straight to the ground below.


    ''That''s right,'' Alex thought. ''There''s no way down.''


    At least, not for most people.


    For him, getting down wouldn''t be an issue. With his enhanced agility, he could scale the walls easily, or better yet¡ªhe glanced at the [Glider''s Cloak] draped over his shoulders¡ªhe could simply soar down.


    But the others?


    They were newbies. Climbing that sheer wall would be suicide.


    "Maybe," a player suggested hesitantly, "if we put our free stat points into agility, we might be able to climb down."


    The idea floated through the group like a weak spark, but it was quickly met with skepticism.


    "I don''t advise that," another player shot back. "We all have innate abilities, right? We should put our points into the attributes that match those abilities, so we can actually use them properly."


    "Attributes? Agility? I don''t get any of this," someone else muttered, frustration lacing their voice.


    Another player chimed in, "I don''t even have an ability."


    "Me neither," a second one admitted, shoulders slumping.


    The tension thickened in the air. Confusion mixed with uncertainty as the group stared at each other, wondering how they''d gotten here and why some of them seemed luckier than others.


    Jonah stepped forward, raising a hand. His calm voice cut through the chatter.


    "There''s no need to worry," Jonah said confidently. "If it''s about getting down¡­"


    The group turned to him, hopeful.


    "¡­then I can solve it."


    "How?" Thompson asked, his tone skeptical.


    Jonah''s lips curled into a grin. He took a step forward, and without another word, his body began to rise into the air.


    Gasps echoed across the rooftop.


    Jonah floated effortlessly, rising higher and higher, as if gravity had simply stopped existing for him. His clothes rippled in the wind as he hovered several feet above the ground, arms casually crossed.


    The players stared, wide-eyed.


    "No way¡­" someone whispered.


    Even Alex, who had remained quiet until now, felt his brow twitch.


    ''Of course,'' he thought bitterly, narrowing his eyes. ''He has the ability to fly.''

 Chapter 51 My Abilities

    Alex felt a twinge of envy as he watched Jonah casually descend from the air.Sure, he had the [Glider''s Cloak], which let him fly, but there was something undeniably cool about soaring through the sky without needing any equipment.


    ''That ability''s way too versatile,'' Alex thought.


    Jonah could hover out of reach of any ground-based beast and rain down attacks from above¡ªassuming he gained the right skills for it.


    Jonah landed smoothly, his boots touching the ground as if the wind itself had set him down.


    The group erupted into chatter, amusement and curiosity lighting up their faces.


    The sight of Jonah''s ability seemed to spark a chain reaction.


    One by one, others began revealing their innate abilities.


    "I can shoot fireballs," Thompson said, confidently extending his hand. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    A flame flickered to life in his palm before forming a small orb of fire, which he quickly extinguished to avoid an accident.


    "Whoa!" someone exclaimed, clearly impressed.


    Another player, standing a little shyly, raised her hand.


    "I can heal people," she said softly.


    "Well isn''t that a cliche," Alex thought shaking his head.


    Then there was a stocky man who cracked his knuckles.


    Alex recalled he was a security guard.


    "Mine''s simple. I can boost my strength¡ªdouble it, actually."


    He flexed his arm for emphasis, earning a mix of admiration and eye rolls.


    Dre, the archer Alex had been keeping an eye on, stepped forward next.


    "I can teleport short distances," he said with a smirk. To demonstrate, he vanished from where he stood and reappeared a few feet away in a blur of motion, earning gasps from the group.


    Finally, all eyes turned to Nancy.


    "What about you?" Jonah asked.


    Nancy hesitated, looking almost annoyed at being put on the spot. With a sigh, she raised her hand and gestured toward the assassin-looking woman in the group.


    Without warning, the dagger at the woman''s side slipped free from its sheath and flew into Nancy''s open palm.


    "Hey!" the woman yelped, startled by the sudden disarming.


    Nancy examined the blade briefly, then flicked her wrist. The dagger zipped back to its owner, sliding neatly into its sheath as if it had never moved.


    "I can manipulate metal," Nancy said, her tone flat and unimpressed.


    The group murmured in amazement.


    "Oh, Magneto," Alex muttered absentmindedly.


    Nancy''s sharp gaze locked onto him like a predator and Alex''s eyes widened.


    He slapped a hand over his mouth, realizing too late that he had spoken out loud.


    Nancy held his gaze for a moment, her expression unreadable, and Alex chuckled nervously.


    She then rolled her eyes and turned back to the group.


    And Alex let out a quiet breath of relief cursing his nerdy slip-up.


    "What about you?" Jonah''s voice cut through the chatter, drawing everyone''s attention.


    He was looking directly at Alex.


    Alex hesitated, his mind racing. Should he reveal his ability? He had seen how the others, especially those without abilities, looked at the ones who had them¡ªlike they were gods. Those with powers were quickly becoming the de facto leaders of the group.


    Alex knew he could join their ranks, maybe even rise above them to lead.


    He had the strength, the skills, and the mindset to do it.


    But deep down, he didn''t want that responsibility.


    ''Being a leader means dealing with all of this... drama,'' he thought, glancing at the group.


    Before he could respond, Thompson scoffed loudly, breaking the silence.


    "Why bother asking him?" Thompson said, his tone dripping with mockery. "I doubt he even has an ability. And if he does, it''s probably useless."


    The group chuckled nervously, unsure if they should laugh or stay silent.


    Alex''s expression darkened instantly, the flicker of hesitation replaced by a cold, simmering anger.


    He had been holding back, swallowing his frustration, staying out of the limelight.


    But now...


    Alex turned his piercing gaze to Thompson, his eyes narrowing like a predator locking onto its prey.


    Without a word, he activated [Petrify]


    Thompson''s smug grin vanished as his body stiffened unnaturally.


    His arms froze mid-gesture, his legs locked in place, and his face contorted into a mix of shock and terror.


    "What the... What''s happening?! I-I can''t move!" Thompson stammered, his voice trembling as panic set in.


    "It''s my ability," Alex said coolly.


    His tone was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "I can''t exactly stab you while you''re unable to move. Pretty useless, isn''t it?"


    Thompson''s face twisted in fear, his bravado shattered.


    "Let... let me go," he stammered, his voice shaky.


    Alex didn''t respond.


    He kept his gaze locked on Thompson, the weight of his power pressing down on the man like an invisible hand.


    But then Alex noticed something.


    The way the others were looking at him now¡ªsome in awe, but most with fear. Their wide eyes and hesitant postures screamed louder than words.


    "Alex, that''s enough," Jonah''s voice broke the tension.


    He stepped forward, his tone firm but calm. "You''ve made your point. No need to take it further."


    Alex sighed, letting out a slow breath.


    With a flick of his fingers, he deactivated [Petrify].


    Thompson collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, gasping for air.


    Sweat dripped from his face as he panted like he had just run a marathon.


    It had only been a few seconds, but the pressure he felt under Alex''s ability had drained him completely.


    "You..." Thompson began, his voice weak but laced with anger.


    He glared at Alex, trembling as he tried to get to his feet.


    Before Thompson could say more, Jonah intervened, raising a hand to diffuse the situation.


    "That''s a great ability, Alex," he said, his tone light but purposeful. "It''ll definitely come in handy when we''re up against monsters."


    He looked away, his thoughts elsewhere.


    ''Yeah, about that. I''m leaving as soon as these guys figure out how to get off this tower.''


    He didn''t say it out loud, though.


    Alex sighed as he noticed the shift in the group''s demeanor.


    He could feel their eyes on him, no longer dismissive or indifferent.


    Now, they looked at him like he was an asset¡ªa valuable tool for their survival.


    Even Nancy, who usually kept her distance, was paying closer attention to him.


    "Crap," he muttered under his breath, scratching the back of his head in frustration.


    He scolded himself silently.


    ''I shouldn''t have shown off such a powerful skill. What was I thinking?''


    Thompson had pushed his buttons, sure, but Alex knew better than to let his anger get the best of him.


    ''I could''ve just used [Slip Stream],'' he thought, mentally kicking himself.


    It was a skill far less flashy and attention-grabbing.


    But no¡ªhe had to let his temper flare and pull out [Petrify]. Now, he''d drawn more eyes to himself than he wanted.


    As Alex fumed inwardly, a sudden chime echoed in his mind. Everyone around him stiffened, their faces shifting to expressions of confusion and alarm.


    A notification appeared in front of each of them, glowing faintly with an otherworldly hue:


    [Tutorial Commencing Now]


    The words hung in the air for a moment before being replaced by more messages:


    [Quest: Survive for 1 Month in Tutorial]


    [You can earn tutorial points by killing tutorial monsters.]


    [And if you''re feeling ambitious, you can hunt down a Territorial King.]


    [Their general location will be revealed on the map. Proceed with caution.]


    [The number of tutorial points you earn will determine your rewards at the end, which will enable you to thrive in the new world after leaving the tutorial.]


    Alex felt a shiver run down his spine, but it wasn''t from fear¡ªit was pure excitement.


    His eyes gleamed as he focused on the words floating before him:


    [Earn tutorial points by killing monsters.]


    His mind immediately jumped to the possibilities.


    More than anything else, his focus locked onto the mention of Territorial Kings.


    ''I wonder... could Murzok, the Cockatrice King, have been one of these Territorial Kings?'' Alex thought, his excitement growing. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It made sense. Murzok had been a terrifying foe, but he hadn''t received any tutorial points for defeating him earlier.


    The reason was obvious now: the tutorial hadn''t officially started yet.


    ''What a shame,'' Alex mused, but his disappointment didn''t linger.


    The notification had given him something far more important¡ªa clear goal.


    He clenched his fists, his resolve strengthening.


    ''I''ll just start over. This time, I''ll hunt every Territorial King and rack up as many tutorial points as possible.''


    Alex''s ability and head start put him in a prime position to succeed.


    While others might focus solely on surviving this new, dangerous world, Alex saw an opportunity to thrive, and he didn''t plan on holding back.


    While Alex''s mind raced with strategies and ambitions, the rest of the group seemed far more cautious.


    Most were still coming to terms with the gravity of the situation, their faces pale and uncertain.


    But just as everyone began adjusting to the idea of surviving for a month, another notification appeared in their vision.


    [You can also earn tutorial points for killing a fellow player.]


    [Good luck.]


    Alex''s eyes widened, his excitement evaporating in an instant.


    ''What the hell is this?!''


    He scanned the faces around him. Where there had been uncertainty, now there was dread, suspicion, and¡ªon a few faces¡ªa glint of something darker.


    The air grew heavy with tension.


    The people beside him¡ªthose who had, just moments ago, seemed like comrades¡ªnow felt like potential enemies.


    ''The tutorial is encouraging us to kill each other,'' Alex thought grimly.


    His mind raced as he processed the implications.


    Every person here could be a threat, and the reward for eliminating them was enough to make anyone consider the possibility.


    His earlier words came back to haunt him.


    He''d scoffed at the idea of there being nothing to gain from killing others.


    Now, he wasn''t so sure.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    ''Did I say there was nothing to gain from killing others? I might need to reconsider that.''

 Chapter 52 Apologies

    The revelation that players could earn points by killing each other was a game-changer.Alex''s mind churned with thoughts. ''If points can be gained this way, there''s a high chance people will focus on killing each other instead of hunting real monsters.''


    He grimaced. Not every human was sane.


    Among them, there were bound to be murderers, serial killers, or psychopaths who would see this as an opportunity¡ªa twisted playground with no laws, and no consequences.


    Without rules to hold them back, the worst of humanity could rise to the surface.


    Alex''s gaze darkened as his thoughts turned to the man with the scythe. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That killer hadn''t even been aware of the tutorial''s rules, yet he''d massacred every player who appeared with him.


    What would someone like that do now, knowing there were rewards for such actions?


    Alex shifted his focus to the group around him.


    He observed each face carefully.


    Some looked nervous, others focused, a few determined¡ªbut who among them might be the psychopath? The crazy one? The one with the potential to snap?


    His lips pressed into a thin line as a chilling thought crossed his mind. ''It could even be me. I''ve already considered killing them a couple of times.''


    Before he could dwell on the idea, the tower suddenly began to tremble.


    The vibration was subtle at first, but it quickly grew stronger.


    "W-What''s happening?!" someone shouted, panic evident in their voice.


    The tremors intensified, and the tower started to descend, slowly lowering itself like an elevator.


    The uneven movements caught many players off guard.


    Some lost their balance and fell to the floor.


    Others crouched instinctively, gripping the ground to avoid toppling over.


    But Alex stood firm, his footing steady despite the rumbling ground


    . He felt something soft curl into his hand¡ªa gentle but firm grip.


    He glanced down to find Nancy clinging to him for balance.


    Her fingers wrapped around his hand tightly as if afraid to let go.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, and Nancy quickly turned her face away, avoiding his gaze.


    Her expression, however, was easy to read:


    "I''m only holding you for safety."


    Alex smirked slightly but said nothing.


    His attention shifted to the other tower in the distance


    . He could see it trembling and lowering just like theirs. The realization struck him¡ªthe tutorial was officially beginning.


    The tower they stood on sank deeper and deeper into the ground, its descent slow but steady.


    The grinding of stone against stone echoed through the air, making the tension even worse.


    Finally, the tower came to a stop with a loud thud.


    The top of the tower was now perfectly level with the forest floor below.


    For a moment, no one moved.


    The players exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to expect next.


    Then, one by one, people began to rise to their feet, brushing themselves off and looking around.


    Alex took in their surroundings, his sharp eyes scanning the area.


    Towering trees stretched up to the sky, their dense canopy blocking out most of the sunlight.


    The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and leaves.


    They were in the heart of a massive forest.


    "Alright," Jonah''s voice broke the silence. He stepped forward, his tone calm and commanding. "First things first. We need to find a place to camp¡ªsomewhere close to water if possible. Food is also going to be a priority."


    "How are we supposed to find food in a place like this?"


    Thompson asked, crossing his arms with a skeptical look.


    "By hunting monsters, of course," a bulky man replied with a deep laugh, his voice brimming with confidence.


    Alex glanced at the group, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    ''Hunting monsters, huh?''


    He didn''t need to worry about that.


    Unlike the others, he had access to the shop where he could simply purchase meals with points. Survival would be easier for him, but he wasn''t about to announce that and draw more attention to himself.


    None of them had leveled up yet, and without leveling up, they couldn''t unlock the shop.


    Alex couldn''t tell them that.


    Even though he was starting to feel the pangs of hunger, he resisted the urge to buy food from the shop.


    Doing so in front of the others would definitely draw unnecessary attention, and that was the last thing he wanted right now.


    This was exactly why he wanted to leave the group. Being on his own meant he wouldn''t have to hold back or worry about what they might think.


    Jonah''s voice broke through Alex''s thoughts.


    "Alright, first things first¡ªlet''s move. We don''t know what might be lingering around here. Everyone stay alert. Anything could pop up."


    "I''ll stay in front to scout for monsters using my detection ability," Ash the archer volunteered confidently.


    Jonah nodded. "That would be appreciated. Keep us informed of anything unusual."


    With that, the group began to walk, carefully weaving their way through the dense forest. Alex followed along, biding his time and waiting for the right moment to slip away.


    He glanced at the others, gauging the distance between them.


    If he could create enough space, he could activate [Stealth Walk] and vanish into the shadows without anyone noticing.


    But his plan had one major problem: Nancy.


    She was walking close¡ªtoo close.


    Her pace matched his step for step, her presence unwavering at his side. If he suddenly disappeared, she would notice immediately.


    Alex sighed inwardly, his eyes flickering toward her. Her face was calm, but there was a subtle tension in the way she held herself like she was ready to react to any danger.


    ''It doesn''t matter,'' Alex thought to himself. He could leave if he really wanted to.


    Nancy''s awareness wouldn''t stop him.


    But then a strange realization settled over him.


    He didn''t want to leave.


    Not like this. Not if it meant making her worry.


    Alex shook his head slightly, as if to clear his thoughts. ''What''s wrong with me?'' he wondered.


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    Why?


    Did he actually enjoy being in the midst of others? of her?


    ''No Alex stay focused.'' He tried to convince himself.


    The thought gnawed at Alex as he trudged along with the group.


    For someone who always preferred being on his own, this was unusual.


    "Alex."


    A soft voice startled him, pulling him out of his thoughts.


    He turned toward the source and was surprised to see a familiar face¡ªa middle-aged woman, one of his former coworkers.


    Evelyn... That''s her name, right?


    "Hey," he replied flatly, not meeting her gaze.


    In truth, he didn''t feel like talking to anyone from his workplace.


    It brought bad memories.


    Alex braced himself for her to berate or criticize him for what he''d done earlier.


    That was usually what people did¡ªpoint out what they didn''t like about him.


    But what she said next caught him completely off guard.


    "I just... I wanted to say I''m sorry," Evelyn muttered, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly.


    Alex''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''What?''


    She didn''t stop there.


    "I know I don''t deserve your forgiveness," she continued, her voice wavering. "But I really am sorry... for just standing there. For watching while you were suffering and not doing anything."


    Alex turned away, his gaze fixed on the ground.


    "You don''t need to apologize," he said flatly, trying to mask the mix of emotions stirring within him.


    But Evelyn wasn''t deterred.


    "I do," she insisted, her voice softer now but laced with urgency. "I don''t know when I''ll lose my life here. And as much as I want to survive and reunite with my daughter¡­ I doubt I''ll make it."


    Her words made Alex pause.


    "It''s selfish of me, I know," she admitted, her eyes glistening. "But if I have to leave this world, I''d like to go with at least one less regret. That''s why I''m apologizing."


    Alex exhaled deeply, letting her words sink in.


    She sounded so... genuine. So mature.


    Unlike the others who had contributed to his misery, Evelyn had never mocked him, spoken rudely, or taken advantage of his lowly position.


    She had always stayed in the background, quiet but kind.


    Maybe that''s why forgiving her didn''t feel so difficult.


    He glanced at her, his hardened expression softening slightly. He couldn''t blame her for what he''d gone through. He knew all too well what would have happened if she¡ªor anyone else¡ªhad tried to intervene back then.


    They would''ve lost their jobs or been demoted, just like that.


    And Evelyn had a daughter to think about¡ªa daughter she always used to talk about with pride. He remembered the way her face would light up when she mentioned wanting to give her little girl the best life possible.


    If she had stood up for him, she might have lost her job. Her daughter would''ve suffered for it.


    Even now, Alex could tell how much Evelyn worried about her daughter. That worry was written all over her face.


    And somehow, that made her apology feel even more real.


    Alex nodded, his expression softening as he understood Evelyn''s emotions.


    "You should worry more about yourself, Evelyn," he said firmly but not unkindly. "Focus on surviving and reuniting with your daughter."


    Evelyn lowered her gaze, her shoulders slumping as doubt clouded her face. It was clear she didn''t believe she''d make it out alive.


    Alex noticed her hesitation and continued, his voice steady and reassuring.


    "Let the thought of meeting your daughter again be your motivation. I believe that''s strong enough to keep you going in this world. And, for what it''s worth¡­ I''ve never felt resentment toward you for what happened to me."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened, shimmering with unshed tears.


    The weight of his words hit her hard. A single sob escaped her lips, and she began to cry softly, muttering, "Thank you¡­ thank you."


    Alex gave a small nod before stepping forward, leaving Evelyn behind to collect herself.


    Nancy trailed after him, her gaze fixed on his back. He could feel her eyes burning into him, more curious and intense than before.


    He stopped and turned to face her, one brow raised.


    "What?"


    Nancy blinked, startled by his sudden attention. "Nothing," she said, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "It''s just¡­ you''re a better person than I expected."


    Alex tilted his head, unimpressed.


    "You thought I was a bad person?"

 Chapter 53 First Attack

    Alex blinked, caught off guard by Nancy''s words. He frowned slightly, the disbelief evident in his voice. "You really thought I was a bad person?"Nancy tilted her head, her expression calm but thoughtful. "I just assumed¡­" she began, pausing to choose her words carefully. "I thought you''d be so consumed by rage¡ªso angry at the world and everyone in it¡ªthat it would turn into hatred."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, her explanation intriguing him.


    "And?"


    She gave a small smile, shrugging.


    "And now I see that''s not the case."


    Alex wasn''t sure how to respond, so he settled on the simplest reply.


    "Thanks, I guess?"


    For a moment, silence settled between them as they walked.


    Nancy seemed lost in thought, her steps lighter but purposeful.


    Then, without warning, she broke the quiet.


    "So, what''s your motivation?"


    Alex glanced at her, noticing the curiosity in her eyes. The answer came easily¡ªit was something he had already decided.


    "Power," he said without hesitation.


    Nancy stopped mid-step and narrowed her eyes at him, trying to read his expression.


    "Power?" she prodded.


    Alex then explained, his tone calm but resolute.


    "Power to thrive in this changing world," he said, gesturing around him as if to indicate the strange new reality they found themselves in. "There are forces in this world¡ªthings that are far beyond anything we can comprehend. Monsters, systems, even people who will treat us like pieces on a chessboard."


    He paused, his gaze hardening. "I refuse to be a pawn in anyone''s game. I''m seeking power so I can walk my own path, make my own choices, and never be at the mercy of someone else''s plans."


    Nancy tilted her head slightly, her tone light but filled with admiration.


    "That''s a rather grand motivation, don''t you think?" she said with a teasing grin. "Mine''s much simpler¡ªjust to get home, curl up in bed, and fall asleep. That''s all I want."


    Alex blinked, caught off guard. A chuckle escaped him before he could stop it. "You''re kidding," he said, eyebrows raised.


    But Nancy''s expression didn''t change. She looked completely serious, meeting his gaze with steady determination. "Don''t mock my goal," she said, crossing her arms.


    Alex raised his hands in surrender, smirking. "Alright, alright. I won''t mock it."


    He couldn''t help but laugh quietly to himself. Talking to her was strangely refreshing¡ªshe had a way of being funny, even when she wasn''t trying to be.


    But just as he was starting to relax, Alex froze mid-step.


    His body tensed, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Something wasn''t right.


    Nancy noticed his sudden change in demeanor. "What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice dropping to a whisper.


    Alex held up a hand to signal her to stay quiet. He focused, his heightened senses kicking in. There¡ªit was faint but growing louder. Rapid footsteps, heavy and irregular, pounding against the forest floor.


    He turned his head slightly, his voice low but clear. "Something''s coming. Fast."


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    Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the scout ahead of the group. The man had stopped, his posture stiff, eyes darting around as if he''d sensed the same thing. But Alex could tell the scout''s detection skills were limited¡ªlikely due to his low level.


    For Alex, though, it was different. His time in this world and his enhanced stats had sharpened his instincts. The sound of snapping branches and rustling leaves painted a clear picture in his mind.


    His voice cut through the tense silence. "Monsters. A dozen, maybe more. They''re closing in fast."


    Gasps rippled through the group as people started to panic, their eyes darting around wildly.


    "Is it true?!"


    "Seriously?"


    "So soon?"


    "I can''t do this."


    "Are you sure?"


    Whispers of panic rippled through the group, the tension rising like a wave about to crash. Jonah''s brow furrowed as he turned to the scout, Ash, who stood frozen, his eyes darting around the forest. Ash squinted into the shadows, his posture tense, but after a moment, he shrugged.


    "I don''t see anything," Ash said cautiously, scanning their surroundings one more time. "I don''t sense anything either."


    Jonah turned to Alex, his expression skeptical but calm. "How do you know, Alex? Do you have some kind of detection skill?"


    All eyes fell on Alex, the murmurs quieting as they awaited his response. Alex crossed his arms and thought for a second. No, he didn''t have any fancy detection skills¡ªjust honed instincts and heightened senses from his time here. But he wasn''t about to explain that.


    "I can''t say I do," Alex replied evenly, his calm tone standing in stark contrast to the growing tension around him.


    The response was like fuel to a smoldering fire.


    "What?!"


    "Then why¡ª"


    "Quit playing around, you piece of shit!" Thompson''s voice erupted, sharp and accusatory. He stepped forward, pointing a trembling finger at Alex. "You think this is a joke?"


    "Are you messing with us?" another voice shouted, the frustration spreading.


    "You think this is funny?" someone else added, their tone sharp and biting.


    Nancy frowned at the people scolding Alex. She didn''t know him well, but from their brief interactions, she could tell he wasn''t the type to joke around in serious situations. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ash, the scout, continued scanning the forest, his body tense as his eyes darted between the trees. Suddenly, his expression changed¡ªhis face went pale, and his hand shot up to point.


    "There!" Ash shouted. "I see them! They''re coming¡ªfast! About a dozen!"


    The group turned in the direction Ash pointed, and in the distance, dark shapes moved swiftly through the underbrush. They were low to the ground, sleek and powerful, like oversized cheetahs with glowing, menacing eyes. Their movements were fast, coordinated, and terrifying.


    The berating died instantly, replaced by silence and wide-eyed fear.


    Alex stood firm, his face calm, though his heart raced.


    I told you, he thought, but now wasn''t the time for vindication.


    Panic rippled through the group like a shockwave.


    "They''re coming straight for us!" someone yelled, their voice cracking.


    Jonah''s sharp gaze scanned the group.


    It was chaos¡ªsome people were frozen in fear, while others trembled visibly, muttering under their breaths.


    They weren''t ready for this, not so soon after arriving in this strange and hostile world.


    Jonah clenched his fists. He had to act fast.


    "Can we outrun them?" he asked, his voice urgent but steady as he turned to Ash.


    Ash shook his head, already nocking an arrow to his bow. "Impossible! They''re too fast, and there are too many of them. If we run, they''ll pick us off one by one. We have to fight!"


    The weight of Ash''s words sank in, and the group collectively stiffened.


    Jonah inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm.


    "Listen up!" Jonah barked, his voice cutting through the rising panic. "If you can''t fight, get to the center! Now!"


    However before anyone could react, the first beast appeared, a blur of motion as it lunged straight for one of the group.


    Its target was Evelyn.


    Her eyes widened in terror as the cheetah-like creature sprang toward her, jaws open wide, aiming for her neck. Frozen in fear, she turned her head and instinctively shut her eyes, bracing for the end.


    But then came a calm, low voice.


    "Petrify."


    Evelyn cracked one eye open just in time to see the beast midair, its body suddenly stiffening as if it had turned to stone. It crashed heavily to the ground, unable to move.


    Alex stepped forward, his sword gleaming as he drove it through the immobilized creature. The blade sunk deep into its side, silencing the beast.


    Evelyn gasped, still frozen, as Alex turned toward her and yelled, "Get to the middle now!"


    Her feet moved on instinct, carrying her toward the safety of the group''s core.


    But before anyone else could act, another tiger leapt from the shadows. This one was faster, fiercer¡ªand merciless. It tackled a young woman at the edge of the group, its massive jaws clamping down on her neck. The sickening sound of bone snapping filled the air, followed by a bloodcurdling scream.


    Panic erupted.


    The group broke formation as chaos took hold. People shoved each other, scrambling in every direction to escape the advancing beasts.


    More of the tigers emerged from the treeline, their sleek bodies circling the group like sharks. Their glowing eyes and low growls sent shivers down spines. Alex quickly glanced at the creatures, his system providing an assessment.


    [Swift Tiger - Rank E]


    The beasts roared in unison, their cries echoing through the forest.


    The sound was primal, a challenge meant to intimidate.


    But Alex wasn''t intimidated.


    Even Nancy wasn''t as calm. Her hands were trembling, and sweat trickled down her temple. She tried to keep a brave face, but it was obvious she was rattled.


    As the others panicked and trembled, Alex lips curled into a grin.


    To him, they were no threat¡ªjust a pack of overgrown cats.


    But to the others, it was as if they were staring into the eyes of death itself.

 Chapter 54 First Attack [2]

    The tigers roared, their deafening cries slicing through the tense atmosphere as they launched their attack. Chaos erupted as the group scrambled into action, those able to fight rushing to meet the beasts head-on.Two of the tigers singled out Alex, their golden eyes locked onto him as they lunged simultaneously.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    His hand shot out, and he muttered, "Petrify."


    A faint ripple of energy spread from his fingertips, washing over the two beasts. Their bodies froze mid-air, muscles locking up like stone statues. With a swift motion, Alex swung his sword in a precise arc. The blade sliced through the frozen tigers effortlessly, cutting them down as if their bodies were made of paper.


    A chime echoed in his mind as glowing text appeared in front of him:


    [You have killed Swift Tiger.]


    [You have received 50 tutorial points.]


    [You have received 50 tutorial points.]


    Alex stepped back, scanning the battlefield. He could''ve ended the fight with far less effort¡ªhis abilities far surpassed these creatures¡ªbut he held back deliberately. No need to draw unnecessary attention. For now, he would work within the limits he''d set for himself.


    His eyes darted to the rest of the group. Some were struggling, others barely holding on. But one person immediately caught his attention¡ªNancy.


    She was a blur of movement, dismantling her armor mid-fight. Her ability to manipulate metal was in full display as the armor pieces floated around her, reshaping into deadly, jagged blades.


    With a sharp thrust of her hand, she sent one of the blades flying. It pierced the chest of a tiger charging at her, dropping it instantly.


    More tigers surged toward her, their growls echoing across the battlefield, but Nancy didn''t falter. She wielded the floating blades with precision and confidence, twirling them in a deadly dance that tore through the oncoming beasts.


    Jonah was holding his own impressively, darting through the battlefield with agility that made his movements look almost effortless. His strikes were sharp and precise, carving through the tigers that dared to approach him.


    Ash, stationed on higher ground, was supporting the group with precision. He loosed arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark and bringing down tigers before they could overwhelm the others.


    Even Thompson and his group, despite their earlier hostility, were holding their ground. Their attacks were rough and unrefined¡ªexpected for a group facing their first battle¡ªbut they managed to work together, taking down the tigers one by one.


    So far, the group had suffered no casualties aside from the first victim. It wasn''t perfect, but they were surviving.


    Alex, meanwhile, continued dispatching tigers with ease, his every movement efficient and calculated. As he cut down another beast, a ripple of unease washed over him. His instincts screamed a warning¡ªsomething stronger was coming.


    He glanced in the direction of the trees, narrowing his eyes as he sensed the presence of a more powerful foe.


    [Swift Tiger ¨C Rank E (H)]


    This tiger wasn''t like the others. It was the leader of the pack, a high-ranking beast within its class.


    One of the fighters¡ªa brash swordsman¡ªstepped forward.


    He gripped his blade tightly, overconfident from their success against the lower-ranked tigers, and charged at the high-rank tiger without hesitation.


    The beast''s eyes glinted, and in a flash, it moved. Its massive paw lashed out with blinding speed, slicing clean through the man''s arm. Blood sprayed as the severed limb hit the ground.


    The swordsman staggered back, clutching his shoulder, but he didn''t have time to scream. The tiger lunged, its powerful jaws snapping shut around his head. With a sickening crunch, it ended his life in an instant.


    The group froze in horror, the sight of their comrade''s brutal death sending shockwaves through their morale.


    The tiger boss let out an ear-splitting roar that echoed through the battlefield, drawing everyone''s attention. Its eyes gleamed with predatory intent as it locked onto the rest of the group and charged, its powerful legs kicking up dirt with every stride.


    Thompson and his group, positioned on the tiger''s path, froze in fear.


    The sheer presence of the beast was enough to shake their confidence.


    Thompson snapped out of it and quickly summoned a fireball, his hand trembling as he launched it toward the tiger. But the beast was too fast. With a quick leap to the side, it easily dodged the attack.


    Seeing his attack fail, Thompson''s face went pale.


    "This isn''t normal... This thing''s too strong!" he stammered, panic overtaking him.


    Instead of preparing for another strike, he turned and ran, abandoning the fight entirely.


    "Wait! Thompson!" one of his close allies within the group yelled, but their cries fell on deaf ears.


    Seeing their leader flee, the rest of Thompson''s group scattered in fear, each person running in a different direction.


    This left the noncombatants vulnerable. The tiger''s eyes locked onto the unprotected group, its lips curling back into a feral snarl. It wasted no time, charging toward the defenseless cluster.


    Evelyn, who stood among the noncombatants, stepped forward with her staff in hand. Her legs trembled, and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the staff tightly.


    The tiger lunged, claws outstretched, aiming for the group. Evelyn raised her staff instinctively, bracing for impact.


    But before the beast could reach them, a massive figure barreled into it from the side. The sound of the collision reverberated through the air as the tiger was knocked off its trajectory, rolling across the ground with a growl.


    Evelyn blinked in surprise as a man stepped into view¡ªa towering figure clad in heavy armor, his massive frame resembling that of a tank.


    "Thanks, Gustaff," she said, relief flooding her voice.


    Gustaff glanced back at her briefly. "Stay back. I''ve got this," he said with calm determination.


    The tiger boss struggled to rise, its massive body trembling as it pushed against the ground. Gustaff didn''t give it a chance to recover. With a fierce roar, he slammed into it again, shoving it onto its side with a deafening crash.


    The beast hit the ground hard, dust flying into the air.


    But this wasn''t enough to stop it.


    Thompson and his scattered group noticed Gustaff''s efforts.


    "He''s holding it off by himself?" one of them muttered, disbelief in their voice. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Gustaff wasn''t done yet. Summoning all his strength, he activated his ability to amplify his power, muscles bulging beneath his armor.


    He planted himself firmly on the tiger''s back, wrapping his thick arms around its neck in an attempt to choke the beast into submission.


    For a moment, it seemed like he might succeed.


    But the tiger''s strength was overwhelming.


    The beast snarled and thrashed wildly, its powerful claws digging deep into Gustaff''s thighs. Blood seeped through his armor as pain shot through his body.


    "Argh!" Gustaff gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his grip.


    Panic began to flood his mind as the tiger continued to overpower him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Help... I need help!" Gustaff bellowed, his voice echoing across the battlefield.


    Utha, one of the nearby fighters, turned to him, sword in hand.


    He took a hesitant step forward, raising his weapon, but froze mid-stride.


    The tiger roared again, its claws tearing deeper into Gustaff. Utha''s courage wavered as he saw the beast breaking free from the tank man''s hold.


    "Nah... I''m not dying here," Utha muttered, taking a shaky step back.


    Thompson, who was still lingering nearby, saw the chaos unfolding.


    Without hesitation, he turned and bolted, shouting.


    "Fall back! We''re no match for that thing!"


    Seeing Thompson flee, the others followed suit, fear taking over.


    "Wait! Don''t leave me!" Gustaff shouted, his voice desperate.


    But the cowards kept running, abandoning him.


    The tiger, sensing its opportunity, surged upward with a burst of strength. Gustaff''s grip broke, and the beast swung a massive paw, sending him sprawling to the ground with a thunderous slam.


    Before Gustaff could recover, the tiger pounced. Its jaws clamped down on his arm, fangs piercing through the armor as if it were paper.


    Gustaff screamed in pain, struggling to free himself. Blood dripped onto the ground, and the tiger growled menacingly, its teeth sinking deeper into his flesh.


    Gustaff screamed in agony as the tiger clamped its teeth tighter around his arm.


    With a savage snarl, the beast swung its massive head left and right, thrashing Gustaff like a rag doll. His cries of pain echoed, but there was no one near enough to save him.


    In one final, brutal motion, the tiger flung Gustaff away. He hit the ground with a sickening thud, his severed arm landing a few feet away. Blood sprayed across the dirt as Gustaff writhed in pain, Evelyn rushing to his side with trembling hands, already chanting healing spells.


    The tiger boss didn''t waste any time. Its glowing eyes locked onto Thompson and his allies, who were still running for their lives. With a guttural roar, the beast charged after them, closing the distance in seconds.


    Ash, perched on a branch above, quickly notched an arrow. His sharp eyes followed a tiger''s movement, and with precision, he let the arrow fly.


    The projectile pierced the side of a smaller tiger, bringing it down instantly.


    Nearby, Nancy slashed through another tiger, her floating metal blades dancing like extensions of her will. Jonah wasn''t far off, his sword flashing as he struck the final tiger in a single, calculated blow.


    As the immediate threats were dealt with, Jonah took a moment to assess the group''s condition. His eyes darted to Gustaff, who lay on the ground, pale and bleeding, with Evelyn frantically healing him.


    Then his gaze shifted to the tiger boss. The beast had already caught up to Thompson''s group, and the aftermath was horrifying.


    Two of Thompson''s allies lay lifeless on the ground, their bodies torn apart by the tiger''s ferocious claws. Thompson and a few others scrambled to escape, panic etched on their faces.


    Clicking his teeth in frustration, Jonah barked out a command.


    "Everyone! Move and back them up now! We can''t lose more people!"


    The group obeyed without hesitation, rushing to assist.


    But as they hurried forward, Nancy noticed Alex wasn''t moving.


    "Alex, what are you¡ª" she started to yell, but her voice caught in her throat as she turned to look at him.


    His gaze was icy, a coldness so intense it made her shiver despite the chaos around them. He stood there, calm and unflinching, but the aura he gave off was... different.


    Nancy hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to leave him be, and without another word, she ran to help the others, sparing Alex one last glance over her shoulder as she wondered what had happened to him?


    -----


    Author''s Note:


    An ice-cold cola or a slice of pizza would totally make my day. Show some love to this struggling author, huh? No homo, just a hungry writer out here. ????????

 Chapter 55 Lashing Out

    Together, Nancy and the rest of the group faced the tiger boss.It was unlike the regular ones they had just fought before.


    The tiger''s movements were fast¡ªtoo fast¡ªand its strength seemed endless.


    Even though the creature had been pierced by arrows, slashed by swords, and pummeled with magical attacks, it still kept fighting.


    It wasn''t showing any signs of slowing down.


    "We can''t keep this up much longer!" Jonah thought to himself, his sword slick with blood. They needed a game changer someone with power like Alex''s.


    But Alex wasn''t moving.


    He was standing there, an unmoving figure in the chaos.


    "Alex! We need you to use [Petrify]!"


    Jonah called, his voice desperate.


    But Alex didn''t respond.


    Jonah''s frustration boiled over, and he clicked his teeth.


    There was something off about Alex, something that wasn''t right, but Jonah couldn''t afford to figure it out now.


    Not when the group was in danger.


    With renewed determination, the group pressed on.


    Every attack they threw at the tiger seemed to only anger it more.


    But their combined efforts were finally taking a toll.


    The tiger, once so ferocious, was slowing down.


    Nancy, with her metal manipulation powers, saw an opening.


    She focused all her energy and summoned a collar of sharp metal blades that floated around the tiger''s neck.


    She twisted her wrist, and the blades transformed into a saw-like circle, spinning faster and faster, grinding away at the beast''s flesh.


    The tiger howled in pain, its claws flailing as it tried to break free.


    In one final, brutal moment, the collar of blades sliced through the tiger''s neck with a sickening snap.


    Its head fell to the ground with a dull thud, the lifeless body crumpling beside it.


    The battle was over.


    The group stood panting, covered in sweat and blood.


    They had won, but the cost was heavy.


    As the rewards appeared there was no joy.


    Jonah glanced at the fallen bodies of his comrades, the faces of the lost still haunting him.


    They had all leveled up, sure, but it didn''t feel like a victory.


    Jonah exhaled sharply, his frustration bubbling over.


    He walked toward Alex, his footsteps heavy with anger.


    "Why didn''t you join the battle? We could''ve really used your help," Jonah said, his voice rough, not even trying to hide the irritation.


    Alex didn''t even look at him, his frown deepening.


    He had heard this before¡ªpeople demanding help, expecting him to be there when they needed him.


    But what he realized now that he didn''t realize then was that:


    He wasn''t obligated to save anyone.


    "I was out of mana," Alex replied, his voice cold, a clear indication that he had no intention of explaining himself further.


    "Are you serious? I find that hard to believe."


    Jonah shot back, incredulous.


    "Believe what you want Jonah, I won''t try to convince you."


    Jonah froze. He had really looked at Alex but now that he was seeing him.


    Alex looked completely different,


    He was emanating an overwhelming aura, one that made Jonah hesitate for a moment.


    Jonah cleared his throat, trying to shake off the sudden discomfort.


    He forced himself to speak again, but his voice was quieter this time, more careful.


    "Did you really run out?"


    Alex didn''t reply.


    Jonah brow creased in frustration.


    He was sure Alex had more in him, and could do so much more than what he showed.


    But why hadn''t he?


    Jonah glanced back at the fallen bodies of his comrades¡ªthe people he had fought alongside, people he had grown close to.


    The dead faces stared back at him, reminders of the cost of their failure. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    Did Alex not feel anything? Was he really that detached?


    Jonah''s mind flashed back to the days at work, to the Alex he remembered¡ªthe meek, quiet guy who always kept to himself.


    He could almost hear the laughter of his coworkers, whispering behind his back.


    Maybe he hadn''t been seeing the full picture all along.


    But still...


    Jonah glanced at Alex, noticing the barely contained fury in his eyes.


    It was the first time he''d seen him like this since they had met in this new world.


    His anger was palpable, the tension radiating off him like a storm about to break.


    Jonah sighed and placed his hand gently on Alex''s shoulder, trying to offer some comfort, his voice softer this time.


    "Alex, you shouldn''t lose your humanity just because you''re resentful," he said, his tone calm.


    And for a moment, there was silence.


    But Alex''s eyes snapped up to meet Jonah''s, and Jonah felt the weight of his gaze¡ªa mix of rage and something darker.


    Alex spat, his voice sharp like a blade.


    "Why the hell are you preaching to me, huh? What the hell do you know?"


    Before Jonah could react, Alex swatted his hand away and turned, walking off with heavy steps, like he wanted to leave everything behind.


    But as he tried to pass, he suddenly found himself face-to-face with Thompson.


    "You son of a bitch!"


    Without warning, Thompson threw a punch, fast and vicious.


    But Alex was quicker.


    Thompson growled in frustration, his fist still swinging through the air.


    He turned to face Alex again, his eyes filled with anger.


    "Even if you were out of mana, you could have at least joined the battle! It could''ve made a damn difference!"


    Alex''s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, sharp as a blade.


    "You overestimate me, Thompson. After all, in your words, I''m nothing but a piece of shit."


    Thompson''s face twisted with rage, his fists clenching.


    "You bast¡ª!" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before he could finish, Thompson lunged at Alex.


    But Alex was faster, with a swift kick, he struck Thompson in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    The crowd gasped, their eyes darting between Alex and Thompson.


    "You hypocrite!" Alex''s voice boomed as he stepped closer to the downed Thompson. "You''re mad at me for not helping? You, who ran like a coward when Gustaff was fighting the tiger alone, screaming for help? You dare lecture me?"


    Thompson froze, his face pale.


    Around them, the others who had abandoned Gustaff suddenly looked away, their guilt written across their faces.


    Thompson''s shock turned to anger.


    How had Alex seen that? He was sure everyone else had been too distracted during the chaos to notice.


    "Why aren''t you denying it?" Alex pressed, his tone cold and unyielding.


    Thompson gritted his teeth, his anger bubbling over.


    "You bastard!" he roared, summoning a fireball. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it at Alex.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    He raised his hand, swatting the fireball away with ease.


    The fiery projectile veered off course, slamming harmlessly into a tree, leaving a charred mark on the bark.


    The crowd stood stunned, unsure of what to do.


    "Oi, Thompson! Alex! What the hell are you doing?!" Jonah shouted, his voice sharp as he hurried toward them.


    Alex turned his gaze to Thompson, his expression dark and foreboding.


    "You just tried to attack me," Alex said, his voice low and deadly.


    "It''s only fair if I strike back. Isn''t it?"


    Thompson stammered, his voice shaky with fear and confusion.


    "What¡­ what are you doing¡­?"


    Alex loomed over him, his gaze icy and unrelenting. "This isn''t the real world, Thompson. Here, you don''t get away with being a bully."


    Raising his sword, Alex''s grip tightened.


    He was ready to swing, his intent clear, when Nancy''s voice cut through the tense air, sharp and filled with alarm.


    "Alex! What''s gotten into you?"


    She stepped in front of Thompson, her arms outstretched as a barrier.


    Alex froze his blade inches from completing its descent.


    Her words jolted him like a splash of cold water. For the first time since the fight began, Alex blinked, and clarity began to seep back into his mind.


    He looked at Nancy, then at the terrified faces of the others watching him. Jonah stood off to the side, hesitant, his eyes filled with unease.


    The silence was deafening, the weight of their stares pressing down on him.


    He inhaled deeply, his grip on the sword slackening.


    ''What was I thinking?''


    All of this just made him realize his he didn''t belong here.


    The sword shimmered as it vanished into his inventory.


    Alex lowered his gaze, frustration churning within him.


    Without another word, he turned on his heel and began walking away.


    The players parted as he passed, giving him a wide berth.


    No one dared to speak or try to stop him.


    Even Thompson, now on the ground, could only watch, his face a mix of relief and lingering fear.


    Nancy''s hand twitched as if she wanted to reach out, to stop him, but she stayed frozen.


    The cold aura around Alex as he walked away told her he wasn''t ready to listen.


    Alex clenched his fists as he distanced himself from the group, his emotions boiling over.


    Anger, resentment, isolation¡ªit all threatened to consume him.


    He didn''t trust himself around others, not when he was like this.


    ''It''s better this way,'' he thought, his footsteps echoing in the stillness.


    ''Better if I''m alone.


    With this much anger...with the strength he possessed¡­ it was too easy to lose control.


    ------


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 56 Screw This

    Alex heard the soft patter of footsteps behind him, then felt a gentle hand wrap around his wrist.He stopped, his shoulders tense, but didn''t turn around.


    "Where are you going?" Nancy''s voice was calm, almost soothing, but there was a firmness in her tone that demanded an answer.


    Alex finally glanced over his shoulder.


    Her gaze was steady, her eyes soft, as if she was silently telling him she understood.


    But she didn''t.


    She couldn''t possibly understand him


    Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    He sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion.


    "I''m not a good person, Nancy," he said flatly, shaking his head.


    He turned to leave, trying to pull his hand free, but her grip tightened. She wasn''t letting him go so easily.


    "Where are you going?" she repeated, her voice firmer this time.


    "It''s obvious," Alex replied, keeping his back to her. "I don''t belong in this group."


    Nancy stepped closer, still holding onto his wrist. "But we need you, Alex. I know you''re capable of so much more. You''re just holding back."


    "Because I don''t care," Alex said, his tone sharp and dismissive.


    He tried to convince himself it was true, that it didn''t matter.


    But deep down, even he wasn''t sure.


    Nancy frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him.


    She didn''t believe a word of it. She''d seen him with Evelyn, the way he watched out for her, the way he quietly stepped in when things got too dangerous.


    "No," she said, her voice cutting through his denial. "It''s because you''re afraid."


    That made Alex pause.


    He turned to face her fully, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Afraid?"


    "Yes," she said, her grip unwavering. "Afraid people will see your strength and be terrified of it. Afraid you''ll lose control. Afraid of admitting that, deep down, you actually care."


    Her words hit him like a punch to the gut.


    Alex stared at her, stunned into silence.


    She wasn''t wrong, and the truth in her words made his chest tighten.


    Alex scoffed, his voice barely more than a whisper.


    "What the hell do you know?"


    Nancy''s expression softened, but her resolve didn''t waver. "Nothing," she admitted. "Which is why I''m curious. I want to know more about you."


    His eyes narrowed, studying her face for any sign of fear or deception. "You''re not afraid of me?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice dropped lower, tinged with something dark. "You could die in less than a second if I willed it."


    Nancy frowned at the statement.


    Somehow, she didn''t doubt him.


    They were supposed to be on the same level¡ªmaybe she was even a little stronger after leveling up from the tiger boss fight¡ªbut none of that mattered.


    Standing in front of Alex, she felt a weight, an unspoken presence, that screamed he was far beyond her.


    "I''m not afraid," she said quietly but firmly.


    Alex chuckled bitterly, his voice dripping with self-loathing.


    "You should be."


    His gaze drifted downward, almost as if he couldn''t bear to look her in the eye.


    "I watched him get hurt, Nancy. I stood there and did nothing."


    Nancy''s brow furrowed.


    "Who?"


    "Gustaff," Alex said, his tone cold and detached. "I could have helped. I could have stopped it. Easily. Made sure no one had to die."


    He clenched his fists, his voice breaking slightly.


    "But I didn''t."


    Nancy''s grip loosened, and she finally let go of his hand, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and unease.


    She took a small step back, trying to process his words.


    He wasn''t wrong.


    If Alex had stepped in, the battle would''ve been over faster.


    The casualties would''ve been fewer.


    She wanted to dismiss it, to say it wasn''t his fault, but deep down, she couldn''t completely silence the small voice of resentment that had taken root.


    "I''m not a good person, Nancy," Alex said flatly, his voice carrying a cold finality.


    His eyes locked onto hers, unflinching. "Even now, I consider all of you burdens¡­ especially you."


    Nancy froze.


    The words hit her like a sudden gust of icy wind.


    She stared at him, searching his expression for any trace of hesitation or regret, but found none.


    He wasn''t lying¡ªhe truly believed what he had just said.


    "Ahh, is that so?" Nancy murmured, forcing a small, bitter smile as she looked down at the ground.


    Alex''s gaze remained on her, unyielding.


    He studied her reaction with a mix of curiosity and indifference. Her posture slumped slightly, and for a moment, it seemed like his words had cut deep.


    Nancy sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Her voice was softer now, but there was still a spark of defiance in her tone.


    "I still think you''re not a good person," she admitted.


    Then, raising her head to meet his gaze, she added, "But you''re definitely an asshole. No doubt about that."


    Alex blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her bluntness.


    Before he could reply, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the tense silence.


    Both of them turned toward the noise.


    It was Jonah.


    He slowed as he approached, immediately noticing the heavy atmosphere hanging between Alex and Nancy.


    His eyes darted between them, picking up on their expressions¡ªNancy''s guarded stance, Alex''s distant and cold demeanor.


    Jonah stepped closer.


    Whatever had passed between them wasn''t his concern right now.


    He cleared his throat and got straight to the point.


    "Ash found a place where we can stay for the night," Jonah said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "We''re heading there after burning¡­ after we handle those who didn''t make it."


    Nancy nodded awkwardly, clearly still processing everything. "Oh, alright," she replied quietly, avoiding Alex''s gaze as she turned and started walking away.


    Alex stood still, his eyes following Nancy as she left. She didn''t look back.


    Jonah started to follow her, his steps slow and deliberate. Then, as if remembering something, he stopped and turned back to Alex.


    "You coming too?" Jonah asked his tone light but his eyes studying Alex carefully.


    Alex didn''t answer immediately.


    Instead, he observed Jonah closely.


    His demeanor was different¡ªcalmer, more composed than when he''d almost lost it earlier during the confrontation with Thompson.


    There was even a faint smile on Jonah''s face now, but something about it struck Alex as unreadable.


    Alex''s mind churned, trying to decipher the expression, but as always, Jonah was an enigma.


    When Alex didn''t reply, Jonah spoke again, his voice a little softer this time.


    "Like I said, we need to stick together to survive. Don''t keep everyone waiting too long." He gestured toward the group. "We''ll leave once we bury the ones who didn''t make it."


    Jonah turned and walked away, his footsteps crunching softly against the dirt.


    Alex remained standing, rooted in place, as the weight of Jonah''s words settled over him like a heavy blanket. A swirl of emotions churned inside him¡ªguilt and hope wrestling for dominance.


    Guilt gnawed at him because he couldn''t shake the thought that if I had acted, no one would''ve died.


    The faces of the fallen flashed through his mind like ghosts, haunting and unrelenting.


    But Alex shoved them back, he wouldn''t allow himself to be judged.


    In contrast to the feeling of guilt, there was also hope¡ªa flicker of something unfamiliar yet stubborn. A lie.


    Jonah''s words implied that, despite everything, there was still a place for him.


    A spot in the group he thought he didn''t belong to.


    Alex exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the cold night air.


    His eyes followed the path Jonah had taken, his figure now a distant shadow.


    Jonah''s words always had a way of messing with him.


    Even before this chaos, back at work, there had been something about the way Jonah spoke. His words always felt like something layered, like a puzzle he couldn''t solve. Simple sentences felt like they carried hidden meanings meant only for him.


    Yet he never understood.


    It frustrated him.


    Maybe it meant nothing.


    Maybe he was just overthinking it.


    Against his better judgment, Jonah''s words always managed to nudge Alex into action, even when he didn''t want to move.


    He hated how they lingered in his mind, challenging him to figure out Jonah''s intent.


    But not this time.


    Alex clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.


    I''m done being the fool, he thought bitterly.


    He was done being the guy everyone uses and expects to just go along with it.


    With that resolve, Alex spun on his heel and walked in the opposite direction.


    His steps were firm and purposeful.


    He wasn''t going to deal with this emotional mess anymore.


    He didn''t need to nor want to.


    There were bigger things to focus on¡ªmonsters to kill, leveling up so he wouldn''t be a pawn in anyone''s game.


    That''s where his attention needed to be.


    Opening the system interface, Alex pulled up the map.


    A holographic grid appeared in front of him, marking key points across the terrain. His eyes locked onto one spot in the north of the forest¡ªa marker glowing ominously red.


    The first king-level beast.


    A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Perfect."


    That would be his next destination.


    -----


    Author''s Note:


    An ice-cold cola or a slice of pizza would totally make my day. Show some love to this struggling author, huh? No homo, just a hungry writer out here. ????????

 Chapter 57 Bloody Betrayal

    Authors Note: Big shoutout to IcyShadow2323 for making this chapter possible! Thanks for the pizza, you''re the MVP at the moment!------


    As Alex walked through the dense forest, the sound of low grunts and the crunching of bones reached his ears.


    He stopped in his tracks, his sharp eyes scanning ahead.


    There they were.


    A pack of giant boars, their massive bodies the size of bulls.


    [Bloodtusk Rank E (G)]


    Their thick, bristled hides gleamed under the moonlight, and their razor-sharp tusks glinted like deadly weapons.


    But what caught Alex''s attention was their behavior. They weren''t foraging or digging through the soil as normal boars would. Instead, they were tearing into the bloody remains of another boar¡ªa corpse mangled beyond recognition.


    Alex frowned, his brow furrowing in disbelief.


    "Boars are supposed to be vegetarians," he thought.


    But these creatures?


    They were something else entirely¡ªtwisted and feral, now nothing more than flesh-hungry monsters.


    He didn''t bother with stealth.


    Stepping out from the shadows, Alex walked calmly into the open.


    The boars lifted their heads, blood dripping from their tusks and snouts.


    Their beady eyes locked onto him, their nostrils flaring as they sniffed the air.


    They snorted loudly, their breaths visible in the cold.


    Aggressive. Territorial.


    One of them stomped the ground, letting out a guttural roar.


    Then, as if on cue, it charged at Alex with incredible speed, its massive hooves thundering against the earth.


    The rest of the pack followed, a stampede of death racing toward him.


    Alex stood still, unflinching.


    His expression was blank, calm, and almost bored.


    The first boar was nearly upon him, tusks aimed directly at his chest.


    Its savage roar filled the air, but Alex didn''t move an inch.


    When the beast was mere feet away, Alex''s lips parted, and in a cold, detached voice, he muttered:


    "[Petrify.]"


    The pack froze in their tracks.


    The charging boars, once brimming with ferocity, were now motionless.


    Their massive forms were locked in place, their eyes wide with panic and confusion. It was as if an invisible force had gripped their very souls.


    Alex''s skill, [Petrify], had worked perfectly.


    The boar at the front, the largest and most aggressive of the group, was inches away from him.


    Alex leaned in slightly, staring into its ugly, twisted face.


    Its features were grotesque¡ªjagged tusks stained with blood and bits of flesh, and wild eyes that betrayed its fury.


    "What an ugly bastard," Alex thought, his expression unchanging.


    He straightened and let out a small sigh.


    He could feel the timer on his skill ticking down. [Petrify] wouldn''t hold them forever.


    The beasts'' trembling bodies were a warning¡ªthey''d break free any second now.


    No time to waste.


    With a burst of speed, Alex dashed forward, his sword materializing in his hand in a flash of light.


    The moment the timer ended, the boars began to move again, their muscles twitching and their growls returning.


    But they were too slow.


    Alex was already in motion.


    He blitzed past the first boar in an instant. Its body shuddered as a clean slash appeared across its torso.


    The second and third didn''t even have time to react. Alex spun on his heel, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    A single swing cleaved through both of them, their massive forms collapsing to the ground in pieces.


    The fight was over before it even began.


    The forest grew silent, save for the faint rustle of leaves. Blood pooled beneath the remains of the beasts, soaking into the earth.


    A series of notifications popped up in Alex''s vision, glowing faintly in the dim light:


    [You have killed three boar beasts.]


    [You have received 50 tutorial points.]


    [You have received a piece of Boar Meat.]


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in.]


    [You have received an additional 50 tutorial points.]


    [You have received another piece of Boar Meat.]


    Alex gave his sword a sharp flick, sending the blood splattering off the blade.


    The fight had been too easy. The monsters here were weak¡ªbarely a challenge for someone like him. Sure, the tutorial points were useful, especially since his title doubled the rewards he earned, but it wasn''t enough.


    Not for him.


    Alex swiped open his system interface, scrolling through the points he''d collected. The numbers were growing steadily, but it still felt... underwhelming.


    "These points are a joke. If I fought something stronger, I''d get way more."


    The D-rank zone was far ahead of him, and he''d wandered into this weaker area by accident.


    If he wanted real progress, he needed to get back there¡ªor better yet, head straight to a C-rank zone where the monsters were tougher, stronger, and deadlier.


    That''s where he''d find the real challenges. That''s where he could grow.


    Alex tightened the straps on his gear and adjusted the sheath on his back. The path ahead was long and rough. Reaching the stronger zones would take at least a day of travel.


    He let out an annoyed sigh, his breath fogging slightly in the cool air.


    "What a drag."


    Alex let out a tired sigh as he trudged forward.


    But then, distant sounds broke the quiet¡ªa series of shouts, grunts, and the unmistakable clash of weapons.


    The chaotic noise of an ongoing battle.


    Curiosity piqued, Alex veered off the beaten path and headed toward the source of the commotion. Moving swiftly and silently, he crouched behind a cluster of bushes, peering through the foliage to get a better view.


    In a clearing ahead, a group of players¡ªnine in total¡ªwas locked in combat with an enormous boar.


    The beast was a hulking mass of muscle, its tusks as long and sharp as spears. Its hide was thick and covered in scars, evidence of past battles. A system prompt flickered in Alex''s vision:


    [Bloodtusk Rank E (R)]


    A boss monster. Just like that swift tiger boss from before.


    The boar rampaged through the group with unrelenting ferocity.


    Its massive hooves pounded the ground, shaking the earth with each step as it charged. T


    he players scattered to avoid its deadly tusks, but the beast was quick, pivoting with surprising agility for its size.


    Alex watched as the players moved in tandem, their attacks coordinated and precise.


    They danced around the boar, striking at its legs, flanks, and eyes whenever an opening appeared. Their movements were fluid, almost like they''d been doing this for years.


    Unlike Jonah''s group, who fumbled their way through fights, this team was sharp, experienced, and organized.


    The Tank bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos:


    "Luther, now! Finish it!"


    A tall figure with a sturdy stance stepped forward¡ªLuther, the spearman.


    His weapon gleamed under the sunlight as he thrust it forward, the tip glowing with a brilliant light.


    With a sharp yell, Luther unleashed an energy beam from his spear.


    The beam tore through the air with a crackling sound, striking the boar squarely in the chest.


    BOOM!


    The force of the attack blew a gaping hole through the beast''s torso.


    Blood sprayed across the ground as the enormous boar staggered backward, its massive body swaying. It let out a final, guttural snarl, its legs giving out beneath it.


    THUD!


    The ground trembled as the beast collapsed, lifeless.


    For a moment, the clearing was silent except for the panting of the exhausted players. Then, a cheer erupted.


    "Yes! We did it!" one player yelled, punching the air.


    "I leveled up twice!" another said, grinning from ear to ear, the excitement evident in their voice. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From his hiding spot, Alex continued to observe.


    As the group celebrated, he noticed something interesting¡ªthey weren''t just one unified team.


    Instead, it was two separate groups working together.


    The first group, led by Luther the Spearman, consisted of five players.


    They were the ones who landed the killing blow.


    The second group, led by the Tank who had coordinated the final strike, consisted of four players.


    The spearman, Luther, turned to the tank, extending his hand with a friendly smile.


    "It was great working with you... Kiev," Luther said smoothly, his voice calm and composed.


    But Alex, watching from the shadows, felt a chill crawl down his spine. Something about Luther''s smile seemed wrong¡ªforced, deceptive.


    Alex''s sharp eyes darted upward.


    That''s when he saw it.


    An archer perched in the trees, hidden among the branches, had his bow drawn, the string taut, and an arrow aimed directly at the tank.


    The tank face twisted in confusion, something was off.


    His name wasn''t Kiev


    SWISH!


    The archer let the arrow loose and it zipped through the air and struck the tank''s neck with deadly precision.


    THUNK!


    The tank''s eyes widened in shock, his hands instinctively flying to the shaft lodged in his throat.


    Blood spurted from the wound, staining his armor and the ground beneath him.


    His legs buckled as he stumbled back, choking, trying to process what had just happened.


    He turned his gaze toward Luther, and that''s when he saw it¡ªthe cruel, twisted grin spreading across the Luther''s face.


    "You... damn... trai¡ª"


    SLASH!


    The tank croaked, his voice gurgling as blood filled his throat.


    Luther cut him off, literally.


    With a swift motion, he drew a blade and slit the tank''s throat, silencing him forever.


    The tank crumpled to the ground, lifeless.


    Luther turned to face the remaining three players from the tank''s group, their expressions a mixture of horror and disbelief as they witnessed their leader''s brutal betrayal.


    Luther''s men, standing behind him, were already prepared, their expression savage.


    Luther then pointed his bloodied blade at the stunned survivors and commanded:


    "Attack!"


    ------


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 58 Flee or Kill

    The remaining three members of the tank''s group broke into a panic as Luther''s betrayal became clear.One of them, a young woman with a wand, stepped back, her hands trembling. Gathering her courage, she raised the wand to cast a spell. But before the words left her lips, a massive figure barreled toward her.


    *CRACK!


    Jagger, a towering brute wielding a war hammer, slammed the weapon into her ribs with devastating force.


    The impact sent her flying like a ragdoll, tumbling across the ground. Her body collided with a tree, the sickening thud of bone meeting wood echoing through the clearing.


    She didn''t move.


    "Yo, Jagger!" Soren, a lanky man holding twin daggers, called out, irritation in his voice. "Why''d you kill her so fast? We could''ve had some fun first."


    "Sorry, Soren," Jagger said with a shrug, his tone completely devoid of remorse. "Accident."


    Soren rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, as the carnage continued.


    The last two survivors tried to regroup, but chaos was already tearing them apart. One of them, a determined swordsman, faced off against Edgar, Luther''s skilled blade-wielder.


    The clash of swords rang out as the two fought, the survivor managing to keep Edgar on the defensive. His strikes were quick and precise, forcing Edgar to retreat step by step. It looked like he might actually have the upper hand¡ª


    *TWANG!*


    An arrow zipped through the air and struck the swordsman in the thigh.


    "Argh!" he groaned, the pain shooting through his leg. He faltered, his balance breaking just enough for Edgar to exploit the opening.


    *SLASH!*


    Edgar''s blade tore across his chest, and the man stumbled back, clutching the wound. His breathing was labored, his vision blurring as he glared at Luther.


    "You piece of shit!" he spat, fury burning in his eyes. "You were the one who proposed the truce!"


    Luther''s expression didn''t change. If anything, he seemed amused.


    The swordsman''s defiant shout was cut short as Soren appeared behind him. With a quick, brutal motion, Soren drove his dagger straight through the man''s skull.


    *THUNK!*


    The swordsman hit the ground with a dull thud, lifeless.


    Soren smirked, crouching next to the corpse. "It''s your fault for believing in that truce crap," he muttered dismissively. He stood and turned toward the last survivor, his grin widening.


    The lone remaining member of the group shrieked, his eyes darting between the corpses of his teammates. His heart raced as panic set in. Unlike the others, he wasn''t a fighter¡ªhe was a healer, someone who could mend wounds but couldn''t inflict harm.


    He dropped his weaponless hands, trembling, and raised them high in surrender as Edgar stepped closer, his sword still dripping with fresh blood.


    "Wait! Please, don''t kill me!" the healer begged, his voice cracking. "I can help you! You need me. You don''t have a healer, do you? I can¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Luther stepped forward, his spear already glowing with lethal energy.


    *BOOM!*


    A searing blast of light shot from the weapon, striking the healer dead center. The man staggered back, a gaping hole burned into his chest. His expression froze in disbelief as he collapsed, his body hitting the ground lifelessly.


    Luther lowered his spear, his face cold and impassive.


    From the bushes, Alex frowned as he silently observed the carnage.


    ''Player killers.''


    He''d suspected something like this would happen eventually, but not this quickly. Humans were opportunistic. Killing other players was far easier¡ªand sometimes more rewarding¡ªthan risking their lives against monsters.


    "It was smart to hide Kiev," Soren said, glancing at the archer perched in the trees. His tone was casual, as if they hadn''t just murdered an entire group. "He caught them totally off guard."


    The archer, Kiev, leapt down from the trees, landing gracefully near the group. He approached Luther with purpose, his bow slung across his back, and his expression serious.


    "Sir," Kiev began, his voice steady, "I found a group camping downstream."


    Luther barely looked up as he rummaged through the belongings of the dead tank, searching for anything valuable. "Really? How many are there?" he asked absentmindedly.


    "About twelve," Kiev replied. "But they look exhausted."


    "Twelve?" Soren raised an eyebrow, leaning on his dagger. "That''s a big group. Could be risky."


    Kiev shook his head, his tone firm. "Most of them aren''t fighters. Looks like they''re just a bunch of random players who decided to stick together after arriving at the tower."


    "Even so, twelve''s still a lot," Soren countered, his hesitation evident. "If a few of them know how to fight, they could turn the tables on us."


    Kiev scowled, his voice sharpening. "Don''t be a coward. You know how much we gain from this. The rewards are worth it."


    Luther finally stood, holding a shiny silver ring he''d scavenged from the tank''s body. He turned to the others, his cold eyes gleaming.


    "Kiev''s right," Jagger said. "Thanks to our contract with the Blood Monarch, the more humans we kill, the faster we gain EXP and awaken new skills."


    From his hiding spot, Alex''s jaw tightened as he listened.


    ''Blood Monarch?''


    It sounded like the name of a demon, sinister and foreboding.


    But Alex was sure it wasn''t just some random entity¡ªit had to be one of the gods Apollo had warned him about.


    ''I thought they wouldn''t be able to act so soon?''


    He clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Things were moving too quickly. Far faster than he''d anticipated.


    ''Seriously, you damned rabbit. Were all your words just lies?''


    Alex''s thoughts were interrupted by the ongoing discussion among the group of killers.


    "We can''t let this chance slip by," Kiev pressed, his voice urgent.


    "He''s right," Soren agreed, though a flicker of doubt still lingered in his tone. "It''s risky, but the payoff is worth it."


    All eyes turned to Luther. He was the one who always made the final call. His decisions carried weight, and the rest of them knew better than to act without his say-so.


    "What do you want to do, Luther?" Kiev asked, his tone steady but expectant.


    The group fell silent, waiting.


    Luther paused, tilting his head as if savoring the moment. Then, a slow, menacing grin spread across his face. His tongue darted out to lick his lips, his eyes glinting with cruel delight.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Luther''s voice was low but brimming with malice. "We go there and get some blood on our hands."


    Jagger''s booming laughter shattered the stillness. "I was hoping you''d say that!" he bellowed, gripping his hammer tightly, the anticipation of violence lighting up his face.


    Kiev wasn''t finished. He smirked and added casually, "Also, there''s a familiar face among them."


    Luther''s eyes narrowed with curiosity, his tone shifting. "Who?"


    Kiev''s smirk widened. "Your ex, Nancy."


    Luther froze. The name seemed to hit him like a shockwave.


    Hidden in the bushes, Alex also froze. His brain caught up a second later, and he choked on his own spit. A cough threatened to erupt, but he slapped a hand over his mouth just in time.


    Unfortunately, even the muffled sound didn''t escape Edgar''s sharp ears.


    "You mean Nancy is there?" Luther repeated, his voice laced with sudden eagerness. The earlier cruelty was gone, replaced with a twisted excitement. "You should''ve led with that! Let''s go. Immediately."


    Luther''s eagerness was palpable, his grin widening as he thought of seeing her again. His men noticed his excitement, exchanging amused glances.


    Meanwhile, Edgar''s focus had shifted. He was moving toward the bushes where Alex was hiding. His gaze was sharp, and his footsteps were deliberate.


    Kiev noticed and asked, "What are you doing?"


    Edgar didn''t reply, his hand drifting toward the hilt of his sword. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex felt a surge of tension as Edgar closed the distance.


    Escaping them would be easy, but how could he leave now?


    At first, Alex thought they were just targeting another random group of players. But when he heard Nancy''s name, everything clicked. Their next target was Jonah and the others.


    His fists clenched tightly, his nails biting into his palms.


    ''Should I just stand here and let it happen?''


    As Alex wrestled with his decision, Luther was already preparing to move. He turned to the group, his voice sharp. "Alright, let''s head to our next victims¡ª"


    But he stopped mid-sentence, noticing Edgar wasn''t paying attention.


    "Edgar, what''s the holdup? I said we''re leaving."


    Edgar didn''t turn around. His eyes were locked on the bushes. "Someone''s hiding over there."


    The entire group froze, their thoughts in sync: ''Who?''


    Weapons were drawn in an instant. Kiev pulled back his bowstring, an arrow already nocked. His eyes scanned the area, suspecting that one of their earlier victims had somehow survived.


    Edgar crept closer, his steps deliberate. His hand hovered over the hilt of his sword, ready for a fight. As he neared the bushes, he could make out the faint silhouette of a figure crouched low.


    "Whoever''s there, come out. There''s no point in hiding," Edgar demanded, his voice calm but commanding.


    There was no response.


    Alex didn''t flinch as Edgar drew nearer. He wasn''t worried about being discovered. If it came to a fight, he was confident he could take them.


    What gnawed at him was the choice he had to make.


    Should he wipe out this group now and save Jonah and the others?


    Or should he let them go and avoid unnecessary conflict, even if it meant leaving his colleagues to their fate?

 Chapter 59 Pay For Your Sins

    Authors Note: Big shoutout to IcyShadow2323 for making this chapter possible! Thanks for the pizza, you''re the MVP at the moment!----


    Alex''s mind was a storm of conflicting emotions as Edgar inched closer.


    The man''s boots crunched against the grass, each step loud enough to rattle Alex''s resolve.


    A voice deep inside whispered temptations:


    Just let them go. Let them kill your colleagues. It''s not your problem.


    The thought sent a shiver through him.


    Alex clenched his fists, shaking his head violently as if to physically shove the idea away.


    The right choice was clear.


    He needed to stop these murderers, here and now. Anything else would be a betrayal¡ªto Jonah, Nancy, Evelyn, and himself.


    But the fact that such a selfish thought had even crossed his mind forced Alex to confront a darker question.


    Is this what I''ve become?


    Someone so desperate to avoid pain that he''d let others die to protect his own feelings?


    He gritted his teeth, fury bubbling beneath the surface. His fists clenched tighter, his nails digging into his palms.


    It wasn''t who he was. Neither was it who he wanted to be.


    Cowardice would be the easy path, but it was a path Alex refused to take.


    Letting murderers run free, letting Jonah, Nancy, and Evelyn be hunted down¡ªhe wouldn''t allow it.


    No matter how much Alex tried to deny it, he cared about the three of them¡ªJonah, Evelyn, and Nancy¡ªmore than he wanted to admit.


    As for Thompson and his lackeys? They could burn for all he cared.


    But Nancy... she was different.


    Alex couldn''t pinpoint when it started, but he''d begun to feel something for her. In this brutal, unforgiving environment, those kinds of emotions were risky¡ªmaybe even dangerous.


    And yet, he couldn''t ignore them.


    So when he heard Luther mention that Nancy was his ex, it struck a nerve.


    A pang of jealousy flared within him, unexpected and sharp.


    Luther and Nancy seemed like complete opposites, their paths too divergent to make sense together. But then again, what did Alex really know about her?


    Who is Nancy, really?


    The thought gnawed at him. Could she be like Luther, a killer who had abandoned morality to survive? Or worse, a spy¡ªa mole sent to betray the group all for tutorial points?


    He didn''t have the answers.


    And honestly, Alex realized he didn''t care.


    Nancy''s past, her connection to Luther, her reasons for being here¡ªnone of it mattered.


    She wasn''t just anyone to him. She was someone he cared about, and that was all he needed to know.


    Alex took a deep breath, his fists tightening.


    He couldn''t stand by and let innocent lives¡ªlet Nancy¡ªbe wiped out by these monsters. If he had the power to stop it and did nothing, he knew he''d never forgive himself.


    "Hey, Edgar, be careful!" Kiev''s voice rang out, laced with a deep sense of unease as he watched his teammate steadily advance toward the bushes.


    His eyes narrowed, searching for any signs of danger, but the quiet stillness of the surroundings made him feel more uncertain with each passing second.


    The rest of the group hung back, their weapons drawn and ready, every one of them alert, eyes darting across the terrain in search of any potential threat that might be lying in wait, just out of sight.


    The air was thick with tension, each of them sensing that something wasn''t quite right.


    Despite the weight of the situation, Edgar remained unfazed.


    His movements were deliberate and calm, his fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword.


    With each step, his boots crunching softly against the earth, he closed the distance between himself and the trembling outline of a figure crouched low behind the bushes.


    The figure barely moved, its form quivering in the shadows.


    Edgar''s gaze hardened.


    A coward, he thought with a flicker of disdain.


    Hiding behind a bush, thinking it can escape. Pathetic.


    A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, his eyes scanning for any signs of threat.


    He didn''t feel fear¡ªno, just the anticipation of dealing with this weak prey, an animal too scared to even stand its ground.


    It was the type of prey he enjoyed the most.


    "Come on out," Edgar growled, his voice low and menacing.


    His hand stretched forward, fingers splayed as he reached for the collar of the hidden figure, ready to yank them into the open with a forceful tug.


    But as his fingers brushed against the edge of the figure''s clothing, everything shifted in an instant.


    A sharp, deliberate exhale cut through the silence, like the hiss of a predator preparing to strike. The sound was so measured, so chilling, that it sent a jolt through Edgar''s spine, a warning his instincts screamed at him¡ªbut it was already too late.


    Whoosh.


    The distinct hum of a blade slicing through the air filled the space, a lethal arc of steel cutting through the atmosphere with terrifying speed. The rush of air that followed was like a ghost whispering its final warning.


    For a split second, there was nothing but silence¡ªan eerie, unnatural pause in the action, like time itself had slowed, holding its breath.


    Then came the heavy thud of Edgar''s head hitting the ground.


    His body jerked briefly, like a ragdoll caught in the last twitch of life, before it collapsed, lifeless, onto the dirt with a sickening thud.


    The rest of the group froze in place, their minds struggling to comprehend what had just unfolded.


    Eyes wide, their faces pale with shock and horror, they stared at the sight of their Edgar decapitated form, unable to process what they had just witnessed.


    Ding!


    The soft chime of a kill notification echoed in Alex''s ears, but he paid it no mind.


    Rising slowly from the bushes, he stepped into the open with a casual, almost lazy gait.


    His demeanor was calm, but the tension in the air was palpable.


    In his hand, the [Eclipse Edge] gleamed ominously as he pointed it toward the rest of the group. They stood frozen in shock, their initial disbelief giving way to a simmering rage.


    "You guys brought this on yourselves," Alex said, his voice smooth yet cold, tilting his head slightly as if the entire situation bored him. "All because you mentioned Nancy."


    "You bastard! Who are you?!" Jagger roared, gripping his massive hammer tightly. His booming voice did little to mask the anger¡ªand a hint of unease¡ªrising in him.


    He couldn''t believe what he had just witnessed.


    Edgar was one of their best, and yet he''d fallen without so much as a warning. The thought gnawed at Jagger, but he forced it aside.


    Alex didn''t even spare him a glance, his expression remaining detached as he continued in a weary tone.


    "You kill your own kind for a few meager points and revel in the blood you spill. Now, it''s time to pay the price for your sins."


    "Enough of this nonsense!" Luther barked, stepping forward, his grip tightening on his spear. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He''d heard enough from this self-righteous stranger. Raising his weapon, Luther unleashed a volley of glowing energy beams, each one tearing through the air with a high-pitched screech.


    The beams slammed into Alex with explosive force, the resulting blasts kicking up clouds of dust and debris. The shockwaves rippled outward, shaking the ground beneath them.


    The sheer rage behind Luther''s attack reverberated through the ground, the blasts leaving cracks and scorch marks where they struck. The air was heavy with heat and tension as the dust slowly began to settle.


    Luther stood still, his spear lowered, convinced the problem was solved.


    "This clown must''ve gotten lucky with Edgar," Luther muttered under his breath. "Overconfident fool. He probably thought we''d all be pushovers."


    He scoffed, turning his back to the aftermath. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    The tutorial had only just begun, and Luther was sure no one could be at a higher level than his group. Edgar''s death, he reasoned, was the result of carelessness, not skill.


    But then¡ªa cough.


    Luther froze, his grip tightening on the spear. Slowly, he turned back to the settling fumes, his heart pounding against his ribcage.


    And there he was.


    The figure stepped through the dissipating smoke, completely unharmed. Alex casually waved his hand through the lingering fumes, clearing his line of sight.


    "Nice attack," Alex said with a playful grin, his tone light as though he were talking to an old friend. But then his expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam.


    "But¡­" he continued, his voice dropping to a cold, menacing growl. "It''s my turn."


    Before anyone could react, Alex vanished.


    Luther''s eyes widened, his instincts screaming danger, but it was too late. In a split second, Alex reappeared directly in front of him, his movement so fast it was almost a blur.


    Luther barely had time to flinch as Alex''s palm shot forward, aiming straight for his face.


    ------


    Author''s Note:


    An ice-cold cola or a slice of pizza would totally make my day. Show some love to this struggling author, huh? No homo, just a hungry writer out here. ????????

 Chapter 60 A Demon: Overwhelming

    Alex lunged forward, his hand locking onto Luther''s face like a steel trap. Without hesitation, he drove Luther''s head into the ground with a thunderous slam.Luther''s body jolted from the impact, and he let out a sharp gasp. Pain shot down his neck, and his vision blurred instantly.


    For a moment, his mind scrambled to make sense of what had happened.


    One second, he had been standing confidently; the next, there was nothing but searing pain and the cold ground beneath him.


    He tried to open his eyes, but his vision swam with darkness. Through the haze, he saw a figure standing over him¡ªa figure wearing a playful, yet unnerving grin.


    The grin, combined with the blood splatter and eerie calmness in his eyes, made Alex look like something out of a nightmare.


    A surge of dread washed over Luther just before unconsciousness pulled him under.


    "Damn you!"


    The booming voice of Jagger shattered the silence.


    The towering man roared in rage, gripping his massive hammer and charging at Alex.


    With a ferocious swing, he aimed a devastating blow at Alex''s side.


    But Alex was faster.


    He darted backward, narrowly avoiding the hammer. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The force of the missed strike sent a powerful gust of wind ripping through the air, kicking up dirt and leaves.


    Jagger snarled, unfazed by the miss.


    His strength was monstrous, and he swung the hammer again and again, each strike heavy enough to crater the ground.


    Despite the weapon''s massive size, he wielded it as if it were weightless, his movements brutal and relentless.


    But Alex was simply too quick.


    With a frustrated roar, Jagger raised his hammer high and slammed it down with all his might, aiming to pulverize Alex where he stood.


    The ground shook with the force of the impact, dirt, and debris flying everywhere.


    But Alex wasn''t there.


    Before Jagger could process what happened, Alex surged forward.


    His fist connected squarely with Jagger''s nose, the sound of the impact echoing like a crack of thunder.


    Jagger''s massive frame was sent hurtling backward, spinning like a ragdoll through the air.


    He crashed into a tree with a sickening thud, the bark splintering under the force.


    Blood sprayed from his mouth as he coughed, slumping to the ground in a heap.


    "You bastard!" Soren shouted, his voice trembling with fury.


    The lanky man lunged at Alex, wielding a blade with shaky determination.


    Alex turned to face him, his sharp eyes narrowing as he prepared to counter. But then, a sudden prickling sensation ran down his spine¡ªa warning. Danger was coming from behind.


    It was Kiev.


    The archer had used Soren''s charge as a distraction and released an arrow aimed directly at Alex''s neck.


    Kiev smirked, certain the shot would hit.


    The stranger couldn''t possibly have seen it coming.


    But Alex did.


    With lightning-fast reflexes, Alex twisted his body and snatched the arrow mid-flight. The movement was so seamless it looked almost effortless.


    Kiev''s smirk faltered, replaced by wide-eyed shock.


    Before he could react, Alex hurled the arrow back with blistering speed, the projectile slicing through the air like a missile.


    Kiev barely had time to turn his head.


    The arrow tore past his cheek, leaving a shallow, stinging cut. He stumbled back, stunned, one hand instinctively touching the fresh wound.


    His mind reeled as he struggled to make sense of what he had just seen.


    How fast was this guy moving do be able to do that? How many points were in his agility?


    The question hammered through Kiev''s mind as fear coursed through his veins.


    This wasn''t normal¡ªnot by a long shot.


    No ordinary player could pull off what this stranger had just done.


    He had taken down Luther, their leader and the most powerful among them, with ease.


    He''d sent Jagger flying with nothing but an fist. And then he''d caught an arrow mid-flight like it was child''s play.


    Kiev''s hands trembled slightly, his bow feeling heavier than ever. His body was tense, sweat dripping down his face as he stared at Alex.


    "Did we just provoke a demon?"


    The thought clawed at the back of his mind, causing him to tremble.


    Soren squared off against Alex, his blade trembling slightly in his grasp. Kiev, trying to regain his composure, backed him up by nocking another arrow.


    He aimed carefully, hoping to catch the stranger off-guard again.


    But Kiev knew he needed a better angle. He leapt for a tree branch, hoping to gain a vantage point. The instant his foot left the ground, he felt a cold, iron grip latch onto his ankle.


    His eyes widened in panic.


    Looking down, he saw Alex glaring up at him, his expression calm but unnervingly focused.


    Before Kiev could even think to struggle, Alex''s grip tightened like a vice.


    With a surge of inhuman strength, Alex swung Kiev like a ragdoll and hurled him through the air.


    Kiev''s body collided with Soren, who had been charging in for an attack.


    The two of them crashed to the ground in a heap, groaning in pain as dust and leaves scattered around them.


    Jagger, clutching his broken nose, let out an enraged roar.


    Blood smeared his face, his grip on the massive hammer tightening as he charged at Alex like a berserk beast.


    He swung wildly, each strike aimed to crush Alex into the ground. But Alex was untouchable, weaving and sidestepping with the grace of a predator playing with its prey.


    The more Jagger missed, the angrier he became. His movements grew sloppier, his hammer slamming into the dirt with earth-shaking force but never hitting its target.


    It was maddening.


    It was as if Alex was mocking him, his movements practically daring him:


    "Hit me if you can."


    Jagger''s breaths came in ragged gasps, his body screaming for a break. But he didn''t dare stop.


    Because he could feel it¡ªthe moment he paused, Alex would come for him.


    So Jagger kept attacking, swinging his hammer like a madman. Each strike shook the ground, sending dirt and debris flying into the air.


    Soren and Kiev had recovered by now, and Soren rushed forward, trying to join the fight.


    But Jagger''s relentless assault left no room for anyone else. He was growling like a wild animal, his movements frantic and chaotic.


    Kiev climbed higher into the branches of a tree, bow drawn, and cursed under his breath.


    He had a clear vantage point, but Jagger''s erratic attacks made it impossible to get a clean shot at their opponent.


    "Damn it, Jagger!" he hissed.


    Kiev''s hands were trembling.


    He knew the truth¡ªit wasn''t Jaggers fault.


    The stranger was just too strong.


    He was playing with them, toying with their desperation.


    If this guy wanted to, they''d all be dead already.


    Why is he dragging this out?


    Kiev''s thoughts raced as he tried to steady his aim.


    He could feel his pulse pounding in his ears.


    If he didn''t take this chance, he''d lose his life for sure.


    Finally, Jagger''s wild swings opened a small window


    . Kiev saw his opportunity and released the arrow, sending it whistling through the air toward Alex.


    But the instant the arrow left his bow, Alex turned to face it, his eyes locking onto the projectile, and then he grinned, sending a chill down Kiev''s spine.


    Alex snatched the arrow out of the air with effortless precision, the motion almost too fast to see.


    And Kiev''s breath caught in his throa


    . "No way¡­"


    Before he could fully process what had happened, Alex spun and drove the arrow straight into Jagger''s eye with a sickening crunch.


    Jagger let out a guttural scream, the sound filled with pure agony.


    He staggered back, dropping his massive hammer as he clawed at his face.


    Blood poured down in streams, staining his hands and the ground beneath him.


    His screams echoed through the clearing as he stumbled, blinded and overwhelmed by the excruciating pain.


    Alex gripped Jagger''s massive Warhammer, lifting it with ease despite its immense weight.


    He twirled it once, testing its heft, and smirked.


    Without hesitation, he brought the hammer down in a devastating swing, aiming directly at Jagger''s side.


    The sheer force of the impact was monstrous, causing the upper half of Jagger''s body to explode into a gruesome spray of blood and gore.


    The crimson mess splattered in all directions, painting the battlefield in vivid red.


    But Alex stood untouched.


    A shimmering, translucent barrier of energy surrounded him¡ªthe effect of [Aegis Arcane].


    The blood slid harmlessly down the magical shield, pooling on the ground at his feet.


    Alex tilted his head, inspecting the carnage with a playful grin.


    "Oops," he said, his tone mockingly apologetic.


    "Didn''t mean to make such a mess."


    He let out a casual laugh as if he had just cracked a joke rather than obliterating someone moments ago.


    Kiev and Soren, who had been watching from a distance, froze.


    Their faces turned pale, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.


    They exchanged a glance, both thinking the same thing:


    This isn''t a fight, It was a one-sided slaughter.


    The realization hit them like a cold wave.


    Facing Alex was suicide.


    They were like ants standing before a titan, and their only possible outcome was death. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    Fear consumed them, and without another word, they turned and bolted in opposite directions, their footsteps frantic and uncoordinated as they tried to escape.


    They didn''t care about the unconsciousless Luther.


    It was a run for their lives.


    But Alex wasn''t about to let them get away.


    His smile faded, replaced by a cold expression.


    His voice low and chilling, as he muttered:


    "Running won''t save you."


    ------


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 61 A Demon: Torture

    Kiev and Soren bolted, their hearts pounding in sheer panic.They had provoked something far beyond their comprehension¡ªa monster in human form.


    A demon.


    Kiev''s breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the trees, desperate to put as much distance as possible between himself and the carnage.


    But then, a chilling scream tore through the air.


    Kiev froze mid-step, his blood running cold.


    Slowly, he turned his head, dread knotting in his stomach.


    His worst fear was confirmed.


    The demon¡ªthe man who had effortlessly obliterated Jagger¡ªhad caught up to Soren.


    Kiev hesitated for a heartbeat, debating whether to help his comrade.


    But fear won out. Survival was all that mattered now.


    He turned back around and kept running, his legs pumping harder than ever.


    Meanwhile, Soren was locked in a desperate struggle.


    His knife glinted in the faint light as he slashed wildly at his pursuer, his movements fueled by sheer terror.


    But the demon didn''t flinch.


    He moved with an unnerving calmness, each step precise and deliberate, his piercing gaze locked onto Soren. His grin widened, a chilling expression that sent shivers down Soren''s spine.


    Panicking, Soren swung again, his arm shaking with the effort.


    But his aim was wild, and the demon saw his opening.


    In one swift motion, Alex stepped inside Soren''s reach, his hand lashing out like a viper to grab Soren by the collar.


    Before Soren could react, Alex drove his forehead into Soren''s face with brutal force.


    The crack of bone echoed through the forest as Soren''s nose shattered under the impact. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pain exploded through Soren''s skull, his vision going white for a moment.


    His body swayed, and the knife slipped from his trembling hand, clattering to the ground.


    His knees buckled further as consciousness wavered.


    "Hey, wake up!" Alex said mockingly, slapping Soren''s face lightly, each strike stinging just enough to keep him on the edge of awareness.


    "What was that?" Alex sneered, tilting his head as if genuinely curious. "You could''ve had fun with her? What a waste?"


    Soren''s half-open eyes flinched at the words.


    His groggy mind registered the statement, and he tried to push himself free, writhing desperately.


    But Alex''s grip was unyielding, like a snake tightening around its prey.


    "You bastard! Let go of me! Let go!" Soren spat, his voice trembling with panic. His heart raced in his chest, each beat hammering in his ears.


    Alex smirked, his voice dropping into a dark, mocking tone. "You seem like the type who enjoys watching others suffer¡ªhearing their screams, seeing their fear."


    Soren''s initial fury faltered.


    He squirmed harder, but when Alex suddenly inhaled deeply, and Soren froze mid-struggle.


    Something primal in him screamed that he had to run, but Alex''s grip pinned him in place.


    "Be honored," Alex said with a cold grin.


    "I''ll show you what a real scream is."


    Before Soren could react, Alex unleashed a deafening sonic scream directly at him.


    The force hit Soren like a tidal wave.


    His ears ruptured instantly, blood pouring from them.


    His nose, mouth, and eyes followed suit as the shockwave tore through his face.


    Soren let out a choked, gurgling sound, but it was short-lived.


    His skull cracked under the relentless pressure, blood and fragments of bone staining Alex''s hand.


    Soren''s body hung limp in Alex''s grip, lifeless and broken.


    Alex loosened his hold, letting Soren''s corpse drop to the ground with a dull thud. He dusted off his hands, unbothered by the carnage, and then turned his gaze toward the archer.


    Kiev was already a speck in the distance, running for his life without daring to look back.


    Alex turned his gaze toward the archer, now a distant figure bolting for his life without daring to look back.


    That coward, Alex thought, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Still, the archer''s decision wasn''t entirely stupid¡ªit was survival instinct at its finest. But the smarter move would have been avoiding Alex altogether.


    Alex stretched his arms lazily, rolling his neck. He didn''t feel like giving chase. Why bother? Instead, he raised his hand and casually snapped his fingers.


    The sound was soft, almost anticlimactic, but what followed was anything but.


    Kiev, mid-sprint, was suddenly thrown forward like a ragdoll. A thunderous explosion echoed across the forest as his leg detonated, the crude bomb Alex had discreetly planted earlier doing its job.


    The archer hit the ground hard, tumbling over himself before skidding to a stop. His scream tore through the air, a raw, visceral sound of pure agony. He clutched at the mangled stump where his leg had been, blood pouring freely into the dirt.


    Pain radiated through Kiev''s entire body, overwhelming his senses. His mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. Did I step on a trap? Or... was it him?


    A chill ran through him as he heard it¡ªthe sound of slow, deliberate footsteps crunching on the forest floor. He looked up, his tear-filled eyes meeting Alex''s calm, almost amused expression as he approached.


    "No¡­ no, no, no¡­" Kiev stammered, his voice trembling. Panic surged through him, pushing past the pain.


    Gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright, balancing precariously on his one remaining leg. His entire body shook as he tried to hop away, desperate to put distance between himself and the approaching nightmare.


    "Oi, you forgot this."


    Alex''s voice rang out with a mocking edge as he bent down to pick up the archer''s discarded quiver.


    Kiev didn''t dare turn around.


    He kept hopping forward, his breath ragged, each movement a struggle against the searing pain in his leg.


    Alex plucked an arrow from the quiver and held it up, examining its sharp tip. He tilted his head, his tone dripping with cruel amusement.


    "I said, you forgot this. You should take what belongs to you."


    Without hesitation, Alex flicked the arrow like a dart.


    It sliced through the air with deadly precision and force, embedding itself in Kiev''s remaining leg.


    A bloodcurdling scream escaped the archer''s lips as the sharp pain shot through him. His balance wavered, but before he could recover, Alex had already drawn another arrow.


    This time, he aimed carefully. With a fluid motion, Alex hurled it. The arrow pierced Kiev''s side, driving deep into his waist.


    Kiev let out a groan of agony, his body twisting as he collapsed onto the ground. He lay there, helpless, every nerve in his body alight with pain.


    The sound of Alex''s footsteps grew louder, deliberate and unhurried, each one making Kiev''s heart pound harder in his chest.


    Finally, Alex stopped beside him, looming like a shadow over the broken archer. Kiev''s trembling eyes lifted to meet Alex''s cold, unforgiving gaze.


    "Why¡­ why are you doing this?" Kiev choked out, his voice weak, barely more than a whisper.


    Alex''s lips curled into a cruel smile. "Doing what? Isn''t this what you do to your targets?"


    Before Kiev could respond, Alex raised another arrow. With a swift, downward motion, he drove it into the archer''s back.


    Kiev cried out, his voice echoing through the forest.


    Another arrow.


    And another.


    Each strike was methodical, precise, and relentless, burying deeper into Kiev''s body.


    Kiev''s screams tore through the air, raw and filled with agony. His groans turned into desperate murmurs, his voice shaking.


    "We... we haven''t even killed many," he stammered, his words slurred through the haze of pain. "We barely have any tutorial points. I don''t see why you''re doing this."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his tone sharp and unyielding. "You killed the innocent. And if I let you go, you''ll kill more."


    Without hesitation, Alex pulled another arrow from the quiver and fired. The arrow buried itself into Kiev''s flesh with a sickening thud.


    Kiev screamed louder this time, his body writhing as the searing pain coursed through him. Blood poured freely from his wounds, soaking the ground beneath him.


    The pain was unbearable, a constant flood that wouldn''t let up. His breathing grew ragged, each inhale a struggle. Tears mixed with the blood streaming down his face as he cried out, his voice hoarse.


    "Then just get it over with!" Kiev shouted, his frustration and despair boiling over. Blood trickled from his mouth as he coughed, choking on the taste of iron. "Why the torture?"


    Alex stopped, his expression shifting from cold indifference to something darker. For a moment, he seemed to consider the question, his gaze piercing through Kiev like a blade.


    Then, an eerie grin spread across his face, the kind that made the air around him feel colder.


    "Why?" Alex repeated, his voice low and deliberate.


    "The answer''s simple." He leaned closer, his grin widening into something sinister.


    "I''m doing it because I enjoy it."


    Kiev''s bloodshot eyes widened in horror, his entire body trembling.


    Before he could even process the statement, Alex raised another arrow and drove it down with unrelenting force.


    Kiev''s scream echoed into the night, the sound of pure, unfiltered agony. The forest grew silent, save for the shallow, broken gasps of the defeated archer.


    ----


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 62 A Demon: Anomaly

    Authors Note: Big shoutout to IcyShadow2323 for making this chapter possible! Thanks for the pizza, you''re the MVP at the moment!----


    Luther groaned as he regained consciousness, the dull, pounding ache in his head making him wince.


    Slowly, he raised a trembling hand to his temple, the sticky warmth beneath his fingers telling him all he needed to know.


    He brought his hand in front of his face and stared at the dark red smear of blood.


    His vision was still blurry, his mind clouded with confusion.


    What happened?


    For a moment, everything was a hazy blank, the details just out of reach.


    But then his eyes fell on Edgar''s decapitated body sprawled nearby.


    The sight hit him like a jolt of electricity, and the memories came rushing back.


    His jaw clenched tightly, his teeth grinding as fury replaced the fog in his mind.


    He balled his hands into fists, trembling with rage.


    "That bastard," he growled under his breath, his voice filled with venom.


    The image replayed in his mind.


    He had been caught off-guard, his head slammed to the ground. The stranger had moved with such overwhelming speed it felt unreal.


    "How is that even possible?"


    Luther muttered to himself, his mind racing to make sense of it.


    And then it clicked. Or at least, he thought it did.


    "That''s right," he said, his voice gaining strength as he pieced it together. "The bastard must''ve put all his points in agility."


    It was the only explanation that made sense to him.


    No ordinary player could or should be able to move that fast.


    Fueled by his growing anger, Luther staggered to his feet, his legs wobbling for a moment before finding their strength.


    His eyes darted around the forest, scanning for any sign of the enemy.


    Spotting his spear half-buried in the dirt nearby, he reached down and gripped it tightly.


    His eyes narrowed as he scanned the forest, his breathing steadying as his rage hardened into determination.


    Whoever that bastard was, he was going to pay.


    Luther scanned the area, his eyes darting through the dense forest, but there was no sign of the stranger, or any member of his group.


    Where were they?


    His mind raced with questions.


    Were they still chasing that monster?


    Had they regrouped, or had something gone horribly wrong?


    Then he saw it.


    A gruesome, stomach-turning scene lay just ahead. Jagger''s body¡ªor what was left of it¡ªwas crumpled on the blood-soaked ground.


    Luther''s breath hitched as he realized Jagger''s entire upper torso, from the waist up, was gone.


    Flesh and gore were splattered across the surrounding greenery, staining it crimson.


    The air reeked of iron and death.


    He staggered back, his hand instinctively covering his face as his stomach churned.


    His shock quickly gave way to seething rage.


    His fingers dug into his skin as his expression twisted into a snarl.


    "That bastard," he hissed under his breath.


    His voice trembled, not with fear but with fury. "I''ll kill him."


    Suddenly, a distant explosion echoed through the forest, snapping him out of his thoughts.


    The sound jolted him into action.


    It had to be him.


    Soren and Kiev were probably still fighting that monster.


    Without hesitation, Luther gripped his spear tightly and sprinted toward the noise, his heart pounding in his chest.


    He wasn''t going to let that thing get away with this.


    But as he raced through the forest, his momentum faltered when his eyes caught another horrifying sight.


    A body lay sprawled in the underbrush ahead.


    It was Soren.


    Luther slowed to a stop, his chest heaving as he approached.


    Blood seeped from Soren''s eyes, nose, and mouth, pooling around his lifeless form. His face was frozen in a twisted expression of terror and agony.


    Luther''s grip on his spear tightened.


    He stared down at his fallen comrade, his breathing ragged.


    For the first time, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind.


    His feet refused to move forward as he stood there, staring at Soren''s lifeless body.


    Despite his seething anger, Luther couldn''t ignore the nagging thought in the back of his mind: the way his group had died was far from normal.


    He frowned, gripping his spear tighter as he moved cautiously through the forest. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "What the hell happened here?" he muttered under his breath.


    The gruesome carnage didn''t feel like the work of a person.


    No, this was something else entirely.


    A monster, perhaps? Could one have been drawn by the noise and caught his team off guard?


    He shook his head, trying to clear the thought.


    He couldn''t imagine a human being capable of such brutal, horrific slaughter.


    Then, faint cackling broke through the uneasy silence, carried by the wind.


    Luther''s steps slowed. His heart pounded as he moved toward the sound, the laughter growing louder with each step.


    He brushed aside the dense foliage and stopped dead in his tracks.


    The sight before him froze him in place.


    Kiev, his second-in-command, was writhing on the ground, screaming in sheer agony.


    His leg was gone, a bloody stump where it had once been.


    His entire body was a bloodied, mangled mess, riddled with arrows that pinned him to the earth like some cruel dartboard.


    Standing over him was the stranger, Kiev''s quiver in hand.


    The stranger pulled out an arrow, twirled it lazily between his fingers, and then threw it with precision, embedding it into Kiev''s already broken body.


    "Bullseye," the stranger muttered with a cold grin.


    Kiev let out another agonized scream, his voice echoing through the forest.


    Luther''s entire body shook with rage.


    His grip on his spear tightened until his knuckles turned white.


    The stranger turned slightly, as if sensing the new presence, but didn''t seem concerned.


    Luther could feel his blood boiling.


    His weapon pulsed with energy, responding to his fury.


    "I''ll kill you!" he roared.


    The spear surged with light, energy gathering at its tip.


    Luther aimed at the stranger, unleashing a devastating beam of raw power.


    The brilliant blast tore through the forest, heading straight for the monster who had decimated his group.


    But to Luther''s disbelief, the stranger barely reacted.


    With casual grace, he stepped to the side, effortlessly dodging the attack. The beam hurtled past him, exploding against the trees in the distance with a deafening crash.


    The blast sent a gust of wind ripping through the forest, causing the stranger''s long coat to flare dramatically.


    Alex turned towards Luther, his smile sharp and unsettling, a predator''s grin.


    "Oh, you''re awake," Alex said, his tone almost cheerful.


    He gestured lazily to the broken, bloodied Kiev on the ground.


    "Good timing. I was already getting bored with this weakling. But lucky me¡ªyou''ve come to make things interesting."


    Luther''s grip on his spear tightened, his knuckles turning white.


    "Damn you! You''ve lost your mind. No sane person would do something like this."


    Alex tilted his head, his expression shifting into something far more sinister. His eyes gleamed with an unholy light as he chuckled softly.


    "That''s right. I''m crazy. I used to wonder how someone like you could kill your own kind so easily."


    His grin widened, his voice dropping into a chilling whisper.


    "But once I tried it, I realized... it''s not hard at all. In fact, it''s exhilarating, because you are all pieces of shit."


    A cold dread washed over Luther as the air around him seemed to grow heavier, almost suffocating.


    It wasn''t just Alex''s words¡ªit was the overwhelming presence radiating from him.


    Luther froze, his heart pounding as beads of sweat formed on his brow.


    This isn''t human, he thought, his mind racing. This can''t be human.


    Meanwhile Kiev on the ground, groaned weakly, every movement sending waves of agony through his body.


    He barely had the strength to open his eyes, but when he did, his blurred vision locked onto Luther.


    Luther stood a short distance away, his chest heaving with rage.


    His entire body trembled, his grip on his glowing spear so tight it seemed like he might crush it.


    Kiev''s heart sank.


    He could see it¡ªthe storm of fury building within Luther.


    But he knew the truth, a truth Luther couldn''t comprehend yet.


    This wasn''t a fight Luther could win.


    He forced his bloodied lips to move, each word a struggle.


    "Luther... ru... ru¡ª"


    But Kiev''s words were cut off abruptly as an arrow pierced his throat, silencing him.


    His eyes widened in shock as he gagged, choking on his own blood.


    Crimson spilled from his mouth, pooling beneath him.


    His body convulsed one last time before going still.


    Luther watched in stunned horror as Kiev died right in front of him.


    Something inside him snapped, shattering the last remnants of control.


    His vision blurred with rage as a guttural roar tore from his throat.


    "You bastard!" he screamed, his voice filled with raw fury. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What are you?!"


    Luther charged, his spear blazing with energy, each step pounding into the ground like thunder as he closed the gap between them.


    But Alex didn''t move.


    He stood there, calm and composed, watching Luther barrel toward him.


    His lips curled into a sinister grin, his eyes gleaming with amusement.


    As Luther drew closer, Alex tilted his head slightly, his voice low and cold as he answered Luther''s question.


    "What am I?" he repeated, his grin widening.


    "I''m an anomaly."

 Chapter 63 A Demon: Double Digits

    Luther didn''t care who or what Alex claimed to be.The only thing on his mind was ending the monster standing before him.


    With a shout of pure fury, he spun his spear, aiming a flurry of strikes at Alex.


    The weapon moved like a blur, slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    Each strike was powerful, sending gusts of wind rippling through the clearing.


    But Alex avoided them all effortlessly.


    He weaved and sidestepped with an almost lazy grace, his long coat flaring with every motion. Luther''s strikes came fast and hard, but Alex never lost his cool.


    Luther''s movements were sharp and confident. Even Alex had to admit the raw power behind each attack was impressive for someone so inexperienced.


    This kid was still a newbie, but his strength was undeniable.


    But¡­


    "Disgusting," Alex muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain.


    Luther didn''t hear him, too consumed by his anger to notice. But Alex''s eyes narrowed as he watched the young man fight. He could see it¡ªthe source of Luther''s strength.


    It wasn''t earned through effort or dedication. No, it was something far darker.


    This power came from bloodshed, from sacrifices to the gods Luther and his kind served without remorse.


    Strength is gained by killing others in cold blood, all for some divine reward.


    To them, Alex might seem like a demon, a monster in human form.


    But they were the real monsters¡ªmindless killers who acted without a shred of guilt.


    The thought made his stomach churn.


    "Pathetic," Alex whispered, his movements still calm as Luther continued his assault. The strikes were growing sloppier now, desperation leaking into each swing.


    If they could commit such atrocities without guilt, then they weren''t just misguided¡ªthey were truly evil. People like them had no reason to exist.


    For Alex, the torturing wasn''t just cruelty. It was a message. A point he needed to make.


    What they called strength wasn''t real.


    It was a hollow facade, built on a foundation of fear and cowardice.


    Pathetic.


    He hated it with every fiber of his being.


    Alex wanted people like Luther to understand the truth: they were weak.


    And he wanted them to feel that weakness, to drown in despair, moments before he ended their lives.


    Luther, seething with rage, unleashed a barrage of energy beams.


    Bright streaks of light cut through the air, heading straight for Alex.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With fluid, almost lazy movements, he sidestepped and ducked, dodging every beam as though it was nothing.


    A grin stretched across his face, mocking Luther''s efforts.


    Luther roared in frustration and leaped into the air, his spear glowing with power.


    With all his might, he brought the weapon down in a thunderous slam.


    The energy released on impact sent shockwaves rippling through the area, causing the ground to crack and splinter beneath Alex.


    Dust and debris filled the air, the force of the attack making it impossible to see.


    For a moment, Luther''s chest heaved with effort, thinking he''d finally landed a hit. But as the dust began to clear, his stomach sank.


    Alex stood there, completely unharmed, a smug grin plastered across his face.


    "You''re not even trying," Alex taunted, his tone dripping with mockery.


    Luther''s heart raced. His breathing was ragged, his muscles burning with exhaustion.


    He was running out of stamina.


    Every attack, every move¡ªnothing worked. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    No matter what he did, he couldn''t touch his opponent. It was like fighting a ghost, a phantom that danced around his every strike.


    Despair started to creep in.


    "Why are you dodging like a coward?" Luther spat, gripping his spear tightly. His voice cracked with frustration.


    "Fight me!"


    "Are you sure about that?"


    Alex grinned his tone a dangerous mix of humor and seriousness.


    His piercing gaze locked onto Luther like a predator sizing up its prey.


    "It''ll end in an instant."


    Luther clenched his teeth, tension rippling through his body.


    Deep down, he knew the demon was right.


    Alex''s confidence wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was the truth. Yet Luther''s pride wouldn''t allow him to admit defeat so easily.


    It felt like Alex was toying with him, dodging instead of attacking, intentionally dragging this out to taunt him.


    Each evasion was a calculated insult, pushing Luther closer to his breaking point.


    "If that''s the case," Luther growled, his voice trembling with fury, "then try to end me if you can!"


    Alex raised an eyebrow, his grin widening.


    Luther stopped in place, his breathing deep and ragged.


    Veins bulged across his skin like writhing snakes, his muscles swelling unnaturally.


    A crimson aura ignited around his body, pulsating with raw energy.


    Alex tilted his head, watching with faint curiosity.


    He could feel the surge in power and realized Luther had activated some kind of enhancement skill¡ªmost likely Berserk.


    But Alex''s expression didn''t falter. Not even for a second.


    This wouldn''t save him.


    Luther roared, the sound primal and filled with rage.


    The ground beneath him cracked as he charged forward, his spear spinning like a cyclone.


    Each strike came faster and harder than the last, the sheer force generating gusts of wind that tore through the clearing.


    The tempo of Luther''s attacks escalated, each move more aggressive, more desperate to overwhelm Alex.


    For a moment, it seemed to work.


    One strike came dangerously close, grazing Alex''s head and slicing off a lock of his hair.


    Luther froze for half a second, elation flickering in his eyes. He''d drawn first blood¡ªor so he thought.


    "I''m getting close," he muttered under his breath, tightening his grip on his weapon.


    But in the blink of an eye, Luther''s confidence was shattered.


    He lunged forward, driving his spear with all his might, but Alex''s movement defied logic.


    It was as though he had phased through the attack, his body seeming to blur for an instant.


    Before Luther could process what had happened, a sharp, searing impact struck the side of his face.


    The world spun.


    The force of the blow hurled him through the air, his body crashing to the ground with a thud. Blood dripped from his nose, and his vision blurred as he struggled to understand what had just happened.


    "A slap?" he muttered, barely coherent.


    His trembling hand brushed his cheek, where an unmistakable handprint throbbed against his skin. The humiliation sank in deeper than the pain.


    "So much damage... from a mere slap," Luther whispered, disbelief and rage boiling within him.


    Alex sauntered forward, calm and composed, his expression almost bored.


    His casual approach felt like an insult, as if Luther wasn''t even worth the effort.


    Fueled by anger and desperation, Luther steadied his spear, its energy crackling as he raised it to strike.


    But Alex moved faster.


    Another slap landed, its impact rattling through Luther''s skull and sending him staggering.


    His spear released an errant energy beam that soared harmlessly into the distance.


    Before Luther could recover, a third slap hit him, and then a fourth.


    Each blow chipped away at his pride, leaving him disoriented and gasping for air.


    By the time the assault paused, Luther was barely able to stay on his feet, his body swaying like a battered reed in the wind.


    His pride was in tatters, his strength draining fast, and Alex hadn''t even drawn a weapon.


    Despite the surge of power coursing through his body, Luther realized with a sinking feeling that nothing had changed.


    Every attempt to land a blow had failed.


    He racked his brain, trying to make sense of it as to how Alex could be so much stronger


    Is he even human?


    His mind raced through possibilities. Was Alex truly a player like him, or something entirely different? No matter how he spun it, none of it made sense.


    Fueled by frustration, Luther roared and charged, his spear crackling with energy. He thrust it forward, determined to pierce Alex''s smug composure.


    But Alex moved with an effortless precision.


    The spear didn''t hit its mark¡ªit stopped dead in its tracks. Alex had caught it with one hand, holding it steady as if it were a mere toy.


    Luther''s eyes widened in disbelief, but before he could react, Alex yanked the spear forward, dragging Luther with it.


    Then came the blow.


    A single, devastating punch to the gut.


    The force was overwhelming, and Luther''s breath was stolen from him in an instant. He staggered back, collapsing to his knees as he clutched his stomach, gasping for air.


    His vision blurred, but he could make out Alex crouching down to meet him at eye level.


    Desperation surged through Luther.


    He refused to go down like this. With trembling hands, he pulled a knife from his belt, aiming to make one last move.


    But Alex saw it coming.


    Before Luther could swing, Alex''s hand darted out and snapped one of his fingers with a sickening crack.


    Luther howled in agony, the knife slipping from his grasp and clattering to the ground. He writhed in pain, clutching his injured hand.


    "How disappointing," Alex muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.


    He stood, brushing off his coat like he was swatting away an insect.


    "But... oh well, I guess it''s to be expected. Your level is still in the single digit."


    The words froze Luther in place.


    Single digits?


    His mind reeled.


    Alex had said it with such casual superiority as if it were a fact beneath notice.


    But then a question clawed its way to the forefront of Luther''s mind, sending a shiver down his spine.


    If this demon''s level wasn''t in the single digits... then just how high was it?

 Chapter 64 A Demon: Plea

    The thought consumed Luther, and his breathing quickened, ragged and shallow.How¡­ how did he level up so fast?


    Did Alex slay some high-ranking beast? Was he being supported by a god?


    The questions tumbled through Luther''s mind, one after another, but no answers came.


    Each possibility felt more impossible than the last.


    His confusion turned to dread.


    He couldn''t understand the stranger''s intentions. What did Alex want? What was he going to do next?


    But one thing was certain¡ªthis stranger wasn''t going to let him live.


    The weight of Alex''s gaze bore down on Luther, suffocating and unrelenting.


    It wasn''t just the pain in his body that paralyzed him; it was the overwhelming presence of the man in front of him.


    Alex wasn''t human.


    He felt like something entirely otherworldly.


    A demon. A deity.


    Luther couldn''t tell which, but the aura Alex exuded was inhuman and unstoppable.


    The stranger''s eyes stayed fixed on him, sharp and all-encompassing.


    Luther tried¡ªwanted¡ªto meet Alex''s gaze, to show even a shred of defiance.


    But he couldn''t.


    It was as though looking into those eyes would pull him into an endless void, a darkness from which he''d never return.


    The feeling struck him deeply, eerily similar to the terror he had felt when standing before the Blood Monarch.


    And then, something shifted.


    Reality seemed to tear apart at the edges, and Luther suddenly found himself somewhere else entirely.


    Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    The space was surreal, an eerie realm bathed in crimson.


    Thick, twisting red vines pulsated around him, their surfaces slick and dripping with blood.


    The air was heavy, suffused with a pressure so intense it made his knees buckle.


    Then came the voice.


    Deep, guttural, and otherworldly, it echoed through the strange space, penetrating Luther''s very soul.


    The eerie voice had promised Luther power, but at a cost:


    Kill other players as sacrifices.


    Luther hadn''t hesitated.


    He and his group had already taken lives before¡ªwhat was a few more if it meant gaining divine favor?


    But now, as he lay beaten and broken, all his companions dead within a single day of making the pact, a flood of doubts consumed him.


    Was it worth it?


    The question echoed in his mind, tormenting him.


    Am I going to die like this?


    Surely not. He had the backing of a god. That had to count for something, right?


    Unless¡­ the Blood Monarch was a fraud.


    Luther''s mind raced, desperate for answers.


    The god he had sworn loyalty to had to intervene, had to grant him the strength to deal with the demon standing before him.


    He just needed to ask.


    As these thoughts filled his head, a flicker of hope sparked in his eyes.


    Alex noticed the shift immediately.


    Luther''s once defeated expression now carried a glimmer of determination, and Alex''s sharp gaze narrowed.


    That hope... It wasn''t allowed.


    Alex''s expression darkened like a storm cloud.


    Hope was something he intended to crush completely.


    Without a word, Alex stepped closer, his every movement deliberate. His hand reached down and grabbed one of Luther''s trembling fingers.


    Luther froze, a chill running through him.


    With a quick motion, Alex snapped the finger back.


    CRACK.


    "AAARGH!" Luther screamed, the searing pain ripping through his body like fire.


    Alex crouched to eye level, his voice cold and taunting. "Still holding onto hope, are we? Let''s see how long that lasts."


    The flicker of hope in Luther''s eyes began to waver, replaced by a growing fear.


    Alex''s expression didn''t soften.


    "AARGH!"


    Luther''s scream tore through the forest, his voice raw and filled with agony.


    Alex didn''t flinch. He didn''t pause. His hand moved to the next finger, gripping it tightly.


    CRACK.


    Another finger broken.


    Luther''s cries grew louder, desperate, and unrelenting. The forest seemed to absorb the sound, amplifying the torment.


    But Alex''s expression remained cold, his face devoid of sympathy. He wasn''t done yet.


    Finger after finger, the brutal snapping continued, each break accompanied by Luther''s anguished screams.


    By the time Alex reached Luther''s pinky¡ªthe last unbroken finger¡ªLuther''s body was trembling uncontrollably. His face was soaked with sweat and tears.


    "Please... stop!" Luther''s voice cracked, his plea weak and pitiful.


    Alex crouched closer, his eyes dark and unyielding as he grabbed the pinky.


    "Stop?" Alex said, his voice eerily calm. "A dead man doesn''t need fingers."


    SNAP.


    The pinky broke like the others.


    Luther collapsed to the ground, clutching his mangled hand as tears streamed down his face. The pain was unbearable, radiating through his entire body.


    He sobbed uncontrollably, his pride and composure shattered. For the first time, he felt completely powerless.


    "Why... why are you doing this?" Luther managed to choke out between gasps and cries, his voice trembling. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex stood over him, towering like a shadow of judgment. His cold, unfeeling eyes locked onto Luther''s.


    "There''s no ''why,''" Alex said, his voice devoid of any emotion. "This isn''t torment. It''s a lesson."


    Luther stared up at him, his broken hand cradled to his chest.


    The words made no sense, and yet, the cold finality in Alex''s tone sent shivers through him.


    "I see your left hand still has all its fingers intact," Alex said, his voice calm but laced with menace. He tilted his head, his cold gaze fixed on Luther.


    "We should continue with that."


    Luther''s entire body trembled at the statement. The thought of enduring another round of finger-breaking was unbearable. Panic surged through him as his eyes darted around, finally landing on the dagger lying just out of reach.


    Desperation overtook him. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he lunged for the blade and gripped it tightly. His breathing was ragged as he raised it, aiming directly for Alex''s neck.


    But before he could even think about striking, his wrist twisted sharply.


    CRACK!


    The sound echoed in his ears.


    Luther''s fingers went numb as the dagger slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground.


    He stared in horror at his arm, now bent at an unnatural angle.


    A guttural sound escaped his throat as his brain registered the injury, but the shock delayed the pain.


    His arm dangled uselessly at his side, and his wide eyes locked onto Alex in terror.


    "Seriously?" Alex said, shaking his head.


    "How are you this stupid? If you were truly desperate to avoid more pain, you should''ve just used that dagger to end yourself."


    Luther''s lips parted as if to respond, but before he could say a word, Alex''s backhand struck him with brutal force.


    WHAM!


    Luther''s body flew through the air like a rag doll, slamming into the ground several feet away.


    Dirt and debris scattered upon impact, and a weak groan escaped him as he struggled to move.


    Alex let out a heavy sigh as stood up slowly, brushing nonexistent dust off his pants, shaking his head as if bored with the entire ordeal.


    He looked down at Luther with a mix of disdain and mild annoyance.


    Then, his expression darkened.


    "It''s time to finish this."


    Luther squirmed on the ground, his body convulsing with pain and his groans echoing through the forest.


    His vision blurred from the sheer agony, but his mind latched onto a desperate thought.


    I can''t die like this.


    He bit his lip so hard it drew blood, his entire body trembling.


    His resolve hardened.


    It didn''t matter what he had to do or how much it would cost¡ªnot even his own life. If it meant taking Alex down, he''d pay any price.


    Through clenched teeth, he began to whisper, his voice low but filled with desperation.


    "I know you can hear me. I don''t care what I have to sacrifice. Give me the strength to take down the demon in front of me."


    Alex, standing a short distance away, tilted his head, his sharp hearing picking up Luther''s words.


    His lips curved into a mocking grin as his eyes gleamed with cold amusement.


    "Oh, you''re praying," Alex said, his tone dripping with disdain.


    He raised his hand, fingers poised as though preparing to snap.


    "How quaint. But it''s futile. No god can save you."


    Luther ignored him, his lips moving feverishly as he continued his plea.


    He had no other choice.


    Against Alex, he was powerless.


    He had nothing left to lose.


    And then it happened.


    The air shifted.


    Time itself seemed to screech to a halt.


    The vibrant colors of the forest drained away, replaced by a stark black-and-white world.


    Falling leaves froze mid-air, suspended like still frames in a picture.


    Even Alex stood motionless, his mocking grin frozen on his face.


    Luther''s labored breaths slowed as a wicked grin spread across his face.


    It worked.


    The Blood Monarch had responded.


    The oppressive silence was then broken by a deep, resonant voice echoing in his ears, a voice that carried the weight of dread and power.


    [Why is a dead man calling out to me?]


    Luther''s grin faltered, confusion flickering across his face.


    "¡­What?"


    Luther muttered, his voice barely audible.


    The voice spoke again, its tone dripping with contempt.


    [Get lost.]

 Chapter 65 Tutorial Points

    The words from the Blood Monarch hit Luther like a physical blow.His face turned ghostly pale, and his body trembled uncontrollably.


    His breath came in ragged gasps.


    "No¡­ no¡­ this can''t be¡­" he stammered, his voice breaking as panic took hold.


    The world around him, frozen in eerie black and white, began to shift.


    The once-static scene trembled violently, cracks spreading through the monochrome landscape like shattered glass.


    "Wait¡­ wait! Don''t leave me!"


    Luther pleaded, his voice rising in desperation as he clutched at the air.


    His eyes darted frantically toward Alex, still frozen with his hand raised.


    Luther''s terror spiked.


    He didn''t want to face him again¡ªthe demon that had pushed him to this edge.


    But his pleas were met with silence.


    The Blood Monarch''s presence faded entirely, leaving behind a hollow emptiness that gnawed at Luther''s soul. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was truly alone.


    The cracks in the frozen world widened until they consumed everything.


    Then, like a rubber band snapping, time resumed with a jarring force.


    Colors returned, the air moved again, and Alex stood before him, his evil grin unfrozen and sharper than ever.


    His eyes gleamed with cold amusement, and his presence exuded an overwhelming dominance.


    "I told you," Alex said, his voice calm but dripping with malice, "not even the heavens can save you."


    Luther''s legs buckled, and he collapsed to his knees. The fight, the defiance¡ªit was all gone now.


    He had nothing left but desperation.


    "Wait¡­ I''ll apologize! I was wrong!" he cried, his voice trembling.


    Tears welled in his eyes as he groveled, his forehead nearly touching the ground.


    He had no pride left.


    He didn''t want to die.


    Alex sighed, his expression devoid of sympathy.


    "Why apologize to me?" he asked, his voice cold and final. "You should save your apologies for the afterlife and apologize to those you killed."


    Luther''s eyes widened in sheer terror.


    "No!" he screamed, his voice cracking with desperation. His entire body shuddered violently as the reality of his fate settled in.


    This was it¡ªhis end.


    Alex''s hand rose slowly, his fingers snapping together with a sharp, deliberate snap.


    Boom!


    The sound echoed through the forest as the hidden bomb Alex had planted on Luther''s face when he palmed his head to the ground detonated.


    The force of the explosion sent a shockwave rippling through the air.


    Luther''s head was obliterated, reduced to nothing but a splatter of gore and bone fragments


    . Blood sprayed like raindrops, painting the surrounding greenery in vivid crimson.


    For a moment, the only sound was the wet thud of Luther''s lifeless body collapsing to the ground.


    Then there was silence.


    Alex stood still, his breathing steady as he processed the notification confirming the kill.


    He glanced at the carnage around him, his gaze cold and unflinching.


    He had just ended five lives in one day.


    Yet, as he inhaled deeply, the weight of what he had done failed to register as guilt. There was no remorse.


    They were murderers.


    Death was something they deserved.


    In this world, strength dictated what was right or wrong.


    Alex understood this truth deeply.


    The strong decided the rules, and the weak had no choice but to follow¡ªor be crushed.


    He had deemed their actions¡ªLuther and his group''s crimes¡ªwrong. So, as someone stronger, he had passed judgment. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    It was as simple as that.


    But Alex knew one thing for certain: if he didn''t keep leveling up, if he allowed himself to stagnate, he would inevitably fall. Sooner or later, someone stronger would come, and this same judgment would be passed onto him.


    That was unacceptable.


    His expression hardened as he thought about what lay ahead.


    For now, the "tutorial," this strange protective phase of the world, kept gods and other higher entities from interfering too much.


    They were limited, their actions restrained.


    But when the tutorial ends.


    The gods would likely unleash their full power.


    They would meddle. They would destroy.


    And Alex? He had to be ready.


    He had to grow stronger.


    His gaze shifted to the corner of his vision, where the notification center blinked faintly.


    A cluster of kill notifications had appeared earlier when he defeated Luther''s group.


    He had ignored them in the heat of battle, refusing to let anything distract him from the task at hand.


    Now, with the forest quiet and his enemies defeated, he allowed himself to look.


    Alex swiped the air with his hand, pulling up the notifications.


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 4. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 212 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 4. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 250 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 3. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 198 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 5. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 325 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 5. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 520 tutorial points.]


    Alex''s eyes widened as he tallied up the numbers.


    "A quarter of their tutorial points?!" he muttered in disbelief.


    He paused, doing the math in his head. If he had received 198 tutorial points from the Level 3 player, that meant their total points had been nearly 792.


    That was far more than he expected.


    The sheer amount didn''t make sense.


    How could they have racked up this many points in such a short amount of time? And their levels


    He mulled over the possibilities, his mind racing. There was no way they had gotten this strong by simply hunting monsters or completing basic tutorial tasks.


    Then the realization hit him.


    "They were like me... anomalies."


    It was the only explanation. The group must have been given some kind of advantage¡ªperhaps a skill, a title, or a blessing from a god. Something that boosted the amount of tutorial points they earned.


    Alex''s lips curled into a grim line as he thought it over.


    "A multiplier," he muttered.


    They had something that doubled... no, maybe even tripled the points they gained.


    It all made sense now.


    That''s why they''d turned to hunting other players instead of monsters.


    It wasn''t just easier¡ªit was lucrative.


    By preying on others, they could grow stronger at an alarming rate, racking up points far faster than ordinary players.


    But their greed had been their downfall.


    The notifications arrived in sequence, listing the players Alex had killed from first to last.


    He scrolled to the final entry, and just as expected, Luther''s tutorial points were the highest, followed closely by Kiev.


    His fist clenched at the thought.


    The sheer number of points Luther and his group had accumulated painted a grim picture. This wasn''t just a case of survival¡ªthey had been turned into monsters, leveling up by preying on others.


    It wasn''t enough for players to fear the tutorial''s monsters. Now, they had to fear each other.


    "Damn it," Alex hissed under his breath. "This god is turning the tutorial into a bloodbath."


    The realization was unsettling. A single god had caused this much chaos by granting blessings that encouraged slaughter.


    But what if this wasn''t the only one?


    Alex''s mind raced. How many other gods were out there, pulling strings, twisting the tutorial into their personal playgrounds?


    If even a handful of gods decided to act this way, they could topple the entire system. The tutorial would descend into utter chaos, becoming a battleground where no one could trust anyone.


    "What is the overseer doing?" Alex questioned aloud, his voice sharp with frustration.


    From what the overseer had told him, this wasn''t supposed to happen.


    The tutorial was meant to be a controlled environment¡ªa test of strength and strategy to prepare players for the real challenges ahead.


    Yet, here it was, teetering on the edge of utter anarchy.


    Alex''s gaze dropped to the ground, his mind racing. Something must have changed the overseer''s perspective. But what?


    He shook his head, realizing he was no closer to the answer.


    Whatever the overseer''s true intentions were, they certainly weren''t good.


    Before he could dwell on it further, a new notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking in]


    [You have received an additional 212 points.]


    [You have received an additional 250 points.]


    [You have received an additional 198 points.]


    [You have received an additional 325 points.]


    [You have received an additional 520 points.]


    On receiving so many tutorial points.


    Alex then decided to check the total amount he passed.


    And as expected it was an absurd amount.


    [Total Tutorial Points: ...

 Chapter 66 Disregarding A Diety

    [Total Tutorial Points: 4010]It was a staggering amount and he had barely done anything.


    Each rank E beast he had killed had granted him 100 tutorial points, and adding the points he''d gained from the men he''d just eliminated, his total now stood at 4010.


    For players like Alex, who weren''t blessed by the Blood Monarch or similar divine interventions, killing humans for tutorial points wasn''t nearly as rewarding as hunting monsters.


    The numbers didn''t lie¡ªmonsters were the logical target for progress.


    But logic didn''t always dictate the choices others made.


    Alex''s jaw tightened as he thought about the path ahead.


    He didn''t want to kill unless it was absolutely necessary, but the reality of the tutorial world was harsh.


    Power attracted opposition, and with opposition came conflict.


    He glanced down at the bloodstained ground, his expression cold.


    It was inevitable that more bodies will drop.


    Some people will have to l learn the hard way that I''m not someone to mess with.


    Gods or men¡ªit didn''t matter.


    Anyone who dared to stand against him would find themselves in the same place.


    And that place was ten feet under.


    With renewed determination, Alex turned on his heel, his sights set on his original goal: the location of one of the tutorial bosses.


    The faint urgency of his steps mirrored his growing awareness of the gods'' interference.


    If divine forces were beginning to meddle, he needed to act quickly.


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    The power they could grant others posed a dangerous imbalance.


    There was no reason for Alex to dive deep into human conflicts or play the role of a vigilante hunting down player killers.


    The more he got tangled in that mess, the harder it would be to walk away without getting emotionally consumed.


    The deeper he went, the more personal it would become. And Alex wasn''t about to let that happen.


    He reminded himself of his ultimate goal¡ªstrength.


    That was the path he had chosen, and nothing was going to distract him from it.


    Taking a step forward, Alex was already refocusing on his next move when a notification appeared in his vision, halting him in his tracks. His eyes narrowed as he read the message.


    This had to be some sort of joke.


    "Seriously¡­" he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    Ding!


    [You have killed a candidate of the Blood Monarch.]


    [The Blood Monarch has set his eyes on you.]


    [The Blood Monarch wants to make you a candidate for his legacy.]


    [Will you accept?]


    Alex''s lips pressed into a thin line as the name sank in:


    Blood Monarch.


    The name of the god Luther''s men had mentioned. The one rewarding its candidates for killing other players.


    A god that disgusted Alex with its twisted games.


    "Blood Monarch, huh?" Alex muttered, his tone growing colder. "So now you''ve got your eyes on me?"


    He clenched his fists, his annoyance clear.


    The Blood Monarch wanted to make him its candidate¡ªa pawn in its cruel, chaotic system of murder and power.


    Alex stared at the notification for a moment, considering the offer. A small smirk formed on his face, sharp and humorless.


    Well, my answer to that is...


    Alex glanced at the notification again, his expression unreadable as the words stared back at him.


    [The Blood Monarch has set his eyes on you.]


    [The Blood Monarch wants to make you a candidate for his legacy.]


    [Will you accept?]


    "Accept my foot!"


    Alex scoffed.


    With a sharp motion of his hand, he dismissed the notification, the glowing text fading out of sight.


    There wasn''t a chance he''d choose such a pathetic path.


    Hunting monsters was where his focus lay¡ªthe adrenaline, the challenge, the sheer thrill of it all. That was the path he relished.


    The thought of bowing to a so-called god, to be a pawn in some divine chess game, was laughable.


    Alex knew he was destined for more.


    Why stoop to the level of serving a god when his potential could take him beyond even their lofty heights?


    The thought made him chuckle softly, his stride unwavering as he resumed walking toward his destination.


    But just as he was settling back into his pace, an unsettling chill prickled at the back of his neck.


    The air grew heavy, and oppressive, like an unseen force was pressing down on him. His steps faltered as an eerie silence swallowed the world around him.


    Alex''s eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings.


    Everything was... still. Too still.


    He turned his head and realized with a sinking feeling that time itself had stopped.


    Leaves that had been rustling in the wind now hung frozen in mid-air.


    A bird mid-flight hovered motionless like a statue.


    Even the faint sound of the forest had gone utterly silent.


    The world around Alex shifted suddenly as if someone had yanked the color out of reality itself.


    Everything bled into black and white, the once-vibrant landscape now drained of life.


    He paused, glancing around with a mix of amusement and confusion. What was happening?


    Then, a grotesque sound broke the silence¡ªa wet, squelching noise that sent a chill down his spine.


    Alex''s eyes snapped to the source of the sound. Vines, thick and twisted, emerged from the ground, their crimson tips dripping with something eerily familiar.


    The vines slithered like serpents, coiling around the trees, their movement unnatural, like something straight out of a nightmare.


    And then, Alex saw it.


    Pools of blood began to form on the ground beneath the vines, the thick liquid oozing from the roots, staining the earth.


    His expression darkened.


    It didn''t take a genius to figure out what this was.


    The blood. The vines. The crimson oozing from the ground. This had Blood Monarch written all over it.


    Clearly, the god hadn''t taken kindly to Alex''s refusal.


    So, instead of directly confronting him, the Blood Monarch had decided to make his presence known in the most unsettling way possible.


    Alex''s frown deepened, but he couldn''t help but feel a strange sense of clarity.


    This was the tutorial. There were supposed to be rules according to oracles.


    And for a god to pull something like this here¡­


    He shook his head, his lips curling into a bitter smirk.


    At this point, Alex was starting to question everything the Overseer had told him.


    If the Blood Monarch could pull strings like this, then the Overseer was clearly letting things get out of hand.


    Clearly, the rabbit wanted him dead.


    Alex felt a rush of cold determination flood his body, and he clenched his fists. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His response was simple, even as the world around him twisted.


    "Bring it."


    He wasn''t going to back down.


    Not now, not ever.


    Even if it cost him his life, he was taking a piece of the rabbit''s ear down to hell with him.


    He''d make sure of that.


    Then, suddenly, Alex''s body froze as a blood-curdling voice filled the air.


    It was like ice gripping his bones, his entire body shuddering involuntarily under the weight of it.


    The pressure in the air grew thick, suffocating, like he was standing in the middle of a storm.


    But Alex didn''t let it control him.


    [Bold of you, human. To kill my candidates and refuse my proposal.]


    The voice boomed around him, its presence a terrifying force.


    The pressure intensified, crushing the air, but Alex stood tall.


    His expression remained unfazed as he spoke, his voice calm, like he was addressing a minor inconvenience.


    "Kill whose candidates and refuse whose proposal?"


    ...


    There was a silence.


    The voice seemed to be thrown off by the response.


    Alex continued.


    "Also, don''t you have any manners? You should introduce yourself first before talking all this nonsense."


    The voice faltered.


    [What?]


    It was the sound of complete confusion.


    Obviously, the Blood Monarch hadn''t expected Alex to respond like this.


    "Didn''t you hear me the first time?" Alex spat out in annoyance.


    "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

 Chapter 67 Middle Finger

    The Blood Monarch paused, as though struggling to process what he had just heard.He wasn''t used to this.


    For eons, fear and reverence had been the only responses to his voice.


    Yet now, here was a mere mortal, a pathetic human, brushing him off with disdain.


    The realization struck him like a blow.


    It was audacious. Unthinkable. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Unacceptable. "


    The Blood Monarch''s fiery rage surged.


    His presence grew heavier, darker.


    He reminded himself of the reason he couldn''t fully descend¡ªhis true form would crush the tutorial world under its sheer weight.


    The restrictions in place were not to shield him but to protect this fragile dimension.


    But now, he didn''t care.


    A human had dared to challenge him. That impudence demanded punishment.


    The air around Alex thickened as an oppressive force descended upon him like a tidal wave.


    The Blood Monarch''s voice roared, shaking the very fabric of the space around them.


    "How dare a mere human speak to me in such a manner?"


    The pressure was overwhelming, like a mountain crashing down.


    Alex''s knees buckled, his body trembling under the immense weight.


    He almost fell but "almost" was as far as it got.


    Gritting his teeth, his muscles strained as he fought to stay upright.


    Sweat dripped from his brow, but his resolve didn''t waver.


    He wouldn''t kneel.


    The Blood Monarch''s anger burned hotter.


    The crimson vines pulsing with blood tightened their grip on the trees, cracking bark and splattering gore-like liquid across the ground.


    His voice thundered again, louder this time, shaking Alex to his core.


    "On your knees."


    The oppressive force bore down on Alex, heavier than before.


    His legs trembled, muscles burning as he struggled to stay upright.


    His back bent slightly under the relentless pressure, forcing him closer to the ground.


    Sweat dripped down his face, soaking his shirt, but he refused to give in.


    No matter how crushing the weight, Alex wouldn''t let his knees touch the ground.


    The Blood Monarch observed from his crimson realm of vines and blood, his fiery eyes glowing with both anger and intrigue.


    While fury simmered at Alex''s audacity, there was also a flicker of something else¡ªamusement


    This human, though infuriatingly defiant, was extraordinary.


    Most mortals would have collapsed long ago, groveling for mercy under his overwhelming aura.


    Yet Alex stood his ground.


    The Blood Monarch considered pressing harder, adding more pressure to crush the insolent human completely.


    But he paused.


    The sight intrigued him.


    Alex''s stubbornness was both a challenge and a spectacle, unlike anything he had encountered among the countless candidates he had tested.


    There was no doubt about it. Alex was special.


    This defiant mortal''s willpower and arrogance made him stand out from every other player the Blood Monarch had approached.


    The Blood Monarch''s lips twisted into a sinister smirk.


    The thought of making Alex his candidate now burned brighter in his mind.


    This human had potential, and bending him to his will would be far more satisfying than crushing him outright.


    The Blood Monarch''s voice then rang out again, calm yet menacing:


    "Despite your arrogance, I''ll give you one more chance to make the correct decision."


    The notification flashed again, hovering before Alex''s eyes.


    [The Blood Monarch wants to make you a candidate for his legacy.]


    [Will you accept?]


    Alex stared at it, his lips curling into a grin that turned into a low chuckle.


    "Is this guy serious?" Alex muttered to himself.


    Without hesitation, he activated [Titan Fury], and a surge of raw power coursed through his body.


    His muscles tensed, veins pulsing with energy, as he pushed against the crushing force that had been threatening to pin him down.


    Slowly, deliberately, Alex began to rise.


    The pressure was immense, like the weight of a mountain pressing on his shoulders, but his resolve burned hotter than the Blood Monarch''s rage.


    His knees straightened, his back arched, and finally, he stood tall, defiant against the oppressive might of a god.


    His voice cut through the eerie silence like a blade.


    "Like I said...Who the fuck do you think you are?!"


    The Blood Monarch''s voice thundered in response, a mix of fury and disdain.


    "My patience runs thin, human! Accept or face the consequences!" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex tilted his head, feigning contemplation, before he raised his hand, flipping his middle finger.


    The god''s fiery aura flared with unchecked rage.


    The vines around Alex writhed violently, and the pools of blood on the ground began to bubble as the Blood Monarch''s booming voice echoed once more.


    "Damn you!"


    All amusement in the Blood Monarch''s tone was gone, replaced by unrestrained anger.


    The air grew heavy and stifling, the blood-red vines around Alex quaking.


    In that moment, one thing was clear:


    He wanted to kill the human in front of him.


    The Blood Monarch intensified the pressure.


    The air grew denser, the ground beneath Alex cracked under the invisible weight, and a deafening silence enveloped the space.


    But Alex stood unmoved.


    His posture was firm, his eyes locked ahead with unshaken defiance.


    Blood trickled from his nose, a stark contrast against his pale face, but he didn''t flinch.


    His lips curled into a mocking smirk.


    The Blood Monarch''s aura flared, anger swelling like a tidal wave.


    "Damn you!" the god roared, his voice reverberating through the dimension.


    The pressure surged again, as if the entire world sought to crush Alex into submission. Yet, just as the Blood Monarch prepared to push even further, a sharp, unnatural sound broke through the tension.


    Crack.


    The sound echoed like shattering glass.


    The Blood Monarch''s hold on Alex snapped abruptly, the oppressive force dissipating in an instant. Alex''s body flickered and then vanished, as though torn from the space entirely.


    "What?" The Blood Monarch''s glowing eyes flickered in confusion, his gaze scanning the void where Alex once stood.


    Then, he saw it.


    A figure emerged from the distortion¡ªa rabbit.


    It wore a tailored black suit and a wide-brimmed hat tilted slightly to one side, its ears poking out like antennae of authority.


    The rabbit stood casually, hands tucked into its pockets, yet its mere presence radiated an aura that demanded attention.


    Its eyes, sharp and unyielding, pierced through the void, locking onto the Blood Monarch''s true form across dimensions.


    The Blood Monarch scoffed, recognizing the intruder immediately.


    "Damned Overseer," he growled, his voice dripping with disdain.

 Chapter 68 Oracles Intrusion

    The rabbit, unfazed by the god''s scorn, tilted its head slightly, its expression unreadable."Why did you interfere, Oracle?" the Blood Monarch demanded. "I almost had him."


    Oracle stood with his arms folded, exuding an air of calm authority, but his tone was cold and sharp.


    "You''ve crossed the line," he said. "You know the rules. Players are not to be harmed."


    The Blood Monarch bristled, his aura flaring briefly before he barked, "A mere mortal insulted me, and you expect me to just sit idle, unaggrieved?"


    His voice boomed, a blend of anger and indignation, reverberating across the distorted dimension.


    Oracle didn''t flinch.


    His gaze remained steady, piercing through the god''s fiery temper.


    "I gave you the privilege to recruit candidates into your faction. But instead of exercising restraint, you abuse it for petty vengeance."


    The Blood Monarch snarled.


    "Screw your privilege, Oracle! I don''t know what game you''re playing, breaking your precious rules to interfere. But if you cross me again, I might just be tempted to report this to the Reigners."


    At the mention of the Reigners, Oracle stilled.


    His eyes narrowed, and an almost imperceptible shift in the air followed.


    "Kuncavian," Oracle said, his voice dropping to an icy whisper.


    "Was that a threat?"


    The very fabric of space around them began to twist and distort, a sickening gurgle echoing as though the dimension itself recoiled from Oracle''s presence.


    The energy was suffocating, like an impending storm ready to unleash its fury.


    For a moment, neither spoke.


    The silence between them was deafening, their clash now unspoken, waged through sheer force of will.


    Finally, the Blood Monarch sighed, his anger ebbing as he withdrew his oppressive aura.


    "Alright, calm down," he muttered, his tone begrudgingly placating. "There''s no need for us to turn against each other. We both stand to gain from cooperation."


    He knew full well that the rabbit could manipulate the truth, concealing any rule-breaking from the Reigners.


    But that wasn''t the problem.


    The problem was Oracle''s influence.


    The Overseer had enough clout to have him permanently banned from approaching players across dimensions¡ªa punishment too steep to risk.


    Begrudgingly, the Blood Monarch held back, but something about the situation didn''t sit right with him.


    Despite Oracle''s composed demeanor, there was an underlying tension in his presence.


    It was subtle, but the Blood Monarch''s instincts picked up on it immediately. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Something isn''t right," the Blood Monarch remarked, his tone dripping with suspicion.


    Oracle''s expression didn''t change. He remained silent, calm as a still lake, but the lack of response only deepened the Monarch''s suspicions.


    The Blood Monarch tilted his head, his crimson eyes narrowing.


    "Let me guess," he said, his voice laced with curiosity and mockery. "The mortal you just whisked away¡ªis he the reason you''re allowing that god to meddle in player affairs so early? I have a feeling he is."


    Oracle''s ears twitched slightly, but he said nothing.


    His posture remained steady, his arms still crossed, an impenetrable wall of calm.


    The Blood Monarch smirked at the silence, taking it as confirmation.


    He leaned forward slightly, his voice turning sly. "If that''s the case, I suppose I should do everything in my power to bring him to my faction. A mortal like that could be quite...useful."


    Oracle finally spoke, his voice cool and measured, but there was a faint edge to it¡ªan unease he couldn''t fully mask.


    "That''s impossible," Oracle said simply. "People like him cannot be tamed."


    The Blood Monarch''s lips curled into a dark, amused grin, his laughter reverberating through the empty space like a chilling melody.


    "Then you agree he has to be killed, don''t you?" His voice carried a sinister undertone, dripping with malice. "You won''t interfere if I use my candidates, will you?"


    Oracle stood still, his gaze as unreadable as ever.


    Then, with a calm, detached voice, he delivered his reply.


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    "Do as you please."


    Without another word, Oracle vanished into thin air, leaving no trace of his presence behind.


    For a moment, the Blood Monarch was silent, then, he let out a low, throaty chuckle that grew louder with each passing second.


    "Interesting... This is really interesting," he murmured, his excitement palpable.


    "A mortal that has the Overseer so rattled he''d rather see him dead. I must keep my eyes on this one."


    The monarch''s laughter deepened, echoing with both malice and intrigue.


    Despite his earlier fury over Alex''s defiance, a new emotion now consumed him: curiosity.


    A mere player, a mortal, had not only withstood his pressure but had also unsettled the unshakable Oracle.


    The Blood Monarch''s fingers twitched as he mused aloud. "A mortal who makes an Overseer uneasy... How fascinating. How very... entertaining."


    His voice dropped to a whisper, dripping with dark resolve. "I''ll be watching you, boy. Closely."


    With that, the Blood Monarch''s form dissolved into the shadows, leaving the space eerily quiet.


    Meanwhile, in the real world, Alex felt the crushing weight of the Blood Monarch''s presence lift.


    The suffocating pressure that had threatened to crush him moments ago was gone as if it had never been there.


    Colors seeped back into the world around him, painting over the gray void that had overtaken everything.


    Alex''s vision blurred for a moment as the effects of [Titan Fury] wore off.


    He felt a sharp, burning sensation shoot through his body as blood poured from his nose, staining his lips and chin.


    His legs wobbled beneath him, the intense strain leaving him weakened.


    "That bastard!" he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse with frustration.


    He could barely keep his balance under the weight of the Blood Monarch''s power.


    His muscles screamed in protest, and he would''ve collapsed if not for the Overseer''s sudden intervention.


    "Damn it!"


    The anger roared in his chest like a beast, his fist tightening around the dirt.


    He hated it. Hated that feeling of helplessness.


    The fact that he could be so easily overpowered, pissed him off more than anything.


    Worse was how the Blood Monarch had tried to bully him, trying to force him to kneel, to submit.


    That arrogance. It made Alex''s blood boil.


    The very thought of being forced into submission by those like the Blood Monarch filled him with disgust.


    And yet, it also reminded him of something he hated just as much: how weak he was.


    He clenched his fists, his face hardening with resolve.


    I won''t let this happen again.


    It was a sharp reminder that he had to be stronger.


    There was no room for weakness.


    No time for regrets or hesitation.


    With every ounce of willpower he had left, Alex forced himself to stand, shaking off the dizziness that clouded his mind. The blood dripped from his nose, but he ignored it, wiping it away with a swipe of his hand.


    His destination was ahead and he couldn''t afford to waste another second.

 Chapter 69 Ethan

    Elsewhere.Jonah and Nancy stood at the edge of the camp, their gazes sweeping over the dark forest surrounding them.


    The faint sound of the stream nearby offered little comfort.


    They had chosen a small clearing downstream for the group to spend the night, but they felt anything but relaxed.


    Jonah leaned against a tree, his grip tight on his weapon.


    Beside him, Nancy crouched, her eyes darting between the shadows, every rustle of leaves setting her on edge.


    Their expressions were etched with exhaustion, their faces pale and drawn. It had only been a single day in this accursed place, yet it felt like weeks.


    The physical strain was one thing, but the mental toll¡ªconstant fear, tension, and the guilt of failure¡ªwas crushing.


    The group''s condition was grim. They had lost two more people.


    Each loss weighed heavily, a bitter reminder of how dangerous this place was.


    Complaints echoed through the camp like an unending chorus, further sapping morale. Everyone was on edge, their nerves frayed.


    Jonah let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair.


    "Why did we let Alex go?"


    Nancy glanced at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. "We couldn''t force him to stay," she replied, though her tone carried doubt.


    Deep down, she wondered if they could have handled things differently. If she could have handled things differently.


    "His ability would''ve been useful," Jonah said, his voice tinged with regret. "If we''d just gotten him to cooperate¡­"


    Nancy didn''t respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the campfire''s faint glow in the distance.


    The thought gnawed at her, too.


    Alex''s presence could''ve made a difference, but they had failed to reach him.


    Worse, their failure had sown division among the group. Many of the members now looked to Thompson for guidance, a man who was the reason for Alex leaving in the first place.


    Hypocrites.


    That was the only word Nancy could think of as she glanced back toward the camp.


    The others, who once treated Alex like an outcast, were now the loudest voices complaining about his absence.


    All they had wanted was to control him, put him on a leash and use his strength.


    But Alex was done with that life¡ªand she couldn''t blame him.


    Nancy''s voice broke the heavy silence.


    "You think Alex is alright out there?"


    Jonah crossed his arms, leaning back against the rough bark of a tree. "I don''t know," he admitted, his voice low. "But he seemed confident in his strength when he left. I believe he''s holding his own."


    The two fell quiet again, the faint crackle of the campfire behind them the only sound.


    Nancy fidgeted with her weapon, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.


    Jonah suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "I didn''t think Alex would leave us so easily."


    Nancy raised an eyebrow, her expression sharp. "And why do you think that is? He had no reason to stay. Not after how he was treated."


    Jonah sighed, running a hand through his hair. He couldn''t argue with her.


    She was right. Alex had no reason to stick around, especially when the group had done little but push him away. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Another moment of silence passed before Jonah broke it again, his voice quieter this time. "Honestly, I didn''t know what he was going through. I mean¡­I suspected, but I didn''t think it was as bad as it really was."


    Nancy turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "If you suspected, you should have done something. Investigated. Talked to him."


    "Yeah," he said softly, his gaze dropping to the ground. "You''re right. Maybe I should have."


    The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts, until Nancy finally broke it.


    "It must''ve been hard for him."


    "Yeah," Jonah nodded, though his expression was conflicted.


    "But to venture into the unknown alone? That takes a lot of guts. I didn''t think he had it in him."


    Nancy turned to him. "Haven''t you noticed the way he moved and acted? It''s like¡­like he was used to being here, like he belonged in this place."


    Jonah frowned, the thought stirring unease. "But that''s impossible. We all appeared here at the same¡ª"


    Snap.


    A sharp sound pierced the quiet, cutting Jonah off mid-sentence.


    Both of them froze, their instincts kicking in.


    The sound was an unmistakable crack of a twig.


    They exchanged a quick glance, tension crackling between them.


    And Jonah gripped his weapon tightly as Nancy did the same, their eyes scanning the surrounding darkness.


    "There''s someone out there," Nancy whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Jonah shook his head, his ears straining to listen. "No," he muttered. "Not someone. Multiple people."


    Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    The sound of approaching footsteps became clearer¡ªcrunching leaves, snapping branches.


    Jonah''s voice rang out urgently. "Everyone, wake up! Now!"


    His tone left no room for hesitation.


    The group, groggy and disoriented, scrambled to their feet. Weapons were grabbed, and the camp instantly shifted from a place of rest to one of battle readiness.


    Gustaff, despite the stump where his arm had been severed, surged to the front, clutching his axe in his remaining hand.


    He took his place beside Jonah and Nancy, his eyes sharp and unwavering.


    "Who are they?" Gustaff asked, his voice low but tense as he tightened his grip on his axe.


    Jonah shook his head, his eyes locked on the approaching group.


    "I don''t know," he admitted, "but we need to be ready for anything."


    The group drew closer, their silhouettes becoming clearer in the faint moonlight.


    There were seven of them, each armed and appearing battle-ready.


    One figure stood out¡ªa leader, perhaps¡ªwearing armor that gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, intricate patterns carved into its surface.


    "They''re geared up," Nancy whispered, her knuckles white around her weapon. "And that one in the armor¡­looks like trouble."


    "Maybe," Jonah replied, his tone cautious.


    "But they don''t seem hostile¡ªat least, not yet."


    The group stopped a few feet away.


    The tension was thick, each side waiting for the other to make the first move.


    Then, the figure in the unique armor reached up, unclasping their helmet.


    As the helmet was removed, the stranger''s face was revealed, and a collective gasp rippled through Jonah''s group.


    "It can''t be," Jonah whispered, her eyes wide.


    Thompson stepped forward, his shock written all over his face.


    "Mr¡­Ethan?"


    The man standing before them smiled faintly.


    It was Ethan¡ªtheir boss from the company they all worked at before they were all tossed into this hellish place.


    "Good to see you, Thompson," Ethan said, his voice calm but commanding.


    He looked around at the others, his gaze steady. "And the rest of you as well. How have you all been holding up?"


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then, the group collectively exhaled, relief washing over them.


    Weapons were lowered, tension easing from their shoulders.


    But Nancy still held her guard. Her weapon still raised.


    She knew not to be too trusting as this place had a knack of...

 Chapter 70 Faction

    She knew not to be too trusting as this place had a knack of changing people.Ethan presence brought an air of confidence, and the uneasy tension in the camp began to fade.


    Not only was Ethan someone they knew; he was the leader of this formidable-looking group.


    "Jonah," Ethan called out, his voice steady and warm.


    Jonah''s face broke into a smile as he walked toward Ethan.


    The two clasped hands firmly, their grip lingering in a gesture of mutual respect and acknowledgment.


    "Good to see you''re alive and well," Jonah said, his tone genuine.


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "What do you mean? Someone like me doesn''t die so easily."


    The closeness between them was evident.


    They weren''t acquaintances; they were cousins, and the bond they shared was unmistakable.


    But Jonah''s smile faded slightly as his eyes shifted to the group behind Ethan.


    These weren''t familiar faces.


    They looked tough¡ªeach of them exuding a quiet menace.


    His gaze lingered on one in particular: a man with unnervingly plain skin, slitted eyes, and an unsettling stare that made Jonah feel like prey being sized up.


    "Who are they?" Jonah asked cautiously,


    Ethan followed Jonah''s gaze, then turned back with a reassuring smile.


    "Oh, them? They''re my combatants."


    "Combatants?" Jonah repeated, his brow furrowing.


    He studied the group more closely.


    Each of them was equipped with armor and weapons that seemed far superior to anything Jonah''s group had.


    They looked like warriors who had been through countless battles, their expressions hardened and intimidating.


    Ethan then began to speak.


    "Once we arrived here, I knew survival would depend on unity. So, along with the others who appeared with me, we headed for the nearest tower. It wasn''t easy, but we secured the area and began to build a stronghold. Along the way, we encountered others¡ªlike-minded individuals who were willing to join us. Together, we formed a group, and naturally, I took the role of leader."


    The group stared at Ethan, their expressions shifting between awe and admiration.


    Even in a nightmarish world teeming with monsters, Ethan''s leadership qualities shone through like a beacon of hope.


    Ethan then scanned the group, his gaze lingering on their battered appearances. Torn clothes, bandaged wounds, and weary faces told him everything he needed to know.


    "So, how''s it been for all of you?"


    Jonah opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Thompson cut in with barely restrained anger.


    "Mr. Ethan! That bastard! That piece of shit caused all of this!"


    Ethan''s brows furrowed.


    "Who are you talking about?"


    "Alex," Thompson spat, his words venomous. "He''s here too."


    The moment Ethan heard the name, his entire demeanor shifted.


    His confident smirk disappeared, replaced by a cold expression.


    His eyes darkened, and the air around him seemed to grow heavier.


    "Alex¡­" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.


    Jonah and Nancy exchanged glances.


    The sudden change in Ethan''s mood was palpable, and it was clear that Alex''s name struck a nerve.


    Memories of his last confrontation with Alex flooded back and it filled him with frustration and anger.


    So that trash is here, huh?


    "Where is he now?"


    Ethan demanded, his tone sharp and commanding.


    Thompson responded eagerly. "He left the group after trying to kill me!"


    Jonah immediately interjected, his voice firm. "Hey, don''t twist the truth. You know that isn''t what happened."


    Thompson scowled, turning to face Jonah. "Oh, really? He refused to help us while we were fighting that boss monster! Then he had the audacity to blame me for Gustaff losing his hand. He''s completely lost it!"


    Gustaff, standing slightly to the side, adjusted the bandage wrapped around the stump of his missing arm.


    Earlier, he had said he didn''t remember much about what happened during the fight.


    All he recalled was battling the tiger boss, getting overwhelmed by its ferocity, and succumbing to the searing pain when his arm was severed.


    But Jonah didn''t buy it.


    He had spent enough time with Gustaff to know the man was no fool.


    Despite his massive frame and reputation for being all brawn, Gustaff was sharp.


    Jonah was certain the giant had pieced together the truth but chose to keep quiet. It wasn''t cowardice¡ªit was strategy.


    Gustaff understood the group couldn''t survive more division.


    They had already lost Alex; another fracture could spell disaster.


    Jonah clenched his fists, torn between admiration for Gustaff''s restraint and frustration over the lies being tolerated.


    Thompson, however, had no such reservations.


    He stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "So, what should we do, sir? We can''t just let him roam free. We should find him and make him pay for what he''s done."


    Ethan turned slowly to face Thompson, his expression unreadable.


    Thompson''s confidence wavered slightly under Ethan''s gaze, but he pressed on. "That bastard''s been a problem since day one. He thinks he''s better than everyone else. It''s time he learned his place."


    Jonah frowned, unable to hide his disbelief. "Hey, there''s no need to go that far," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I don''t understand this hate you all have for Alex. It''s ridiculous."


    Before anyone could respond, a soft, unsettling laugh cut through the tension like a blade.


    Sythrel, the pale assassin who stood at Ethan''s side, stepped forward.


    His movements were fluid, almost serpentine, and his slitted eyes gleamed with amusement.


    Slowly, he unsheathed a thin, wicked-looking blade and ran his tongue along the edge of the blade.


    "If you want, Ethan. I can hunt him down for you. It wouldn''t take long." Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Jonah stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at Sythrel.


    "That''s enough. We''re not hunting Alex like he''s some kind of animal."


    Sythrel''s lips curled into a faint smirk, clearly unfazed and he responded, his tone cold.


    "I don''t remember asking for your permission,"


    Jonah''s clicked, his hands balling into fists as he glared at Sythrel.


    The silence stretched, and group felt the tension rise as the standoff simmered, but before things could escalate further, Ethan spoke up.


    "Enough, Forget about him. There''s no way that wimp would survive out there on his own. Not with all the beasts that''s out there."


    Thompson hesitated, his jaw tightening as memories of Alex''s intimidating presence flashed in his mind.


    With the strength Alex displayed he had proved that If anyone could survive this place, it was him.


    Ethan didn''t know that.


    But even he knew better than to push further so as not to provoke Ethan.


    He let out a frustrated sigh and dropped the subject.


    Ethan stood there, his mind still grappling with the thought of Alex. He wanted to find him, confront him, and end it all. But right now, survival mattered more. They couldn''t afford to waste energy hunting someone who might not even be alive.


    Still, if Alex ever showed his face again...


    That would be the end of him.


    Shaking off the thought, Ethan refocused.


    It was time to get down to business.


    He looked at the group, eyes sharp.


    "So, I believe you all want things to be easier. You want safety and security. That''s why I''m proposing you join my faction."


    "Faction?" The word spread through the group, murmurs rippling like a wave.


    Jonah blinked, clearly taken aback.


    "You created a faction?"


    He couldn''t hide his surprise.


    How is that even possible... in such a short time?


    Thompson then gave a nod of approval.


    "As expected. Sir Ethan, you''re awesome."


    Ethan smirked, a brief flash of pride before he continued.


    "We already have about 40 members. We''ve built a camp with solid defenses to fend off monsters. You''ll stand a better chance there than out here on your own. So... what do you say? Do you want to join?"


    Before anyone could respond, a sudden notification appeared for everyone in the group, flashing on their screens.


    The group paused, their eyes flicking between each other, murmuring in disbelief. Ethan''s offer sounded too good to be true.


    A safe haven, a chance to stop worrying about monsters... it was tempting.


    They felt a wave of relief wash over them.


    But then, as their eyes scanned the notification, their expressions changed.


    The discomfort spread, first across Nancy''s face, then to the others as they read the small print. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ding!


    [Join the Etheral faction]


    [By accepting, you become a recognized member of this faction. However, you will lose 20% of any tutorial points you earn from killing monsters.]


    [Do you want to accept: Yes/No]

 Chapter 71 Undecided

    The ground trembled as a raging buffalo barreled toward Alex, its massive horns aimed straight at him, ready to gore him to pieces.The beast''s bellow echoed in the air, its red eyes locked on its target.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    As the buffalo closed the gap, he braced himself and caught its horn with a powerful grip. Muscles straining, he twisted its head with an incredible surge of strength, lifting the enormous creature off the ground.


    With a loud grunt, he hurled it through the air.


    The buffalo landed with a heavy crash, skidding across the rocky terrain before disappearing into the distance.


    Before Alex could take a breath, another buffalo charged in from his right.


    Its speed was ferocious, but Alex was faster.


    In one smooth motion, he unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. With a precise slash, the beast''s massive body split cleanly in two, blood spraying in an arc.


    Another buffalo lunged at him from behind, its massive hooves thundering as it closed in.


    Alex spun around in a flash, his blade cutting through the air. One clean swing was all it took to decapitate the beast.


    Its severed head rolled to the side as its body crumpled to the ground.


    The last buffalo, seeing the carnage and realizing it was the only one left, froze for a moment before grunting in panic.


    It turned and began to flee, hooves pounding the dirt as it bolted away.


    "Not so fast," Alex muttered, his eyes narrowing.


    He activated [Petrify], his hand glowing with a faint, eerie light.


    The buffalo froze mid-stride, its body stiffening as if turned to stone.


    Alex dashed forward, his speed a blur.


    With a leap, he closed the distance and brought his sword down with deadly precision, burying it deep into the beast''s skull.


    The buffalo staggered under the blow, its legs buckling before it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    A faint chime echoed in Alex''s ears as a series of notifications appeared before him.


    Ding!


    [You have killed [Buffalo - Rank D (Y)] You have earned 200 TP]


    [You have killed [Buffalo - Rank D (G)] You have earned 250 TP]


    [You have killed [Buffalo - Rank D (R)] You have earned 300 TP]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have received 5 Stat Points]


    [You have received a Power Stone]


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have earned an additional 200 TP]


    [You have earned an additional 250 TP]


    [You have earned an additional 300 TP]


    [You have received an additional 5 Stat Points]


    [You have received an additional Power Stone]


    Alex exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.


    He swatted Murzok''s blade clean of blood, the dark steel gleaming in the dim light


    . Around him lay the mangled remains of over a dozen buffalo. Their bodies were shredded and hacked into pieces, the ground soaked with blood.


    The blade''s performance was every bit as impressive as its description claimed.


    Each cut he made on the beasts had a lasting effect, causing their wounds to fester and slow them down. Injured buffalo stumbled, their movements becoming sluggish as the fight dragged on.


    He glanced around the battlefield.


    He had taken down nearly fifty buffalo in this grueling session.


    Yet, despite all his effort, he had only managed to level up twice.


    Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but Alex quickly suppressed it.


    "It''s all for the Tutorial Points," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists.


    The points felt meaningless now, with no immediate use, but he knew they would matter later.


    For now, his priority had to be leveling up, growing stronger, and surviving.


    His gaze shifted toward the distant horizon. The beasts here were not a challenge.


    If he wanted to progress faster, he had to venture into a C-rank zone, where tougher and more rewarding prey awaited.


    Alex took a deep breath, his focus shifting from the battlefield to the glowing blue screen in front of him.


    "Stats," he commanded, and the familiar interface appeared before his eyes.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 29


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 95


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 60


    [Powerstones]: 12 Discover exclusive tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    [Skills]:


    [Exploding Touch] [Sonic Howl] [Aegis Arcane] [Slipstream] [Stealth Walk] [Titan Fury] [Vigor Strike] [Fast and Furious] [Minor Regen] [Flame Immunity] [Foresight] [Stone Face] [Earth Swim] [Petrify] [Minor Telekinesis]


    [Tutorial Points]: 26,150


    Alex''s eyes scanned through the stats window, his expression unreadable.


    "As expected."


    Hunting monsters for Tutorial Points was way more profitable than targeting other players. His point count had skyrocketed after taking out the horde of D-rank buffalo.


    Still, something gnawed at him.


    Despite the impressive haul of points, leveling up was painfully slow.


    He was now just one level away from unlocking a new skill, and the thought alone sent a jolt of excitement through him.


    His gaze shifted to his skill list. Fifteen skills.


    Each one powerful in its own right. His fingers hovered in mid-air as he considered his options.


    "Which one do I upgrade?"


    [Exploding Touch] is already a monster of a skill. Upgrading it could make it devastating enough to obliterate enemies in one strike.


    [Foresight] could be a game-changer too. Extending the time he could glimpse into the future would give him an overwhelming tactical advantage.


    [Minor Telekinesis]? That''s tempting. I could manipulate objects way heavier than before, maybe even lift enemies off the ground and slam them like ragdolls.


    He smirked. [Fast and Furious]? If I upgrade that, I could probably outrun bullets... Maybe even be a speed god.


    The thought of [Minor Regen] gave him pause. "Deadpool-level regeneration?" He chuckled softly, imagining himself shrugging off fatal wounds like they were scratches.


    Then there was [Petrify]. A skill so versatile it could instantly immobilize enemies. What if he could enhance it to turn entire groups of foes into stone?


    Alex groaned, ruffling his hair in frustration.


    "Goddammit," he muttered under his breath.


    The options were endless, and the more he thought about it, the harder the decision became. Every skill he had was powerful, and upgrading any one of them would make him deadlier.


    "Aargh," Alex groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead.


    The constant back-and-forth decision-making was giving him a headache.


    He let out a heavy sigh, trying to shake off the tension.


    The cost of upgrading a skill was steep, sure, but Alex was determined to look past it. He leaned back slightly, thinking it through.


    His physical strength was already leagues above what it should be for his rank¡ªthanks in no small part to his title, "Apocalypse Baby. And it gave him a ridiculous edge in combat.


    "Even if I sacrifice some points," he thought, "it won''t set me back too much. I''ll make up for it with an even more overpowered skill."


    He glanced at his inventory. His collection of stat-enhancing accessories¡ªrings, pendants, and trinkets¡ªoffered him a buffer.


    If needed, he could stack as many as possible to compensate for any temporary loss.


    No doubt I''ll use the [Attribute Converter], but not now he was still too undecided to commit to one skill.


    Before he could ponder further, a sound interrupted his thoughts.


    Thud.


    Thud.


    Thud.


    The ground vibrated beneath his feet, each tremor stronger than the last.


    The air grew heavier with every thud, and Alex''s sharp ears picked up the rhythmic pounding¡ªsomething massive was headed his way.


    "Another buffalo?" he murmured. But this time, it felt different.


    The weight of the footsteps was heavier, the aura more menacing.


    Alex''s grip on Murzok''s blade tightened as he turned toward the source of the sound. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From the shadows of the forest, a hulking figure emerged, stepping into the open.


    The beast was massive, dwarfing the other buffalo he had faced earlier. Its horns were jagged, glowing faintly with an ominous crimson hue. Its eyes burned like molten fire, and its muscular body radiated raw power.


    It let out a deafening roar, the sheer force of it shaking the trees around them. Alex squinted, his heart pounding in anticipation.


    A notification flashed before his eyes:


    [Buffalo Boss - Rank C (R)]


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Finally," he muttered. "Something worth my time."

 Chapter 72 Boss Buffalo

    The massive beast loomed before Alex, its hulking frame covered in thick muscle and an almost metallic sheen.On its legs were what looked like gauntlets, crudely shaped but undeniably enchanted, radiating a faint, magical glow.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed. "Not your average buffalo," he muttered.


    The beast suddenly spoke, its deep, guttural voice echoing. "Puny human. Prepare to be crushed."


    Alex blinked, then sighed. "It talks. Great. But not very bright." He cracked his neck, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "This''ll be quick."


    Without hesitation, Alex surged forward, blade in hand, closing the gap between them in seconds. But the buffalo didn''t flinch. Instead, it slammed a massive hoof into the ground.


    BOOM!


    The ground quaked violently, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Alex stumbled, caught off guard as the earth beneath him cracked and shifted.


    "Okay, didn''t see that coming," Alex thought, regaining his footing just in time. His left hand brushed the ground as he crouched, activating [Exploding Touch]. A faint shimmer marked the spot where he placed the explosive, ready to spring a trap.


    Rising back to his feet, Alex caught sight of the buffalo charging at him. Its enormous horns gleamed under the light, aimed directly at his chest.


    It was shockingly fast for its size¡ªits massive frame barreling forward like a freight train.


    But to Alex, it wasn''t fast enough. Not even close.


    Alex moved instinctively, rolling to the side just as the buffalo''s massive horns grazed the air where he''d been standing. The beast thundered past, its momentum making it difficult to stop.


    Before the buffalo could turn around for another charge, the ground where Alex had planted his [Exploding Touch] erupted in a fiery explosion.


    The force of the blast sent dirt and debris flying, and the shockwave slammed into the buffalo, throwing it off balance and sending it skidding to the side.


    Alex straightened, his sword at the ready, expecting the beast to stay down or at least show some damage.


    But to his surprise, the buffalo pushed itself back up, seemingly unharmed. Its glowing gauntlets pulsed faintly, and it let out a guttural snort. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Your puny attacks won''t stop me," the buffalo bellowed, its deep voice rumbling through the air.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, mildly amused.


    "Oh," he muttered, his voice carrying a note of intrigue.


    A sharp glint flickered in his eyes as he studied the beast more closely.


    The buffalo lowered its head for another charge, but Alex didn''t wait.


    He puffed out his cheeks, letting out a piercing [Sonic Howl].


    The sound waves rippled through the air, an invisible force slamming into the buffalo and halting its advance.


    The beast staggered back, its hooves digging trenches into the earth as it struggled to resist the attack.


    Then Alex saw it clearly¡ªa shimmering, almost transparent barrier surrounding the buffalo.


    It hummed faintly with energy, flickering like a magical force field.


    Alex squinted as he studied the barrier surrounding the buffalo. It reminded him of his [Aegis Arcane], a skill designed to repel magical damage. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the glowing gauntlets. They were clearly the source of the beast''s shield.


    "So it''s resistant to magical attacks, huh?" Alex muttered under his breath. "Guess I''ll have to do this the old-fashioned way."


    Without hesitation, Alex equipped Murzok Fangblade, the weapon gleaming menacingly in his hand.


    He tightened his grip and dashed toward the beast, his movements swift.


    ''Resistant to magical attacks, but let''s see how it handles physical ones.''


    The buffalo let out a thunderous roar as it saw Alex closing the distance.


    It lowered its massive horns, digging its hooves into the ground, and charged full speed.


    To the beast, Alex''s approach was a challenge it wouldn''t back down from.


    The two raced toward each other like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.


    But just as they were about to collide, Alex disappeared in a blur of speed, vanishing from the buffalo''s sight.


    The beast skidded to a halt, confused, its eyes darting around.


    Then it felt it¡ªsharp, searing pain slicing across its sides and back. Alex''s blade struck repeatedly, leaving deep gashes in its hide. Blood seeped from the wounds as the buffalo let out a pained grunt.


    Alex reappeared behind the beast, wiping a bit of blood off his blade with a flick of his wrist. "Guess you''re not immune to being cut down," he said with a smirk. "Good."


    The buffalo snorted, its anger boiling over. "Damn you, human!"


    Alex didn''t give it a chance to recover. He charged again, aiming for the beast''s neck, his blade ready to deliver a decapitating blow.


    But the buffalo surprised him¡ªit leaped backward with surprising agility for its size, avoiding the strike at the last second.


    Alex''s blade cut through empty air, and he paused, watching the beast carefully.


    "Huh," Alex muttered, raising an eyebrow.


    He didn''t expect the buffalo to have reflexes like that.


    As the buffalo landed heavily on the ground, a sharp rumble sounded near it.


    Without warning, a jagged piece of rock materialized beside the beast, shimmering with power.


    In the blink of an eye, the rock detonated, unleashing a fiery explosion.


    The blast sent the buffalo reeling, its magical barrier barely managing to absorb the brunt of the impact.


    Even so, the force shoved the massive beast backward, sending it tumbling across the clearing and slamming into a cluster of trees.


    Before the creature could recover or even process what had happened, Alex was already airborne, descending like a predator with Murzok Fangblade gleaming in his hands.


    He landed with precision, his blade carving through the beast''s thick hide in a clean arc.


    Blood sprayed as Alex severed one of the buffalo''s massive legs.


    The buffalo let out an ear-splitting scream, its voice a mixture of pain and fury.


    Its glowing eyes locked onto Alex, filled with unbridled rage.


    Enraged, the beast lunged forward, its horns aimed to gore Alex with all its remaining strength.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Calm and composed, he caught one of the beast''s horns with his bare hand, halting the buffalo mid-charge.


    The sheer strength in Alex''s grip caused the horn to crack slightly, the beast''s power no match for his own.


    With a swift twist of his arm, Alex spun the buffalo''s massive body, forcing it off-balance.


    In one fluid motion, he raised Murzok Fangblade and brought it down with lethal precision.


    The blade sliced cleanly through the buffalo''s neck, severing its head from its body.


    The buffalo''s body collapsed to the ground with a thunderous thud, lifeless.


    Alex stood over it, gripping the beast''s massive head in his hand.


    He brought the head close to his face, studying the expression frozen on the buffalo''s features.


    Its eyes were wide with shock, as if it couldn''t believe its own defeat.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, Alex tossed the head aside, letting it roll across the forest floor.


    And a familiar sound echoed in his ears.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated Buffalo Boss]


    [You have received 5 stat points]


    [You have received a Power Stone]


    [You have received skill: Earth Stomp]


    Another notification then flashed across his vision:


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In] Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You have received an additional 5 stat points]


    [You have received an additional Power Stone]


    [You have received equipment: Anti-Magic Gauntlets]

 Chapter 73 OP Skill

    [Earth Stomp: With a single, forceful stomp on the ground, you unleash a localized earthquake that radiates outward in a powerful wave. The tremor cracks the earth and sends it shifting violently, throwing enemies off their feet and disrupting their balance. Opponents caught in the shockwave are momentarily stunned, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.[Anti-Magic Gauntlets: These enchanted gauntlets hum with power, generating a shimmering, translucent shield whenever they sense an incoming magical attack. The shield absorbs or deflects spells, rendering the wearer highly resistant to offensive magic. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    As soon as Alex read the description of the gauntlets, he grinned and wasted no time equipping them. The metallic sheen of the gauntlets wrapped snugly around his arms, the intricate runes glowing faintly as they adjusted to his energy. Alex flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through them.


    A smirk played on his lips. "Deflecting bullets like Wonder Woman? Count me in," he muttered, picturing the gauntlets deflecting projectiles in a flurry of sparks.


    The rewards he''d received so far were undeniably cool, but Alex''s real excitement lay elsewhere. He had been waiting to reach Level 30, eager to claim a new skill. The anticipation had been building, and now it was finally here.


    Ding!


    The sound was like music to his ears. Alex immediately opened his stats window, his palms rubbing together in excitement.


    [You have reached Level 30.]


    [You have earned the chance to choose a new skill from three options.]


    Alex grinned, his eyes lighting up as the notification appeared.


    A new skill was a big deal¡ªit was another tool in his arsenal.


    But as thrilled as he was, the thought of adding yet another skill to his growing list made him pause.


    He sighed, ruffling his hair in frustration.


    "Man, this is gonna make deciding on my upgrade even harder."


    The Attribute Converter was a game-changer, allowing him to enhance one skill to an overpowered level. But with so many good options, choosing just one felt like trying to solve an impossible puzzle.


    Alex leaned back, exhaling as he stared at the glowing screen displaying his skill choices.


    The memory of [Exploding Touch] and its devastating upgraded version played in his mind.


    He had seen firsthand what upgrading a skill could do¡ªturning something good into something game-changing.


    There was no way he was passing up the chance to supercharge another ability.


    With a flick of his fingers, he opened the descriptions of the three skills he could choose from. His eyes scanned each one, the words sinking in like waves crashing against the shore.


    [Ability Option 1: Heal]


    A dark ability that allows you to heal yourself by draining the life force of another. Upon touching a living being, you siphon their vitality, converting it into your own health. Each use consumes a moderate amount of mana, proportional to the health restored.


    [Ability Option 2: Sun Ball]


    Summon a blazing orb of concentrated solar energy in your hand. The Sun Ball burns with intense heat, capable of melting through armor, scorching enemies, and causing explosions upon impact. It can be hurled at a target, creating an area-of-effect blast that inflicts severe fire damage to all enemies within a 5-meter radius.


    [Ability Option 3: One Shot, One Kill]


    This ultimate ability grants a single, guaranteed fatal attack. When activated, your next strike bypasses all defenses¡ªphysical, magical, or otherwise¡ªand delivers a killing blow to the target, regardless of their level or rank. Cooldown: 2 months, making it a highly strategic ability. Condition: You must stab the opponent within one second of activating the ability.


    Alex blinked, his breath hitching as he took in the descriptions.


    Then it hit him like a sucker punch to the gut.


    "Gahh!" The sheer power of the skill options laid out before him was almost too much to process.


    "Three OP skills... but one of them? One of them is on a completely different level."


    His eyes locked onto the description of [One Shot, One Kill], and he felt his heart race.


    One Shot, One Kill


    The chance to kill an opponent no matter how strong they are, regardless of rank or level.


    Alex couldn''t help but let out a shaky breath.


    "That''s just... stupidly powerful," he muttered. The thought hit him like a lightning bolt, making him freeze.


    "Could it kill... a god?"


    His fingers trembled as he scrolled back up, rereading the description with laser focus.


    He searched for any mention of limits, any clause that said it couldn''t take down a divine being. Nothing. There was no indication that gods were immune.


    A chill ran down his spine, and he shivered.


    His mind buzzed with possibilities.


    Taking down an unkillable opponent with a single strike? It sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, and now it was sitting right in front of him, waiting to be claimed.


    But then a thought crept in.


    "Why do I keep attracting OP skills like this? Something must be broken," he said, shaking his head. Whatever it was Alex wanted it to remain broken.


    His gaze shifted to [Heal], and he frowned.


    Compared to the other two, it seemed weaker. Yet, even as he thought that, he couldn''t deny its potential.


    "Calm down... just calm down," Alex muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. His heart was pounding, and he needed to think clearly.


    Sure, [One Shot, One Kill] was powerful¡ªstupidly powerful¡ªbut it wasn''t without its drawbacks. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He reread the description one more time, this time focusing on the fine details.


    Cooldown: 2 months


    "Two months," Alex sighed, shaking his head. "That''s an eternity."


    And then there was the condition: he had to stab his opponent immediately after activating the skill.


    If he missed? The ability would be wasted, and he''d have to wait another two months to try again.


    "That''s... a problem," Alex admitted.


    The thought of standing in front of a powerful enemy, timing everything perfectly, made his palms sweat.


    No strong opponent is just gonna sit there and let me stab them.


    The more he thought about it, the more he realized how tricky it would be to pull off. "It''s not as easy as it sounds," he muttered.


    But even with all its complications, Alex couldn''t bring himself to dismiss the skill.


    He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.


    "What would happen if I upgrade?"


    The idea of using the Attribute Converter on [One Shot, One Kill] crossed his mind. But he hesitated.


    He had no idea what would happen, and the uncertainty made him hesitate.


    Finally, Alex exhaled sharply, shaking off his doubts.


    There was no point in overthinking it now.


    He''d figure out the upgrade nonsense later.


    "Alright," he said, standing tall and cracking his knuckles.


    "I''ll choose you."


    Alex grinned as the skill [One Shot, One Kill] appeared on his skill list.


    The sight of it filled him with a sense of satisfaction.


    His lips curled into a wider smile.


    He could feel the hunger rising within him¡ªthe need for more. More challenges, more monsters, more prey to hunt.


    With a determined glint in his eyes, Alex resumed his journey, stepping deeper into the forest.


    The thrill of the hunt and the reward that came after was intoxicating.


    About thirty minutes later, the air around him seemed to shift.


    A sharp sound echoed through the forest¡ªa strange hooting noise, almost like a monkey''s call.


    Alex froze, scanning his surroundings.


    His eyes darted upward at the sound, just in time to catch sight of multiple brown projectiles flying straight toward him at high speed.


    His instincts kicked in.


    "Aegis Arcane!" he called, summoning his magical barrier.


    The translucent shield shimmered into existence around him, absorbing the incoming barrage.


    The projectiles splattered against the barrier, sliding down its surface.


    Alex''s nose crinkled as he looked closer.


    His expression turned to one of pure disgust.


    "Poop? Seriously?"


    A chorus of screeches and hoots erupted from the treetops. The forest came alive with noise.


    "Uu! Uu! Aah! Aah!"


    Alex''s gaze snapped upward again, and his unease grew as he saw troop of monkeys stared back at him from the trees, their beady eyes gleaming with mischief.

 Chapter 74 Damn Monkey: Trauma

    The forest canopy seemed to come alive as the creatures leaped from branch to branch, making chaotic noises that grated on Alex''s nerves.Their movements were erratic, their screeches relentless.


    "Shut up," Alex muttered, clamping his hands over his ears as the screeching continued.


    His body trembled, and his heart pounded like a drum, a relentless rhythm that he couldn''t slow. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, stinging his eyes.


    This wasn''t fear of danger¡ªhe''d fought monsters far more threatening than a troop of monkeys. No, this was different. This was something deeper, something rooted in his past.


    Alex exhaled heavily, trying to steady himself. The memory clawed its way to the surface, dragging him back to a time he''d rather forget.


    It was a school trip, back in grade school. His class had visited the city zoo for the day. The trip had started like any other: loud chatter, laughter, and kids shoving each other in excitement as they explored the exhibits.


    Alex had been just as enthusiastic as his classmates, eagerly pointing out the lions, parrots, kangaroos, and giraffes. But his favorite animal was none of these.


    The honey badger.


    He''d seen documentaries about them on TV, marveling at their relentless nature. Nothing stopped a honey badger¡ªnot bigger animals, not venom, not even fear. Alex admired that kind of tenacity.


    The group eventually made its way to the monkey enclosure.


    The guide began explaining fun facts about the primates when someone noticed something unusual.


    "Wait, one of them is missing?" the guide asked, scanning the area.


    One of the kids pointed excitedly.


    "Up there! Look!"


    Alex followed their gaze and saw it¡ªa small monkey perched high on the railing that enclosed their habitat.


    The creature had slipped out of the exhibit.


    But something about its gaze was unsettling¡ªsharp, almost hostile as if the creature saw them as invaders rather than spectators. Its expression was serious, unnervingly human-like.


    The air grew tense.


    Some kids stepped back, uneasy.


    Others stood frozen, caught between fear and awe.


    The teacher looked like they were on the verge of panic, trying to maintain control but failing miserably.


    Alex, however, was just confused.


    "What''s its deal?" he mumbled, tilting his head.


    Then the monkey snarled.


    The guttural sound was enough to send the entire group into chaos.


    Screams erupted as kids panicked and scattered in every direction, bumping into each other and knocking over backpacks.


    The teacher shouted something, but their words were drowned out by the rising noise.


    The sudden movement seemed to provoke the monkey further.


    With an angry screech, it leaped from the railing, soaring through the air like a tiny missile.


    And, of course, out of all the unlucky kids it could have chosen to land on, it picked Alex.


    The moment the monkey hit him, Alex was knocked flat on his back.


    "What the¡ª?!" he barely managed to gasp before the creature pounced on him, pinning him to the ground.


    The monkey let out a furious shriek, slamming its tiny fists into Alex''s chest and shoulders with surprising force.


    "Get off me!" Alex yelled, trying to push it away, but the creature was relentless. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It lunged at him again, pounding its fists like Alex had personally stolen its lunch. Each hit made him flinch, his arms coming up instinctively to shield his face.


    "Help! Somebody¡ª!" Alex cried out, his voice cracking. But his pleas were drowned out by the chaotic noise around him.


    Above, the rest of the monkeys in the enclosure were whipped into a frenzy. They screamed and howled, jumping against the iron fence and rattling it violently. Some hung from the bars, pulling and yanking as if they were trying to break through.


    The combined sound of their screeches and the clanging metal added to Alex''s growing terror. His heart pounded as he desperately tried to block the monkey''s relentless attacks.


    It was like the whole troop had turned on him, their shrieks echoing in his ears and making his head spin.


    For Alex, lying on the ground under the furious little primate, it felt like the end of the world.


    The wild shrieking of the monkey, the sting of its tiny fists pounding against him, the overwhelming noise of the other monkeys rattling the enclosure¡ªall of it was too much for young Alex to process.


    He had felt helpless, trapped under the fury of a creature he hadn''t expected to fear.


    His chest tightened, and terror gripped him so tightly he couldn''t even scream anymore.


    Just when it seemed like things were going to spiral further out of control, a sharp crack broke through the chaos.


    The monkey stiffened, a look of shock flashing across its face before it collapsed onto Alex''s chest.


    The zookeepers had taken it down with a stun gun just in time.


    Alex lay there, trembling, his ears ringing from the ordeal.


    Though the monkey hadn''t injured him much physically, the damage had been done.


    That day scarred him in ways that no one could see.


    Now, standing in the forest as an adult, Alex stared down a troop of monsters that looked far too much like the primates that haunted his nightmares.


    The unsettling familiarity hit him like a punch to the gut.


    Their beady eyes locked onto him, unblinking and full of malice. They weren''t just watching him¡ªthey were taunting him. Their wide, toothy grins only added to the mockery.


    Alex''s vision flickered as his system analyzed the creatures.


    [Monkeys - Rank C(G)]


    [Monkeys - Rank C(G)]


    [Monkeys - Rank C(Y)]


    Though they all looked the same, their ranks varied, which only added to his unease.


    Alex''s grip tightened around the hilt of his sword. His breathing grew uneven as his heart hammered in his chest.


    His instincts screamed at him to run, to put as much distance as possible between himself and these creatures. But no matter how much he willed his legs to move, they refused to obey.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    "Am I really that shaken?" he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling.


    Alex took a deep breath, forcing his trembling hands to steady. His grip on the sword tightened as he stared at the troop of monkeys.


    "You''re stronger. There''s no reason to run," Alex muttered to himself, trying to summon courage.


    His mind, however, wasn''t convinced.


    The hooting and screeching of the monkeys echoed through the forest, crawling under his skin and making his body shudder despite his belief in his strength.


    "Come on, Alex," he thought, beginning an internal dialogue to talk himself through it.


    "I''m afraid."


    "Yes, you are. But will you run?"


    "I''m considering it."


    "Should you run?"


    "I don''t think so."


    "Why not?"


    "Because it''s embarrassing."


    "Embarrassing? Why?"


    "They''re just monkeys. I''ve faced worse."


    "Exactly. Let''s break it down¡ªwhat''s more intimidating: a cockatrice, a goblin, a tiger, a buffalo... or a monkey?"


    "...A monkey."


    His thoughts stuttered, but he pushed forward.


    "Fine, so they''re unnerving. But does that mean you should run?"


    "No."


    "Then fight. It''s as simple as that."


    Is it


    Does it matter?


    No..it doesn''t.


    Alex came to the conclusion.


    Despite the fact he was afraid due to his trauma he was still going to fight because that was who he is. It was as simple as that.


    Although his internal monologue didn''t completely erase his fear, it eased the suffocating pressure that had gripped him.


    The memories of his past no longer had a stranglehold on his mind.


    Alex tightened his grip on his sword.


    With a deep breath, he dashed into the forest, weaving through the dense underbrush.


    The monkeys hooted in rage and immediately gave chase, leaping from branch to branch above him.


    Suddenly, brown projectiles rained down, flying at him with the speed of bullets. Alex darted and rolled, narrowly avoiding the disgusting attacks. As he ducked behind a tree, he saw the force of one "poop bullet" splinter the bark, leaving a noticeable dent.


    "What the¡ª?!" Alex muttered, both shocked and slightly amused. "That''s some serious power... from poop?"


    The monkeys seemed to be enhancing the poop with some sort of energy.


    But where were they getting the poop from?


    He looked up and caught sight of one of the monkeys, and to his horror, he saw it poop on its arm.


    Alex''s stomach turned, and he immediately regretted being curious.


    "Damn monkeys!"


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    Alex yelled, trying to shake the image out of his mind.


    Just then, one of the monkeys dropped lower, to get a clearer shot, but Alex in a flash of instinct, sprinted toward the tree, the monkey leap unto using his legs to propel himself up the trunk in one swift motion.


    The monkey didn''t see it coming. A look of shock on it''s face.


    And it tried to scramble away, but Alex was too fast.


    With a single, brutal slash, he cut through the monkey''s neck.


    The other monkeys enraged aimed their poop cannons directly at him, their eyes narrowed in pure hatred.


    But Alex was already gone, having leaped high into the branches of another tree.


    He gripped a branch with one hand, sword hilt between his teeth.


    He was calm now, poised, watching the monkeys circle around him from every angle. Their grunts filled the air, rough and menacing, as they positioned themselves on branches surrounding him.


    They had him trapped.


    He felt fear. His heart was pounding.


    But despite the tense atmosphere, he grinned.


    This was exciting.

 Chapter 75 Damn Monkey: Ruthless

    Alex moved like a whirlwind, his sword flashing in deadly arcs.He slashed through the arm of one monkey, silencing its shrill scream with a swift boot to its mouth, sending it crumpling to the ground.


    Before he could pause, another monkey lunged at him.


    Without hesitation, Alex grabbed it by the face and slammed it into a nearby tree with bone-cracking force.


    Poop bullets rained down from above, each projectile streaking through the air like a missile.


    Alex twisted and dodged, his movements sharp and precise as he avoided the disgusting attacks.


    His blade carved through the air, slicing down three more monkeys in quick succession.


    Their lifeless bodies tumbled from the treetops, thudding against the forest floor below.


    The remaining monkeys howled in rage, their voices echoing through the forest canopy.


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    More poop bullets fired, but their aim faltered, striking trees instead of their target.


    Alex leaped from branch to branch, his body moving with the agility of a predator.


    His high agility made navigating the dense forest almost effortless, each jump and dash as smooth as flowing water.


    He grinned to himself¡ªit was almost like he was a monkey too.


    Two monkeys barred his path, snarling and ready to pounce.


    Alex didn''t even slow down.


    His sword flashed twice, a blur of motion, and the creatures fell lifeless from their perches.


    But before he could exhale, a higher-ranking monkey appeared¡ªa Rank C beast, its eyes burning with cunning intelligence.


    The monkey fired a poop bullet directly at him.


    Alex spotted it coming and weaved to the side, narrowly avoiding the disgusting projectile. He didn''t stop moving, his momentum carrying him forward.


    With a sharp swing of his blade, he decapitated the beast in a clean motion, its headless body collapsing onto the branch it stood on.


    Behind him, a group of furious monkeys gave chase, their howls growing louder as they closed in. Alex smirked, his hand slipping into his pouch.


    He pulled out a handful of Blastshards, small explosive crystals. Without looking back, he tossed them high into the air behind him.


    "Eat this."


    The Blastshards detonated mid-air, sending a shockwave through the forest.


    A fiery explosion ripped through the canopy, scattering splintered wood and debris.


    The pursuing monkeys didn''t stand a chance¡ªthose caught in the blast were flung from the trees, their bodies falling lifelessly to the forest floor.


    Alex landed on a sturdy branch, the aftermath of the explosion lighting up his surroundings. He didn''t care about the noise. If the explosion attracted attention, so be it.


    The more, the better.


    He wasn''t worried about tiring out.


    His skill, [Vigor Drive], worked like a perpetual motion engine, refilling his stamina with every strike he landed.


    It made him perfectly suited for drawn-out battles, and this situation was exactly what he thrived on.


    There were still more monkeys ahead, their silhouettes visible in the dim light filtering through the leaves.


    Alex tightened his grip on his sword, muscles tensing, and dashed toward them, his movements a blur of speed and power.


    At first, his strikes were sloppy.


    The dense canopy and uneven terrain threw off his rhythm, and the memory of his childhood trauma lingered, making him hesitate.


    But as he landed each blow, slicing through the shrieking primates, his confidence grew.


    The nervous tremor in his hand disappeared.


    His strikes became sharper, more calculated, and brutally efficient. His fear melted away, replaced by a cold, ruthless determination.


    With every swing of his blade, Alex honed his technique.


    A monkey lunged at him from above¡ªhe sidestepped and cleaved it in two with a powerful horizontal slash.


    Another tried to flank him; he pivoted smoothly, driving his sword through its chest.


    Blood sprayed across the leaves, but Alex didn''t slow down.


    His movements became a deadly dance, blending instinct and precision.


    Meanwhile, deeper in the forest, a larger monkey moved through the shadows.


    Its hulking frame set it apart from the others, its eyes glinting with intelligence. Its fur bristled with energy as it barked orders, rallying a group of subordinates.


    [Monkey General - Rank C (R)]


    The Monkey General''s narrowed eyes locked onto the distant glow of the explosion. It grunted, annoyed.


    The sound of chaos and destruction filled the air¡ªa clear sign that something was stirring trouble in monkey territory.


    It suspected a gnoll¡ªthose wretched creatures were notorious for hunting monkeys for food.


    The Monkey General swung effortlessly from branch to branch, its powerful tail acting like a spring-loaded whip, launching it forward with precision and speed.


    It moved through the forest canopy getting close to the chaos.


    Then it landed gracefully on a clearing, its sharp claws digging into the bark of a massive tree.


    Its piercing eyes immediately locked onto the source of the chaos below.


    A human.


    The Monkey General''s gaze narrowed as it watched its troops being decimated.


    The human wore a long coat that flared dramatically with his movements.


    His blade shimmered in the dappled sunlight, each swing precise and deadly.


    The strikes were merciless, cutting through multiple monkeys at once.


    The General could see it clearly: its troop had no chance.


    If this continued, they''d all fall.


    It growled low in its throat, its authority rippling through the air, and decided to take matters into its own hands.


    With a flick of its tail, the Monkey General summoned a ball of dung¡ªa grotesque yet deadly weapon, infused with its energy.


    The ball floated effortlessly toward its tail, glowing faintly as it began to spin.


    The Monkey General snarled, its eyes glinting with malice.


    Energy coursed through the ball, causing the surface to ripple with heat. It grew hotter and hotter until flames burst to life, engulfing the sphere in a blaze of crackling fire.


    With a swift flick of its tail, the General hurled the flaming projectile directly at Alex.


    The fiery orb cut through the air, leaving a trail of sparks in its wake.


    Alex, deep in the rhythm of his relentless attacks, felt the incoming danger before he saw it. His instincts screamed at him to move.


    Without hesitation, he twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the fiery projectile as it smashed into a tree behind him, exploding in a burst of heat and embers.


    The explosion sent a shockwave through the forest, momentarily shaking the canopy.


    Alex landed lightly on a branch, his sharp gaze snapping toward the source of the attack.


    In the next instant, he was gone, his form a blur of speed.


    The Monkey General blinked.


    And a second later, Alex was right in front of it.


    "What?"


    Panicked, it scurried backward, its claws scratching at the bark of the tree as it scrambled for distance. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a low growl, the monkey summoned more fireballs, its tail whipping furiously to ignite the swirling orbs of energy.


    But before it could release the attack, Alex muttered a single word, his voice calm and cold:


    "Petrify."


    The Monkey General froze mid-motion, its body locking up like stone.


    The fireballs hovering near its tail flickered and dissolved into harmless embers, vanishing into the wind.


    A crushing weight pressed down on the monkey, and its eyes darted wildly, unable to move.


    It felt fear.


    A primal fear it hadn''t experienced since facing its king.


    Alex''s boots crunched against the forest floor as he walked forward, his sword glinting ominously in the dim light. The pressure grew heavier with each step, suffocating the Monkey General''s will to resist.


    "W-wait!" the monkey managed to choke out, its voice trembling with desperation.


    "Please..."


    But Alex didn''t hesitate.

 Chapter 76 Damn Monkey: Acolyte

    With a smooth swing of his sword, the blade cut through the monkey''s neck, the motion clean and precise.The Monkey General''s head tumbled to the ground, its body collapsing a second later.


    Ding!


    You have killed a Monkey General!


    You have leveled up!


    You have received 5 stat points!


    You have received a Powerstone!


    You have received the skill: Fireball.


    Alex exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from his body. He glanced at the notification about the Fireball skill, his expression neutral.


    "Not as powerful as Sun Ball," he muttered, "but I''ll take it."


    Ding!


    You have received an additional 5 stat points!


    You have received a Powerstone!


    You have received clothing: Monkey''s Coat.


    [Monkey''s Coat: A thick coat that provides minor resistance to physical attacks and is highly resistant to heat and cold.]


    "Not bad," Alex said with a faint smirk, ready for whatever came next.


    From a distance, hidden deep in the shadows of the trees, a low-ranking monkey watched Alex.


    [Monkey Acolyte ¨C Rank C(G)]


    Unlike others of its rank, this monkey was smarter.


    Despite its lower rank, it had the ability to speak and think critically.


    It had witnessed how easily Alex had taken down the Monkey General, his movements quick and deadly. The power behind each strike was no joke.


    This human was someone far beyond the average threat.


    The Acolyte''s sharp eyes darted back to Alex, who was standing still, seemingly lost in thought.


    He knew what he had to do.


    Which was to warn the King... so they''ll be ready for this one.


    He kept his eyes locked on Alex, making sure the human didn''t notice him.


    But then, in the blink of an eye¡ª


    Alex vanished.


    The Acolyte''s eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn''t seen a single movement, yet the human had disappeared entirely.


    What happened?


    The monkey was confused but then its danger sense flared up, a primal warning deep within him.


    Its heart began to race.


    Something wasn''t right. It knew it shouldn''t be here, not now.


    And decided to leave.


    But before he could move, something unseen slammed into him.


    WHAM!


    The force of it pinned him to the ground, his chest crushing into the dirt. His limbs went limp for a moment, stunned by the invisible weight.


    The Acolyte''s heart pounded in terror as he struggled, gasping for breath.


    "No! No!" the Acolyte screamed, his voice filled with panic as he clawed at the earth, trying to free himself from the invisible force.


    But just as quickly as it came, the pressure lifted.


    He gasped for air, feeling the weight vanish, and without thinking, his legs sprang to life, propelling him forward in a desperate escape.


    Looking back, the monkey still couldn''t see anything.


    And the emptiness made its heart pound faster, its terror growing stronger.


    It let out a panicked screech and picked up speed, its nimble limbs darting through the dense forest canopy.


    As the monkey disappeared into the distance, Alex silently disengaged Stealth Walk.


    In an instant, his form materialized from thin air, like a ghost stepping into reality.


    His grin was sharp and wicked, a hunter savoring the thrill of the chase.


    And without hesitation, he sprinted after the terrified monkey, keeping just enough distance to remain undetected.


    The monkey, now a blur of frantic motion, didn''t stop until it reached the base.


    Perched atop a hill deep in the forest, the base was a marvel of primal engineering.


    The hill itself was riddled with hollowed-out caves and interconnected tunnels, their dark entrances like gaping mouths.


    This labyrinth served as living quarters for the monkey clan.


    Above it all stood the grand pavilion¡ªa sprawling open-air structure at the hill''s peak.


    Thick branches twisted together with vines, reinforced with heavy stones, formed its skeletal frame. It looked almost like a fortress, wild yet sturdy, a testament to the ingenuity of the monkeys.


    By the time the panicked monkey reached the pavilion, several of its kind had noticed its frantic arrival.


    They stopped what they were doing¡ªsome hanging mid-swing from vines, others perched on rocks¡ªto stare.


    Their curious, unblinking eyes followed the distressed creature as it scampered up the hill. A ripple of confusion spread through the group, soft hoots and chattering filling the air.


    Reaching the entrance of the pavilion, the monkey nearly stumbled in its hurry.


    But before it could pass through, a larger, more imposing monkey stepped into its path.


    It was a high-ranking monkey.


    Its fur was thicker and streaked with silver, scars decorating its muscular frame. It let out a sharp, guttural hoot, a sound that carried authority and a hint of menace.


    "Why do you rush here like a fool?" the guard demanded in a tone as sharp as its bared teeth.


    Panting, the smaller monkey stammered, "I have something tell king."


    The guard scoffed, crossing its thick arms. "A weakling like you has no right to stand before the King. Speak your message to me, and if it''s worth his time, I will pass it on."


    The smaller monkey hesitated, trembling under the piercing gaze of the guard.


    It had an important message¡ªone it hoped would earn the Monkey King''s favor and, perhaps, a chance to evolve into a full-fledged shaman, but the intimidating guard blocking the entrance was getting in his way.


    The guard stared down at the smaller monkey, eyes cold and unyielding.


    The smaller monkey tried to speak, but its words faltered under the weight of the guard''s glare.


    It began to think it might never get inside when a sharp hoot rang out from within the pavilion.


    "Let it through," came the voice of another monkey.


    This one held authority, enough that the guard glanced back briefly before stepping aside with a growl.


    The smaller monkey took a shaky breath and stepped forward, walking carefully into the interior of the room.


    Its eyes widened as it took in the scene.


    The chamber was vast, its walls made of intricately woven branches and stone.


    Torches flickered, casting dancing shadows across the space.


    High-ranking monkeys filled the room, each one exuding power and menace.


    Their piercing gazes bore into the smaller monkey as it walked, the weight of their judgment nearly crushing. These were not ordinary monkeys¡ªthey were warriors, shamans, and enforcers of the King''s rule.


    Guards stood at attention along the walls, clutching crude but deadly weapons made of sharpened bone, stone, and wood.


    Their threatening stares followed the newcomer as if daring it to make a wrong move.


    The monkey''s throat went dry, and it gulped audibly, its nerves fraying under the tension.


    Finally, the monkey''s gaze shifted to the far end of the room, where the Monkey King sat reclined on a massive throne of twisted roots and golden leaves.


    The throne seemed to grow from the ground itself, its natural elegance befitting the King''s status.


    The Monkey King was feasting on a banana, every bite slow and deliberate.


    By his side rested a staff carved from ancient wood, its surface inscribed with strange symbols.


    [Hanzo Monkey King - Rank B (G)]


    The acolyte monkey couldn''t help but notice the stark contrast.


    Compared to his enormous guards, the King''s size was almost underwhelming.


    But the King''s eyes¡ªsharp, intelligent, and commanding¡ªtold a different story. Power radiated from him like an unseen force, making the acolyte''s knees tremble.


    The King''s piercing gaze fell on the trembling monkey. His chewing stopped, and the room fell silent. Every other monkey held its breath, waiting.


    "Speak!"


    The Monkey King''s voice thundered through the room, its sheer authority pressing down like a physical weight.


    The sound alone made the little acolyte shudder.


    Its legs gave out, and it crumpled to its knees, trembling uncontrollably.


    Gathering its courage, the acolyte began to speak, its voice shaky.


    "An enemy¡­ a human¡­ attacks. Kill monkey general real easy. Powerful. Scary," it stammered, the words tumbling out in a panicked rush.


    The room fell silent for a moment before a scoffing sound broke the tension.


    A monkey shaman, its fur marked with strange symbols and its eyes glowing faintly with magic, stepped forward.


    "That''s your report?" the shaman sneered. "A human? Humans dare not reach here. Not unless they bring an army."


    The Monkey King, still reclined on his throne, slowly leaned forward. His curiosity was piqued, and his sharp eyes bored into the trembling acolyte.


    "Did you say human?" the King asked, his voice laced with interest.


    The acolyte nodded frantically.


    "Yes! Extremely fast. Powerful. Almost kill me. I live¡ªbarely!"


    The shaman stepped closer, circling the smaller monkey like a predator stalking prey.


    "How, did a weak monkey like you manage to survive when a monkey general died?"


    The acolyte''s gaze darted around the room. Its breathing grew uneven.


    "I¡­ I dunno! Me don''t¡ª"


    Whoosh!


    Before the acolyte could finish, a sharp sound cut through the air.


    The room froze as a hole suddenly appeared in the monkey''s chest, clean and precise.


    For a split second, the acolyte''s face twisted into an expression of shock and confusion.


    Then, it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    The Monkey King''s displeasure was palpable as it slowly lowered the staff by its side.


    Dark smoke curled from the ancient wood, twisting upward like living shadows.


    Its face contorted into a deep frown, realization settling in.


    The reason the small monkey had been left alive was clear now.


    The human had followed him here.


    A sudden sense of unease rippled through the King''s body.


    It activated a skill and it''s eyes glowed faintly as Farsight took effect, granting it the ability to see far beyond the walls of the base.


    The King''s vision sharpened, piercing through the dense forest until it focused on a figure perched casually on a tree branch just outside their base.


    It was the human.


    The King''s sharp gaze studied the intruder.


    The human didn''t seem particularly powerful¡ªa mere D-rank, no match for the strength of the King or its elite guards.


    Yet, something about the human''s aura was deeply unsettling.


    There was a cold, calculated malice radiating from the figure, sending a rare chill through the Monkey King''s core.


    Then, as if sensing it was being watched, the human''s head tilted slightly.


    A wicked grin spread across its face, sharp and knowing.


    The Monkey King''s grip on its staff tightened, its muscles tensing.


    The human then raised a hand slowly, almost casually, and snapped its fingers.


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    Snap. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sound was faint, almost insignificant, but the King''s instincts screamed of danger.


    Its gaze shot back to the lifeless corpse of the small monkey lying in the center of the room.


    And then it hit.


    Quite literally.


    BOOM!

 Chapter 77 Damn Monkey: Inferno

    The monkey''s corpse erupted into a fiery explosion, the flames roaring outward with enough force to consume everything in the room.The shockwave blasted through the entrance, the intense heat and light spilling out like a violent beacon.


    The explosion reverberated through the hill, shaking the ground and sending vibrations into the forest below.


    Outside, the monkeys froze, their ears ringing as they stared wide-eyed at the summit.


    Flames licked the sky, smoke curling ominously upward.


    Panic set in immediately.


    High-pitched hoots and frenzied screeches filled the air as the monkeys began to scatter in fear.


    Others yelled in their guttural language, gesturing toward the blazing peak, their concern for their king clear.


    The high-ranking monkeys acted swiftly, their sharp instincts cutting through the chaos.


    Instead of wasting time with the winding stone stairs, they leaped onto the ropes hanging from the summit''s edge, climbing rapidly toward the explosion to check the king''s fate.


    Hidden nearby, Alex grinned, crouched low among the shadows of the forest. "Perfect."


    The trap had worked flawlessly.


    Earlier, when he''d pinned the Monkey Acolyte to the ground, Alex had activated [Exploding Touch].


    He set the delayed detonation so it would go off when the Acolyte got close to the king. And it had. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The level-up notifications came one after another, his stats climbing as kill after kill was confirmed.


    Tutorial points racked up quickly, a satisfying bonus.


    But one notification was missing: the death of the Monkey King.


    Alex let out a disappointed sigh.


    "So, the boss survived, huh? Too bad. I was hoping to wipe them all out in one go."


    His grin returned, sharper than before, as he stood and rested his blade on his shoulder.


    No matter. This just means I get to finish the job myself.


    The Monkey King was strong¡ªperhaps even stronger than the enhanced form of the Cockatrice King Alex had faced before.


    Despite the nervous energy twisting in his chest, Alex felt a burning eagerness. He was ready to send this beast six feet under.


    Alex''s sharp gaze shifted to the monkeys milling about in the outer ring below.


    Their panicked movements made it clear they were still distracted by the aftermath of the explosion.


    They hooted and grunted in confusion, trying to piece together what had happened.


    Alex smirked.


    Perfect. Let''s add to the chaos.


    Reaching into his pouch, he grabbed a handful of Blastshards, the jagged stones cool and heavy in his palm.


    Without hesitation, he flung them in a wide arc, scattering the shards toward the unsuspecting crowd below.


    The first few monkeys noticed small objects pelting the ground, one even getting struck on the head by a shard.


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    It let out a yelp and rubbed its skull, glancing upward in annoyance.


    Others turned their attention skyward as the shards rained down, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.


    One monkey tilted its head as if wondering if this was some prank by a mischievous juvenile.


    Then, a distinct sound cut through the air.


    SCHICK


    The monkeys froze, the noise chilling them to their core. Slowly, they turned their heads.


    Standing amidst their group was a tall figure cloaked in a long coat, his blade glinting with fresh blood. In one hand, he held the severed heads of two of their own.


    A savage grin spread across Alex''s face as he locked eyes with the terrified crowd.


    The decapitated monkey''s body crumpled to the ground with a sickening thud, its lifeless form stirring dust as it fell.


    The remaining monkeys stared, their faces frozen in shock and disbelief. Fear spread like wildfire through the group. How had this human¡ªa stranger¡ªgotten so close without anyone noticing?


    One of the monkeys, shaking off the paralyzing terror, let out a panicked cry. "Enemy!" it screeched, its hoot rising above the chaos.


    The warning seemed to break the spell, and the others erupted into a frenzy of hoots and growls. Among them, a particularly burly monkey wielding a massive, jagged axe stomped forward, its face twisted in fury.


    "Human!" the monkey snarled, its powerful voice cutting through the din.


    "You''ll pay for that!"


    Alex, unfazed, let the severed heads he held drop to the ground.


    They hit with a dull thump, the sight only heightening the monkeys'' rage.


    Calmly, he raised a single finger, his expression ice-cold.


    "Unlikely."


    BOOM!


    Another explosion tore through the base, shaking the ground violently.


    The shockwave sent debris flying, and a cloud of dust and smoke rose into the air.


    The blast was so loud it echoed throughout the entire hill.


    Monkeys in the middle ring of the base froze at first, their eyes wide as the realization set in: they were under attack.


    Their instincts took over.


    High-pitched hoots filled the air as they scrambled for weapons¡ªclubs, axes, and even makeshift shields¡ªgrabbing anything they could find.


    Chaos erupted as they geared up, barking orders to one another while hurrying toward the source of the explosion.


    Meanwhile, at the summit, the high-ranking monkeys stood in uneasy silence, staring at the burning pavilion.


    Flames danced wildly, casting long, flickering shadows across the rocky ground.


    The once-proud structure creaked ominously, threatening to collapse at any moment.


    They paced nervously, their anxious murmurs barely audible over the crackling fire.


    One of the monkeys, a shaman draped in tattered robes, stepped forward.


    Leaning on his intricately carved staff, he muttered an incantation.


    The air around him shimmered as he prepared to summon water magic to extinguish the flames.


    But before he could finish, a shadow emerged from the inferno.


    The figure walked with deliberate, measured steps, its outline growing clearer as it moved through the haze.


    Small in stature but commanding in presence, it carried a spear in one hand, its head held high.


    A glint of gold reflected in the firelight¡ªit was wearing a crown.


    Gasps rippled through the assembled monkeys.


    Some of the others let out quiet sighs, their bodies relaxing slightly.


    But not all of them were pleased.


    The more ambitious among them clenched their fists, their eyes narrowing.


    They had hoped the fire would take care of the King, clearing the way for their own rise to power.


    The Monkey King stepped into the open, his appearance both commanding and battered. Parts of his once-pristine fur were singed, scorched patches stark against his otherwise golden coat. His sharp eyes blazed with fury, reflecting the fire behind him.


    His grip on the spear tightened as he scanned the gathered monkeys, his expression a mixture of anger and pain.


    He had survived¡ªbut only barely.


    The King had managed to use a powerful defensive skill to shield himself from the worst of the explosion. But the attack had caught him off guard, and he hadn''t activated it in time to avoid injury.


    The burns on his body were already healing, his regenerative abilities kicking in, but the sting of pain lingered, fueling his rage.


    A mere D-rank human had caused this.


    His teeth clenched, his knuckles whitening as he gripped his spear harder.


    Unacceptable.


    The King''s gaze hardened. This wasn''t just an attack on his kingdom; it was a humiliation.


    Two more figures emerged from the smoke and flames, their movements slow and labored.


    It was the Monkey King''s personal guard and his shaman.


    Both were injured, but the guard was in far worse condition.


    His armor was scorched and dented, his breathing shallow, while the shaman, though burned, carried himself with eerie composure.


    The shaman, a gaunt figure draped in dark robes adorned with feathers and bones, glanced at the fallen guard with a cold, calculating gaze.


    Without hesitation, he walked over, his gnarled staff tapping the ground with each step.


    Kneeling beside the guard, the shaman placed a skeletal hand on his companion''s head.


    At first, nothing happened. Then, a sickening change began.


    The guard''s body started to wither, his muscles shrinking as his fur dulled and fell away.


    His eyes sunk into his skull, his breath rattling before ceasing altogether.


    Meanwhile, the shaman''s own form straightened, his wounds closing as vitality surged back into his body.


    The burns on his skin faded as if they had never existed, and a cruel grin spread across his face.


    The monkeys watching from the distance froze, their wide eyes betraying a mix of fear and disgust.


    Some whispered nervously, while others gripped their weapons tighter, unsure whether to stay or run.


    They all knew how cruel the shaman could be.


    They had witnessed his experiments firsthand¡ªtwisted trials where fellow monkeys were used as nothing more than test subjects.


    This shaman was second only to the Monkey King in rank, and he respected no one but his liege.


    His cruel methods and disregard for the lives of others were tolerated because of his power.


    The Monkey King allowed him to act freely, knowing the shaman''s abilities were a weapon in their arsenal.


    As the shaman rose to his feet, his voice dripped with venom as he addressed the King.


    "A mere human dares to come here alone? Don''t worry, my King. We will...


    -------------


    Authors Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen.

 Chapter 78 Damn Monkey: Onslaught

    "A mere human dares to come here alone? Don''t worry, my King. We will handle this insolence. I will ensure this fool''s head is presented to you on a platter."The shaman''s rage matched the King''s, his body trembling with anger and bloodlust.


    The Monkey King''s ignored the shaman''s statement and with a deep breath, he unleashed a deafening roar that echoed across the forest.


    The sound was primal, powerful, and charged with energy, shaking the ground and reverberating through the trees.


    Every monkey in the vicinity froze for a moment, their ears twitching and their fur standing on end.


    Even Alex, still positioned near the base of the hill, heard the roar.


    He glanced upward, wondering what it was about, but before he could fully process it, multiple fireballs hurtled toward him.


    Reacting instantly, Alex leaped away, the flames crashing into the spot where he had been standing moments before.


    The explosion sent dirt and debris flying, and when he glanced back, he was surprised to see the damage was slightly greater than what he had experienced from earlier attacks.


    He narrowed his eyes, scanning the monkeys again.


    Something had changed. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The once-chaotic group now looked more focused and intense, their eyes gleaming with determination.


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    And the change had occurred right after that resounding roar.


    Alex muttered under his breath, realization dawning on him.


    A buff huh


    Alex launched himself into the trees, moving with lightning speed. Behind him, the monkeys surged forward, shrieking as they chased him through the branches.


    He was faster, but the numbers¡­ they just kept coming.


    Kill after kill, Alex struck with precision, each swing and stab sending a monkey crumpling to the ground.


    But no matter how many he took down, more seemed to appear from the shadows, rushing in to replace their fallen comrades.


    The moment Alex reached the middle ring, the chaos escalated.


    The area was teeming with monkeys ¡ª the strongest of them all, each more determined than the last to stop him.


    He took a few hits here and there ¡ª jabs from spears, a heavy blow from a fist ¡ª but nothing serious. His wounds were minor, easily healed by his regeneration.


    "It''s nothing I can''t handle," Alex muttered under his breath.


    Still, he wasn''t invincible.


    The hits were inevitable.


    But Alex was fine.


    His regeneration worked like a charm, stitching up the little cuts and bruises as soon as they appeared.


    Soon, hundreds of monkeys surrounded him, their eyes gleaming with malice.


    "This is getting crowded," Alex thought with a smirk, his eyes flashing as he activated [Stealth Walk]


    In an instant, he vanished, leaving the monkeys confused and spinning in circles.


    Before they could figure out what had just happened, Alex reappeared behind them, his movements a blur. As he shot past, he tossed a few Blastshards into the air. They detonated in a massive explosion, the shockwave ripping through the crowd.


    The monkeys closest to the blasts were blown back, their bodies thrown to the ground. The rest were dazed and disoriented, their senses scrambled by the force of the attack.


    Landing just a few steps away in the center of the stunned monkeys, Alex wasted no time. He kept up the assault, each swing and strike a blur of motion.


    At one point, Alex spotted a massive gorilla-sized monkey''s corpse. Its great axe lay beside it.


    "Don''t mind if I do," Alex grinned, snatching up the weapon.


    With the heavy axe in his hands, Alex became a force of nature. Despite the weapon''s massive size and weight, he swung it like a berserker. The axe soared through the air with deadly precision, its sharp edge cutting through the monkeys like a scythe through wheat.


    Each swing was relentless, fast, and powerful, as Alex roared like a madman. His attacks were an unstoppable blur, tearing through the sea of monkeys that tried to get in his way.


    Alex''s body moved like it had an endless supply of energy.


    [Vigor Strike] coursed through him, making his stamina feel limitless. He was unstoppable, consumed by the thrill of the fight.


    He didn''t pause. Didn''t rest. His strikes never faltered.


    Bam!


    Another monkey dropped, then another.


    The bodies piled up around him, but Alex didn''t slow down.


    His sword flashed, cutting down opponents like a scythe.


    Soon, the numbers of the monkeys began to thin.


    There were fewer of them now, their once overwhelming force starting to crumble.


    Alex, moving faster than the eye could track, switched back to his sword, his body blurring as he cut through the remaining monkeys.


    He spun a blur of steel and power, slicing through the primates like a tornado of destruction.


    Swish!


    Thud!


    Bodies dropped with each movement.


    In an instant, he landed on a high branch, catching his breath for only a second before looking up.


    A shadow loomed overhead.


    A monkey stood there, unlike the others.


    It wore a dark cloak, its presence commanding, and in one hand, it held a gnarled staff.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    [Monkey Shaman - Rank C]


    The shaman raised its staff high, and before Alex could react, vines erupted from the ground, shooting toward him like whips.


    "Shit!" Alex jumped, flipping through the trees to escape the vines'' deadly reach.


    But the vines followed, twisting through the air and closing in on him.


    Thinking quickly, Alex pulled out Blastshards, gripping them tightly in his hands.


    Without hesitation, he hurled them at the shaman, aiming for the heart of its defense.


    The shaman, unfazed, transformed the vines into a shield.


    The Blastshards collided with the shield with a loud clang! But these weren''t just any rocks.


    Boom!


    The explosion ripped through the vine shield, sending the shaman flying backward.


    The force of the blast sent the shaman flying backward, slamming it into a tree trunk with a bone-jarring thud.


    Alex didn''t waste a second. As the shaman struggled to recover, Alex darted forward, a blur of motion, his eyes locked on his target.


    The shaman tried to lift its staff, desperation clear in its movements, but Alex was faster.


    He hurled his sword with pinpoint accuracy.


    Whoosh!


    The blade sliced through the air like a javelin, and impaled the shaman''s chest before it could utter another spell.


    The creature''s eyes widened in shock, its grip on the staff faltering as it slumped against the tree.


    The fight was over.


    Alex landed softly in front of the shaman''s corpse. Without a word, he gripped the hilt of his sword and pulled it free, the motion clean and deliberate.


    But before he could catch his breath, his senses flared.


    He glanced up sharply to see multiple shamans perched on the treetops, their staffs raised high, glowing ominously with power.


    Alex let out a low whistle, tilting his head as he smirked.


    "Now that''s a surprise," he said, his tone casual despite the danger.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen. Pretty please.

 Chapter 79 Damn Monkeys: Elder

    Dodging vines, fireballs, and lightning strikes wasn''t a walk in the park, even for someone like Alex.But with his insane agility and stamina, it wasn''t exactly hard either.


    He darted through the chaos, his movements a blur. The spells and strikes barely grazed him as he weaved between branches and flipped over attacks.


    From an outsider''s perspective, it might have looked like a desperate fight for survival.


    But for Alex?


    It was a one-sided massacre. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a sharp pivot, Alex avoided a fireball, its heat singeing the air around him. Another lightning strike came crashing down, but he leaped aside, landing smoothly on a higher branch.


    Slash!


    Two more monkey shamans fell, their bodies dropping lifelessly to the forest floor below. Only one shaman remained, and its fear was palpable.


    The remaining shaman hesitated, its hands trembling as it clutched its staff.


    Then, with a panicked cry, it turned and fled, leaping from branch to branch while flinging fireballs wildly over its shoulder in a desperate bid to keep Alex at bay.


    Alex smirked and sidestepped the incoming fireballs with ease, his calm movements a stark contrast to the shaman''s frantic attacks.


    But just as Alex prepared to finish the chase, a warrior monkey armed with a spear lunged into his path.


    The monkey''s eyes gleamed with determination, its massive body blocking Alex''s advance. It thrust the spear forward with incredible force.


    Alex reacted instantly.


    He caught the spear-wielding monkey by the neck in mid-lunge, his grip like a steel vice.


    Before the warrior could fight back, Alex turned its struggling body into a meat shield, holding it firmly in front of him.


    The shaman''s fireballs, still streaking toward Alex, struck the unfortunate warrior instead.


    The monkey screamed in agony as flames engulfed it, its thrashing futile against Alex''s iron grip.


    Alex didn''t flinch, his expression calm as he let the shaman''s own attacks destroy its ally.


    The meatshield dropped its speak, but Alex caught feeling the weight in his hand, and aimed at the fleeing shaman.


    With a single, fluid motion, he hurled the spear towards the shaman.


    Thwack!


    The spear tore through the air like a missile, striking the shaman square in the back.


    The creature let out a bloodcurdling scream as it was impaled, its body arching before plummeting to the ground with a heavy thud.


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up]


    Alex stood atop the tall tree branch, his chest rising and falling as he exhaled deeply. The faint glow of the system notification hovered in his vision.


    Was that the last one? He wasn''t entirely sure.


    He''d lost count of how many he''d killed.


    Warriors, shamans, archers¡ªBig, small, fast, or strong, every single one of them had fallen before his blade.


    Alex glanced down at the charred body of the monkey warrior he had used as a meat shield earlier.


    Its fur was burned and twisted, its face frozen in a grimace of pain and disbelief.


    He grabbed its lifeless form by the neck, the burnt flesh rough against his hand.


    With little effort, he tossed it over the edge of the branch.


    The body plummeted, crashing through smaller branches before hitting the ground below with a sickening crunch.


    Alex watched for a moment, then sat down on the branch, letting his body relax for the first time in what felt like hours.


    The air was still, heavy with the smell of charred fur and scorched wood.


    But Alex''s senses remained sharp. He could feel them.


    Two presences still lingered in the distance.


    These weren''t ordinary monkeys.


    These last two were going to be a real challenge.


    Alex then felt a sharp, searing pain in his back.


    He instinctively reached behind him and his fingers closed around something solid. Pulling his hand forward, he saw the shaft of an arrow stained with his blood.


    "Seriously... how did I not notice that?" he muttered, shaking his head.


    Without hesitation, Alex grabbed the arrow by its shaft and yanked it out in one swift motion. His expression didn''t change¡ªnot even a flinch. He simply let the arrow fall from his hand, watching it tumble through the branches before disappearing below.


    Minor Regen immediately kicked in, knitting the wound shut in a matter of moments. The pain dulled and then faded entirely.


    Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, his energy dipping ever so slightly.


    He opened the [Shop] menu with a flick of his wrist and scrolled through the options. Spotting what he needed, he clicked.


    In a flash, the bottle materialized in his hand and he lost 10 coins.


    Alex cracked it open, tilted his head back, and drank deeply.


    He downed half of it in seconds, his throat working as he swallowed.


    The cool water hit the back of his dry throat, soothing the burn from hours of fighting.


    "Ahh," he exhaled, pulling the bottle away from his lips.


    Without missing a beat, he poured the rest over his head.


    The water trickled down, mixing with the grime, sweat, and faint streaks of blood, and cooled his overheated skin.


    The forest remained eerily quiet for a moment, save for the sound of water dripping off the leaves.


    Then he heard it¡ªsoft, measured footsteps approaching.


    Alex tilted his head, his senses sharpening.


    The steps were deliberate, calm, and unhurried, almost mocking in their casualness.


    Alex raised his head, a grin spreading across his face. His eyes glinted with amusement and challenge.


    "Showing up after your underlings are all dead," Alex called out.


    "What a bad leader you are."


    The figure stepped into view.


    It was an elderly monkey shaman, its fur streaked with silver and its posture straight and commanding. Unlike the others, this one radiated power.


    Its dark aura seemed to pulse with malice, and the weight of its presence made the air feel heavier.


    The staff it carried was carved intricately, symbols etched along its length glowing faintly.


    Its colorful cloak flowed behind it, decorated with elaborate patterns and shimmering threads.


    [Grand Goblin Shaman ¨C Rank B]


    Alex let out a low whistle, his lips curling into a grin that masked his slight nervousness.


    His heart raced with an undeniable thrill of excitement.


    "A Rank-B shaman?" he muttered under his breath. "Definitely not an easy foe."


    He adjusted his grip on his sword, feeling the weight of it steady him.


    The idea of facing a monster of this caliber was daunting, but Alex''s grin widened.


    But hey, to think I''ll end up killing two Rank-B monsters in one day... Luck must be on my side.


    Still, he wasn''t reckless.


    Alex knew this fight wouldn''t be easy, and he wasn''t foolish enough to underestimate his opponent.


    The Grand Goblin Shaman stood tall, its glowing staff planted firmly in the ground. Its expression was unreadable, its dark aura crackling with latent power.


    Alex watched as it tilted its head, as though sizing him up.


    The shaman''s lips began to part, preparing to speak¡ª


    But Alex didn''t wait.


    With a surge of energy, he activated [Fast and Furious] his body becoming a blur as he shot forward like a missile. The wind roared in his ears as he closed the distance in an instant, his sword poised to deliver a lethal strike.


    His intent was clear: end the fight in a single swing.


    The shaman''s eyes glimmered with something close to amusement.


    "How brash," it said, its voice low and grating.


    The Grand Shaman reacted with lightning speed, raising its staff in one fluid motion, and shimmering barrier simiar to Alex''s [Aegis Arcane] erupted between them just before Alex''s blade connected.


    The impact reverberated through the air as Alex''s sword struck the barrier with a deafening clang.


    Alex skidded to a stop, standing on the glowing barrier, his eyes narrowing.


    "Fast reflexes for an old monkey," he muttered, genuinely impressed.


    Before he could think further, a sharp alarm blared in his mind¡ªhis danger sense.


    The shaman moved swiftly, its staff glowing as it conjured a blazing beam of dark flame.


    The attack surged toward Alex like a tidal wave, its heat and malevolence palpable.


    Alex reacted instantly, leaping to the side with all his speed. The beam missed him by inches, scorching the air as it passed.


    The fiery blast struck a massive tree behind him, reducing it to ash in a single, thunderous explosion.


    Alex landed with a sharp thud, barely catching his breath before the elder shaman unleashed a barrage of attacks.


    Flaming orbs shot toward him with pinpoint accuracy.


    He dodged left, then right, his body twisting and turning like a leaf in the wind.


    Yet every time he avoided one, another flame descended in his path, as though the shaman could predict his every move.


    It''s reading my movement


    Alex realized, gritting his teeth.


    He darted around, constantly in motion, weaving through the forest floor and branches above, but the attacks never let up.


    The elder shaman''s relentless assault forced Alex to think on his feet.


    He shifted his strategy, running in wide circles around the elder shaman, hoping to find an opening in its onslaught.


    His keen eyes scanned the shaman''s movements, looking for any gap he could exploit.


    But the shaman had other plans.


    With a guttural chant, it raised its staff high, the air growing heavy with dark energy.


    A swirling mass of black flames materialized above it, twisting and forming into the shape of a dragon.


    The dragon''s fiery eyes locked onto Alex, and it let out a deafening roar that shook the treetops.


    It lunged.


    The dragon of dark flames surged after Alex, its heat scorching the ground in its wake. Trees in its path were reduced to ash, disintegrating with each sweep of its fiery body.


    Alex darted away, his speed unmatched, zigzagging through the dense forest as the dragon pursued him with unrelenting ferocity.


    But no matter how fast Alex ran, the dragon stayed close behind, its fiery maw snapping inches from his back.


    "That thing''s trouble," Alex muttered, glancing over his shoulder. His expression darkened as he saw the trail of destruction the dragon left behind.


    The sheer power of its flames sent a chill down his spine, despite their intense heat.


    "Note to self," he thought grimly. "Don''t let that thing touch me. Ever."


    Just as the dragon surged closer, Alex activated... Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 80 Damn Monkey: Upgrade

    [Stealth Walk]His body shimmered and vanished, disappearing into the shadows as if he''d never been there.


    The dark flame dragon slowed, momentarily confused, its fiery body twisting as it searched for its target.


    The elder shaman, standing tall amidst the destruction, narrowed its glowing eyes.


    For a moment, it scanned the area, its expression unreadable. Then its eyes flickered, the staff glowing faintly.


    Alex crouched behind a large branch, completely invisible, his breathing controlled and silent.


    But then the shaman turned its head, looking directly at him.


    "Damn," Alex muttered under his breath.


    The shaman had spotted him, despite his invisibility. Its staff pulsed with dark energy, a wicked smile curling on its face.


    "You cannot hide."


    The elder shaman''s voice was deep, echoing with malice as it raised its staff. A dark flame dragon roared out in response and surged toward Alex, its fiery body tearing through the air.


    The dragon lunged, its searing heat almost unbearable as it closed in.


    Alex darted sideways, keeping just ahead of the fiery beast, his movements calculated and precise.


    He wasn''t running aimlessly¡ªhe was closing the distance to the elder shaman.


    As he neared his target, Alex''s voice dropped to a chilling murmur: Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    "[Petrify.]"


    A wave of energy shot out from Alex, aiming to lock the elder shaman in place.


    For a split second, it seemed to work¡ªthe shaman''s movements slowed.


    But then, with a dismissive flick of its hand, the elder dispelled the skill as though swatting away an insect.


    "Pathetic tricks," it sneered. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Alex could react, the shaman''s staff crackled with energy, and a bolt of lightning erupted from its tip. The attack was impossibly fast, striking Alex square in the chest.


    The force of the impact sent Alex flying backward. He hit the ground hard, rolling several feet before coming to a stop, pain radiating through his body.


    But the elder wasn''t done.


    Raising its staff, it unleashed a barrage of dark flame beams.


    One after another, they slammed into the ground where Alex lay.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Alex leaped back, narrowly avoiding the dragon''s fiery jaws. Its roar reverberated through the battlefield as it turned, relentless in its pursuit.


    Gritting his teeth, Alex raised his hand, activating [Aegis Arcane]. A shimmering, translucent shield formed around him, humming with energy as it braced against the dragon''s assault.


    The dark flames crashed into the barrier with terrifying force, sparks flying as the shield began to disintegrate.


    Alex winced, the heat searing through even his enhanced defenses. The flames ate away at the shield, but it held just long enough.


    With a final burst of effort, Alex propelled himself backward, narrowly escaping the dragon''s fiery wrath.


    The moment he landed, he crouched low, his breaths heavy, one hand pressing against the wound on his chest.


    "I can''t brute-force this..." he muttered under his breath, his mind racing.


    His earlier attempt to use [Petrify] had failed miserably, but not everything had been futile.


    As he darted around the battlefield earlier, he''d managed to drop several blastshards close to the shaman.


    Alex raised his hand and snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The shards detonated in a brilliant explosion, flames erupting and engulfing the shaman in a fiery inferno.


    The blast was powerful enough to shake the trees nearby, embers scattering through the air like a storm of fireflies.


    Alex stood hunched over, his chest rising and falling heavily as he tried to catch his breath. His hand instinctively pressed against the wound in his chest, blood seeping between his fingers. He winced but didn''t stop moving¡ªthere was no time to rest.


    Through the smoke and flames, Alex squinted, trying to gauge the damage. The shaman''s silhouette was obscured, but he didn''t trust the explosion to have finished it off.


    "Assume the worst," he whispered to himself.


    As Alex calculated his next move, frustration began to mount. He''d been laying traps throughout the fight, but the elder shaman had barely moved from its position. His mines, which could''ve been devastating, were rendered almost useless.


    Setting traps closer to the shaman wasn''t an option either.


    Every time Alex tried to approach, the elder''s relentless attacks kept him at bay. He knew he wouldn''t survive long enough to place them without being hit.


    Setting up a bomb took time¡ªa luxury Alex didn''t have.


    He gritted his teeth, his mind racing for a solution.


    He needed to close the distance, somehow get close enough to deal meaningful damage.


    But the elder shaman''s relentless attacks and that dragon of dark flame made it nearly impossible.


    And then there was the Monkey King.


    Alex could feel its gaze. Somewhere out there, hidden among the trees, it was watching him, observing his every move like a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce.


    The smoke and fumes from the earlier explosion began to clear, and Alex''s eyes locked onto the elder shaman.


    It was still standing.


    Not a scratch, not a single sign of damage. The shaman looked completely unfazed, as though the fiery blast had been little more than a breeze.


    "Seriously?" Alex muttered under his breath.


    The elder shaman glanced at its shoulder and casually brushed off some imaginary dust, exuding an air of unshakable arrogance.


    Alex''s jaw tightened, his irritation bubbling over.


    No one gets to flex but me.


    "You call that an explosion?" the shaman sneered, its voice laced with mockery. "It''s laughable. Truly amusing that you''ve killed so many with such a pathetic display."


    Alex''s grip on his sword tightened, his knuckles white as he glared at the elder shaman.


    "Oh, really?" he shot back, his voice dripping with defiance.


    "Why don''t you drop that fancy little barrier of yours and have a taste for yourself? I''m sure you wouldn''t be laughing after you lose an arm. Or two."


    The elder shaman sneered, its voice dripping with menace as it tightened its grip on the staff.


    "I don''t know if you''re dumb or just ambitious, human," it said, its tone laced with mockery. "But if you think you''re leaving this place alive, then you''re sorely mistaken."


    Alex stared at the shaman, his expression calm, almost detached.


    He didn''t bother responding to the taunt.


    His mind was elsewhere.


    Think.


    He had been doing a lot of that during this fight.


    The shaman wasn''t just strong; it was cunning, and if Alex was going to win, he needed to use every advantage he had.


    Having multiple skills was a blessing, no doubt. It made him versatile, adaptable, able to respond to any situation. But there was a downside.


    Too many options.


    When you''ve got an arsenal of powerful abilities, picking the right one in the heat of the moment becomes a challenge. And with skills as flashy and cool as his, the temptation to try them all was hard to resist.


    But now wasn''t the time for experiments. He needed certainty. He needed power.


    And if he had to bet on just one skill¡ªone ability that had carried him through thick and thin, saving him in clutch moments¡ªit had to be [Exploding Touch].


    This skill wasn''t just strong; it was the reason Alex had gotten this far. It had turned desperate situations into victories, giving him the edge he needed to survive and grow stronger.


    Sure, he''d already upgraded it twice with his precious upgrade stones, but now he wondered...


    What if I take it even further?


    Two more upgrades? Maybe three? What kind of destructive force would it unleash then?


    It wouldn''t just be a bomb anymore. It''d be a nuke¡ªa skill that could obliterate anything in its path.


    The thought made him grin.


    Decision made, Alex reached into his inventory and pulled out the Attributes Converter.


    The device shimmered in his hand, its surface glowing faintly as if sensing the importance of the moment.


    It''s time for an upgrade.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen.

 Chapter 81 Damn Monkey: Sacrifice

    [Attribute Converter: Exchanges fifty assigned attribute points for a single upgrade stone, which can be used to rank up skills.]Alex''s grip tightened around the converter as he made his decision. He''d thought it through. [Exploding Touch] wasn''t just his strongest skill¡ªit was the one that could turn the tide of this fight.


    If it had been any other moment, maybe he would''ve picked something else. But now? Against this smug, overpowered shaman? He needed something stupidly strong. Something that screamed overkill.


    Exploding Touch was already devastating, but with an upgrade? It''d be game-changing.


    Alex''s eyes flicked toward the shaman, who stood watching him with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. Then, almost as if the elder was tired of waiting, the shaman raised its staff, dark energy crackling ominously.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He ran.


    The elder shaman''s eyes widened in surprise, its dark aura momentarily faltering.


    "Running away, human?" the shaman muttered, its lips curling into a sneer. "Pathetic."


    The shaman floated into the air, its body unnervingly weightless, gliding after Alex like a ghostly predator.


    Alex darted through the forest, weaving between trees and ducking under low branches, his mind racing almost as fast as his feet.


    The elder shaman floated after him, its glowing eyes fixated, its staff crackling with ominous energy. The tension in the air was thick, each moment feeling like the countdown to an inevitable clash.


    What kind of skill is that? Alex wondered, glancing over his shoulder.


    The shaman''s eerie flight was unsettling, its movements smooth and ghost-like. It was a stark reminder that he had no idea what other abilities this ancient creature possessed.


    How many more tricks does this old monkey have?


    But Alex wasn''t running to escape.


    He was running for time.


    Time to execute his plan.


    As he sprinted, Alex flicked his fingers, pulling up his [Stats] interface. The glowing panel hovered before him, displaying his current levels:


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 95


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stats Points Available]: 100


    Alex grimaced. According to the [Attribute Converter], he couldn''t just use his unspent stat points directly, he had to assign them to his attributes first before converting them.


    It was a frustrating going through that stress. Its like whoever was behind the mechanics wanted the player to first taste the rise in his attribute points before he sacrifice it.


    What a sadist.


    But Alex didn''t have time to complain.


    His eyes scanned his stats, his mind working furiously. He needed to figure out which attribute he could afford to weaken without ruining his chances in this fight.


    Strength? No. I need that for attacks.


    Agility? Definitely not. It''s the only reason I''m not fried right now.


    Intelligence? Can''t risk it¡ªtoo many of my skills depend on it.


    His gaze landed on Vitality.


    At 60, it wasn''t stellar, but it wasn''t terrible either. If he had to make a sacrifice, this was the stat to cut.


    "Vitality it is," Alex muttered, wincing at his decision.


    With his agility so high, Alex knew it was hard for anyone to land a hit on him.


    He also had [Minor regeneration] which was enough to patch him up whenever he got nicked, letting him bounce back from injuries quickly.


    Unless, of course, the enemy managed to land a surprise attack.


    But that wasn''t likely.


    Not with [Foresight] keeping him one step ahead.


    Even so, the tension in his body was undeniable.


    Alex exhaled deeply, his focus divided between the glowing [Stats Screen] hovering in front of him and the elder shaman relentlessly pursuing him.


    The pressure was mounting, but he knew what had to be done.


    "I''ll lose so much HP," he thought grimly.


    But risks had to be taken. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And this? This was worth it.


    With his decision made, Alex called out firmly:


    "System, assign 100 points to my Vitality."


    The moment he gave the command, his Vitality stat climbed from 60 to 160.


    The effect was instantaneous.


    A warm, soothing sensation surged through his body, spreading from his core to his limbs like liquid sunlight.


    His breaths came easier, his muscles loosened, and for a fleeting moment, he felt like he was invincible¡ªlike he could take on the world.


    The numbers on his HP bar soared, rising steadily to reflect his increased durability.


    It felt incredible like a massive weight had been lifted from his chest.


    But Alex didn''t allow himself to bask in the rush for too long.


    He shook it off, his expression hardening.


    Don''t get attached to the effect.


    This wasn''t the reward.


    Alex then gripped the [Attribute Converter] tightly, sweat trickling down his temple as he muttered the command.


    "Consume 100 points from my stamina to create two upgrade stones," he said, his voice firm despite the knot tightening in his chest.


    The response was instant.


    Two shimmering [Upgrade Stones] materialized in his storage, glowing faintly.


    But just as quickly, the invigorating effect of his boosted stamina vanished, leaving Alex slightly winded.


    He grimaced, shaking his head to clear the fog creeping into his focus.


    No time to regret it.


    His gaze flicked back to the [Attribute Converter] in his hand, and he issued the next command, louder this time.


    "Remove 10 points from strength, 20 points from agility, and 30 from vitality to create another upgrade stone."


    The [Attribute Converter] didn''t hesitate.


    No confirmation. No "Are you sure?"


    It just took what it was told to take.


    Alex flinched as he watched the numbers drop from his [Stats Screen], the changes striking like a physical blow.


    His strength loss was negligible¡ªhe could live with that.


    But the hit to his agility stung, and the drop in vitality was like a punch to the gut.


    He felt the effects immediately. His body felt heavier, and his breathing grew slightly more labored.


    Cruel, indeed.


    Still, when the third [Upgrade Stone] appeared in his storage, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of grim satisfaction.


    Three stones. Enough to turn the tide.


    Alex barely had time to process his victory when a wave of searing heat surged toward him.


    His instincts kicked in, and he leaped sideways just as a blazing attack crashed into a nearby tree, shattering it into a rain of embers.


    The elder shaman wasn''t giving him any breathing room.


    Alex gritted his teeth, pulling one of the [Upgrade Stones] from his storage.


    The stone gleamed in his hand, radiating power that made the air around it buzz faintly.


    No more running. No more stalling.


    It was time to send that smug elder shaman straight to hell.

 Chapter 82 Damn Monkey: Rank S

    A chime echoed in Alex''s mind, accompanied by a glowing notification.Ding!


    [Would you like to use Upgrade Stone on a skill?]


    "Yes!" Alex growled, his grip tightening around the upgrade stone as he sprinted.


    [Select skill.]


    "Exploding Touch," he muttered, narrowly dodging a black flame blast from the elder shaman.


    The fiery attack slammed into a tree, reducing it to ash in seconds.


    The intensity of the monkey''s onslaught had reached a dangerous peak, and Alex could feel the heat radiating against his skin.


    [Would you like to use Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    "YES!" Alex shouted, his voice raw with frustration.


    He leaped to the side as a flame dragon soared past him, the searing heat brushing dangerously close.


    The attack smashed into a nearby tree, devouring it in a swirling inferno.


    The pressure was suffocating.


    The air around him felt like it was boiling, every breath coming with an ache.


    Sweat dripped down Alex''s face, and his movements were becoming more desperate as the shaman''s relentless attacks forced him into a frantic dance of survival.


    The Upgrade Stone in Alex''s hand glowed brilliantly before disintegrating into shimmering particles of light.


    [Upgrade Successful.]


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank B.]


    Alex didn''t pause to celebrate.


    He reached into his storage and gripped the second Upgrade Stone tightly, his focus unwavering despite the chaos around him.


    [Would you like to use the Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    "Yes!" Alex barked, his eyes fixed on the elder shaman, who floated ominously above the battlefield, its staff radiating deadly energy.


    The shaman snarled and waved its staff, sending a barrage of flame bolts toward Alex.


    Alex barely ducked in time, the fiery beast missing him by inches as it scorched the ground in its path.


    Boom! S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Alex leaped into the air, twisting his body to avoid the searing attacks.


    He swung from tree branches like Tarzan, narrowly evading each deadly strike.


    Ding!


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank A.]


    The elder shaman roared, sending another black flame dragon hurtling toward Alex.


    The beast tore through the air, obliterating trees in its wake.


    Alex''s heart raced as he grabbed the final Upgrade Stone.


    He couldn''t afford to waste a second.


    [Would you like to use the Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    "Yes!" he yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    Ding!


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank S.]


    Alex skidded to a halt, crouched low as the forest around him burned with the aftermath of the shaman''s relentless assault.


    He clenched his fists, feeling the raw, overwhelming power surging through him.


    A wicked grin spread across his face, his frustration melting into exhilaration.


    "About time already," he muttered under his breath.


    "It''s time to go on the offensive."


    Though Alex didn''t know exactly how much stronger [Exploding Touch] had become, he figured the best way to find out was simple: use it and see the results firsthand.


    He dove into the ground using {Earth Swim}, his body seamlessly merging with the earth as though it were water.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Multiple black flame projectiles struck the spot he had entered, scorching the ground and creating deep craters.


    The goblin shaman clicked his teeth in irritation, clearly annoyed at Alex''s evasiveness.


    Narrowing its glowing yellow eyes, it turned its attention downward, trying to sense Alex''s location through the earth.


    Alex then reappeared a few meters behind the shaman, bursting out of the ground with a cocky grin on his face.


    "Miss me?"


    Alex taunted as he flung a handful of Blastshards toward the elder shaman.


    The crystalline explosives spun through the air, glinting ominously in the fiery light of the battlefield.


    But the goblin shaman scoffed, raising a shimmering barrier in front of itself.


    "Puny tricks," the shaman sneered as the shards slammed into the barrier, scattering harmlessly against its protective field.


    He expected an explosion but none came and he gave Alex a suspicious.


    But Alex''s grin widened, his expression full of mischief.


    "Puny? Oh, your barrier better be tough enough to handle those, because these Blastshards are definitely not puny."


    The shaman''s smug confidence faltered for a moment as its ears twitched. "What are you talking about, human?"


    The monkey shaman scoffed, stepping onto one of the shards with confidence.


    "What are you talking about, human?" it sneered, clearly unimpressed.


    Alex''s grin widened as he took a step back.


    "Well¡­ don''t say I didn''t warn you," he replied nonchalantly, and without waiting for a reaction, he snapped and activated [Fast and Furious], his body becoming a blur as he dashed away from the impending explosion that was going to rocket.


    He wasn''t about to stick around to feel the full force of his own upgraded skill, especially when he cranked to its limit for massive damage.


    The wind roared in Alex''s ears as he sprinted, his heart pounding with adrenaline.


    He had briefly seen the effect of the skill and it was rather terrifying.


    He glanced over his shoulder to check if the monkey shaman realized what was about to happen.


    But the arrogant still floating atop the shards about to give a chase.


    Alex smirked. "Good."


    Then he pulled up the interface to inspect the details of his freshly upgraded skill once again before the blastshard exploded.


    [Exploding Touch (Rank S)]


    The area you touch will explode in 5 seconds. The explosion is cataclysmic, capable of annihilating structures and severely damaging high-tier enemies.


    Features:


    [Amp+++]: Amplify the explosion''s power and area of effect up to 10x, depending on your mana input.


    [Pause+++]: Pause and resume the timer with no limit on pauses, giving full control over detonation timing.


    [Dismiss+++]: Remove [Exploding Touch] or transfer it to another object or enemy within 20 meters. Transfers are instantaneous and unblockable.


    [Gravitational Collapse]: Create a devastating implosion that pulls in all objects within a massive radius before releasing a catastrophic shockwave.


    [Mass Detonation]: Mark multiple targets with [Exploding Touch] and detonate them simultaneously or on a staggered timer.


    [Elemental Surge]: Infuse the explosion with elemental properties (fire, ice, lightning, etc.) for additional damage and status effects.


    ==========


    Authors Note:


    Yo, what''s up everyone! The support has been AMAZING, and it''s pushing this story to new heights! Let''s keep that momentum going! Also, don''t miss my new book Goblin King: My Innate Skill Is Too OP¡ªit''s packed with well goblins and lot of humor! And you love werewolf romance, be sure to check out Hunting the Alpha: Past Sins. Thanks again for all your love and support, it means the world! Keep reading, keep supporting, and let''s make this journey even bigger!

 Chapter 83 Damn Monkey: Disintegration

    The monkey shaman growled in frustration as he saw Alex fleeing.Clicking his teeth angrily, he darted forward to give chase.


    But then¡ªhe stopped abruptly.


    A strange, invisible force yanked him backward.


    "What?!" the shaman hissed, his eyes widening as he twisted around to see the source.


    Behind him, three swirling mini-black holes had appeared, their gravitational pull intensifying with every passing second. Objects around the forest floor¡ªrocks, branches, leaves¡ªwere already being sucked into the vortexes.


    The shaman gasped. "Impossible!"


    He fought against the pull, his feet digging into the ground as he struggled to move away. His energy surged as he tried to stabilize himself, but the gravitational force suddenly surged, its strength growing exponentially.


    Wind howled through the air as the black holes'' pull became irresistible. Nearby trees bent and cracked, their roots tearing free from the soil before being swallowed whole.


    The shaman''s body trembled as he fought harder, pouring his power into resisting. "I won''t¡­ be beaten by this!" he roared, his voice full of desperation.


    But the black holes had no mercy.


    With a forceful yank, the shaman''s resistance shattered.


    His body was violently dragged toward the swirling vortexes, unable to escape the overwhelming pull.


    "AAARGH!"


    The shaman screamed as the gravitational force began crushing him, his body contorting under the immense pressure.


    The swirling shards embedded within the black holes added to his torment, tearing into him with razor-sharp precision.


    The air filled with the sound of his agonized cries as his form was relentlessly pulled apart.


    "AAARGH!"


    And then¡ªsilence.


    The black hole detonated with an ear-splitting roar, unleashing a wave of rageful heat that consumed everything in its path.


    The blast surged outward like an unstoppable nuke, obliterating anything it touched.


    Trees disintegrated into ash, the ground cracked and scorched, and the very air seemed to vibrate with the sheer force of the explosion.


    Alex kept running, his legs pumping furiously as he leaped over roots and debris.


    He glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes widening at the sheer scale of destruction unfolding behind him.


    The goblin base wasn''t spared.


    Its once-formidable architecture crumbled like sandcastles in a storm, each structure disintegrating into nothing under the relentless wave of heat and force.


    Even from a distance, Alex could feel the heat licking at his back like the breath of an angry dragon.


    "Damn," he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding.


    For a moment, he marveled at the raw power of his upgraded skill. Destruction at its finest. But his awe was short-lived¡ªhe could hear the roar of the flames behind him, growing louder and closer.


    The explosion wasn''t done yet.


    Flames surged forward, hungry and unrelenting, racing toward Alex like a living beast. His instincts screamed at him to move faster.


    "Oh no, you don''t!" Alex growled, activating [Fast and Furious].


    He wasn''t about to die to his own ability.


    His body blurred as he ramped up his speed, weaving through the thick forest like a streak of lightning.


    The heat was nearly unbearable, the flames close enough to make him break out in a sweat. Every step felt like a race against death itself.


    For a few agonizing seconds, Alex pushed himself to the limit, his lungs burning and his muscles screaming in protest. And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    The explosion reached its peak and dissipated, the flames finally dying down.


    Panting, Alex skidded to a stop and turned back. His heart still raced as he surveyed the aftermath.


    Where the goblin base had once stood, there was now only a massive, smoldering crater. Smoke rose into the sky, and the landscape was nothing but charred earth and ruin.


    Alex stood frozen, his breath catching in his throat as he surveyed the aftermath of his attack.


    The once-dense goblin base was now a vast clearing of scorched earth.


    The ground was blackened, trees reduced to ash, and nothing but smoldering embers remained where structures had once stood.


    He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair, the weight of the destruction sinking in.


    "All that¡­ from just five Blastshards," he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    The thought hit him like a freight train.


    Each shard had been amped to its absolute maximum, pushing the explosion''s destructive force to a level he hadn''t fully grasped until now.


    "So this¡­ this is how powerful [Exploding Touch] has gotten." He groaned, both in awe and with a tinge of unease.


    "I''ve got to be careful with this¡­"


    Before he could dwell on the implications, a familiar chime rang in his ears. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And a notification panel blinked into view, flooding Alex''s vision with its contents.


    Ding!


    You have killed Goblin Elder Shaman.


    You have received 20 stat points.


    You have received 5 Power Stones.


    You have unlocked a new skill: [Black Flames].


    [Black Flames]: Unleash flames that never go out, burning anything and everything they touch.


    Alex''s eyes widened at the description of the new skill:


    "Flames that never die? That''s... terrifying."


    But the notifications weren''t done. Another alert popped up:


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In!]


    You have received an additional 20 stat points.


    You have received an additional 5 Power Stones.


    You have unlocked a new skill: [Farsight].


    "Farsight?" Alex raised an eyebrow and focused on the skill''s description.


    [Farsight]: Gain the ability to see over long distances with exceptional clarity.


    Alex exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling as he processed the sheer amount of stat points he had accumulated. His mind raced with possibilities.


    "With all these points¡­" Alex muttered to himself, gripping his fists tightly, "I could easily replenish the attributes I sacrificed... or buy another upgrade stone."


    His heart pounded at the thought.


    If he used another upgrade stone on [Exploding Touch], it would reach SSS rank.


    "SSS rank," Alex whispered, his lips curling into an almost maniacal grin.


    His imagination ran wild, picturing the devastating force of the skill.


    Entire landscapes obliterated in an instant. Mountains reduced to rubble. Armies wiped out in the blink of an eye.


    "It would break all limits," he said, his voice trembling with both excitement and awe. "It would devour entire lands."


    But before Alex could make a decision, a low, heavy thud echoed behind him.


    His excited expression barely faltered as he slowly straightened up.


    He had been expecting this.


    The faint hum of crackling electricity filled the air, and Alex''s sharp ears picked up on it instantly.


    Turning on his heel, his eyes locked onto the imposing figure that now stood before him. It was the Monkey King.


    Its fur bristled with raw energy, arcs of blue lightning dancing across its body and surging along the length of a staff it held in one massive, clawed hand.


    The Monkey King''s eyes glowed with an intense, almost predatory light as they bore into Alex. Its gaze was a mix of fury and disbelief, as though it struggled to comprehend the human standing before it.


    "You..." the Monkey King growled, its voice low and venomous, vibrating with suppressed rage. "Who are you?"


    Alex sighed, a subtle smirk forming as he tilted his head slightly.


    "A lot of people have asked me that question," he said, his tone casual, almost teasing. "But, funny thing... it never ends well for them once they hear my answer."


    The Monkey King narrowed its glowing eyes, electricity crackling louder across its staff. "Answer me," it growled, clearly unimpressed with Alex''s vague response.


    "Fine," Alex said, shrugging like it was no big deal. "I''m an anomaly."


    The Monkey King''s brows furrowed, confusion flashing across its face.


    "Anomaly? That doesn''t make any sense!"


    Ignoring the disbelief in its tone, Alex pulled up his status screen.


    His finger hovered for a moment before he added 5 points to his agility.


    Ding!


    A notification flashed before his eyes.


    [You have awakened a movement skill: Dash. Increases speed by 20% at the cost of Mana.]


    "Oh," Alex muttered, slightly taken aback. "Wasn''t expecting that."


    He couldn''t hide his surprise as the realization set in. "So hitting a hundred points in a stat unlocks new skills too?" he mused. The ever-growing arsenal of abilities at his disposal just kept getting better.


    But before he could revel in his newfound speed.


    Alex''s instincts screamed at him, and his body tensed.


    The world around him began to shift. Colors drained away, leaving everything in stark shades of white and gray.


    The crackling of the Monkey King''s lightning fell silent. The trees stopped swaying, frozen mid-motion.


    Time had stopped.


    Alex''s brows furrowed, irritation flaring in his chest. He knew what this was.


    Another god wanted to talk.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen. Pretty please.

 Chapter 84 Damn Monkeys: Rejection

    [Ding!][You have caught the eye of the Speed God, Savatar.]


    [Would you like to be bound to this god, becoming his legacy holder and venturing on the path of speed?]


    [I don''t take many candidates, human. Be honored you''re one of them...]


    Alex didn''t even pause to think and refused without any hesitation.


    "No."


    This name Savatar sounded like a big deal, sure, but Alex wasn''t about to sell his freedom. He had already turned down the Blood Monarch''s offer for the same reason.


    Why?


    Because God be damned, he''d forge his own path.


    He didn''t need to bow to some divine being to gain power.


    He''d get stronger on his terms.


    [Speed God Savatar has decided to upgrade your skill.]


    [Dash has now become Zoom.]


    [Zoom: Your speed increases by 30% with reduced Mana cost usage.]


    Another notification followed.


    [Will you accept Savatar''s legacy?]


    [Human, if you accept, you could gain more skills like this.]


    Alex stared at the message with a blank expression, unimpressed.


    He crossed his arms, letting out a small sigh. Was this supposed to be tempting? he wondered.


    What a joke.


    It was almost laughable how desperate the god sounded.


    Alex wasn''t about to be lured by a few shiny upgrades dangled in front of him like bait and Savatar seemed to have realized that as another new notification appeared, glowing faintly in the corner of Alex''s vision.


    [Ding!]


    [Speed God Savatar has decided to upgrade your skill.]


    [Zoom is now Blur.]


    [Blur: Your speed increases by 50% with even lower Mana cost usage.]


    [Consider my generosity, human, and accept my offer. It won''t get better than this.]


    Alex rolled his eyes and scoffed. Though he was please with the free upgrades he was getting he had no intention of accepting any offer.


    "You and your generosity can go eat shit," he replied, his voice dripping with mockery.


    [...]


    The system fell silent for a moment.


    Alex''s lips curled into a mischievous grin.


    He wasn''t done poking the bear¡ªor in this case, the god. He wanted to push his luck just for the fun of it.


    "You know what?" Alex said, his tone playful, "Maybe... maybe if you upgraded the skill one more time, I''d think about it."


    The response was almost immediate.


    [Ding!]


    [Speed God Savatar has decided to upgrade your skill.]


    Alex snorted, barely containing his laughter.


    "No way. This dumbass is actually doing it."


    The next notification came, and it seemed infused with a flicker of divine irritation.


    [Blur is now...]


    The message then cut off all of a sudden.


    And a new notification popped up.


    [Speed God Savatar is about to lose his patience with you.]


    [Accept his legacy now or face the wrath of...]


    [Damn you... how dare a mere human toy with me?! Do you think I wouldn''t see past your trickery?!]


    Before the message could finish, Alex waved his hand dismissively, swiping the notification away like it was an annoying mosquito.


    Alex casually swiped the notification away like it was a pesky fly. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    He didn''t care whether the so-called Speed God, Savatar, was furious, offended, or ready to explode.


    Alex knew one simple truth: gods had rules, and those rules bound them just as much as they bound mortals.


    Sure, maybe Savatar would try for revenge later, but that didn''t scare him in the slightest.


    Another string of notifications popped up in the corner of his vision, glowing with urgency, but Alex didn''t even bother reading them.


    With a flick of his hand, he dismissed the messages entirely.


    It seemed the Oracle system had granted players the privilege to ignore even divine beings message now¡ªbut Alex wasn''t pleased what he should e doing was prevent gods from forcefully pulling players into a conversation.


    But whatever.


    He now had a powerful new speed skill and the best part was that he didn''t have to do anything to get it.


    "Man, what a dumbass," Alex muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.


    It was almost laughable how the Speed God had upgraded his skill twice despite Alex outright rejecting him.


    "Aigoo..." Alex sighed dramatically.


    He could feel the god''s growing rage. As Alex was snubbing is messages.


    The air around him grew heavy, charged with a crackling intensity, but the pressure wasn''t as intense as that of the blood monarch.


    It seemed the Overseer had finally decided to enforce the rules.


    That bastard.


    Why hadn''t he done anything to prevent this when the Blood Monarch brought an offer. He even let the god injure him before intervening.


    Seriously the inconsistency was maddening.


    The thought of that smug rabbit-like figure toying with him sent a wave of irritation coursing through him.


    Suspicion brewed in Alex''s mind.


    The Overseer''s motives were never clear, but whatever the reason, he doubted it was anything good.


    Still locked in the temporary zone granted by the Speed God, Alex''s thoughts began to wander.


    What if I raised another one of my attributes to a hundred points?


    His brow furrowed in thought.


    Would he be contacted by a different god, one tied to that new attribute? Would he receive another skill?


    Most likely, Alex reasoned.


    But getting points wasn''t exactly a walk in the park.


    Every stat point he had earned had been hard-fought, and this new discovery meant he''d have to make a tough choice.


    Should he use his free stat points to push another attribute to a hundred? Or should he save those points and focus on using an upgrade stone to rank up one of his existing skills?


    The choice is obvious.


    Alex had no intention of dealing with any more of these overbearing gods.


    Avoiding them entirely seemed like the smartest play.


    It seemed the Speed God, Savatar, had finally reached the end of his patience¡ªor perhaps he had simply run out of time.


    The grip of his godly "zone" began to fracture.


    Cracks spread like spiderwebs across the frozen reality, and with a sudden snap, time resumed.


    The Monkey King, who had been frozen in place moments before, suddenly stirred. Its piercing gaze locked onto Alex, suspicion clear in its eyes.


    "Have you been waiting for me?" Alex asked like he was talking to a baby. "Awww... you''re such a good boy."


    The monkey king frowned at Alex antic. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen.

 Chapter 85 Damn Monkey: Reckoning

    Something weird had just happened, and the Monkey King could feel it.But he couldn''t understand what it was. Nor put it into words.


    "What just happened?" the Monkey King demanded.


    "What do you mean?" Alex replied, feigning cluelessness.


    Most like the monkey had sense the gods lingering presence.


    His tone was calm, and playful as if he was enjoying the moment.


    "You know exactly what I mean!" the Monkey King roared, its fur bristling as arcs of lightning crackled along its body. The air around it buzzed with raw energy, and the ground beneath its feet sizzled.


    The sight made Alex pause for a split second.


    The Monkey King looked like a literal thunder god.


    Wait¡­ is there an actual Thunder God here too? Alex wondered, his thoughts taking an absurd turn.


    His name better be Thor.


    He quickly shook off the thought, focusing back on the electrified primate glaring him down.


    "Well..." Alex began, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I nuked your base. Killed your precious shaman in the process. Tell me¡ªhow does that make you feel?"


    The Monkey King''s brow furrowed, its glare sharp enough to cut steel.


    "Human, if you think you can provoke me, then you''re sorely mista¡ª"


    WHOOSH!


    Before the Monkey King could finish, Alex vanished.


    The suddenness of it was eerie.


    There was no dramatic sound or energy surge¡ªjust silence as he disappeared from where he stood.


    An instant later, Alex reappeared directly in front of the Monkey King.


    It was so fast it seemed like Alex had teleported.


    His hand shot out, dangerous and deliberate, aiming directly for the Monkey King''s face.


    Grabbing his opponent''s face had practically become Alex''s signature move at this point.


    He was ready to use [Exploding Touch] and end this fight once and for all. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the Monkey King wasn''t just any opponent.


    In the split second before Alex''s hand could connect, the Monkey King''s instincts screamed at him. With a sharp twist of its head, it narrowly avoided the attack.


    Alex''s hand sliced through the air, missing by mere inches.


    The Monkey King didn''t waste the opportunity.


    It leaped backward, landing far from Alex with a startled yet controlled movement.


    For a moment, silence hung in the air.


    The Monkey King''s chest heaved as it caught its breath.


    A cold chill ran down its spine, and its fur stood on end.


    That was too close. Way too close.


    The Monkey King''s eyes remained locked on Alex, its sharp gaze betraying the shock it tried to mask.


    It was only pure instinct, honed through countless battles, that had allowed the Monkey King to dodge in time.


    Seriously¡­ what is this human?


    Its mind raced as it tried to process the scene before it.


    Alex stood tall amidst the ruins of the battlefield, his silhouette framed by the scorched and steaming earth¡ªa direct result of the devastating attack he had unleashed earlier.


    It was unnerving. Terrifying, even.


    For the first time, the Monkey King felt something it hadn''t experienced in a while: fear.


    The very presence of Alex was suffocating.


    Every step he took, every motion of his hand, seemed to exude an aura of death.


    It wasn''t just the destruction he caused¡ªit was the way he carried himself, the way he stood there like he owned the world, like nothing could touch him.


    The Monkey King''s hands trembled ever so slightly, and it hated itself for it.


    Sure, his base had been destroyed.


    Sure, he was furious.


    His second in command had been obliterated, and he wanted nothing more than to rip Alex apart for it.


    But as much as he burned with rage, his instincts screamed louder.


    This wasn''t a fight he could win.


    How had it come to this?


    The Monkey King replayed the moment he first laid eyes on Alex. Back then, Alex had seemed like nothing more than an ambitious weakling¡ªsomeone bold but ultimately powerless.


    How wrong he had been.


    This wasn''t just a human. This was a demon in disguise.


    The Monkey King was only slightly stronger than the shaman¡ªand he had seen what Alex had done to his subjectl


    The shaman hadn''t just lost; he had been erased, destroyed in a way that sent a cold chill down the Monkey King''s spine.


    And now, standing face to face with Alex, that same fate felt far too close.


    No, the Monkey King thought, trying to steel himself. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    But no matter how much he tried to summon his courage, the image of Alex broke his resolve.


    The Monkey King''s fur bristled, and the electricity around him flared, almost as if trying to drown out his fear.


    The more the Monkey King thought about it, the angrier he became.


    How could this happen? How could a mere D-rank make me tremble?


    It defied logic.


    It defied everything he knew about strength, about power, about the hierarchy of the world.


    This was unacceptable.


    If he couldn''t defeat the so-called "demon" standing before him, the one who had turned his entire domain into smoldering ruins, then he didn''t deserve to be called a king.


    The Monkey King''s grip on his spear tightened.


    Sparks of crackling lightning danced along its length, their intensity growing with his resolve.


    His fierce gaze locked onto Alex, his golden eyes filled with fury and determination.


    No more hesitation.


    He would go all out from the start and end this swiftly.


    Alex watched the display with a calm, amused expression.


    His lips curled into a smirk as he saw the Monkey King readying his weapon.


    "Oh, so you intend to fight after all?"


    Alex grinned excitedy and activated [Foresight], his eyes glowing faintly as the ability kicked in. Time seemed to slow as countless possibilities unfolded in his mind, each movement of the Monkey King laid bare before it could even happen.


    Crouching low, Alex placed one hand on the cracked, steaming ground using the power of his newly upgraded ability.


    He tilted his head slightly, his voice calm yet cold as he continued, "What a pity. If you''d shown up earlier, this might''ve been more fun. But unfortunately, I''ve thrown all the hand I want to throw today."


    "But now?" Alex then rose to his full height, raising his hands lazily, his middle finger sliding over his index.


    "Now, all I want to do is destroy."

 Chapter 86 Damn Monkey: Transfer

    [Dismiss+++]: Remove [Exploding Touch] or transfer it to another object or enemy within 20 meters. Transfers are instantaneous and unblockable.Alex reread the description, his lips curling into a sly grin.


    His fingers twitched as a rush of excitement coursed through him.


    Instantaneous. Unblockable.


    The new effect was insane, and Alex intended to make full use of it.


    His eyes flicked to the ground at the bomb he had set earlier still glowing with energy. A faint circular blue light surrounded it, the countdown frozen at one second, waiting to detonate.


    But these weren''t ordinary bombs.


    These were gravitational collapse bombs, a devastating perk of his upgraded skill.


    Unlike normal explosions, these caused a violent implosion first, sucking everything in their range into a crushing vortex before releasing an explosive shockwave.


    With his recent skill upgrade, the bombs weren''t just stronger¡ªthey were deadlier.


    Far deadlier.


    Alex flexed his fingers, his grin growing wider.


    The mere thought of transferring that explosive force directly onto an enemy, bypassing every defense, sent a thrill through him.


    The Monkey King stood a short distance away, his golden staff sizzling with arcs of electricity.


    Alex''s voice dripped with menace as he declared, "Now all I want to do is destroy."


    The words hung in the air like a death sentence.


    The Monkey King''s fur stood on end, his muscles tense, as if sensing the impending danger.


    His sharp instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong.


    But he had no idea what Alex was planning.


    Destroy....Hadn''t this human already caused enough destruction?


    But when Alex grinned¡ªa slow, unsettling curve of his lips¡ªthe Monkey King''s unease spiraled into outright panic.


    It wasn''t just an attack he felt coming.


    It was death.


    Something deep within him screamed one word:


    Run.


    And without a second thought, the Monkey King turned and bolted, abandoning all notions of pride.


    Electricity crackled around him, and his golden staff buzzed with raw energy as he channeled everything he had into escaping.


    The air shimmered with the speed of his retreat, trees blurring past as his powerful legs propelled him forward.


    He tore through the landscape, desperate to put as much distance as possible between himself and the demon he no longer dared to face.


    But then he felt it.


    It started as a cold, creeping sensation along his legs.


    A silent but certain promise of death.


    The Monkey King''s eyes widened in horror as he realized he was too late.


    BOOM!


    The implosion came first, ripping the air apart as a gravitational vortex formed around his legs.


    His body twisted unnaturally, yanked toward the epicenter of the attack.


    "GAAAH!"


    His scream echoed through the forest, raw and guttural.


    Before he could even comprehend the pain, the implosion reversed.


    A blinding explosion erupted, obliterating everything in its radius.


    Trees were flattened, the ground shattered, and the very air seemed to quake with the force of it.


    *


    Alex''s eyes gleamed with cold amusement as he watched the glowing, bluish bomb he had planted on the ground vanish as he used [Dismiss].


    And in an instant, it reappeared on the Monkey King''s left side.


    The Monkey King froze mid-stride, its instincts kicking in.


    It sensed something¡ªdanger, death¡ªand immediately attempted to flee.


    Lightning crackled around its form as it tried to bolt.


    But Alex was faster.


    With a sharp snap of his fingers, Alex triggered the bomb.


    The air itself seemed to twist unnaturally as the gravitational implosion activated, pulling the Monkey King toward the epicenter.


    "GRAAAHH!" the beast howled, its body contorting as the implosion crushed inward.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    The shockwave erupted outward, sending a rain of blood and flesh across the scorched battlefield.


    The ground quaked beneath the force, and a wave of hot air rippled outward, scattering debris like leaves in the wind.


    Alex lowered his hand and smirked, satisfied.


    He waited for the telltale notification of victory to pop up but there was nothing.


    "Interesting," Alex muttered noting the skill the monkey king had used to escape and then activated [Fast and Furious] chasing.


    The Monkey King exhaled sharply, his chest heaving.


    If he hadn''t reacted fast enough to create a clone at that critical moment, it would have been over for him.


    His clones were more than just copies of him¡ªthey were him.


    Each one shared his essence, his consciousness, like being in multiple places at once, and as long as one remained alive, so would he.


    This was how he had escaped creating a clone before his body was destroyed by the explosion.


    The monkey king frowned.


    Initially, he thought Alex''s explosions required physical contact, but after witnessing the bomb transfer directly to him, he realized how wrong he had been.


    This human was more dangerous than he''d ever imagined.


    He could feel Alex behind him, closing the distance at an alarming speed.


    The air practically hummed with the human''s deadly intent.


    The Monkey King clicked his teeth in frustration.


    With no time to waste, he made his move.


    Electricity crackled around him as he summoned more clones, their forms materializing out of thin air. The forest was now filled with identical versions of him, each radiating the same fierce energy.


    The plan was simple but desperate: scatter.


    The clones darted in different directions, weaving through the trees, their lightning-charged steps ripping through the terrain.


    If Alex couldn''t chase them all, one might escape.


    And if one escaped, he would survive.


    Alex, now in full pursuit, didn''t falter.


    He watched as the Monkey King multiplied, his sharp eyes tracking every movement, and without even needing [Foresight], he understood the Monkey King''s strategy.


    A grin tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Trying to escape? Dream on."


    With a flick of his wrist, he hurled several glowing [Blastshards] into the air, each shimmering with a dangerous blue light. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Before the shards even landed, Alex activated [Dismiss].


    The explosions transferred instantly from the scattered rocks to the Monkey King''s clones.


    The clones had barely even begun to split up when Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The blasts erupted in unison, the explosions ripping through the air.


    Each clone''s head detonated with pinpoint precision, leaving behind nothing but smoking remnants.


    All except one.


    Desperation surged through him.


    And he created another set of clones, hoping to overwhelm Alex with sheer numbers. The clones darted in every direction, their movements frantic and erratic.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    With another snap of his fingers, the deadly sequence repeated.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    One by one, the clones fell, their heads obliterated in synchronized explosions.


    The Monkey King''s heart raced.


    He tried again, creating even more clones, pushing his mana reserves to the brink. But the outcome was the same.


    Each time, Alex''s [Blastshards] connected flawlessly. The clones were annihilated in seconds, leaving only the original who was running ahead. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was hopeless.


    The Monkey King''s breaths came in ragged gasps as he continued to flee, his mind racing. No matter how hard he tried, Alex countered every move with frightening accuracy.


    It was as if Alex could see into the future, predicting every step, every attempt at escape.


    "You have so many tricks," Alex taunted, his voice dripping with mockery, "how about you use one that actually works?"


    The Monkey King didn''t respond to Alex, It couldn''t afford to, as his focus was solely on its survival.


    Its stamina was dwindling, and its mana reserves were almost depleted.


    The monkey king couldn''t keep this up much longer.


    Behind him, Alex calmly prepared his next move.


    He hurled another [Blastshard], the glowing rock slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    The Monkey King spun his staff, summoning a barrier of crackling electricity to shield himself, and the cackling energy whirled around him, forming a dome-like defense that hissed and sizzled against the shard''s impending strike.


    But the monkey king still hadn''t learned that Alex was relying on an attack not visible to its eyes.

 Chapter 87 Damn Monkey: Blood Arrow

    The Monkey King''s heart sank as he felt it again¡ªa chilling, deathly aura clinging to its body.Its instincts screamed at him and without hesitation, he summoned a clone who shot ahead, its original body erupting in a violent explosion.


    The force of the blast hurled the Monkey King forward, its clone obliterated as the real him stumbled away, its breaths ragged and uneven.


    The monkey didn''t dare look back.


    "Why don''t you stay and fight?" Alex''s provoked and the Monkey King''s stomach churned.


    "Running has never saved anyone from me, and it will not start with you."


    The words burrowed into the Monkey King''s mind, each syllable heavy with dread.


    Its legs pumped harder, Its body moving in sheer desperation.


    But no matter how fast he ran, the weight of Alex''s gaze pressed on him, unrelenting.


    There''s no escape, he thought, panic settling deep in his bones.


    The Monkey King could feel it¡ªthe creeping inevitability of death just a step behind him.


    Every step felt like it was getting harder, his muscles protesting as his breath came in ragged bursts.


    If I slow down just a bit¡­ it''ll be over.


    He pushed himself harder, forcing his legs to move, but deep inside, he knew that it was futile.


    As he sprinted through the dense terrain, something shifted in the air.


    The ground beneath his feet changed, the trees thickened, and the landscape seemed to take on a more wild, untamed energy.


    He was in Beast lord territory.


    Even if he died here, the Monkey King had a sliver of hope.


    The beast lord won''t forgive this human for causing chaos in its domain.


    The beasts that ruled these lands were powerful¡ªstronger than the Monkey King himself. And if any of them noticed Alex, they''d hunt him down without a second thought.


    Behind him, Alex was relentless.


    His footsteps were steady, his movements almost lazy, as if the chase was a game to him.


    He could have used [Blur], a skill he gained from a certain speed god''s foolishness, to close the gap in an instant, but he didn''t.


    He had noticed the shift in the environment as well and could tell they were in the domain of a powerful beast.


    He had maintained his pace, using the pursuit to recover the mana he had spent so far. There was a chance he''d get into another battle and he wanted to fight at 100%, so he allowed his reserves to recharge. Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    But now, with his mana fully restored, he deemed it was time to end this.


    He didn''t plan to let the Monkey King escape¡ªnot now, not ever. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex activated [Blur], his figure vanishing in a sudden burst of speed.


    In an instant, he consumed an immense distance, the ground beneath him trembling faintly from the sheer force of his step.


    The Monkey King felt a rush of air blow past him, his instincts screaming that something was wrong.


    He snapped his head to the side, searching for Alex, only to realize his presence was completely gone.


    Where?


    He whipped his gaze forward, and his heart dropped.


    Alex was standing directly in his path.


    The Monkey King screeched to a halt, his claws digging into the earth to stop his momentum.


    Panic surged through him as he prepared to veer off in another direction, desperate to put distance between himself and the human.


    But then Alex spoke a single word.


    "[Petrify]."


    The Monkey King''s body seized up instantly, as if invisible chains had wrapped around his limbs and locked him in place.


    He couldn''t move.


    Normally, his rank and power would have allowed him to shrug off such a skill.


    But sheer terror coursing through him had shattered his resolve, leaving him vulnerable.


    His will to fight back had crumbled.


    Alex took a slow, deliberate step forward, his presence growing more menacing with each stride.


    The Monkey King''s heartbeat thundered in his chest, each frantic beat echoing louder in his ears.


    The closer Alex got, the more his fear intensified, further fueling the skill''s effect.


    The invisible chains tightened, solidifying as the Monkey King''s panic deepened.


    He couldn''t break free.


    The Monkey King''s chest heaved as it panted, desperation etched across its face.


    There was no escaping this.


    Death was breathing down his neck.


    Alex stepped closer, his expression cold and unrelenting.


    He placed a hand firmly on the Monkey King''s head, the weight of it sending an icy chill down the primate''s spine.


    The Monkey King shuddered violently, dread washing over him as Alex''s power seeped into his being.


    Alex smirked.


    "Let me make this simple for you."


    With a flick of his fingers, Alex activated his ability, setting an implosion bomb directly on the Monkey King''s head. A faint, ominous glow began to emanate from the spot, signaling the inevitable.


    "Now," Alex said with a mocking tone, "it doesn''t matter what you do. You''re already dead."


    The Monkey King froze, his trembling growing more intense.


    "Be honored," Alex continued, his smirk widening, "you get to experience my ability¡ªhead first."


    Terrible pun. But whatever.


    The Monkey King''s eyes widened in fear, his voice trembling as he stammered, "You... you demon! You''ll regret this. My death will draw the Beast Lord''s attention. It won''t treat you lightly. You can''t win against it!"


    Alex tilted his head, an amused glint in his eyes.


    "What business does the dead have worrying about the future?"


    He crouched slightly, lowering his gaze to meet the Monkey King''s terrified eyes.


    "I''ve provoked gods," Alex whispered, his tone low and laced with menace. "And you think a Beast Lord scares me?"


    At that moment, the [Petrify] effect wore off.


    And the Monkey King''s body collapsed, his legs giving out beneath him as he fell onto his butt.


    He sat there, trembling uncontrollably, unable to form a single coherent thought.


    Alex raised his hand, fingers poised to snap and detonate the bomb planted on the Monkey King''s head.


    But before he could, his sharp senses caught something slicing through the air, heading straight for the Monkey King.


    With sharp reflexes Alex''s hand shot out, catching the object mere inches from its target.


    He brought it up to eye level to inspect it.


    "Arrows?" he muttered, brow furrowing as he examined the object more closely.


    It was red with a faint metallic scent.


    "Blood arrows," Alex realized, his tone shifting to one of mild irritation.


    "Seriously?"


    A low chuckle escaped him, quickly growing into a full-blown cackle.


    His laughter echoed through the clearing, cold and unsettling, sending shivers down the Monkey King''s spine.


    The Monkey King, who had shut its eyes while Alex was about to snap, opened one eye hesitantly, startled by the sudden sound of laughter,


    Alex then exhaled cutting off his laughter.


    He broke the blood arrow as if it were nothing more than a twig and muttered.


    "Someone''s trying to steal my kill. How gutsy."


    His expression then darkened in an instant, turning deadly serious.


    And in a flash, Alex was gone, heading straight for the source of the blood arrows.

 Chapter 88 Pursuit

    Alex shot through the dense forest, trees, and undergrowth blurring past him as he closed in on the figure who had dared to steal his kill.His eyes glowed faintly as he activated [Farsight], zeroing in on his target¡ªa figure cloaked in black, darting through the shadows with quite the agility.


    The cloaked figure moved swiftly, but Alex was faster.


    Leaves whipped through the air, disturbed by the sheer force of his movement.


    Back in the clearing, the Monkey King cautiously rose to his feet, his limbs shaky and his breathing labored.


    He glanced around, trying to make sense of what had just happened.


    The human was gone.


    Why? Why wasn''t he dead?


    The Monkey King''s mind raced.


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    Did Alex simply forget about him? That seemed impossible.


    Despite the momentary reprieve, the Monkey King''s instincts screamed danger.


    He could still feel it¡ªthe ominous presence lingering around him, wrapping around his very soul like a noose.


    Then there was the unmistakable sensation at the top of his head, where Alex had touched him. It was like a shadow of death itself clung to him, cold and inescapable. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What¡­ what is this?" he muttered, touching the spot. He shivered, realizing the grim reality: the bomb was still there.


    He weighed his options, but none of them were good.


    Run? Stay? Hide?


    The Monkey King''s gaze darted toward the surrounding forest.


    He''d heard stories about this place¡ªdark tales of a cursed forest that consumed the life force of anything foolish enough to linger.


    If the human didn''t kill him, the forest might.


    The Monkey King''s thoughts raced as he pieced together the grim reality.


    From what he had observed, Alex''s explosive ability relied on touch.


    And Alex had touched his forehead.


    That could only mean one thing: his head was essentially a ticking time bomb, primed to detonate whenever Alex willed it.


    The Monkey King exhaled shakily, his chest heaving as fear clawed at his mind.


    If anything, putting as much distance as possible between himself and that terrifying human seemed like the only option.


    Maybe the ability has a range. If I get far enough, maybe I''ll survive.


    But even that hope felt like clinging to a thread over a bottomless pit.


    There was no guarantee that running would change the fact that an invisible bomb was planted on his head. Yet doing nothing was worse.


    His eyes darted nervously, scanning the forest in the direction Alex had disappeared. The human had left, but the weight of death still lingered around him, suffocating and unrelenting.


    The Monkey King clenched his fists, forcing his trembling legs to move.


    It turned, bolting into the forest as fast as its legs could carry him.


    Leaves crunched beneath his feet as the wind whipped past its ears.


    Each step felt heavier than the last, the dread weighing on his heart making his breath shallow and uneven.


    But just as he took another step forward¡ª


    BOOM.


    His head imploded with a deafening crack, pulling inward before violently exploding outward in a shower of blood and gore.


    Chunks of flesh and bone splattered across the forest floor, staining the leaves in crimson.


    The Monkey King''s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, the light in his eyes fading instantly.


    Meanwhile, Alex, who was still in pursuit of the mysterious cloaked figure, saw multiple notifications flashed before his eyes.


    Ding!


    You have defeated the Monkey King.


    Level Up!


    Level Up!


    Level Up!


    [You have received 15 stat points]


    [You have received 3 power stones]


    [You have received skill: [Multiplicity]


    [Multiplicity]:


    - Create up to 5 clones of yourself, each possessing 20% of your strength.


    - Original can give remote commands and switch places with a copy.


    Alex couldn''t help but mutter while still running:


    "Okay...that''s an amazing skill."


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In!]


    [You have received an additional 15 stat points]


    [You have received an additional 5 power stones]


    [You have received Skill: [Danger Sense]


    [Danger Sense]: A passive skill that heightens your sensitivity to danger. Your body instinctively reacts to threats, giving you a crucial edge in critical moments.


    Alex glanced at the glowing notifications as he raced through the forest, chasing the shadowy figure who had dared to interfere with his hunt.


    The [Multiplicity] skill immediately intrigued him.


    He could use the clones for offense, distractions, or even bait to mislead his enemies.


    And then there was [Danger Sense].


    This passive ability was why the Monkey King had managed to avoid instant death so many times.


    It explained how the creature had kept evading his explosive traps just long enough to prolong the fight.


    But now, that power belonged to Alex.


    But then his grin faded as the eerie sensation crept up his spine.


    [Danger Sense] had begun to work


    Alex''s brow furrowed.


    The further he ran, the heavier the air seemed to grow, pressing down on him like an unseen force.


    He had felt something unsettling the moment he entered this forest, but now, the eerie feeling was everywhere and amplified.


    It didn''t feel like danger from a single entity but rather as if the whole forest were pointing blades at him.


    Alex slowed for a moment, his sharp eyes scanning the surrounding trees.


    "What the hell is this?"


    He muttered, his voice low.


    He knew this was a Beast Lord''s territory, but this felt different¡ªwrong.


    It was as if the entire forest itself were alive, watching him, warning him to turn back.


    The aura it emitted wasn''t just powerful; it was suffocating as a predator''s eyes fixed on its prey.


    For a brief moment, a flicker of doubt crept into Alex''s mind. Should he leave?


    Then he shook his head.


    "Focus," he told himself, narrowing his eyes.


    The oppressive atmosphere was unsettling, but it wasn''t his main concern.


    His target was still ahead¡ªthe cloaked figure who had fired the blood arrow.


    Alex''s thoughts shifted as he recalled the arrow itself. Its crimson glow and aura were unmistakable.


    The blood arrows reminded him of the Blood monarch and Alex wondered if it was possible the god had sent one of his candidates to mess with him.


    The possibility made him grin.


    If the Blood Monarch had indeed sent someone, then Alex already knew how this would end.


    He had dealt with the god''s candidates before¡ªand none of them had survived.


    This one will be no different.


    Up ahead, the cloaked figure came into view, darting through the forest like a shadow.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Without hesitation, he activated [Fast and Furious].


    And Alex moved like a thunderclap.


    One moment, the cloaked figure was running, the next, Alex was right there, slamming into him with the force of a battering ram.


    "Ughhh!"


    The stranger groaned as Alex''s shoulder drove him to the ground, knocking the wind out of him.


    Before the stranger could recover, Alex pinned him down, his knee digging into the figure''s back while his hands gripped the cloak tightly.


    With one swift motion, Alex yanked back the hood, revealing the face beneath.


    Alex froze for a moment, his brow furrowing in confusion.


    "What the hell?!" he muttered.


    The face staring back at him wasn''t what he expected.


    It was the face of a young man¡ªa teenager.


    His features were sharp but still youthful, his eyes wide with defiance.


    The boy wasted no time.


    His hand darted toward his storage, pulling out a gleaming dagger, and with a swift motion, he aimed it at Alex''s chest.


    But Alex was faster.


    He swatted the weapon away effortlessly, the dagger spinning off into the underbrush.


    Then, with the same fluidity, he slammed the boy''s face into the dirt, holding him down with one hand using [Exploding Touch] just in case.


    "Who are you?"


    Alex demanded, his voice calm but laced with menace.


    The boy clenched his jaw, refusing to answer.


    Instead, he struggled against Alex''s grip, writhing and twisting in a futile attempt to break free.


    Alex sighed.


    The kid was strong for his age, but compared to Alex, it was like a twig trying to snap a steel bar.


    As the boy continued to squirm, Alex studied his face more closely.


    There was something oddly familiar about him.


    Alex narrowed his eyes, his grip on the boy''s neck tightening slightly as a flood of recognition hit him.


    He had seen this person before.


    It was during the beginning of the tutorial when they were on the tower.


    Back then, amidst the carnage, Alex remembered the scene vividly: a kid, sitting casually on the edge of a towering structure, a bloodied scythe resting on his shoulder.


    The same scythe that had mercilessly cut down every person unfortunate enough to appear alongside him.


    Alex''s jaw clenched.


    The coldness in his gaze was enough to make the boy tense up.


    "You''ve got one minute to explain why you tried to steal my kill or be ready to lose your life."

 Chapter 89 Dream World

    The boy stiffened under the weight of Alex''s tone, but instead of panicking, he smirked lazily."Look, I didn''t mean to steal your kill," he replied, his voice annoyingly nonchalant.


    "I just needed to level up before I fell asleep."


    Alex''s frown deepened, his confusion briefly overriding his anger. "What the hell are you talking about?"


    The boy sighed, rolling his eyes as if this was all an inconvenience.


    "Don''t take my word for it. Look up and see for yourself."


    Alex hesitated for a moment before loosening his grip slightly.


    Keeping one hand firmly on the boy, he raised his gaze and scanned the surroundings.


    What he saw made his brow furrow in disbelief.


    All around them, scattered across the forest floor, were bodies¡ªdozens of them.


    At first glance, they looked like corpses, pale and lifeless.


    Their eyes were stark white as if drained of all vitality.


    Vines twisted and coiled around their limbs and torsos, crawling over their skin like grotesque parasites.


    The sight was eerie, a scene straight out of a nightmare.


    Alex''s grip on the boy slackened for just a moment, and the teenager seized the opportunity.


    With a swift movement, he slipped free, scrambling to his feet.


    The boy spun around, pulling out his bloodied scythe.


    Its crimson blade gleamed ominously as he pointed it directly at Alex.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    He calmly stood, brushing the dirt from his clothes, his eyes scanning the eerie forest around them.


    Confusion clouded his expression as he asked, his voice low but sharp:


    "What is this?"


    His gaze swept over the lifeless bodies entwined in vines.


    "What happened here?"


    The boy said nothing, clutching his weapon tightly, as if bracing for an attack.


    Alex''s patience snapped.


    His voice boomed with authority.


    "Answer me!"


    The boy flinched, visibly startled by the pressure emanating from Alex.


    The weight of Alex''s presence seemed to crush the defiance out of him, and his scythe wavered. Slowly, he lowered the weapon, his expression shifting to one of unease.


    "It''s... a nightmare," the boy said reluctantly. "The whole forest is. It''s what did this to them."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, tilting his head slightly.


    The answer was vague and unsatisfying and didn''t exactly answer the question.


    "That doesn''t explain anything," he said, his tone cold and unyielding.


    Before the boy could respond, he suddenly yawned.


    His eyes widened in panic, and he slapped himself across the face, hard.


    Alex raised a brow, watching the strange display.


    The boy hurriedly covered his mouth as if trying to stop another yawn.


    His voice was strained as he quickly explained, "Like I said... I tried to steal your kill because I needed to level up. If I don''t... I''ll fall asleep."


    Alex frowned. "Fall asleep? What does that have to do with anything?"


    The boy''s hands trembled as he gripped his scythe tighter.


    "Once I fall asleep, I''ll enter the nightmare. And once you''re in, you don''t wake up unless you complete the trial in the dream world set by the Beast Lord."


    Alex''s mind raced as he processed the information, trying to make sense of what he was hearing.


    Nightmare, Trial, Dream World.


    None of it made sense.


    "Wait, take it step by step," Alex demanded.


    The teenager shifted uncomfortably, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.


    "I don''t have time! I can barely keep my eyes open."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.


    "What do you mean by ''nightmare''? Explain."


    The boy took a shaky breath, blinking rapidly to fight the overwhelming drowsiness.


    "It''s a dream world," he said. "Anyone in the Beast Lord''s territory who falls asleep ends up there."


    Alex''s frown deepened. "And? What happens there?"


    The boy then continued, his words rushed. "Once you''re in, the system commands you to complete task set by the Beast Lord. You don''t wake up until you finish. If you fail you don''t wake up. Ever."


    Alex''s jaw tightened as he processed the information.


    The boy then gestured to the forest around them like he was drunk.


    "It''s the air here man. Something about it acts like sleeping gas. No matter how strong you are, sleep will come for you eventually."


    His head drooped slightly before he jerked it back up, slapping himself on the cheek to stay awake.


    "That''s all I know."


    Alex stared at the boy, trying to make sense of the bizarre explanation.


    Then, out of nowhere, a yawn escaped his lips.


    His eyes widened in alarm.


    What the hell?


    He shook his head, his body suddenly feeling heavier, his eyelids betraying him with every passing second.


    Why am I feeling sleepy all of a sudden?


    His gaze snapped back to the teenager, who was now watching him with a grim expression.


    The boy wasn''t lying¡ªthis forest truly was something else, something dangerous.


    And now, Alex could feel it creeping in on him too.


    Alex''s expression hardened, his gaze narrowing.


    "And how do you know all of this? You''ve obviously never been in this dream world. So how could you possibly know?"


    The teenager smirked faintly, though the exhaustion in his eyes was obvious.


    "You should know about my patron, right?" he said lazily, his tone almost taunting. "The Blood Monarch? Yeah, the one who hates your guts. He told me everything."


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    "The Blood Monarch?"


    The boy nodded, swaying slightly on his feet.


    "Yep. Was really pissed when I entered a Beast Lord''s territory without any prep. Said it was suicide, but hey, here we are."


    Alex''s mind raced.


    It made sense that a god could relay this kind of information.


    They would obviously have more insight far beyond anything players could comprehend.


    His eyes scanned the young man, who was barely holding himself upright now.


    He was clearly running on fumes, his body trembling as though it might collapse at any moment.


    The teenager continued, his voice quieter but still filled with a strange resignation. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Blood Monarch told me there''s no escape once you''re here. Once you step into the Beast Lord''s territory, you''re stuck. The only way out is to pass the trial with other players. Otherwise..."


    He hesitated, his words trailing off as if reluctant to finish.


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    Alex forced back another yawn that threatened to slip out.


    He could feel the forest''s influence creeping into his body, its invisible tendrils dragging him closer to sleep.


    "Otherwise what?" he asked.


    The boy didn''t answer immediately.


    Instead, he pointed a shaky finger toward one of the unconscious players nearby.


    Alex turned his head just in time to see the body convulse violently.


    Suddenly, thick vines shot out of the ground, wrapping around the player.


    The vines pierced his skin, burrowing deep inside, and in mere seconds, the once-living person was reduced to a shriveled husk.


    Alex''s stomach churned at the gruesome sight, but the boy''s voice broke the silence, now tinged with a sense of dread.


    "That''s what happens," he said, his words chilling. "You fail, you become food. Or manure. Whatever you want to call it."


    Alex''s gaze snapped back to the teenager.


    "Food? For what?"


    The boy smirked weakly, his face pale as he forced out his next words.


    "The forest itself. The Beast Lord isn''t in the forest. The Beast Lord is the forest."

 Chapter 90 Verdant

    "The forest is the Beast Lord," the teenager''s words echoed in Alex''s mind.


    The chilling realization that made his skin crawl.


    Alex narrowed his gaze.


    It wasn''t as though he hadn''t suspected it before¡ªhe''d felt it the moment he stepped foot into this cursed place.


    The oppressive aura, the unrelenting sense of danger that [Danger Sense] only amplified, all pointed to one thing:


    The forest wasn''t just alive; it was the enemy.


    But hearing it confirmed by the boy in front of him added a weight Alex couldn''t ignore.


    The stakes were far higher than he''d realized.


    Alex''s brow furrowed as he began to piece everything together.


    His mind worked quickly, but a flicker of movement caught his attention¡ªthe boy''s head was drooping, his eyelids fluttering dangerously close to shutting.


    "Hey, kid!" Alex barked, snapping the teenager back to attention.


    The boy blinked groggily and muttered, "It''s Dorian."


    Alex ignored the correction, his tone sharp and urgent.


    "If the forest is the Beast Lord, then how can it be defeated? We can''t exactly fight an entire forest. And even if we manage to pass this so-called trial, the Beast Lord will still be alive, waiting to trap more players. So, what''s the way out?"


    Dorian shrugged lazily, his tone laced with irritation. "Man, I don''t know. I''m not an encyclopedia."


    Alex frowned, his patience wearing thin.


    "Didn''t your Patreon tell you anything useful?"


    Dorian rolled his eyes, slouching a little.


    "Not everything. He said the answer would come during the trial."


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in frustration.


    "That''s rather vague," he muttered.


    His irritation wasn''t just aimed at Dorian¡ªit was the situation itself.


    He was about to be thrust into a scenario he didn''t understand, with no information and no control.


    The thought of being at the mercy of the unknown gnawed at him.


    Dorian sighed, leaning against a nearby tree for support.


    His exhaustion was obvious. "You know, you should be happy you''re getting any information at all. Given your beef with my Patreon. The only reason I''m spilling anything is because I''m not sure I can survive this alone," Dorian admitted, his voice dropping to a rare tone of honesty. "If I don''t pass the trial, I''m dead. Plain and simple."


    Alex crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.


    "Is that so? but you should know I have no reason to help you."


    Dorian smirked:


    "Whatever. But just so you know, as long as you''re here, you don''t get a choice. You''ll join me and the other players in the dream world whether you like it or not."


    Dorian''s eyelids fluttered, his body swaying as sleep threatened to take him.


    Alex ignored the statement, his mind filled with thoughts.


    He crouched low, pressing his hand against the forest floor.


    The cool, damp earth felt alive beneath his palm, pulsing faintly as if it had a heartbeat of its own.


    He muttered to himself, his tone deliberate, "If the entire forest is the Beast Lord, then wouldn''t the correct solution be to blow up the entire forest?"


    Despite his drowsiness, Dorian''s head snapped up.


    His eyes widened in shock, and he stared at Alex like he''d just grown a second head. "You must be crazy... The forest won''t let you¡ª"


    Dorian''s words cut off mid-sentence as his body went limp.


    He crumpled to the ground, unconscious, lost to the pull of sleep.


    Alex straightened, his gaze shifting to Dorian''s prone form.


    Suddenly, he noticed movement.


    From the nearest tree, thick, sinewy vines began to emerge.


    They slithered toward Dorian like living serpents, their green, glossy surfaces catching the faint light filtering through the canopy.


    The vines coiled around Dorian''s body, wrapping him tightly.


    They curled around his arms, legs, and chest, binding him to the ground.


    Alex''s expression barely shifted, his face drawn and weary


    His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing slightly, but there was no trace of panic.


    The forest''s oppressive atmosphere was affecting him too, its weight pressing down like an invisible force.


    He bit his lip in frustration, the sharp sting grounding him for a moment.


    He didn''t want to end up the kid, but what was the solution?


    Flee? No.


    From what Dorian said it seemed like it was too late for that.


    His mind returned to the question he couldn''t shake.


    What if I blow up the entire forest?


    His abilities had recently upgraded to Rank S, so if he wanted, he could lay a series of explosions across the forest and amplify them to the max.


    A chain reaction combined with Gravitational Collapse would create enough force to obliterate the entire area.


    It was possible. More than possible.


    He stared at the dense trees around him, the forest teeming with a strange, malevolent life.


    His plan could work.


    But then his gaze shifted to the bodies sprawled on the ground, lifeless yet unnervingly intact. The ones the forest had already claimed, their faces pale, vines coiled around their limbs like shackles.


    A thought then slipped into is mind.


    If I destroy the forest, what happens to them?


    What happens to them if the Beast Lord dies?


    There was no one to ask. No one to explain.


    The truth was a mystery, and time wasn''t on his side.


    His eyes started to droop, the heaviness of sleep creeping in.


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    He slapped himself¡ªhard. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sting jolted him awake for now, but he knew it wouldn''t last.


    "Damn it," Alex groaned, shaking his head to clear the fog.


    Sleep was stalking him like a predator, and if it caught him, he''d end up just like Dorian¡ªdragged into the dream world.


    He didn''t know what waited for him there, but whatever it was, it wouldn''t be good.


    Time was running out. He had to act.


    Dropping to one knee, Alex pressed his hand firmly to the ground, his fingers digging into the damp earth.


    His plan was desperate, and risky, but it was the only one he had.


    Set the explosion.


    The way Alex saw it, there were only two possibilities:


    One he leveled the forest, killing the Beast Lord and freeing the players trapped in its grasp.


    Two he leveled the forest, killing the Beast Lord, but the players already caught in the dream world would perish with it.


    The outcomes were a gamble¡ªone potentially good, one devastatingly bad.


    Alex clenched his fists, his breath shallow.


    He hated gambling, hated leaving anything to chance.


    But right now, doing nothing wasn''t an option.


    The ground beneath his hand started to vibrate faintly as Alex began channeling his energy, preparing to set up the explosion.


    He planned to place the explosives away from the players'' location, using the area as the epicenter to ensure it remained safe from the blast.


    His gaze flicked once more to the unconscious players.


    Doubt clawed at him, but he pushed it aside.


    If this is the wrong choice, I''ll live with it. Because at this point, indecision felt like the worst choice of all.


    Alex activated [Exploding Touch], channeling energy into his hands and amping it to the highest level and setting one on the ground.


    He was about to set up another blast but then as if the forest had sensed his intent.


    Whoosh!


    From nowhere, a thick vine shot toward him like a whip, slicing through the air at breakneck speed.

 Chapter 91 Nightmare

    Alex''s reflexes kicked in instantly.


    He tilted his head to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, then leaped back to create some distance.


    The forest rustled ominously, and more vines sprang forth.


    They erupted from the ground, slithered down from branches, and shot toward him in every direction like striking serpents.


    These weren''t ordinary vines. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were thicker than his arm, unnaturally fast, and moved with intelligence.


    Alex didn''t flinch. He reached into his storage, pulling out several Blast Shards and with precise aim, he threw the shards at the incoming vines.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The explosions ripped through the air, tearing apart the vines in fiery bursts.


    Shredded plant matter rained down, smoldering as it hit the forest floor.


    Alex landed in a crouch, his eyes scanning for the next wave.


    But then, a piercing, ear-grating screech erupted around him.


    "WIEEEEEEE!!!"


    The sound was deafening, a high-pitched wail that seemed to come from the forest itself.


    Alex winced and staggered, instinctively covering his ears.


    The noise was unbearable, like nails on a chalkboard amplified a thousand times.


    His vision blurred slightly from the pain, but he forced himself to focus.


    "Is that... you screaming?" he muttered through gritted teeth, addressing the forest as if it could hear him.


    The screech echoed from every direction, reverberating through the trees.


    The forest seemed to shake in protest, leaves trembling, branches snapping, and the air itself vibrating with hostility.


    Alex gritted his teeth, the adrenaline surging through his veins.


    If the Beast Lord''s throwing this much of a tantrum, I must be doing something right.


    Blowing up the entire forest was the right call. Alex was sure of it.


    There was no time to dwell on the bad outcomes or second-guess his choice.


    This was the only way to end it.


    Alex pulled out multiple Blast Shards, each glowing faintly in his hands, and began amping their power to the max.


    The faint hum of energy intensified with every second, the shards growing brighter and hotter as they charged.


    The forest wasn''t going to make it easy.


    Vines lashed out from all directions, slithering and snapping like hungry snakes.


    Alex darted across the treetops, leaping from branch to branch with agility born of sheer adrenaline.


    Gotta keep moving.


    The vines grew faster and more aggressive, cutting through the air with unnatural precision.


    Alex narrowly avoided one, twisting mid-air before landing on another tree branch.


    But as soon as his feet touched down, a wave of exhaustion slammed into him like a freight train.


    "Ugh¡ªwhat the¡­?" Alex stumbled, his balance wavering. His body felt unnaturally heavy, his limbs sluggish.


    The drowsiness hit him hard, fogging his mind and pulling him toward unconsciousness.


    Before he could steady himself, Alex slipped.


    He fell from the branch, landing on the ground with a hard thud.


    The impact jolted him, but it wasn''t enough to snap him out of the haze.


    He groaned as thick vines slithered toward him, coiling around his legs.


    Their touch was cold and sapping, draining what little resistent he had left to the drowsiness he felt..


    "Damn it¡­" Alex muttered weakly.


    He felt his eyes grow heavier with each passing second.


    His vision blurred, darkness creeping into the edges.


    He couldn''t fight it.


    Sleep was taking him.


    "Fuck¡­" he whispered under his breath, frustration lacing his voice.


    He didn''t know what awaited him in this so-called dream world, and the thought terrified him.


    The unknown was always the scariest part.


    His eyes finally closed and his body succumbed to the forest''s power.


    *


    Alex flinched as a cool droplet of water landed on his cheek.


    His eyes shot open, and he squinted against the dim light of his surroundings.


    The sky above was dark and vast, with raindrops falling steadily, their rhythm soothing yet surreal.


    But what really caught his attention were the two moons glowing faintly in the distance.


    "What the hell¡­?" Alex muttered, his voice weak and groggy.


    His mind scrambled to process what he was seeing.


    It''s raining¡­ in the tutorial?


    The thought didn''t make sense, and yet the steady patter of rain on his skin told him otherwise.


    He let out a tired breath and shut his eyes again, feeling the weight of exhaustion still pressing down on him.


    The rain wasn''t something he expected, but it wasn''t entirely unwelcome.


    Alex inhaled deeply, the cool, clean air filling his lungs.


    The droplets rolled down his face and arms, soaking into his clothes.


    Despite everything, he couldn''t help but feel a strange satisfaction in the rain''s touch.


    He squirmed slightly where he lay, his body instinctively reacting to the soothing sensation.


    I always did love the rain.


    Memories of watching it from his bedroom window floated through his mind, moments of peace amidst chaos.


    Something about it always managed to calm him, pulling his thoughts to a quiet, relaxing place.


    After a moment, Alex forced his eyes open again.


    His vision was blurred, and his thoughts felt sluggish like his brain was wading through a thick fog.


    He became more aware of his surroundings.


    His body was rocking gently back and forth, almost like he was being cradled.


    He squeezed his eyes shut again, trying to block out the growing confusion swirling in his mind.


    This can''t be the tutorial, he thought, a knot tightening in his stomach.


    But then, a sound¡ªdeep and haunting¡ªreached his ears.


    It sounded like a distorted cry of a whale, which reverberated like a deep, bone-shaking growl of a massive tiger.


    The sound rumbled low and violent, echoing through the sky with unnatural resonance, as the boat swayed on the ocean waves with Alex on it.


    It wasn''t like anything Alex had ever heard before and it sent chills down his spine, making his heart race.


    His eyes snapped open, and he shot up, pushing himself to his feet.


    But as soon as he did, the ground beneath him shook.


    The platform he stood on wobbled dangerously, tilting beneath his weight.


    For a split second, he thought he was going to fall.


    But reflex kicked in, and with a quick adjustment, he managed to steady himself.


    His hands clenched the sides of the platform as he raised his head, slowly, cautiously.


    And then, he saw it.


    His breath caught in his throat as his surroundings became clear.


    He was on a small boat, tossed around by violent waves.


    Lightning crackled in the sky, lighting up the dark, storm-churned ocean that stretched out endlessly in all directions.


    The water around him churned, black and wild, like the very sea itself was alive.


    The cold, torrential rain hammered down on him. It didn''t feel so soothing anymore but rather felt like stinging needles.


    And then it came again¡ªthe deafening, distorted cry.


    The noise made Alex''s skin crawl, and a cold sweat broke out across his forehead. The terrifying echo seemed to claw at his bones, sending a shiver deep into his core.


    Alex''s breath came out in short, shallow gasps.


    Confused, shocked, and terrified.


    His body trembling.


    "What¡­what the hell is this? "


    His voice was barely a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might make the hellish scene even worse.


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    This...this was indeed a nightmare.

 Chapter 92 Kraken

    [Welcome to Nightmare]


    [Quest: Reach the peak of the mountain and defeat Grim Lord, gaining immunity that will prevent you from ever being sucked into the dream world or any illusion ever again.]


    [Time Limit: 7 Days]


    [Failure: Death]


    Alex''s brow furrowed as he stared at the glowing text floating ominously in the air before him.


    It felt like the tutorial all over again, only in the setting it was it felt more sinister this time.


    He squinted, rereading the words as lightning crackled across the sky, illuminating the stormy waters surrounding his fragile boat.


    The flashes made the glowing text flicker like the world itself was unstable.


    "Grim Lord?"


    Alex muttered under his breath, the name feeling foreign yet dangerous.


    Is that the beast lord? he wondered. The one pulling people into this nightmare?


    The thought made his heart race, but then another idea crept in, planting doubt.


    "No," Alex said aloud, shaking his head to clear the confusion.


    The glowing quest text didn''t mention the beast lord.


    The wording was precise:


    Defeating the Grim Lord would grant him immunity, preventing him from ever being trapped in a dream world or illusion again.


    But it said nothing about stopping the beast lord itself.


    His eyes narrowed as the realization hit him, a sinking feeling twisting in his gut.


    "If I do this¡­ if I defeat this Grim Lord¡­ the beast lord will still exist," Alex murmured, his voice bitter. "It''ll still be able to pull more people into its genjutsu feed on them."


    Alex frowned, his mind racing as he pieced things together.


    The player who managed to escape this twisted tutorial and defeat the Grim Lord would be the only one immune to the dream world''s pull.


    That immunity would make them the key to defeating the forest beast lord.


    But even then, the task wasn''t simple.


    "Whoever does it," Alex muttered, "would have to be strong enough to handle those damn vines."


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    His lips curled into a sly grin.


    "A player like me."


    The thought ignited a fire inside him.


    He had his goal now: defeat the Grim Lord, gain the immunity, and when he escaped this nightmare, he would return to the forest and bring the beast lord to its knees.


    He could already picture the destruction¡ªthe forest leveled, its monstrous vines reduced to ash.


    The boat lurched violently, yanked by the surging waves, and Alex staggered.


    His body tilted, but he instinctively crouched low, gripping the boat''s edges to steady himself.


    The storm raged on, rain pelting his face in relentless sheets.


    Thunder cracked above him, and the deafening roar of the ocean mixed with the eerie, mournful cry that echoed from the unseen depths.


    The sound clawed at his nerves, chilling and alien.


    It was like something alive¡ªsomething hunting.


    "This really is like a horror movie," Alex muttered under his breath, glancing at the shadowy expanse of the ocean around him.


    Every flash of lightning revealed the dark, churning water, but no land in sight.


    He clenched his fists, steadying his breathing.


    It was hard to believe it was merely an illusion.


    The boat creaked beneath him, cutting through the waves.


    "Where are you taking me?"


    Alex whispered to himself, his voice nearly drowned out by the storm.


    He stared ahead into the black void, rain dripping from his hair and clothes.


    According to Dorian, other players had been pulled into this nightmare as well.


    So they should also be in this realm as well.


    He figured the boat was ferrying him to wherever the others were.


    As he squinted into the stormy horizon, something caught his attention¡ªa faint outline in the distance.


    An island.


    The boat seemed to be heading straight for it, cutting through the relentless waves like it had a purpose.


    "An island, huh?" Alex muttered.


    His instincts told him the other players would probably be there too. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But seriously, what kind of place was this?


    The whole setup¡ªfrom the terrifying ocean to the eerie cries in the dark¡ªit all felt designed to terrify players.


    Alex exhaled, allowing himself a brief moment of relief.


    At least he was leaving this cursed water behind.


    But just as he started to relax, something caught his eye.


    Whoosh.


    A massive, dark shape moved just beneath the boat, so large it distorted the water around it. Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Of course," he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm.


    "Things could never be so peaceful."


    He sighed heavily, but before he could process the situation, the same ominous sound echoed again, but this time it was so close it felt like the air itself vibrated.


    The haunting cry reverberated over the water, rattling Alex to his core.


    He instinctively clamped his hands over his ears, wincing at the sheer intensity of the noise.


    The creature that made that bone-chilling sound was directly beneath him.


    From the faint silhouette beneath the churning waves, Alex could make out the shape of the creature.


    A monstrous octopus, with muliples tendrils that writhed unnervingly in the water.


    Alex''s heart pounded, and his gaze darted around the small boat.


    There wasn''t much he could do here¡ªtrapped in the middle of the ocean, with nothing but rain, lightning, and this nightmare beast.


    He gritted his teeth, wishing desperately for an alternative.


    If only I could make the boat go faster... or if I could fly like Jonah.


    Then, like a spark in the storm, an idea hit him.


    What if I ran?


    With his enhanced speed, wouldn''t he be fast enough to skim across the water?


    He had seen it before in movies.


    Speedsters were able to run on water as long as they moved fast enough that their feet didn''t break the water''s surface tension essentially exerting enough upward force with each step to counteract gravity.


    With his insane agility, he was confident he could do it.


    And just as the plan began to form, the ocean erupted around him.


    Crash!


    Multiple tentacles shot out of the water, glistening with the rain and they wrapped tightly around the boat with terrifying speed, their slimy surfaces gleaming like blackened steel.


    "Shit!"


    Alex shouted, leaping back as the boat groaned under the immense pressure.


    The monstrous tendrils coiled tighter, splintering the wood with loud, cracking sounds.


    The boat shuddered violently, tilting to one side as the beast pulled it apart piece by piece.


    Alex couldn''t help but grin nervously, his fear bubbling over into a strange kind of excitement.


    "Well, looks like I don''t have any other options," he muttered, wiping rain from his face as crouched low, readying himself to leap and turn Barry Allen for a second.

 Chapter 93 Water Sprint

    If Alex failed, he would plunge into the dark, frigid sea and become a snack for a terrifying version of Squidward.


    But if he succeeded, he''d do the impossible¡ªbecome the second man in history to walk on water.


    His heart raced at the thought.


    No room for failure now.


    Alex activated [Fast and Furious], feeling his agility surge to insane levels, and without hesitation, he layered it with [Blur], his agility skyrocketing.


    The boat groaned, creaked, and then shattered under the crushing force of the tentacles.


    Alex launched himself into action.


    He didn''t just jump; he exploded off the remains of the boat like a rocket, his movements a blur against the rain-soaked chaos around him.


    The air whipped against his face as he hit the water''s surface with incredible momentum.


    For a moment, his heart skipped a beat as he wondered whether he would sink.


    But to his astonishment, the water beneath his feet felt solid, like a glassy platform responding to his blistering speed.


    "No way," he muttered in disbelief, a grin spreading across his face.


    "I''m walking on water!"


    Each stride sent ripples racing outward as he dashed toward the island.


    The rain pelted him mercilessly, and the distant silhouette of the shoreline came closer with every heartbeat.


    But then, a deep gurgling sound made his stomach twist.


    He risked a glance over his shoulder and felt his blood run cold.


    Something was chasing him¡ªsomething fast.


    It wasn''t the massive octopus-like monster that had destroyed his boat.


    This one was smaller, but no less terrifying, and it was gaining on him.


    Its streamlined body cut through the water like a torpedo, its glowing, predatory eyes locked on him.


    "Seriously?" Alex groaned, his grin fading as adrenaline kicked into overdrive.


    He forced himself to stay focused, his eyes locked on the island ahead.


    He wouldn''t let chaos behind him distract him now.


    Almost there, he thought, determination driving each stride across the water''s surface.


    As the shoreline drew closer, Alex gauged the distance.


    Just a few more feet.


    Not wanting to risk getting caught at the last second, he launched himself into the air, propelling his body forward with a powerful leap.


    But then...


    SPLASH!


    Multiple tendrils erupted from the water like dark javelins, their sharp movements slicing through the rain-soaked air.


    They shot toward him with terrifying speed, aiming to snatch him out of midair.


    Alex''s instincts kicked in. His [Danger Sense] flared like an alarm, and his body reacted instantly.


    He twisted, flipped, and contorted, narrowly avoiding each grasping tendril.


    For a moment, it seemed like he''d done it.


    But then...


    THWAP!


    Out of nowhere, a massive tendril, far longer than the others, lashed out and wrapped around his leg like a constricting snake.


    "No!" Alex shouted, panic surging through him as he thrashed in midair, trying to free himself.


    The tendril yanked him down with brute force, and before he could react, more tendrils followed.


    They wrapped around his arms, torso, and legs, securing him like a prisoner.


    "No, no, no!" Alex cried, desperately trying to pull free.


    But the Nightmare Kraken''s grip was too strong.


    The monster dragged him downward, pulling him into the cold, dark sea. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment Alex hit the water, he sucked in a deep breath, bracing himself as the icy depths swallowed him whole.


    He fought the pull of the tendrils, twisting his body and trying to remember every swimming lesson he''d ever taken.


    As Alex struggled against the Kraken''s grip, a glowing panel appeared in front of im, its ominous text sending chills down his spine:


    [Nightmare Kraken (G)]


    Alex''s eyes widened in sheer horror.


    The Kraken was enormous, its grotesque, pulsating body looming in the murky depths like something out of a nightmare. Dozens of writhing tendrils extended from its body, each one moving with eerie precision.


    Great. Just great, he thought, still thrashing against the tendrils. How the hell am I supposed to fight this thing underwater?!


    More tendrils snaked their way around Alex, tightening their grip.


    He winced as the slimy, cold, and disgustingly squelchy texture wrapped around him, pressing against his arms and legs like a living net.


    The Kraken pulled him closer, dragging him toward its gaping maw.


    Alex''s heart pounded as he caught sight of the monster''s mouth¡ªmassive and lined with rows of jagged, razor-sharp teeth that seemed designed to tear through anything.


    The Kraken''s intention was obvious. It was going to eat him.


    Panic set in as Alex''s mind raced.


    His palm was pressed against the Kraken''s slimy body, and he knew he could activate [Exploding Touch].


    But there was a problem.


    If I blow this thing up, I''ll get caught in the blast too.


    Though he had heat resistance, it didn''t exactly prevent his body from getting blown into pieces.


    Alex struggled harder, twisting his body, but the tendrils only tightened, squeezing the air out of his lungs. The Kraken''s maw loomed closer, the jagged teeth glinting like knives in the dim light of the water.


    Is this how I die? Alex thought, despair creeping in as he fought to free himself.


    Then, the Kraken''s mouth opened wider, a chilling sight that made Alex''s stomach drop.


    Rows of teeth glistened ominously, the darkness of its gullet seeming to stretch on forever.


    "Nope," Alex muttered, shaking his head, his heart pounding.


    I know I''ll die someday, but this is not how I die.


    The image of his body being shredded by rows of razor-sharp teeth flashed through his mind, and a chill ran down his spine.


    He wouldn''t wish this kind of horrifying death on anyone¡ªnot even his worst enemy.


    Grated to death like cheese? Nope. Not happening.


    The Kraken''s tendrils tightened again, and Alex felt his ribs creak under the pressure as the creature pulled him closer to its pulsating mouth.


    But Alex refused to panic.


    He focused deeply, gathering energy into his throat, and activated:


    [Sonic Howl].


    With everything he had, Alex unleashed an ear-splitting roar. The sound waves burst out from his chest, radiating like shockwaves. The force was immense, reverberating through the water like an underwater explosion.


    The Kraken recoiled, its massive body shuddering violently as the sound waves struck it head-on.


    Alex felt the tendrils around his body loosen slightly, the disorienting tremors making the creature falter.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    The Kraken''s grip was still there, refusing to fully release him.


    Fine, Alex thought, gritting his teeth. Time for Plan B.


    He activated: [Slip Stream].


    A strange, almost invisible aura enveloped Alex''s body.


    It was like his skin was coated in some kind of ethereal lubricant, making it impossible for anything to hold onto him tightly.


    The Kraken''s tendrils began to slip and slide against his body.


    Their grip slackened even further, its once-firm hold reduced to a desperate struggle to keep him contained.


    Alex could feel the difference immediately.


    The slimy tendrils lost their traction as if they couldn''t stick to him anymore.


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    Alex clenched his fists, steeling his resolve, and with a sharp exhale, he shot out of the Kraken''s grasp like a slippery arrow.


    Behind him, the Kraken let out a guttural howl, its tendrils flailing wildly as it tried to grab him again.


    Its massive tentacle shot through the water like spear, aiming to snatch him back.


    But Alex was ready.


    He extended his hand, activating [Aegis Arcane].


    The shimmering, translucent barrier formed around him, deflecting the incoming tendrils with ease.


    The Kraken''s attacks bounced off harmlessly, each failed attempt frustrating the beast even more.


    He wasn''t done yet.


    With a swift motion, Alex stretched out his hand and...

 Chapter 94 Black Inferno

    With a swift motion, Alex stretched out his hand and used the newest power he''d earned from defeating the Monkey Shaman: [Black Flames].


    A dark, swirling energy formed in his palm before erupting into a torrent of pitch-black fire.


    Even underwater, the flames roared to life.


    They weren''t ordinary flames¡ªthese burned with an otherworldly intensity, defying the very nature of water. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Kraken''s slimy body ignited on contact, the black fire clinging to its skin like a parasite.


    "SKREEEEUUUNNGGGH!"


    The creature thrashed violently, its agonized screams reverberating through the water.


    Its massive body twisted and turned, churning up the sea as the black flames consumed it.


    Alex floated there, catching his breath as he watched the once-terrifying beast writhe in pain.


    But from the corner of his eye, Alex noticed a shadow moving through the water.


    His heart sank as the shape grew larger and larger.


    No way, he thought, narrowing his eyes.


    The first Kraken¡ªthe one that had destroyed his boat¡ªwas approaching.


    [Nightmare Kraken (R)].


    The "R" indicated this Kraken was a higher lever.


    Bigger and stronger than the Kraken Alex had set on fire.


    "Crap¡­" Alex muttered, feeling a weight settle in his chest.


    His lungs burned.


    He was running out of air.


    "Yep, it''s definitely time to bail," Alex said under his breath, bubbles escaping his mouth.


    He wasn''t about to pick a fight with a stronger squid while he was underwater and running on empty.


    But just because he was escaping didn''t mean he was letting this oversized calamari off the hook.


    The first Kraken, still writhing in agony from the [Black Flames], was on borrowed time. But Alex wanted to speed up the process.


    He reached into his inventory and pulled out a [Blastshard],


    He then infused the shard with Gravitational Implosion, a skill that could compress and detonate anything it touched, then activated [Dismiss], a skill that allowed him to transfer the infused energy from his Blastshard to the burning Kraken without getting too close.


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    He repeated the process and infused another charge, and with a quick flick of his hand, he sent the second blast into the creature as well.


    That should do it, he thought.


    But he wasn''t about to stick around to watch the fireworks just yet.


    Kicking his legs with everything he had, Alex swam toward the surface, each stroke burning as his muscles strained for oxygen.


    The first Kraken arrived but hesitated as it neared the burning remains of the second.


    The [Black Flames] clinging to the fallen creature crackled ominously, their unnatural heat searing even through the water. The burning Kraken howled in agony.


    Its enormous eyes then turned towards Alex''s direction, its gaze filled with rage and malevolence.


    From a safe distance, Alex turned back and grinned, his expression half-defiant and half-mocking.


    Don''t look at me like that. You guys started this.


    Alex smirked and then he snapped his fingers.


    The world seemed to hold its breath for a moment.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM.


    Both Krakens convulsed violently as their heads twisted inward, crushed by the gravitational pull of the explosive force.


    The water churned around them as the epicenter of the blast compressed, pulling everything nearby into a swirling vortex.


    And then, the explosion erupted outward.


    Flames burst from the sea, shooting up like an underwater volcano had detonated.


    The sheer force sent a massive wave surging across the surface, crashing outward in every direction.


    Alex barely had time to react as the wave slammed into him, lifting his body like a ragdoll.


    The current carried him toward the shore, throwing him onto the wet sand with a rough thud. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He coughed up seawater and took sharp, labored breaths.


    That was insane.


    Then he rolled onto his back, his chest rising and falling heavily.


    His arms splayed out as he let out a long, shaky exhale.


    The adrenaline he felt wearing off.


    "I did it," Alex muttered, a small, tired smile creeping onto his face.


    He stared at the night sky above and observed that the rain seemed to have stopped, and in the sky were two moons hung high, their pale light casting an eerie glow on the dark horizon.


    For a moment, the only sounds were the distant crash of waves and the crackle of dying flames on the water''s surface.


    Then a mechanical chime echoed in Alex''s ears.


    Ding!


    [You have killed [Nightmare Monster]]


    [You have received 100 Nightmare Points.]


    [Nightmare Points: These points can be used to purchase items, potions, and food from vendors. They can also grant access to locations leading to the Grim Lord.]


    [You have received 10 Stat Points.]


    Alex''s head perked up at the mention of stat points.


    Before he could fully process the first message, another notification popped up:


    [You have killed [Nightmare Monster]]


    [You have received 150 Nightmare Points.]


    [Nightmare Points: These points can be used to purchase items, potions, and food from vendors. They can also grant access to locations.]


    [You have received 15 Stat Points.]


    [Title ''Apocalypse Baby'' activated.]


    [You have received an additional 100 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 10 Stat Points.]


    [You have received an additional 150 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 15 Stat Points.]


    Alex blinked, his mind racing to process the unexpected windfall.


    "Stats points?!" he muttered, his heart pounding with excitement.


    He jumped to his feet, bits of sand sticking to his back as he stared at the glowing panel.


    His eyes darted across the text, reading and rereading to make sure he hadn''t imagined it.


    Stat points for killing monsters?


    That was unheard of.


    In the original tutorial, he only ever received stat points from leveling up.


    But here, he hadn''t gotten a single level-up notification yet he got stat points.


    This place obviously had its own set of rules which was completely different from what he was used to.


    His grin widened as he did a quick mental calculation.


    With the 10 points from the first kill, the 15 from the second, and the doubling effect of his [Apocalypse Baby] title, he had received a whopping 50 stat points in total.


    And that was enough to match the value of an upgrade stone.


    "This..." Alex muttered with a grin, his heart pounding in excitement.


    "This place might not be hell after all."

 Chapter 95 Frustrating Restrictions

    Alex''s grin stretched wider, his excitement practically radiating off him.


    "Attributes points?" he muttered to himself, the words tasting sweet on his tongue. It was exactly what I need right now.


    Attribute points were arguably the most valuable resource he could have at thanks to [Attribute Converter] and they were piling up like a jackpot in his favor.


    His thoughts raced as he calculated the benefits.


    With attribute points, he could acquire upgrade stones, which were essential for ranking up his skills. And now, thanks to the strange yet beneficial system of this Nightmare realm, he was earning attribute points as a reward for defeating monsters.


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    He quickly added that to his already growing stockpile:


    Thirty-five points left from defeating the Monkey King.


    Thirty points he still had from the Monkey Shaman.


    That brought his total to a jaw-dropping one hundred and fifteen points.


    Alex''s heart raced.


    That was enough to upgrade a skill two times!


    The decision was already made.


    There was no need to debate or overthink it¡ªhe knew exactly where those points were going.


    "[Exploding Touch]," he whispered, the name sending a thrill down his spine.


    He had started upgrading the skill already, and it had proven to be a game-changer.


    Now, he intended to max it out, pushing it to its highest rank, no matter the cost.


    "More broken... more powerful... more OP," Alex said with a smirk, the anticipation electrifying his body.


    He could already imagine the devastation [Exploding Touch] would unleash after this upgrade.


    With excitement coursing through him, Alex balled his fists tightly, his mind buzzing with the possibilities.


    With this skill he could blast through any obstacle. Straight to the top.


    The thought alone made him grin.


    He decided, right then and there, to use his newly acquired attribute points.


    There was no reason to wait.


    He pulled up his stats panel, ready to allocate the points.


    But as he hovered over the options, a question gnawed at him:


    What happens if another skill crosses 100 points?


    Would another god show up to recruit him, just like Savatar did when his agility surpassed the hundred mark?


    The memory of that encounter made him groan in frustration.


    Savatar, the so-called god of speed, had been insufferable and although Alex had humiliated and send him packing, he had no desire to go through that again.


    Alex rubbed his temples already feeling frustrated.


    No way I''m dealing with another bastard like him.


    With that thought in mind, he made a decision.


    He was going to put the points in agility.


    It was already above hundred, and there was no way Savatar would dare show his face again after the embarrassment he suffered last time.


    Plus, Alex reasoned, this dream-like Nightmare realm had to work differently.


    He doubted the gods would enter the nightmare realm to recruit.


    "Yeah," Alex said, nodding to himself.


    "Agility it is. Safe choice."


    He focused his thoughts, ready to assign points into his agility stat. But the moment he tried to confirm the allocation, a sudden notification popped up in Alex''s vision:


    [You cannot assign points to attributes in Nightmare.]


    Alex froze, his brow furrowing as he squinted at the glowing message.


    "What?" he muttered, utterly confused.


    Had he done something wrong?


    He took a deep breath, trying to think it through.


    The system allowed him to distribute stat points either by thought or vocal command.


    He had attempted the first, and it had failed.


    Maybe he just needed to try the second option.


    "System, assign 100 points to my agility," he commanded confidently, his voice steady.


    The notification blinked again:


    [You cannot assign points to attributes in Nightmare.]


    Alex''s jaw clenched in frustration.


    "What the¡ª? Come on!"


    He tried once more, stubbornly repeating the process, only to be met with the same response.


    [You cannot assign points to attributes in Nightmare.]


    "Ehh¡­ why?!" Alex finally exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.


    "If I can''t use the attribute points, then what''s the point of giving them as a reward?" Alex muttered, his voice heavy with irritation.


    The thought gnawed at him, and the more he considered it, the angrier he became.


    He had already thought it was reckless for the Nightmare to hand out upgrade points so generously.


    If players could use them instantly, they''d grow stronger too fast.


    But now the Nightmare intention had been made clear.


    The Nightmare wasn''t going to allow players to use attribute points until they escaped.


    If they escaped.


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    Escape wasn''t guaranteed.


    In fact, it seemed unlikely for most.


    If no one survived the Nightmare, what good were the unused stat points they earned?


    They''d die with them, wasted and pointless.


    Alex grunted in frustration, his fists clenching tightly.


    "This is so messed up," he growled.


    But even as anger surged within him, Alex forced himself to let it go.


    Dwelling on the unfairness wouldn''t help him in any way.


    If anything it fueled him to decimate this fucked up world.


    With a weary sigh, he relaxed his shoulders and accepted the harsh reality.


    Stat points or not, Alex was confident.


    He didn''t need an arsenal of upgrades to crush this Nightmare.


    The strength he already had was enough, and his plan was simple: stay, fight, defeat the Grim Lord, and rack up as many stats points as possible along the way.


    Rising to his feet, Alex stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension from his earlier battle.


    His sharp gaze swept over the island bathed in soft moonlight.


    It looked almost serene¡ªlush trees swayed in the cool breeze, and the scent of fresh earth and saltwater mingled in the air.


    For a moment, Alex let himself enjoy it.


    He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, letting the soothing calm wash over him.


    But when he opened them, the peaceful facade faded.


    His eyes glinted sharply as he activated [Farsight], his vision stretching far ahead into the jungle.


    The illusion of tranquility shattered.


    He could see them. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Monsters¡ªdozens of them¡ªprowling the dense foliage, their glowing eyes and shifting forms moving with unsettling grace.


    The jungle was teeming with danger.


    But Alex wasn''t fazed.


    He looked up and saw beyond it, looming high above the treetops, a tall mountain stood silhouetted against the twin moons.


    Alex''s lips curved into a determined smirk.


    "Destination spotted. Time to move," Alex muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the towering mountain in the distance.

 Chapter 96 Apocalypse Fashion

    But as he took his first step forward, he stopped abruptly, a wave of discomfort rolling over him.


    His wet clothes, still clinging to his skin, were crusted with sand, making every movement scratchy and unpleasant.


    His boots squished with every step, still soaked from his earlier plunge into the sea.


    "This is unbearable," Alex grumbled, looking down at his waterlogged state. "I need to change."


    Opening his inventory, Alex flicked through the options.


    His virtual wardrobe was packed with all kinds of outfits¡ªbattle gear, casual wear, and everything in between.


    At first, he was overwhelmed, scrolling indecisively through his collection.


    Then a thought struck him.


    "I''m on an island," he mused, a grin spreading across his face.


    "Might as well dress the part."


    Without hesitation, Alex stripped off his drenched clothes and boots, tossing them into his inventory.


    The cool night breeze brushed against his skin, making him shiver.


    Cold!


    Alex hurriedly rummaged through his inventory and selected a pair of cargo shorts that immediately caught his eye. They weren''t just ordinary shorts¡ªthese ones added +2 to agility, a nice boost for his quick movements.


    He slipped them on and felt the subtle difference, his body feeling a little lighter, a little faster.


    Next, he pulled out a crisp red shirt with fiery orange patterns streaked across it.


    The shirt had a stats boost, and as soon as he buttoned it up his intelligence increased by five.


    "Looking good," he muttered, glancing down at his outfit.


    Kicking off his soaked boots, Alex selected a pair of flip-flops from his inventory.


    But these weren''t ordinary sandals¡ªthey came with a special ability that enabled him to life briefly on air.


    As soon as he slipped them on, he felt a faint tingle in his feet, like they were ready to lift him off the ground at a moment''s notice.


    All of the enchanted clothes were looted from the Cockatrice King''s base.


    The creature had been using the magical properties of these garments to power its brood.


    "I still wonder where it even got human clothes," Alex mused, shaking his head as the memory of the odd find came back to him.


    Fully dressed and ready to move, Alex took a step forward but then froze mid-stride.


    "Almost forgot," he muttered.


    Reaching into his inventory one last time, he pulled out a beach hat¡ªlight and breezy, but far more than it appeared. Placing it snugly on his head, Alex grinned.


    [Beach Hat (User Bound): A hat that seems like regular clothing but can transform into a deadly spiral blade on command. It can also be used as a boomerang.]


    Alex gave it a light tap, the brim sturdy but unassuming.


    "A weapon that doubles as fashion? Perfect," he said with a smirk.


    He then decided to test out the hat''s special power.


    Grinning with anticipation, he pulled it off his head and held it firmly in his hand. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, let''s see what you can do," he muttered.


    With a thought, he activated the hat''s ability. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The seemingly ordinary beach hat shimmered, its material shifting and morphing into a sleek, gleaming crescent-shaped blade.


    The transformation was mesmerizing, the blade glistening under the soft moonlight like liquid silver.


    Alex took a deep breath, weighing the weapon in his hand.


    It felt perfectly balanced, almost as if it was an extension of his arm.


    "Here goes nothing," he said, stepping into position.


    He hurled the blade with precision, aiming toward the edge of the forest.


    It zipped through the air, spinning so fast it was almost a blur.


    The weapon hummed with a faint, otherworldly sound as it sliced through the night.


    Alex shielded his eyes with one hand, the other resting on his brow as he tracked the weapon''s trajectory.


    His keen gaze followed it into the shadows of the trees.


    A moment later, he heard a faint shnk and the unmistakable thud of something hitting the ground.


    Then, as if it were drawn back by invisible strings, the crescent blade reappeared, spinning toward him like a boomerang.


    Alex raised his hand and caught it effortlessly, the weapon fitting back into his grip like it belonged there.


    He inspected the blade, his eyes wide with admiration.


    "Not a stain," he muttered.


    The weapon''s surface was spotless, glistening as clean as when he''d first activated it.


    A familiar sound then echoed in his ears.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Blight Raven (G)]


    [You have received 10 Nightmare points]


    [You have received 1 Stat point]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 10 Nightmare points]


    [You have received an additional Stat point]


    Alex shook his head:


    "Just one stat point? Cheap ass."


    With a thought, the crescent-shaped blade shimmered and morphed back into its original form, an ordinary-looking beach hat.


    He placed it back on his head, adjusting it with a firm tug.


    "Alright, time to move," he said, stepping forward toward the forest.


    But before he could take more than a few steps, a faint rumbling caught his attention.


    Heavy footsteps, slow but deliberate, echoed through the jungle.


    Alex wasn''t surprised.


    He had already seen them approaching with [Farsight].


    Still, he paused, his eyes narrowing as the first of them emerged from the shadows.


    They looked like bears, massive and hulking, but something was terribly wrong.


    Their fur was sparse, and their skin was grotesquely rotten, covered in oozing sores.


    Some were missing entire chunks of flesh, exposing ribs and other bones beneath.


    Their intestines drooped out of gaping wounds, swaying sickeningly with each step.


    The sight was horrific.


    Alex''s nose wrinkled in disgust.


    Their movements were jerky and irrational, lurching forward like puppets on broken strings.


    "Zombie bears?" he muttered, grimacing.


    A notification flashed in front of him.


    [Blight Bears (R)]


    Alex let out a long sigh and rolled his shoulders. "Of course," he muttered.


    He raised his arm, ready to summon his weapon, his fingers twitching with anticipation.


    But before he could act, a sudden screech pierced the air.


    His gaze snapped upward.


    And overhead, a swarm of birds dove toward him with terrifying speed.

 Chapter 97 Nightmare Store

    Alex didn''t flinch as the flock of birds dove toward him, screeching with deadly intent.


    "Annoying pests," he muttered, taking a deep breath.


    With a sudden roar, Alex unleashed a sonic scream.


    The air around him vibrated violently as waves of sound rippled outward.


    The birds were hit mid-flight, their bodies convulsing as they crashed into the ground one by one.


    Thew lifeless creatures piled up at his feet, their eerie glow extinguished.


    "That''s one problem handled," Alex said, brushing off his hands like it was nothing.


    His attention shifted to the hulking figures emerging from the shadows of the forest.


    More [Blight Bears] appeared, their rotting, grotesque forms illuminated faintly by the moonlight.


    Their bloodshot eyes locked onto Alex with mindless fury as they lumbered closer.


    Alex didn''t move.


    Hands casually tucked in his pockets, as he watched them with a smirk, completely unfazed.


    To regular players, these corrupted beasts would have been terrifying¡ªa deadly encounter requiring careful strategy.


    But to Alex, they were just mobs.


    The bears snarled, their roars echoing through the jungle as they broke into a full charge.


    Alex sighed, looking almost bored.


    He raised one hand lazily.


    "Alright, let''s heat things up a bit."


    With a flick of his wrist, he activated [Black Flame].


    A swirling mass of dark fire erupted from his palm, roaring to life as it streaked toward the oncoming bears.


    The flames hit their mark, engulfing the creatures in a blaze of obsidian fire.


    The fire clung to their rotting bodies, unyielding, burning endlessly until nothing but ashes remained.


    One. Two. Three. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex moved with precision, striking the Blight Bears one after another, each attack fluid and effortless.


    He barely broke a sweat as his [Black Flame] skill did the heavy lifting, engulfing the bears in relentless fire.


    But something about them was¡­ unsettling.


    Even as their fur and flesh burned away, their movements remained eerily consistent.


    Limbs charred to the bone, eyes liquefied in their sockets, and yet, they kept coming.


    Some dragged themselves with missing limbs, others stumbled as their bodies crumbled piece by piece.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his posture shifting slightly as he observed their behavior.


    The realization clicked.


    These creatures weren''t just monsters; they were undead-like¡ªbeings that didn''t tire, didn''t fear, and most importantly, didn''t feel the agony of their own destruction.


    It made them tenacious.


    Relentless.


    But even if they couldn''t feel pain, their bodies were still falling apart.


    And he was right.


    The [Black Flame] was doing its job, eating away at their rotting forms.


    For every step forward, the bears lost more of themselves, until their shambling movements slowed to a halt.


    One by one, the bears collapsed, reduced to heaps of scorched flesh and brittle bones.


    The flames continued to dance across the remains, a silent reminder of the skills'' overwhelming power.


    The last bear fell mere feet away from Alex, its clawed hand outstretched as if trying to grasp him. Its body twitched once, then stilled as the fire consumed it completely.


    Alex stood over the smoldering carcass, his expression calm but focused.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated Blight Bear]


    [You have received 10 Nightmare Points] Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    [You have received 1 Stat Point]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 10 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received additional Stat Points]


    Alex furrowed his brow, his thoughts racing as he reviewed the notifications.


    The number of Nightmare Points he had earned from defeating the Blight Bears and Ravens was vastly different compared to what he got from slaying the Kraken.


    "400 nightmare points," Alex muttered, glancing at the total.


    It was more than he had earned from defeating the Kraken.


    He scrolled through his notifications again, this time focusing on the Stat Points.


    For defeating the pack of bears and birds, he had only gained 5 Stat Points. His title doubled the reward, making it 10 points.


    A little small though.


    In contrast, the Kraken had netted him 20 points, which the title boosted to a whopping 40 points.


    Alex rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then decided to dig deeper.


    He opened the kill notification logs, hoping for some clarity.


    And he read through the details, it hit him.


    "Oh¡­ so that''s it," Alex said to himself, his tone carrying a mix of understanding and mild irritation.


    He realized that Stat Points weren''t awarded for every single kill.


    It depended on the monster''s strength and value.


    The Kraken, being a far more powerful and dangerous opponent, had naturally yielded a much greater reward.


    The corrupted bears and ravens, though numerous, were much weaker by comparison.


    Accepting the logic, Alex put the thought aside.


    The forest ahead loomed darker and more mysterious, its canopy of twisted trees blocking out the moonlight.


    But Alex moved forward without hesitation.


    As he ventured deeper, something caught his eye¡ªa faint glow to his left.


    He turned his head and spotted a small store nestled at the corner of a clearing, its warm light a stark contrast to the eerie surroundings.


    "A store? Here?"


    Alex said, his curiosity piqued.


    The store looked old but well-maintained, with a wooden sign swaying gently above the entrance.


    Strange symbols were carved into its surface, glowing faintly in the dark.


    A faint hum of magic seemed to emanate from it, beckoning him closer.


    "Oh, this must be the store where we can spend Nightmare Points," Alex muttered to himself, curiosity pulling him forward.


    Deciding it was worth investigating, he made his way toward the glowing shop. With each step, he wondered about the vendor.


    "What''s it going to be? Another zombie?" he thought, imagining some grotesque creature with rotting flesh.


    But then his ears picked up something unexpected¡ªa gruff voice singing.


    The melody wasn''t bad, either.


    In fact, it was surprisingly catchy.


    As he reached the front of the store, the figure behind the counter came into view.


    Alex blinked once, then twice, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing.


    The back of the figure looked like a bare skull, the bone smooth and polished, glinting under the shop''s dim light.


    "What the hell...?" Alex muttered, taking a cautious step closer.


    As though sensing his presence, the figure stopped mid-chorus, and whipped around with lightning speed, its teeth clacking together like a drumbeat as it exclaimed in a shockingly enthusiastic tone.


    "Hi there!" it greeted, throwing its bony hands up in a wave.


    "The fuck?!"


    Alex startled, took a step back, and instinctively pulled out his sword.


    Standing before him was a freaking undead dressed like a cowboy.


    A full skeleton, complete with a tattered hat, leather boots, and a vest that somehow looked both intimidating and ridiculous. Its eye sockets glowed faintly with green light, and its wide grin made it look almost comical.


    "What the hell?"


    Alex exclaimed, gripping his sword tightly, eyes locked on the strange figure.


    But his confusion only deepened when he realized something bizarre.


    How the hell did it sing so well without vocal cords?


    "What are you?"


    Alex demanded, his voice sharp, though his curiosity was starting to overtake his fear.


    The undead casually tipped its hat, its bones clattering slightly as it moved.


    Then, in a twangy, cheerful voice, it replied:


    "Name''s Jenkin. I run the Nightmare Store. As long as you''ve got the points, I can get you what you want!"

 Chapter 98 Ridiculous Demand

    Alex blinked. "You''re kidding."


    Jenkin chuckled a dry sound that echoed like hollow wind through its ribcage.


    "Do I look like I''m kiddin'', partner?"


    Still clutching his sword, Alex allowed his eyes to wander around the store.


    It wasn''t exactly what he''d imagined for a mystical shop.


    The place was shabby, dimly lit, and cluttered with... organs.


    A quick scan revealed bones, a jaw with a tooth hanging loose, a suspiciously human-looking kidney in a jar, a brain floating in green liquid, an eyeball staring back at him, and two round balls...he decided he didn''t want to think too much about.


    He looked back at Jenkin, unsure whether to feel disgusted or impressed.


    "So...what do you sell?"


    The skeleton''s sockets seemed to brighten as if it had been waiting for that question.


    Jenkin leaned on the counter, spreading its bony arms theatrically.


    "Well, partner, I sell potions, weapons, gear, accessories, and other fine items that''ll aid your survival. As long as you''ve got the points, I can get you what you want!"


    Alex crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at the strange skeleton vendor.


    "So basically, this is like [Shop]," he muttered to himself. "Except it''s physical, and you trade with points instead of coins."


    His gaze drifted back to the macabre setup¡ªthe shelves lined with human organs in jars, the bony cowboy grinning like this was all perfectly normal.


    Yeah, no.


    "I''ll pass," Alex said flatly, shaking his head.


    The system had already explained that Nightmare Points could be used for more than just purchases.


    They could unlock hidden locations and other useful perks.


    He''d rather save them for something crucial later than blow them on whatever creepy trinkets this skeleton was hawking.


    Besides, he wasn''t about to buy gear from someone who thought floating kidneys counted as d¨¦cor.


    But as he walked, a nagging thought struck him.


    He then decided to open the [Shop] interface, the familiar menu flickering to life in his vision.


    But the moment it appeared, Alex''s heart sank.


    Right at the top of the screen, there was an icon he hadn''t seen before: a padlock.


    "No way," Alex muttered, narrowing his eyes.


    He tapped the icon, half-hoping it was some kind of glitch.


    Instead, a notification popped up in front of him, confirming his worst suspicion.


    [You cannot access [Shop] in Nightmare.]


    "Seriously?" Alex muttered, his voice dripping with frustration.


    His hand instinctively clenched into a fist, and he let out a slow, aggravated breath.


    This is fucked up.


    The Nightmare was rigged, deliberately making survival nearly impossible for players.


    Alex''s mind raced as he pieced it together.


    Players couldn''t level up properly. They couldn''t use the upgrade stones they fought so hard to earn. And now, even the [Shop]¡ªa vital resource for things like potions and food¡ªwas locked.


    Sure, the Nightmare Points offered an alternative, but they came with a massive catch.


    According to the system, these points were crucial for unlocking an important location that led to the Grim Lord. Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire


    But if you splurged on the creepy vendor''s goods, it was possible you''d never save enough to access the location.


    And that was the real trap.


    The system hadn''t told him the exact amount of points needed, but Alex could guess it would be something massive, an amount no player could ever accumulate if they wasted their points on temporary fixes.


    He frowned deeply, his mind replaying the implications.


    This whole setup...was a death sentence.


    "Oii, player!" the undead called out, its raspy voice cutting through Alex''s thoughts. "I''ve got health potions, intelligence potions, stamina potions, any food you can think of, weapons, gear. As long as you have the points, I can give you what you want."


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    The last line it repeated like an NPC was starting to seriously creep him out.


    "Anything I want?" Alex asked.


    The undead nodded eagerly, though the motion was so jerky his skull nearly toppled off his neck.


    "As long as you have the points, I can give you what you want," it echoed again.


    Alex frowned in annoyance.


    "Hey... stop repeating that!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The undead tilted its head unnaturally, as though confused by Alex''s tone.


    Alex then decided to ask for something to test the limits.


    "Then how about direct access to the Grim Lord''s location?"


    The skeleton froze, its eerie green eyes flickering as if processing his words.


    Then, it tilted its head and muttered:


    "Oh, let''s see¡­" Its bony fingers tapped on the counter like it was searching for something.


    And then, after a few seconds. the undead straightened up, its glowing eyes locking onto Alex.


    "Oh... direct access to the Grim Lord. Yes, I can give you that. As long as you have the points, I can give you what you want."


    Son of a bitch!


    Alex was tempted to just blow the entire store into smithereens with the undead in it.


    Still, the fact that the undead had an answer for an outrageous demand caught his attention.


    He''d expected this kind of request to be impossible, as it was practically cheating.


    Yet the vendor had stated he could grant it.


    That said, Alex could already sense that the cost was going to be ridiculous.


    "Alright... what''s the cost?"


    The undead''s eerie grin grew wider, its teeth clacking together.


    "Yes, player... that would cost one million nightmare points."


    Alex nodded.


    A million points huh?


    He wasn''t even surprised.


    He''d expected something outrageous, and a million nightmare points? Yeah, that was impossible to earn in the seven days the Nightmare allowed.


    It wasn''t even worth stressing about.


    Time, effort, and energy would be better spent going the regular route.


    But then, the vendor wasn''t done.


    The skeleton shifted slightly, its glowing green eyes locking onto Alex as it spoke again.


    "A million nightmare points... or there is another option of purchase."


    That made Alex curious.


    His eyes narrowed as a wave of suspicion crept over him.


    What would that be?


    The undead vendor''s grin twisted into an unsettling smile, and its jaw clicked as it leaned forward, and its eyes flared brightly, almost as if they were possessed by something far darker.


    "Your title...fifty percent of all your stats, along with ten abilities you currently possess, of my choosing."

 Chapter 99 Cursed Bargain

    Alex froze, his thoughts coming to a screeching halt.


    My title?


    That title was the foundation of everything he''d achieved.


    It was why he''d risen to this level of strength, why he could confidently stand against forces that would crush others.


    Yet this skeleton had the audacity to ask for it so casually as if it were just another item on a shelf.


    And that wasn''t all.


    It wanted half his stats and ten abilities¡ªones it would choose.


    Alex clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening.


    A grin spread across his face, but it wasn''t one of amusement. It was the kind of grin that barely concealed his anger.


    "This piece of shit¡­" he muttered under his breath.


    "You must have lost your mind," Alex said aloud, his voice sharp. "Which player in their right mind would sacrifice all of that?"


    The undead vendor''s glowing eyes burned brighter as it tilted its skull slightly, as if mocking Alex.


    "A desperate one," it replied in an eerie tone.


    Alex''s scowl deepened, his brows furrowing.


    Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    "You know what? I would''ve expected you to ask for something insane, but this? Even asking for my organs would make more sense!"


    The skeleton let out a rasping laugh that sounded like nails scraping against metal.


    "Oh, player," it said with unsettling enthusiasm, "I do collect organs. But none of yours are worth the price you demand."


    Alex blinked, caught off guard.


    "You... collect organs?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief.


    The undead vendor nodded, the motion causing its head to wobble slightly on its neck. "Yes!" it replied, sounding disturbingly cheerful. "I''ve gathered quite the collection. Eyeballs, limbs, kidneys... You name it!"


    Alex stared at the skeleton in disbelief, trying to process what he''d just heard.


    This thing wasn''t just creepy¡ªit was downright deranged.


    Alex glanced around the store again, his eyes narrowing as he took in the eerie d¨¦cor.


    The truth hit him like a punch to the gut¡ªthose jars and containers, holding various organs, weren''t just bizarre decorations.


    They were trophies, harvested from players just like him.


    His fists clenched tighter, the veins on his hands becoming more pronounced.


    The vendor''s voice droned on, casual and almost amused.


    "You see, it''s much easier to collect these things when humans are in pain or dying. They tend to lose all sense of rationality in those moments."


    The skeleton leaned forward slightly, its glowing eyes locking onto Alex.


    "Especially when they''re injured or bitten by corrupted beasts. That''s when I step in¡ªwith a health potion in hand¡ªand add a few... extra conditions. It''s fascinating how eager they get in such situations."


    Alex''s face twisted with disgust and fury.


    The words sank in, each one stoking the flames of his anger.


    "So, my advice to you, player," the vendor continued, its tone oozing with smugness, "is to buy now. Don''t wait until the price becomes... expensive when you''re desperate."


    Alex''s jaw tightened as the undead vendor cackled.


    Exploiting pain for profit.


    This vendor was indeed a nightmare creature.


    The undead vendor then leaned towards him, speaking into his ear:


    "So what is your decision player? Are you willing to make the sacrifice now or would you prefer I come with an even more pricier offer when you..."


    BOOM!


    Alex''s fist connected with the vendor''s face in a blur of motion, and a loud crack echoed through the store as fractures spread across the skeleton''s jaw.


    The force sent the undead vendor sprawling backward, but instead of anger or fear, it let out a chilling, rattling laugh as it crumpled to the ground.


    Alex''s voice boomed with fury.


    "I''ve heard enough of your nonsense!"


    Without giving the vendor a chance to recover, Alex vaulted over the stall in a single, fluid motion.


    He grabbed the skeleton by the collar of its dusty, tattered shirt and yanked it upright.


    "You piece of shit!" Alex growled, his voice thick with rage. "Feeding on desperation? Exploiting people at their lowest? You think our lives are some kind of joke?"


    The undead vendor tilted its cracked skull to the side, glowing green eyes flickering like an amused flame.


    "Player, I''m only doing my job. If Player doesn''t wish to make a purchase, Player can simply leave."


    Alex''s eyes burned with pure anger.


    "Oh, I''ll leave, alright. But not until I smash your skull into dust!"


    He pulled back his fist, muscles taut with the promise of destruction.


    The skeleton let out another eerie laugh, its teeth clattering like wind chimes.


    "If you''d like my skull crushed, I can handle that for you myself."


    Alex froze mid-punch, glaring at the vendor with confusion.


    "What the hell are you talking about?"


    The skeleton''s glowing eyes gleamed brighter, and it leaned in closer.


    "Crushing my skull? That would cost you... let''s see... two kidneys and a testicle."


    Alex blinked, his anger momentarily replaced with bewilderment.


    "What?"


    The vendor straightened itself with a grotesque creak.


    "As long as you have the price, I can give you what you want," it repeated, its voice taking on that same eerie, sing-song tone.


    "Motherfucker," Alex growled, his voice low and seething with rage.


    Before the vendor could cackle again, Alex''s fist shot forward like a cannonball, landing another devastating blow square on its face.


    The crack reverberated through the eerie silence of the shop as fragments of bone scattered to the floor.


    He didn''t hold back this time.


    He was done with the games, done with the mockery.


    The vendor staggered, but its glowing green eyes flickered brighter, almost as if it thrived on Alex''s fury.


    Half its face was now a jagged ruin, but somehow, it still managed to grin.


    "Ah, what''s wrong, Player?" it taunted, its voice rasping like metal scraping stone. "You can''t afford it, can you? Perhaps you could get someone else to pay? A friend? A loved one? Oh wait..."


    The undead paused, its grin stretching unnaturally wide.


    "Your parents, perhaps? But... oh, I see... that''s a problem. They''re already dead."


    Boom!


    Alex''s fist crashed into the vendor''s skull with a force that could have shattered a boulder.


    The sound was deafening, like the crack of thunder in a storm.


    The vendor''s entire face disintegrated under the impact, shards of bone flying in every direction.


    When the dust settled, Alex''s fist remained planted where the vendor''s face had been, surrounded by eerie green mist escaping from the shattered remains of the skull.


    Steam hissed from his knuckles, his rage so intense it felt like it radiated heat.


    {Ding}


    [You have killed the store vendor.] sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You have been branded with a cursed sigil for a day.]


    [Nightmare monsters will hunt you relentlessly.]

 Chapter 100 Infernal Dance

    Alex barely flinched as the notifications popped up in his field of vision.


    He felt a faint burning sensation on the back of his neck, and when he reached up, his fingers brushed against a skull-shaped mark that had seared itself into his skin.


    He frowned, unfazed by the warning.


    "I''ve been cursed before, you piece of shit," he muttered under his breath. "This is normal for me."


    His rage hadn''t subsided.


    If anything, it burned hotter now.


    Somehow, this place had reached into his mind, digging through his memories and using the most painful ones to taunt him.


    That wasn''t a coincidence. It was calculated, and it pissed him off.


    Alex raised his head, his voice steady but filled with venom as he spoke into the void, addressing the unseen Beast Lord orchestrating this nightmare.


    "You provoked me, so be ready. I''ll come to you soon."


    The air seemed to shudder as if hearing his words.


    And then...


    Ruuuuarrr!


    A deafening roar echoed through the nightmare realm, shaking the very ground beneath his feet.


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    The heavy, earth-shaking footsteps of something massive began to grow louder, each one sending vibrations through Alex''s chest.


    Whatever it was, it was coming for him.


    Alex''s eyes darted to the shop''s entrance, narrowing as the tremors grew stronger.


    Crash!


    The wall of the store exploded inward as a massive, hulking creature barreled through, its colossal form smashing the vendor''s stall and everything around it into splinters.


    Alex lunged out of the crumbling wreckage just in time, rolling to his feet and spinning around to face his attacker.


    A system prompt appeared before his eyes.


    [Blight Rhino]


    Alex''s gaze swept the area, and his stomach tensed.


    The Blight Rhino wasn''t alone.


    More than a dozen of them stood around him, their dark, cracked hides seething with unnatural energy.


    Their glowing red eyes were locked on him with pure hatred.


    The ground trembled as more creatures emerged from the shadows, their low growls blending into a horrifying symphony.


    Alex was completely surrounded.


    The lead Rhino roared, the sound guttural and hateful, before lowering its massive head and charging at him, its horn gleaming with a toxic glow.


    Alex didn''t flinch. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His expression remained calm as his fingers tightened around the hilt of his blade.


    "Let''s get this over with," he muttered.


    As the beast barreled toward him, Alex swung his sword with precision and incredible force. The blade glowed faintly as it sliced through the Blight Rhino''s thick hide like it was nothing more than butter.


    Shhhk!


    The creature split cleanly in two, its massive body flying apart in opposite directions, the separated halves blowing past him.


    Blood sprayed violently into the air, but none of it touched Alex.


    A shimmering barrier surrounded him¡ª[Aegis Arcane], his protective shield spell, deflecting every drop.


    Before he could even exhale, the remaining Rhinos roared in unison and charged at him, their thunderous steps shaking the earth.


    Alex''s lips curled into a sharp grin.


    His eyes gleamed with cold determination.


    In the blink of an eye, he moved.


    His body became a blur, weaving between the rampaging beasts with inhuman agility.


    One Rhino lunged at him, but before it could land a hit, Alex''s blade flashed, and the creature was torn into chunks, its remains scattering in all directions.


    He slipped through their ranks like a shadow, untouchable and relentless.


    Each swing of his sword left devastation in its wake, cleaving through thick hides and bones with ease.


    The battlefield was a storm of chaos, blood, and gore, but Alex remained calm in the eye of it all. His movements were fluid, almost graceful as if he were performing a deadly dance.


    The Blight Rhinos, powerful and unrelenting, didn''t stand a chance.


    One by one, they fell, reduced to lifeless heaps in the wake of Alex''s onslaught.


    One¡­ two¡­ thirty.


    More Blight Rhinos fell to Alex''s relentless blade, their massive forms collapsing into heaps of bloodied flesh. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    The battlefield was a graveyard of shattered beasts, but Alex wasn''t done yet.


    He felt it before he saw it¡ªa wave of danger surging toward him.


    His instincts screamed.


    Alex twisted, narrowly dodging a crackling bolt of lightning that struck the ground where he''d been standing.


    The impact left a scorched crater, the air sizzling with residual energy.


    He whipped his head toward the source and locked eyes with a new threat: a corrupted deer.


    Its eerie antlers pulsed with glowing energy, radiating power as it prepared another attack.


    The corrupted deer fired again, but Alex was already moving.


    He dodged to the side, raising his hand to dish out an attack.


    A burst of black flame erupted from his palm, engulfing the deer in a fiery blaze.


    Its agonized cries echoed for a moment before it disintegrated into ash.


    Alex had no time to celebrate.


    In his maneuver, he''d landed directly in the path of a charging Rhino.


    Its horn gleamed as it lunged at him, the ground quaking beneath its massive frame.


    Unfazed, Alex gripped his sword tighter.


    He spun his body mid-air like a Beyblade, his blade becoming a deadly whirlwind.


    The Rhino''s tough hide offered no resistance as Alex tore through it and the others in the group.


    Blood and chunks of flesh sprayed everywhere, painting the battlefield in crimson.


    He landed softly, his boots touching the blood-soaked ground with a calm precision.


    But as he straightened, a massive shadow loomed over him, blocking the faint light.


    Alex craned his neck upward and saw it: a towering creature with a hulking, grotesque form. Its twisted muscles rippled under its sickly green skin, and its glowing eyes burned with malevolence.


    [Blight Troll]


    The massive beast let out an ear-shattering roar and lifted one of its enormous feet, aiming to crush Alex like an insect.


    The foot came down with thunderous force, the ground shuddering violently from the impact.


    But when the Troll lifted its foot, it found nothing.


    Alex had already leaped into the air, his form a blur of motion.


    He descended from above, his fist glowing with power.


    "Catch this," Alex growled, his punch connecting with the top of the Troll''s skull.

 Chapter 101 Unstoppable Force

    A sickening crack echoed across the battlefield as the Troll''s skull fractured under the force of Alex''s strike.


    The Troll''s massive body fell to the ground with an earth-shaking thud, its head caved in from Alex''s devastating punch.


    [Ding]


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    [You have killed Blight Troll]


    [You have received 30 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 3 Stat Points]


    {Apocalypse Baby Kicking In}


    [You have received an additional 30 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received an additional 3 Stat Points]


    Including the 9 stat points he''d already earned, his total now sat at a hefty 48 stat points¡ªall racked up in minutes.


    Thanks to his title''s doubling effect, he was reaping rewards at an unprecedented pace.


    That was almost the value of an upgrade stone, and this was just the beginning.


    But there was no time to bask in victory.


    A low, guttural growl echoed behind him, followed by a chorus of snarls and roars.


    Alex turned to face the source, and his sharp gaze fell on the next wave of attackers.


    Emerging from the shadows, a horde of corrupted beasts closed in on him, their glowing, hate-filled eyes fixed on their target.


    [Blight Wolves] [Blight Deer]


    [Blight Tiger] [Blight Bear]


    [Blight Troll]


    Their numbers swelled, easily totaling over a hundred.


    The cursed sigil on Alex''s neck pulsed faintly, its dark energy acting like a beacon, drawing them all to him.


    Alex let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.


    "Looks like I''ve got a knack for attracting hordes of monsters," he said, a grin spreading across his face.


    But he wasn''t intimidated.


    No, he welcomed the challenge.


    Every monster he killed meant more Nightmare Points.


    Every kill meant more stat points to fuel his rise. This wasn''t just survival¡ªit was an opportunity.


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, brushing it back casually, though his eyes burned with determination.


    "These aren''t just monsters trying to kill me," he muttered, his voice low but resolute.


    "No¡­ They''re the foundation for my rise to power. This entire nightmare¡­"


    His blade hummed faintly in his hand, energy surging through it.


    He raised the weapon, pointing it toward the monstrous horde encircling him. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If I come out on top, my rise will truly begin," Alex declared, his tone calm but resolute. "And if I fail... well, I die. No middle ground."


    With that, he shifted into a ready stance, the blade trembling slightly from the power building within it.


    The monsters surged forward, their roars deafening, their charge unstoppable.


    Alex grinned, adrenaline surging through his veins as he activated [Exploding Touch], infusing his sword''s hilt with volatile energy, primed to transfer.


    It was time to blow some shit up.


    *


    Brief Interlude ~ Oracle


    "No, no, no!"


    The Oracle paced back and forth, his glowing eyes darting between the pulsating screens that filled his zone.


    Each one displayed the same thing:


    Alex tearing through the Nightmare World.


    His claws flew over a glowing console as he tried to adjust the system settings.


    Numbers and lines of code danced across the screens, but every adjustment was immediately rejected.


    "No matter what I do... it won''t take hold!"


    "Dammit!" he roared, slamming a clawed paw into the console.


    A shockwave of energy radiated out, cracking the wall and sending shards of glowing crystal tumbling to the ground.


    He slammed both paws down, breathing heavily, his fur bristling with frustration.


    His sharp teeth ground together as he stared at the screen showing Alex standing triumphant, surrounded by the bodies of countless beasts.


    The Oracle had seen Alex enter the Nightmare World¡ªa brutal process designed to challenge players against a Beast Lord.


    Survival was supposed to be next to impossible.


    And yet...


    "If I remember correctly," he muttered, gripping his snout, "I set the rewards to include Nightmare Points... and those damn Upgrade Stones."


    He paused, shaking his head.


    "Upgrade Stones... which are exactly what the anomaly needs to become even more of an anomaly."


    His claws dug into the console, scratching deep grooves into its surface.


    He''d left the rewards as they were, confident no one would ever survive the Nightmare Realm to claim them.


    After all, the odds were stacked against anyone who dared try.


    But Alex wasn''t just anyone.


    The Oracle''s eyes narrowed, his tail lashing violently.


    "That human... he''ll survive."


    If Alex made it out alive, he wouldn''t just escape with his life.


    He would have an absurd amount of attribute points, enough to completely upset the system.


    "I messed up," the Oracle growled, slamming his fist into the console again.


    He shouldn''t have given Alex the Attribute Converter as a reward for defeating the Cockatrice King.


    But what choice did he have,


    The alternatives were even more broken and he had to reward Alex no matter what.


    He''d chosen the Converter, thinking it would slow him down as he would have to sacrifice his attribute points.


    But how foolish he had been.


    Now, Alex had a tool that let him channel his points into skills, scaling them to insane levels.


    It was a weapon of progression, and in Alex''s hands, it would topple the entire tutorial phase.


    The Oracle gripped his fur, yanking at the loose patches already falling out.


    "He''s ruining everything!"


    His once-pristine coat was ragged and thin, a testament to the stress this mere human had caused.


    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to think clearly.


    "There are still other Beast Lords in the Nightmare Realms," he muttered, pacing again. "Powerful ones... strong enough to take Alex down."


    He stopped, his glowing eyes flickering with a mix of hope and fear.


    "Alex''s personality ensures one thing¡ªhe''ll challenge them. He can''t resist a fight."


    For a moment, relief washed over him. If Alex fell to these challenges, the problem would solve itself.


    But then his claws flexed, digging into his panel.


    "And if he doesn''t fall...?"


    The thought sent a chill down his spine. If Alex survived, he would become a force beyond his control.


    He''d grow stronger, faster, more skilled¡ªan unstoppable juggernaut.


    "A monster," the Oracle whispered, his voice trembling. "A being I cannot allow to exist."


    His resolve hardened.


    "No. That cannot happen. I need to stop this at all costs."


    He turned back to his glowing console, his claws dancing across the keys.


    A new screen appeared, displaying a list of names and glowing figures¡ªhis pawns.


    "It''s time to make my move," the Oracle said, his voice cold.


    He opened his stat window and began issuing commands.


    "Alex... you won''t live long enough to become my nightmare."

 Chapter 102 Grim Crossing

    A group of twelve players huddled at the base of a foreboding mountain, snow drifting steadily around them.


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    The icy breeze cut through their clothes, making even their strongest members shiver.


    Ahead of them loomed a towering armored statue, its massive axe planted firmly in the ground. Frost clung to the edges of its armor, and pressure radiated from it.


    "Are we... supposed to fight that?" one male player stammered, his voice shaking almost as much as his knees.


    The immense presence of the statue seemed to bear down on them, sapping their courage.


    From within the group, a figure in gleaming armor stepped forward.


    A cape flared behind him, rippling dramatically in the wind as if it had a life of its own.


    His stride was deliberate, every step crunching against the snow with quiet confidence.


    "No," the armored figure said firmly. "We don''t fight it."


    He stopped, turning to face the others.


    "We just have to walk between its legs. If we have enough Nightmare Points, it''ll let us through. If not..." His gaze darkened, and his voice dropped ominously.


    "...then you die."


    The group exchanged uneasy glances, some clutching their weapons tightly, others taking a step back.


    The tension in the air was suffocating.


    Ezekiel, the leader of the group, stood unmoving, his face calm yet unreadable.


    Ezekiel had spent five harrowing days in this nightmare, searching for and gathering enough Nightmare Points to face the trial.


    Along the way, he''d recruited these players¡ªothers trapped in this hellish realm¡ªto form a team to complete the trial.


    Now, the time had come to end it once and for all, before his own clock ran out.


    "Everyone has enough points, right?"


    Ezekiel asked firmly, his sharp gaze scanning the group.


    A chorus of nods followed.


    The icy wind howled around them, the snow crunching beneath their boots as they approached the towering statue.


    The closer they got, the heavier the air seemed to grow, like an invisible force pressing down on them.


    Suddenly, the statue''s eyes glinted red, piercing through the gloom like twin embers.


    Everyone froze.


    Their breaths hitched, hearts pounding in their chests like war drums.


    The statue''s gaze moved, its eyes darting about as if studying them, calculating.


    The group stood rooted to the spot, weapons trembling in their hands, expecting an attack. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the statue remained motionless, its massive axe still resting in the ground.


    Ezekiel didn''t falter.


    With steady determination, he stepped forward, his boots crunching against the snow. "Let''s go," he said, his voice calm but commanding.


    He was the first to pass beneath the massive legs of the statue.


    The rest of the group hesitated, hearts hammering as they exchanged uncertain glances. Then, one by one, they followed, their steps slow and cautious.


    As the first player crossed the invisible threshold behind the statue, a notification appeared before their eyes.


    [1000 Nightmare Points have been deducted to enter the trial.]


    Another player followed.


    [1000 Nightmare Points have been deducted to enter the trial.]


    "Fuck, that''s all the points I have!" a player with twin blade named Bart shouted, his voice trembling with frustration and fear.


    "Maybe if you''d spent more time hunting and less time running, you wouldn''t be broke," another player snapped, smirking despite the tension.


    "Enough," Ezekiel barked, cutting through their bickering. "We don''t have time for petty arguments."


    "NO! No...wait...I didn''t know!"


    The panicked voice pierced the conversation, and everyone''s heads snapped around.


    One of the female players stood frozen, her eyes wide with terror as the towering statue''s axe began to rise.


    Her hands shot up in a desperate plea.


    "Please, no! I had enough points! I swear I did!"


    Ezekiel frowned, his jaw tightening as he watched the scene unfold.


    "I thought I told you," he said in a low growl, his voice filled with restrained anger.


    The woman shook her head frantically, her voice breaking.


    "It is! I swear I had enough! But two...two points just disappeared! I don''t know how¡ªit wasn''t my fault! Please, believe me!"


    Ezekiel''s frown deepened. There was nothing he could do. The statue was too strong for them to take down.


    He turned away, his face grim.


    "Ezekiel, no...don''t leave me! Help...help me!" she screamed, her voice cracking as panic overtook her.


    The group watched, frozen in horror, as the statue''s massive axe came crashing down.


    BOOM!


    The ground shook as the statue''s axe slammed into the female player, silencing her cries instantly. Blood and snow sprayed outward, and the group recoiled, their faces pale and their breaths shallow.


    No one moved.


    The sight of her lifeless body beneath the statue''s axe burned into their memories.


    The statue slowly returned to its original position, the massive axe sliding back into place with an ominous groan of stone grinding against stone.


    Freya, another female player, broke the suffocating silence.


    Her voice trembled, barely louder than a whisper. "Why...why did it do that? She told me she had enough points."


    "Maybe she didn''t check her points properly," someone said hesitantly.


    Freya shook her head, her eyes still fixed on the spot where the statue had struck.


    "Why wouldn''t she check? In this situation, it''s life or death."


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, his frustration spilling into his voice.


    "This is why I told all of you to make sure your points were nothing less than a thousand before we begin. I''ve repeated it again and again!"


    A smug laugh cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone''s attention to a young man at the back of the group.


    He leaned casually against a jagged boulder, a grin plastered on his face that didn''t match the dire situation.


    "Well," he said, his tone dripping with mockery, "it seemed like she had her ears plugged. Or maybe you just weren''t loud enough, fearless leader."


    The group turned on him, their eyes filled with thinly veiled hostility.


    Ezekiel''s glare darkened, but he kept his composure.


    He studied the young man¡ªcocky, unbothered, and radiating confidence. He was their newest recruit, someone who had only joined the group a day ago.


    Yet, in that short time, he had managed to accumulate over a thousand Nightmare Points¡ªa feat that had taken the others days, of grueling effort.


    Ezekiel knew this teen wasn''t ordinary.


    His speed, his ruthlessness, and his ability to adapt to the Nightmare world were far beyond average.


    That was why Ezekiel had invited him to join the group.


    But the others didn''t share Ezekiel''s sentiments.


    They weren''t fans of his methods¡ªthe violence, the recklessness.


    It was already hard enough surviving in this hellish world without someone making enemies everywhere they went.


    And now, after watching one of their own die, thanks in part to the tension the new recruit brought, resentment bubbled just beneath the surface.


    Ezekiel sighed deeply, his breath fogging in the cold air.


    His voice was steady but carried a cold edge as he addressed the group.


    "She should''ve kept checking her Nightmare Points, but she didn''t. Her death is on her. We keep moving."


    The weight of his words settled over the group like a heavy blanket, but no one dared argue.


    With grim expression, they followed Ezekiel into the dark entrance of the mountain.


    As they crossed the threshold, their system notifications chimed simultaneously.


    [Welcome to the first floor of the Nightmare Trial.]


    [Objective: Pass the first of five trials.]


    [Rewards:]


    - 2,000 Nightmare Points


    - 20 Upgrade Stones


    Suddenly, the dim chamber they entered burst into life.


    Bright lightning streaked across the walls, illuminating ancient carvings etched into the stone.


    With a loud whoosh, torches mounted along the walls flared to life, their flames crackling and dancing in the cold air.


    The room was enormous, the ceiling towering so high above that it disappeared into shadows.


    At the far end, something¡ªor someone¡ªsat motionless.


    The group froze, their breaths hitching as they took in the sight.


    At the end of the room, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, was a furry creature, its back turned to them.


    It looked like an orangutan and it sat in a lotus position, its massive frame strangely serene, but the blood-red aura radiating from its body sent a clear message that this was no ordinary beast.


    Ezekiel narrowed his eyes, studying the creature.


    The creature didn''t move, didn''t even acknowledge their presence.


    Yet the oppressive energy it exuded made it clear that it was far from friendly.

 Chapter 103 Fatal Misstep

    "What is that thing?" one of the players asked, their voice trembling as they pointed at the creature.


    Above the beast''s head floated a label: Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    [Baranga ????]


    The question marks sent a wave of unease through the group.


    "What does it mean?" another player muttered, confused.


    Ezekiel''s sharp gaze lingered on the ominous aura surrounding the creature.


    He didn''t answer immediately, his mind calculating every possibility.


    "Are we supposed to defeat it to move to the next round?"


    Before Ezekiel could respond, a loud scoff broke the tension.


    Dorion stepped forward, his scythe gleaming wickedly in the torchlight.


    "I say we get this over with!" he said, gripping his weapon tightly. "Kill the beast and move on immediately."


    Ezekiel stepped in, placing himself between Dorion and the creature.


    "Let''s not be rash," he said, her voice calm but firm.


    "The question marks above its name mean this thing isn''t your average monster. It''s dangerous, and if we mess up, we''ll all end up dead."


    Bart rolled his eyes, his impatience boiling over.


    "Well, unlike the rest of you, I only have a day left. I don''t have time to wait around while we play detective."


    "Wait!" Freya suddenly shouted, her eyes locking onto something carved into the wall. "Guys, come see this!"


    Her urgency drew their attention, and the group hesitantly approached the wall, their focus shifting away from the beast.


    Freya pointed at a faint inscription etched into the stone, weathered but still legible under the flickering torchlight.


    "It''s writing," she said, tracing her fingers lightly over the grooves. "Looks like instructions or¡­a warning."


    "Read it," Ezekiel ordered, his tone tense.


    Freya nodded and took a deep breath. With the rest of the group leaning in, she began to read the text aloud.


    Once you step into the platform follow the rule.


    When the monster''s gaze is on you try not to change position or you''ll be a dead fool.


    You cannot do this alone do not try.


    Lest you fall under Barangas hand and end up fried.


    Freya''s voice trailed off as she finished reading.


    "What is this...a poem?" Dorion asked, confused.


    "No," Freya said sharply, her tone brooking no argument. "It''s the rules, and we have to take them seriously if we want to survive."


    "Rules? Screw the rules," Dorion growled, gripping his scythe tighter. "I say we take it down now and move on. This is a waste of time."


    Freya shot him a withering glare, frustration bubbling beneath her calm facade.


    She wondered, not for the first time, how she''d ended up surrounded by such reckless idiots.


    Ezekiel, meanwhile, was scanning the room.


    His sharp eyes settled on a faint line etched into the stone floor, just before the creature.


    It was subtle, easy to miss in the dim torchlight, but it matched the instructions.


    "That must be the line," Ezekiel said, pointing at it. "Crossing it triggers the rules. If we don''t follow them, we''re dead."


    Dorion snorted. "Or we could just kill the thing and be done with it."


    "This isn''t about brawn, Dorion," Ezekiel said firmly. "This trial is about strategy. We need to plan before making a move."


    But before they could even begin to strategize, the group froze.


    Bart stepped forward, moving toward the creature.


    "Bart!" Ezekiel hissed. "What are you doing?!"


    Bart ignored her, his steps slow and hesitant.


    "We''re wasting time," he muttered. "I''ll check it out."


    "Get back here!" Ezekiel barked, his voice like a whip crack. "You don''t know what you''re doing!"


    But Bart kept going, crossing the line without hesitation.


    The moment his foot touched the other side, Baranga stirred.


    The monstrous figure in the lotus position shifted slightly, its head tilting to the side.


    Its eyes were shut¡ªnot just two, but three, with the third centered ominously on its forehead.


    The air turned icy, and the tension became suffocating.


    The it opened the third eye which made Bart flinch.


    "Bart!" Freya yelled, panic lacing her voice. "Don''t take another step!"


    Bart froze, his breathing ragged as the creature''s eyes bore into him.


    The room was so silent that even the flicker of the torches seemed muted.


    Bart''s knees buckled as the immense pressure from the creature''s gaze threatened to crush him.


    "Don''t move, Bart!" Freya repeated, her voice trembling.


    Bart''s lips quivered, and his wide eyes darted back toward the group, desperation written all over his face.


    "I¡ªI can¡­" he stammered, his body shaking.


    "Don''t do it!"


    Ezekiel yelled reading Bart''s intention.


    Bart''s hands trembled as he stared at the beast, its massive form radiating an oppressive aura.


    Fear clawed at his insides, but he clenched his jaw, gripping his sword tightly.


    "I can take it down," he muttered to himself as if saying it aloud would make it true, and without hesitating, Bart let out a shaky battle cry and charged toward the beast.


    The room seemed to hold its breath as Bart closed the distance.


    The monster, still seated in its meditative lotus position, showed no reaction¡ªuntil its third eye snapped open.


    The blood-red orb locked onto Bart with a chilling intensity.


    Then it moved.


    The creature didn''t rise or attack physically. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instead, it raised a clawed hand and snapped its fingers.


    Snap.


    Bart''s forward momentum stopped dead as his body ignited in a sudden burst of crimson flames.


    "AAAAARGH!"


    Bart''s scream pierced the air, a sound so raw and agonizing it sent chills down everyone''s spine.


    The flames weren''t ordinary¡ªthey danced and twisted unnaturally, licking at his armor and skin with a relentless hunger.


    His screams grew louder as the fire''s intensity seemed to increase with every passing second.


    "Help me! PLEASE!" Bart shrieked, his voice cracking with desperation.


    The group stood frozen, paralyzed by the horrific scene.


    Ezekiel''s jaw clenched, his fists balled at his sides.


    He could do nothing but watch.


    "Bart!" Freya cried out, tears streaming down her face.


    But there was no way to save him.


    Within moments, Bart''s screams faltered, his strength giving out as he collapsed to the ground.


    The flames didn''t stop.


    They continued their merciless assault, consuming his body until there was nothing left but ashes.


    The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the faint crackling of embers.


    The group''s expressions were a mix of shock, fear, and horror. No one dared to move or speak, the reality of the situation crashing down on them like a tidal wave.


    Suddenly, a female player broke the silence with a bloodcurdling scream.


    "WHAT IS THIS?! WHAT IS THIS PLACE?!" she wailed, tears streaming down her face as she stumbled back.


    Bart''s gruesome death was a brutal wake-up call.


    This trial was no joke.


    It was life or death, and every decision from here on out would have consequences.

 Chapter 104 Blighted Path

    The air was heavy with tension, and the group was on edge after witnessing Bart''s gruesome death.


    Each of them stood frozen, the reality of the situation sinking in deeper with every passing second.


    Ezekiel''s sharp gaze remained locked on the beast, analyzing its every twitch and aura.


    He muttered under his breath, loud enough for those nearby to hear:


    "You heard the rules. Let''s not be brash. That''s how we survive this."


    The woman who had screamed earlier clutched her arms, her voice trembling as she spoke, "D-Do we really have to face this thing now? It''s¡­ it''s too scary."


    Dorion scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically.


    "That''s why it''s called a nightmare, idiot. If you can''t handle it, you should''ve just stayed outside and let the blight monsters kill you. Better that than standing here screaming and crying like a¡ª"


    "Watch your mouth, kid!" Freya snapped, his face tight with anger. "Her reaction''s totally normal! Someone just died in front of us!" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dorion smirked, shrugging as if it didn''t matter.


    "Well, praise the lord, we lost a fool. You told him not to go, and he still ran straight into his death. Why should I give a damn?"


    "What are you, a psychopath?" the woman shot back, her voice rising. "How can you not be affected by seeing someone die like that? He burned alive! We all saw it!"


    Dorion and the woman''s argument continued to escalate, their voices echoing through the chamber.


    Ezekiel stood to the side, silent but observant.


    His sharp gaze never left Dorion.


    The way the teenager''s eyes narrowed, the way his fingers twitched at the hilt of his weapon¡ªit was clear as day.


    Dorion wanted to kill her.


    Ezekiel wasn''t surprised.


    He had known from the beginning.


    The kid carried himself with an unmistakable aura.


    The kind of aura Ezekiel had come to know all too well.


    He had spent years surrounded by killers, and they all had a distinct air about them. It wasn''t something you could fake or hide. It clung to them like a second skin, a scent of violence and death that lingered even when they were calm.


    And Dorion?


    He reeked of it.


    Ezekiel''s stomach churned with disgust.


    He couldn''t fathom how someone so young could already carry the stench of a seasoned murderer.


    It wasn''t just unsettling¡ªit was wrong.


    But Ezekiel buried the thought.


    This place was hell, and only monsters could survive here.


    And there was no one more monstrous than the kid standing in front of him.


    Dorion and the woman were inches from each other now, their argument boiling over. Their faces were flushed with anger, their voices sharp and biting.


    The two were teetering on the edge, and Ezekiel could see it¡ªone wrong word, one wrong move, and blood would be spilled.


    So he clenched his jaw and stepped forward, like he always did and raised his hand sharply, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.


    "Enough! Both of you!" he snapped, glaring at Dorion and Freya in turn.


    "We''ve got bigger problems than your petty arguments. If we start killing each other now, none of us are making it out alive. The more we waste time-fighting, the lower our chances of survival get."


    His tone dropped, firm but edged with urgency.


    "Time is running out. Many of us only have a few days left before... well, you know what happens."


    The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.


    Ezekiel''s sharp eyes darted between Freya and Dorion.


    "So bury your grudges. Set aside your hatred. We need to get past this first stage, or none of it will matter."


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    Freya clenched her fists, her jaw tight, but she nodded first. "You''re right."


    Dorion rolled his eyes and said with a shrug.


    "Whatever, unlike you guys, I''m not under any pressure. So I don''t really care."


    Choosing not to escalate the situation, Ezekiel turned back to the rest of the group.


    "Alright, listen up. Let''s focus on what we know."


    He gestured toward the scorched line on the ground and the faint, blackened remnants where Bart had stood. The group shifted uncomfortably, some glancing at the monster, others looking at the floor to avoid the chilling sight.


    "From what we''ve seen, stepping past the line triggers the monster''s attention. If you take a step beyond that, you''re set on fire¡ªinstantly. There''s no time to dodge or react. It''s game over."


    The players exchanged uneasy glances, murmurs of fear rippling through the group.


    "So how do we move forward?" asked the woman who had been crying earlier.


    Desperation clear in her voice.


    Freya stepped forward, her expression resolute. "I have an idea," she said, drawing everyone''s attention. "From what we''ve seen, the monster can only focus on one person at a time. When Bart stepped past the line, it immediately locked onto him."


    "I believe that if one person steps past the line, the monster''s attention will turn to them. That would give someone else a chance to move forward while the monster is distracted. Once the monster shifts its focus to the second person, the first can keep moving. We can leapfrog our way forward, one at a time."


    The group mulled over her words, some nodding in agreement, others still skeptical.


    "But it''s just a theory," Freya admitted. "We''d have to test it to be sure. And even then, there''s no guarantee it''ll work for all of us. If someone messes up, it could be a disaster."


    Ezekiel crossed his arms, his face thoughtful. "It''s risky, but it''s the best plan we have right now."


    Freya met his eyes, her voice firm. "One thing''s for sure: no one can do this alone."


    The group fell into silence again, the weight of the challenge ahead pressing down on them. Their eyes darting nervously toward the monstrous creature.


    Dorion then broke the silence with a sharp, mocking tone.


    "Okay... so, who''s going first?"


    His eyes scanned the group, daring anyone to step up.


    No one moved.


    They averted their gazes, shuffling awkwardly.


    "You''re the crazy one," Freya muttered. "You should go first."


    Dorion glared at her, his lips curling into a sneer. "You bitch!"


    "Enough," Ezekiel interrupted, his voice firm but calm. "I''ll go first."


    Everyone turned to him, their expressions a mix of relief and anxiety.


    "As the leader, it''s my responsibility," Ezekiel continued. "But everyone else will have to follow. Like Freya said, no one can do this alone."


    The group fell silent again, the weight of his words sinking in.


    Ezekiel took a deep breath, steeling himself.


    He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate.


    His heart pounded in his chest, each beat like a drum echoing in his ears.


    His hands felt clammy, his palms slick with sweat despite the freezing cold.


    He kept his eyes locked on the creature, studying its every twitch and breath. It hadn''t moved yet, but its presence was suffocating.


    As he neared the line, the others watched him intently, their breaths held.


    Ezekiel halted just in front of the visible boundary, which looked like a line drawn with chalk. Ahead of him was another drawn line most like the finish line.


    And the distance to get there was about 50 yards. It wasn''t too long. But Ezekiel knew once he started it would feel endless.


    His foot hovered above the ground, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.


    If he crossed this line, there was no turning back.


    "Here goes nothing," he muttered under his breath.


    And with a final exhale, he stepped forward, his boot crossing the line.

 Chapter 105 Sacrificial Pawn

    As both of Ezekiels feet crossed the invisible threshold, a sudden, ominous change filled the air.


    The creature''s third eye snapped open.


    A wave of pressure slammed into Ezekiel like a physical force.


    He stumbled slightly, his heart hammering wildly in his chest.


    The monster''s gaze locked onto him, and the world seemed to shrink under its oppressive stare.


    Ezekiel''s breathing became shallow.


    His vision tunneled as his body fought against the crushing weight of its attention. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, the beast moved.


    With terrifying speed, it lunged toward him, its massive form blurring as it closed the distance.


    Why?


    Ezekiel''s body froze, every muscle locking up.


    The creature stopped mere inches from his face. Its breath, hot and foul, washed over him.


    His knees wobbled, threatening to buckle.


    He felt like a fragile strand of spaghetti, ready to snap at any moment.


    Don''t move. Don''t move.


    The thought echoed in his mind, his instincts screaming at him to run, but he knew better. One wrong move, one flinch, and it would all be over.


    The beast''s glowing third eye twitched erratically, scanning him.


    Its head remained unnervingly still, but Ezekiel felt its suffocating presence like a vice tightening around his chest.


    The temperature around him began to rise.


    Beads of sweat formed on his brow, dripping down his face despite the freezing environment.


    His lungs burned and he realized, with growing panic, that he had been holding his breath.


    But he was too scared to exhale.


    If this kept up, he would collapse.


    He needed a moment¡ªa brief reprieve.


    But he wasn''t getting any.


    What''s taking them so long?!


    His mind raced. Freya''s plan would only work if another person stepped onto the platform. If someone else crossed the line, the creature''s attention would shift.


    But for now, it was all on him, and Ezekiel could feel his resolvefading fast.


    Ezekiel''s ears then caught Dorion''s low, mocking voice.


    "Imagine how sick it would be if no one stepped onto the platform and you ended up dying."


    Ezekiel flinched.


    What?


    Dorion smirked, his tone dripping with malice.


    "It''d be a real sight to see, wouldn''t it? Betrayed by your own allies. Left to die like this."


    The words hit Ezekiel harder than the creature''s oppressive gaze.


    Ezekiel''s heart sank.


    Why hadn''t he considered this possibility? What if they were all too terrified to cross the line?


    "Guys," Ezekiel thought desperately, his inner voice trembling.


    Please, don''t do this.


    His body was shaking uncontrollably now, the pressure grinding away at his composure.


    He felt his legs quivering, barely holding him upright.


    He risked a glance back at the creature.


    Its burning gaze was unrelenting, the heat intensifying around him.


    His breath came in shallow gasps, his vision blurring at the edges.


    The thought crept in:


    Maybe I can just step back.


    Ezekiel''s foot twitched as the idea tempted him.


    But then, just as he felt himself falter, Baranga''s glowing third eye shifted.


    The beast''s head tilted ever so slightly, and its burning gaze turned away from Ezekiel.


    A figure had stepped onto the platform behind him.


    Relief flooded Ezekiel''s body, almost overwhelming him.


    His chest heaved as he finally exhaled the breath he had been holding.


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    Someone had stepped forward.


    Baranga''s eyes locked onto the new target, and Ezekiel''s trembling legs took a step forward, releasing the breath he''d been holding.


    His heart pounded like a drum in his chest, his body desperate for relief.


    But the moment his foot shifted, Baranga''s blazing third eye snapped back onto him.


    The pressure surged once more, suffocating and immediate.


    Before Ezekiel could react, the person who had stepped past the line to save him took another bold step forward.


    Baranga''s gaze wrenched away from Ezekiel and locked onto the new target.


    The sudden reprieve was like a rush of cool air, and Ezekiel turned to see who had stepped in to save him, and his eyes widened in disbelief.


    To his shock, it was Dorion.


    Of all people¡­ Dorion?


    "You''re welcome," Dorion muttered casually, a cocky grin plastered on his face.


    Despite the tension, Dorion appeared unnervingly calm.


    His nonchalant demeanor was almost maddening.


    Then it hit Ezekiel. He had just heard Dorion speak.


    How is he talking without getting torched?


    His lips had moved? Or doesn''t that count?


    Noticing Ezekiel''s stunned expression, Dorion smirked and tilted his head.


    "You''re wondering how I''m still alive, aren''t you?" he asked, as if reading Ezekiel''s mind. "It''s simple."


    Dorion straightened up, still under the monster''s gaze. "The rules only say that the monster reacts to movement. Which I believe specifically, is movement of the limbs. So¡­"


    To demonstrate, Dorion tilted his head from side to side, his grin never faltering.


    "¡­things like this don''t count. See?"


    Ezekiel''s mouth hung open in surprise.


    The tension in the air felt surreal as Dorion added with a playful shrug, "So try not to be so stiff. Makes you look more like a target."


    Ezekiel exhaled deeply, relief washing over him like a wave.


    The suffocating pressure of Baranga''s gaze was finally off him, and now he didn''t have to be so tense.


    But as he watched Dorion move with such bold confidence, unafraid to experiment, Ezekiel couldn''t help but think the teen was insane.


    No one in their right mind would be this calm.


    Heck, he wasn''t.


    He then turned to the rest of the group, his expression darkening.


    They turned away from him ashamed, a mixture of fear and guilt on their faces.


    Ezekiel grits his teeth.


    No one moved. No one stepped forward.


    He had hoped¡ªexpected¡ªthat someone else from the group would step in to save him.


    Instead, it had been Dorion. The killer who had just joined them recently


    Disappointment weighed heavy on Ezekiel''s chest.


    He had risked his life to save some of them yet they could not pay him back.


    Without another word, he turned away with a frown on his face.


    His decision was made.


    From now on, he would focus on himself, and no one else. Screw being a leader.


    Steeling his resolve, Ezekiel lunged forward.


    Baranga''s burning third eye snapped back to him instantly.


    Dorion smirked muttering in a sing song tone:


    "That''s it...that''s it."


    He stepped forward boldly, drawing Baranga''s attention away from Ezekiel once again.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Ezekiel moved forward, careful but determined. Baranga''s gaze returned to him with the next step.


    The two began a rhythm: one moving while the other paused, each drawing the monster''s gaze in turn.


    Slowly but surely, they were advancing towards the finish line.


    Behind them, the rest of the group watched in stunned silence.


    The tension they felt was massive as they realized Ezekiel and Dorion were gaining distance leaving them behind.


    Dorion glanced over his shoulder.


    "So, what''s the plan, guys?" he taunted. "Gonna stay frozen there, or are you joining the fun?"


    His words seemed to echo ominously.


    Then, Dorion called out, "Freya."


    Freya flinched at the sound of her name, her body rigid with fear.


    She was ashamed of herself.


    She couldn''t bring herself to move when Ezekiel had needed up, and the one person he hated the most was able to do it effortlessly.


    Dorion chuckled darkly.


    "Like you said, no player can do this alone."


    Freya''s lips parted as if to respond, but before she could, Dorion''s tone shifted.


    "But there''s a problem," he said casually, stepping forward again and pulling Baranga''s focus away from Ezekiel.


    "What happens when it''s just two people left? I''ll tell you. One gets the monster''s attention while the other crosses the finish line¡­ But then that leaves one person behind, doesn''t it?"


    The realization struck everyone their eyes wide in alarm.


    "That''s right," Dorion confirmed, his grin widening as he lunged forward again, taking the lead. "The slowest one¡­ ends up as the sacrificial pawn."

 Chapter 106 Crimson Judgement

    Dorion''s words hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy with scary implications.


    Everyone understood immediately.


    They needed each other to proceed, but even with teamwork, one person would inevitably be left behind as the pawn.


    The unspoken stakes set off a wave of panic as thing were made clear.


    Those who started moving earlier had the best chance of reaching safety, provided there were still enough players in Baranga''s zone to share the risk.


    Conny, one of the players, couldn''t take the pressure any longer.


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    Her breath hitched, and then, with a burst of desperation, she stepped onto the platform.


    Baranga''s blazing third eye snapped toward her instantly, its oppressive gaze locking onto her trembling form.


    Ezekiel didn''t hesitate and neither did Dorion, as both of them lunged forward together, their movements seeming synchronized.


    The beast''s glowing eye shifted away from Conny, scanning the two boys.


    Its attention finally fixed on Dorion, whose feet landed just a fraction of a second slower than Ezekiel''s.


    "Dammit!"


    Dorion hissed through gritted teeth, the weight of Baranga''s burning gaze pressing down on him like an invisible furnace.


    Sweat beaded on his brow as he stood frozen, muscles tense, unable to move without risking death.


    Ezekiel, however, took full advantage of the distraction.


    As soon as Baranga''s focus settled on Dorion, Ezekiel surged forward another step, his pulse hammering in his ears.


    Baranga''s fiery third eye snapped onto him with unrelenting intensity, locking him in place under its suffocating gaze.


    Behind him, Conny, still trembling, seized the opportunity to move.


    Her desperate step drew the monster''s attention away from Ezekiel, allowing him a brief moment of reprieve.


    "Hey, kid!" Ezekiel called out to Dorion, who stood a few paces ahead.


    "Why don''t we coordinate our moves? At least give each other a heads-up. Moving together is risky, but if we communicate, it''ll help everyone."


    Dorion glanced back, a smirk curling his lips.


    "You want us to call dibs on every step? No thanks," he said with a dismissive shrug. "I''m here to survive, not play nice. So no thanks."


    Ezekiel scowled but didn''t argue. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was no point in trying to reason with Dorion. He was a loose cannon.


    Suddenly, Marcus, another player, stepped into the trial zone. and Baranga''s gaze immediately shifted toward him.


    Both Ezekiel and Dorion saw this and decided to seize the moment.


    But Ezekiel hesitated mid-stride, pulling himself back at the last second.


    Dorion leaping forward.


    No.


    Turning this into a competition with Dorion would only end in disaster, as one of him was bound to make a mistake.


    A single misstep would mean death, and he couldn''t afford to be brash and lose focus.


    Dorion, unbothered by Ezekiel''s caution, or anything remained ahead.


    If he got a chance he was taking it with confidence.


    He wasn''t going to die in some stupid game.


    As the tension built, another player, George, suddenly leaped onto the platform, drawing Baranga''s attention away from the others.


    And Ezekiel clenched his fists, his mind racing.


    Stay calm. Stay alive. Focus.


    The opportunity was there, and this time, Ezekiel didn''t falter.


    As George distracted the beast, both Ezekiel and Dorion surged forward, their movements sharp and precise, each trying to stay ahead of the other.


    Then another player, Sally who had screamed and cried when Bart died, crossed the line in a blind panic.


    Her steps were frantic, and fear was etched across her face.


    Seeing other players go forward and hearing Dorion''s words prompted her to move.


    But her desperation became her undoing.


    The moment Baranga''s piercing gaze turned to her, she froze mid-step, her legs trembling beneath her.


    She flinched, stumbled backward, and in an instant, her body ignited in searing flames.


    Her terrified scream cut through the air, but it lasted only seconds before she was reduced to ash.


    "Dammit!" Ezekiel cursed, clenching his fists.


    "No!" Freya cried out, her voice breaking as silent sobs racked her body.


    The group was now down to nine players.


    Sally''s death sent shockwaves through the rest, and for a brief moment, no one dared to move. The oppressive silence was only broken by the crackling sound of the scorched ground where Sally had stood.


    But then, multiple players, seizing the opportunity while Baranga''s attention wavered, leaped forward.


    The beast''s third eye darted sharply to the movement, locking onto the cluster of players in an instant.


    Marcus was among them, and his heart raced as he landed.


    He knew he was the last to move and suspected he had been caught.


    He could feel the pressure of Baranga''s gaze then bore down on him and he shivered, fearing what was coming.


    But nothing had happened for a fleeting second, and relief washed over him.


    He thought he was safe.


    But then¡ª


    Whoosh!


    "Aaaargh!"


    Marcus''s agonized scream tore through the arena as his body erupted in flames.


    The flames consumed Marcus entirely, and within moments, he was reduced to a pile of ash.


    His charred body crumbled like ash in the wind.


    Now, they were eight.


    Ezekiel clenched his fists so tightly that his nails bit into his palms.


    The echo of Marcus''s scream lingered in his ears, filling him with a mix of dread and anger, but he forced himself to focus on himself.


    Ahead of him, Dorian let out a low chuckle, the sound dripping with dark amusement.


    "Well, this is getting fun," he muttered before confidently stepping forward again, his movement smooth and deliberate.


    From the sidelines, another player, Isaac, steeled himself and leaped into the twisted game as well.


    He landed with a thud, his breathing heavy as adrenaline pumped through his veins.


    But then, in an instant, Baranga vanished and reappeared right in front of Isaac, its massive frame towering over him.


    Isaac froze, his eyes wide with shock.


    "What the¡ª?!" he stammered, stumbling backward.


    His foot caught on the uneven ground, and he collapsed to the floor with a hard thud.


    "Shit!" he hissed, panic overtaking him.


    Baranga had never moved like that except when Ezekiel had first stepped forward.


    The sudden, unpredictable behavior sent a wave of unease rippling through him causing him to fall.


    Isaac''s face went pale, and sweat dripped down his forehead as he realized he was doomed.


    "No, no, no!" Isaac pleaded, stretching out his hand as if begging for salvation.


    His voice cracked with desperation. "Wait¡ªplease, no¡ª!"


    SHOOM!


    But Baranga didn''t hesitate.


    The flames erupted around Isaac, engulfing him entirely.


    His screams echoed through the air, cutting through the tense silence like a blade.


    Within seconds, his body disintegrated into ash, leaving nothing behind but a smoldering mark on the ground.


    The group stood frozen, their breaths shallow and their hearts pounding.


    And then, there were seven.

 Chapter 107 Looming Fate

    Ezekiel''s gaze remained fixed on the pile of ash that was once Isaac.


    His stomach churned, but he forced himself to stay calm.


    His heart thudded relentlessly in his chest, and a sense of unease settled over the group.


    For a moment, the trial zone was silent, except for the faint crackling of residual flames.


    Those still outside the trial zone, standing on the edge of the starting, had seen everything clearly.


    Their faces were pale, and their hands trembled.


    "Forget this¡ªI''m out of here!" shouted Hugh, a tank-like player with broad shoulders and a thick neck.


    His voice was loud and shaky as he began backing away from the area.


    Micah one of the three who hadn''t entered the trial yet, turned his head sharply.


    "What? You can''t just¡ª"


    "I''m not staying here to get roasted alive!" Hugh snapped.


    His massive hands were clenched into fists, but his eyes betrayed his fear.


    "This whole thing is insane. I don''t have to do this right now! We''ve got a couple of days left, right? I''ll come back later."


    With that, Hugh spun on his heel and stormed toward the edge of the mountain, his boots crunching against the rocky ground.


    "Wait! Don''t!" Freya cried out, darting forward to stop him.


    She grabbed his arm, her fingers clutching tightly. "We don''t know what happens if you leave¡ª"


    "Let go!" Hugh snarled, shaking her off with a forceful shove.


    Freya stumbled back, her eyes wide with shock.


    "I''m not sticking around to die!" Hugh barked, his voice echoing across the mountainside.


    He marched under the towering statue that marked the boundary of the trial zone, his movements hurried and defiant.


    But as he stepped beneath the statue, a shadow loomed over him.


    Hugh breath caught in his throat as he looked up.


    The statue, which had been motionless until now, began to move.


    Its massive stone hammer rose into the air, casting an enormous shadow over Hugh''s bulky form.


    "What the¡ª?!"


    Hugh froze, his neck craning upward as he saw the towering figure above him.


    His defiance melted into terror.


    Then asharp, metallic sound echoed in the air, and a notification appeared before everyone:


    DING!


    [Players cannot leave the mountain once entered.]


    [Punishment for disobedience: Death.]


    "Shit!" Hugh cursed as he read the notification glowing before his eyes.


    His face twisted with anger and fear.


    "Why didn''t you mention this before we star¡ª" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BOOM!


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    Hugh didn''t get to finish.


    The towering statue''s hammer came down with a thunderous crash, crushing him in an instant.


    SPLAT.


    Blood sprayed outward, painting the rocky ground beneath the statue.


    The sickening sound lingered in the air, echoing in everyone''s ears.


    And then, they were six.


    Freya stumbled backward, her hands flying to her mouth as she tried to stifle a scream.


    Her whole body trembled uncontrollably, her knees threatening to give out.


    Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision as the gruesome scene replayed in her mind.


    "This is too much," she whispered, her voice quivering.


    This was indeed a nightmare.


    Beside her stood Micah, a male player dressed in a flowing priest''s robe, holding a staff that gleamed faintly in the dim light.


    He kept his gaze forward, his expression grim but composed.


    "We can only move forward," Marcus said, his voice low and steady, though there was a heavy sadness beneath his tone. "The more we delay, the less chance we have of survival."


    Freya hesitated, her lips trembling as she tried to form words, but nothing came out.


    "I''ll go ahead," Micah continued, gripping his staff tightly as he stepped toward the line marking the trial zone.


    Wait What?


    Freya thought to herself. If he left then she''ll be the last one.


    He paused just before crossing the line, his back to Freya.


    "Make sure to join, too," he added, glancing over his shoulder.


    There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes¡ªan odd mix of sorrow and something else...something that rattled Freya.


    "It pains me to do this," Micah muttered under his breath.


    Then, with a sharp inhale, he grit his teeth and leaped over the line, officially joining the trial.


    Freya winced as she watched him cross.


    She realized why he had done it¡ªhe was ensuring he wouldn''t be stuck in the last position.


    The beast, Baranga, immediately swiveled its hulking form toward Micah, its gaze locking on him.


    But Micah stood firm.


    Unlike the others before him, he didn''t flinch.


    He had been paying attention, learning from their mistakes.


    Before making his move, Micah had already shut his eyes tightly, anticipating Baranga''s trick.


    He wouldn''t allow himself to be caught off guard like Isaac, who had fallen when the beast suddenly appeared in front of him.


    Ahead of Micah, more players moved cautiously.


    And Baranga''s attention snapped toward them, the monstrous eyes tracking their steps like a predator watching its prey.


    Seeing the momentary distraction, Micah took a deliberate step forward.


    His movements were calm and calculated, each step a gamble with his life.


    Freya, still standing outside the trial zone, began to panic.


    Her breathing grew erratic, and she clutched her arms tightly, watching the others progress further ahead.


    She was the only one left outside the trial.


    At this rate, they were going to leave her behind.


    Her mind raced as Dorion''s words echoed in her ears:


    "The slowest one ends up being the sacrificial pawn."


    If she started now, she would already be at a disadvantage.


    She''d fall behind the others, and her fate would be sealed.


    Freya clenched her fists tightly, nails digging into her palms as a wave of dread surged through her.


    She didn''t want to be the sacrificial pawn.


    Her legs felt heavy like they were weighed down with chains, but she forced them to move.


    Step by trembling step, she inched toward the line.


    Her breathing was shallow, her heart pounding so loudly it echoed in her ears.


    And then she crossed it.


    But the instant her foot touched the trial zone, Baranga''s gaze....

 Chapter 108 Desperate Gamble

    But the instant her foot touched the trial zone, Baranga''s gaze snapped to her.


    Its monstrous eyes bore into her, unblinking and cold.


    Freya froze, every instinct screaming at her to run, but the beast didn''t charge as it did with Micah and Isaac.


    Instead, Baranga turned slightly, positioning itself in front of Marcus while keeping Freya in its sights.


    The two of them were now caught under its watchful eyes.


    Further ahead, the four players who had already gained distance saw this as an opportunity.


    They exchanged quick glances and stepped forward, testing their luck while the beast''s attention was divided.


    But then, something changed.


    Baranga''s massive head twisted sharply, far quicker than before, its focus narrowing like a predator spotting fresh prey.


    The sudden movement was jarring, and it locked onto George, who had just landed from a leap forward.


    "No!" George''s voice cracked as panic seized him.


    He stumbled slightly, spinning around to see the beast''s gaze fixed solely on him.


    Baranga''s towering frame shifted, its hand beginning to rise in preparation for an attack.


    George''s eyes widened in sheer terror, his body trembling as he realized what was about to happen.


    "No, I will not die like this!"


    George roared in defiance, his trembling hand gripping the hilt of his sword.


    His fear burned away, replaced by a desperate determination.


    And he charged straight at Baranga, letting out a war cry, his sword raised high.


    But Baranga''s burning gaze remained steady, and without even flinching, the beast unleashed its fiery wrath.


    And flames erupted around George, engulfing him completely.


    "Aaaargh!"


    His screams pierced the air as his body was consumed by fire, his sword clattering uselessly to the ground.


    And then, silence.


    George was reduced to ashes in mere moments.


    And then there were five.


    Freya''s hands trembled, but her mind was racing.


    The beast had turned its back toward her as it loomed over George''s remains. It wasn''t looking at her anymore.


    This was her chance.


    Contrary to what anyone might think, Freya wasn''t just standing still, paralyzed by fear.


    She had been observing¡ªstudying, every movement Baranga made, every second it spent focused on its victims, she memorized it all.


    Baranga always lingered for a few precious seconds after killing someone before turning its attention to the others. That delay was key.


    Freya gritted her teeth, determination sparking in her eyes.


    "If that''s how it works," she muttered under her breath, "then I can cover more ground during those seconds."


    Her plan formed quickly: instead of taking one cautious step at a time like the others, she would use those few seconds to dash forward.


    Not just a little, but far enough to surpass Marcus, the last player ahead of her.


    Marcus hadn''t told Freya to join because he cared about her safety.


    No, his words had been selfish, a ploy.


    He needed her alive so he wouldn''t end up in last place.


    Like he said, they could only move forward.


    She was just going to be ahead.


    Freya clenched her fists, her body trembling.


    This was her moment.


    In one swift motion, she activated her movement skill.


    A burst of energy surged through her, and she dashed forward, her eyes locked on Baranga''s hulking, furry form.


    Her breath came fast, adrenaline coursing through her veins.


    The ground blurred beneath her feet, but her focus remained unbroken.


    Then it happened.


    Freya''s heart skipped a beat as she noticed Baranga twitch, a subtle but ominous movement.


    Her instincts screamed at her to stop. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She skidded to a halt, crouching low as her chest heaved.


    Her eyes squeezed shut, and her hands trembled at her sides.


    Did it see me?


    The question pounded in her mind like a war drum.


    The air felt heavy, suffocating as if the beast''s gaze had locked onto her.


    Her entire body froze, fear rooting her in place.


    Seconds stretched into eternity.


    Then, nothing.


    Freya slowly opened her eyes, her pulse still racing.


    Baranga''s fiery gaze wasn''t on her.


    Instead, it had shifted toward another player further ahead who had moved at the same time.


    The beast had missed her reckless maneuver entirely.


    Freya exhaled shakily, relief flooding her.


    She wiped the sweat from her brow, her heart still pounding, but she couldn''t relax for long.


    It was a gamble, but it had paid off.


    She was still in the game.


    Freya was now in fourth position, just a few feet ahead of Micah, who had fallen to fifth.


    His face twisted in irritation as he realized he was now at the back.


    He barked, his tone sharp with annoyance:


    "Hey, Freya, what are you doing?"


    "Joining, like you told me to," Freya shot back, her gaze focused forward, unshaken.


    Then her lips curled into a defiant smirk:


    "What''s wrong? Does it piss you off that you''re in last place?"


    Marcus''s jaw tightened his saintly facade cracking as he hissed under his breath, venom dripping from his words.


    "You bitch!" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    Up ahead, Baranga''s fiery gaze locked onto Ezekiel and Dorion, who had slowed down.


    Their every move was carefully calculated, as they each tried to avoid the beast''s wrath.


    Suddenly, Conny made her move.


    She leaped forward, hoping to take advantage of the moment when Baranga seemed distracted.


    But her timing was off.


    The beast''s head snapped toward her in an instant.


    "No!" Conny''s panicked cry echoed across the trial, but it was too late.


    Flames engulfed her in seconds, her screams cutting off as her body turned to ash.


    And then there were four.


    Freya watched, her heart pounding, but she knew this was her chance. She steadied herself and prepared to dash forward again.


    But before she could move, a sharp, searing pain tore through her leg.


    "Ahh!" she cried out, collapsing to the ground. Her hands instinctively reached for her injured leg as waves of agony coursed through her.


    "What just happened?" she gasped, her breath ragged.


    Her gaze darted back, and her blood ran cold.


    A blade was embedded deep in her leg, crimson staining the ground beneath her.


    And there he stood¡ªMarcus¡ªwith a twisted, evil grin on his face.


    Freya snarled, her voice trembling with rage:


    "You piece of shit!"


    "No¡­" Marcus growled, his eyes wild and unhinged. "There''s no way I''ll be a pawn for others to live. No way!"

 Chapter 109 Paybacks a Bitch

    Freya''s fury burned hotter than the pain in her leg.


    Micah''s betrayal was a cowardly, desperate move¡ªa dagger to her leg to ensure she''d be the one left behind.


    Her hands trembled as she clutched the wound, blood pooling beneath her.


    Ezekiel caught sight of the attack and clenched his fists in anger, his jaw tightening.


    He looked like he was about to act, but then his gaze flicked forward.


    His resolve hardened.


    Helping Freya now could cost him his life.


    He forced himself to stay focused and take another step.


    Dorion, on the other hand, snickered. "Guess I''m not the only one willing to play dirty to survive," he muttered, amused by the chaos.


    Baranga''s fiery eyes remained locked on Ezekiel and Dorion, its massive form moving menacingly toward them.


    This shift in attention left Micah and Freya behind¡ªan opening they could use to move.


    But Freya''s situation was dire.


    Her leg throbbed with sharp, relentless pain, and the wound made it nearly impossible to stand.


    She realized she couldn''t take even a single step with the blade still lodged in her flesh.


    Her hands shot to the dagger.


    She gritted her teeth, determined to act.


    One hand pressed firmly over her mouth to stifle the scream threatening to erupt.


    With a deep breath, she yanked the blade free in one swift motion.


    Pain exploded through her leg like fire.


    Tears streamed down her face as she fought against the urge to thrash and cry out.


    Every muscle in her body screamed for release.


    Then, Baranga''s glowing eyes snapped toward her.


    The beast had noticed her movement.


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    She forced herself to stay completely still, even as the pain in her leg threatened to overwhelm her.


    Her lips trembled against her palm, but she didn''t make a sound.


    Freya''s muffled cries of pain escaped under her arm as she glared at Micah, her fury unwavering despite the agony shooting through her leg.


    Blood dripping onto the ground.


    Ahead, Ezekiel and Dorion took cautious steps forward.


    Baranga''s blazing eyes followed them, its monstrous head swiveling in their direction.


    Freya exhaled slowly, relieved that the beast''s attention wasn''t on her¡ªfor now.


    Then, behind her, the sound of a footstep broke the tense silence.


    Freya''s eyes snapped to Micah, who had taken a step forward.


    She turned sharply, her glare like daggers piercing through him.


    The rage bubbling within her almost made her forget the pain in her leg.


    For a split second, all she could think about was lunging at him and plunging the dagger he''d left in her leg straight into his throat.


    But she knew better.


    Any rash move now would cost her everything.


    Micah, noticing her deadly stare, held up his hands as if pleading for forgiveness.


    His face twisted into an apologetic expression, but his words only fanned the flames of her anger.


    "Listen... I''m really, really sorry, Freya, but you gave me no option," he said, his voice trembling with faux sincerity. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You piece of shit!" Freya hissed, her voice low and venomous. "Say one more word, and I swear I''ll kill you!"


    Micah flinched but didn''t back down.


    "I''m sorry! I really am!" he repeated, his tone desperate.


    Freya clenched her fists, shaking with fury.


    Every nerve in her body screamed to silence him, but the trial demanded her focus. She couldn''t afford to let her anger control her¡ªnot yet.


    Up ahead, Ezekiel and Dorion moved again, and Baranga''s attention shifted with them.


    Micah took advantage of the moment and stepped forward again, inching closer to Freya''s position.


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    "Can you walk? I really need you to be able to walk. So I can make it to the end."


    Micah''s voice had a pitiful tone, but his words carried a selfish edge that made Freya''s blood boil.


    Freya frowned, biting her lip in frustration.


    Her glare never left Micah.


    If it came down to just the two of them still in the trial, she''d rather die than let him use her as a pawn for his survival.


    Baranga''s attention returned to Ezekiel and Dorion up ahead, the beast''s fiery eyes tracking their every cautious step.


    Micah seized the opportunity and stepped forward, moving dangerously close to Freya.


    Too close.


    Freya''s muscles tensed as she realized how close he was¡ªclose enough to strike.


    And he didn''t hesitate.


    "Hey, Freya, you need to keep moving. I need you to¡ª"


    THUD!


    Before Micah could finish, Freya pushed up with her hands, twisting her body, and drove her foot backward with everything she had. Her heel slammed into Micah''s chest.


    "Ummph!"


    Micah let out a strangled gasp as the force of the kick knocked him off his feet. He stumbled backward, his arms flailing before he crashed to the ground.


    Groaning, Micah clutched his chest, his face contorted in pain. His eyes were wide with shock, as though he couldn''t believe what had just happened.


    "No!" he shouted, his voice trembling with panic.


    His breathing quickened as the beast''s fiery gaze fell squarely on him.


    "No... no!" he stammered, his voice trembling.


    His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, paralyzed with fear.


    Baranga''s massive hand began to rise, a searing glow emanating from its claws as flames sparked to life. The air around Micah grew hot, the fiery judgment about to descend.


    Micah''s terror reached its peak. He screamed, his voice shrill and desperate.


    "No! No! This isn''t fair! You should kill her instead!"


    He spun around, pointing a shaky finger at Freya, his face contorted with rage and panic.


    Freya, still propped awkwardly on the ground from her earlier kick, stared at him with pure disdain.


    She was in pain, her leg throbbing, but she didn''t care.


    She met his gaze with an unflinching glare, as if daring him to keep talking.


    The corners of her mouth curled in disgust.


    "You bitch!"


    Micah spat venomously, his desperation morphing into fury.


    With nothing left to lose, he lunged toward Freya, arms outstretched in a frenzied attack.


    He had abandoned all sense of reason, consumed by his anger and fear.

 Chapter 110 Furys Price

    But before he could reach her, Baranga''s flaming claws ignited, the inferno engulfing Micah in an instant.


    WHOOSH!


    The fire roared to life, and Micah''s screams pierced the air.


    "Aaaargh!"


    His body writhed in agony, the flames consuming him mercilessly. His flailing arms reached out as if searching for salvation, but there was none to be found.


    Micah stumbled erratically, flames licking at his body as he flailed, trying to catch Freya. His movements were wild and desperate, but Freya managed to dodge, narrowly avoiding his grasp each time.


    He lunged once more, but his strength was failing. The fire was relentless, consuming him from the outside in.


    Freya watched, her heart pounding as he missed her entirely. She pressed her injured leg into the dirt, gritting her teeth against the pain.


    Micah''s screams began to fade, replaced by the crackling of flames. After a few agonizing seconds, he collapsed to the ground, unmoving. The fire continued to burn for a moment longer before it finally extinguished, leaving behind only ash and silence.


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    Micah was dead.


    And now, there were three.


    Two in the lead.


    Freya, injured and barely holding on, trailed behind.


    "Yikes," Dorion muttered, his voice low and uneasy. He shook his head at the grim sight, but he didn''t linger. Without hesitation, he took another step forward, inching closer to the finish line.


    Ezekiel, who had been standing beside him, froze. The weight of the moment had left him stunned, and by the time he realized he should have moved too, it was already too late.


    His jaw clenched, and he grit his teeth in frustration.


    What happened to keeping your gaze forward, Ezekiel? he chastised himself internally, his fists tightening. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Baranga''s attention shifted between the two of them, its smoldering eyes unblinking and predatory. The beast loomed over them, radiating an overwhelming pressure.


    Neither Dorion nor Ezekiel dared to move now. The tension was unbearable, the silence so thick it felt like it could crush them.


    Dorion''s eyes darted toward the finish line, just within reach. Sweat poured down his face as his frustration mounted. He was so close, but the monstrous presence of Baranga kept him frozen in place.


    Ezekiel, too, was rooted to the spot, his breath coming in shallow bursts.


    The two of them remained under Baranga''s watchful gaze, unable to act.


    Behind them, Freya gritted her teeth, her leg still throbbing in pain.


    She knew she was supposed to move to ease the pressure off the two ahead of her, but she couldn''t, or rather wouldn''t.


    How could she? When she''d only be aiding the two ahead.


    Becoming a sacrificial pawn.


    Dorion''s voice rang out, cutting through the tense air like a blade.


    "Hey, Freya! Gotta admit, watching you take down that damned priest was impressive, but if you want to survive, you''d better start moving again."


    Freya clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing at his audacity.


    "Shut up!" she snapped, her voice dripping with venom.


    Dorion smirked, ignoring her anger. "Come on, you just need to catch its attention two more times, then I''m out of here. Easy, right?"


    "I said, shut your mouth!" Freya spat. Her fury burned hotter than her pain, and her glare was sharp enough to cut. "You''re a shameless bastard! You just want to use me as bait to escape. I''d rather see us all die than let you make it out alive!"


    Dorion raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading slightly. "You hate me that much?"


    "Stop it, Dorion!" Ezekiel interrupted his voice firm and commanding.


    Dorion turned to him, rolling his eyes:


    "Don''t start acting like some goody-two-shoes now, Ezekiel. Some leader you are. You''ve been moving ahead this whole time, staying in the lead while knowing full well your allies were going to be sacrificed. So don''t lecture me about doing what it takes to survive."


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened, but he kept his gaze forward.


    "I''m only one man, kid. At this point, the best thing I can do is keep moving forward."


    Dorian''s frown deepened, frustration clear in his voice.


    "I''m going to pretend that makes sense, but still, man. There has to be a sacrifice, Ezekiel. And since she''s one behind, it''s only fair she be the one."


    Ezekiel didn''t even look at him, his tone calm yet resolute.


    "Well, she has to be the one to make that choice. And you talking about it isn''t exactly helping."


    Freya, stuck in her awkward position with one leg stretched out behind her, felt the weight of the situation sinking in.


    She knew she was screwed¡ªthere was no way out.


    Her body trembled, each second feeling like an eternity.


    But she couldn''t afford to move.


    Shifting into a more comfortable position would only draw Baranga''s attention, giving Ezekiel and Dorian the chance to advance even further.


    She clenched her teeth, feeling the tremors in her legs. It was only a matter of time before her body betrayed her, and she fell.


    With no other choice, she made a split-second decision. Lowering her leg swiftly, she slid into a sitting posture, hoping to stabilize herself.


    As soon as her position changed, Baranga''s gaze snapped toward her, its three eyes locking onto her with a chilling intensity. Freya''s heart skipped a beat.


    But before the beast could react further, Ezekiel made his move, dashing ahead, forcing Baranga''s attention to split between the two of them.


    "Dammit!" Dorian cursed under his breath.


    He had missed his chance, and now things were even more complicated.


    Freya, still sitting, didn''t waste a second.


    She summoned a bottle of healing potion¡ªthe one she''d bought from the skeleton vendor on the first day of the trial.


    It was a risk, but she had no choice.


    With a swift motion, she stood up, uncorked the bottle, and poured the contents into her mouth.


    The cool liquid slid down her throat, offering a brief but much-needed relief.


    But Baranga''s gaze snapped towards her, staring intently as she held the potion bottle in her mouth, trying not to make any sudden movements.


    She dared not move, not even an inch.

 Chapter 111 Unexpected Arrival

    Gritting her teeth, she winced as the pain from her injury surged, but a wave of relief followed as the healing potion worked its magic.


    The wound began to close, her flesh knitting itself back together.


    She exhaled slowly.


    200 Nightmare Points for this.


    It had been a hefty price, and she thought bitterly of the skeleton vendor who had gleefully taken her hard-earned points.


    Points she had bled, sweat, and nearly died to collect.


    Damned vendor, she thought, gripping the now-empty potion bottle tightly.


    But... it was worth it.


    Freya steeled herself, her fingers curling into fists.


    She had made a decision¡ªa promise to herself. If she was going to go down, it wouldn''t be without a fight.


    Her sharp gaze flicked ahead to Ezekiel and Dorion.


    The two were inched forward cautiously, and as they moved, Baranga''s glowing eyes snapped toward them.


    That''s when Freya noticed something.


    Baranga reacted much faster to movements from those closer to the finish line compared to those lagging behind.


    The beast''s gaze lingered longer, its movements sharper, as if proximity made the threat more urgent.


    A spark of hope ignited in her chest.


    So that''s how it works. If it sees them as more of a threat, I can use that.


    It wasn''t much, but it was something. She could work with this.


    Freya weighed her options. It was risky¡ªa gamble, just like the countless others she had taken to survive. But she was out of alternatives.


    Her mind raced as she planned her next move. If she could distract Baranga by using its priority for the frontrunners, she might have a chance to advance.


    All or nothing.


    Without hesitation, Freya moved.


    She activated her movement skill, her body surging forward with a burst of energy.


    Her heart raced as she crossed the ground, but she stopped abruptly, cutting the distance in half compared to what she normally covered with the skill.


    Then stopped abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest wondering if she had overdone it.


    Baranga''s glowing eyes locked onto her, its massive form still as a statue.


    For a moment, it felt like the beast might attack, but it didn''t.


    It worked.


    Freya exhaled sharply, relief flooding through her.


    Her gamble had paid off.


    Ahead of her, Ezekiel and Dorion seized the opportunity, moving forward. Their quick steps caught the beast''s attention, its gaze snapping toward them as they progressed closer to the finish line.


    Freya used the opening.


    Summoning her strength, she activated her movement skill again, her body propelling forward in a controlled burst of speed.


    This time, she stopped right beside Baranga.


    The sheer size of the beast was overwhelming, its shadow swallowing her whole as she stood close enough to see the strange energy pulsing beneath its hide.


    She was near the center now, dangerously close to where the beast had positioned itself.


    Dorion noticed immediately.


    His expression twisted with frustration as he saw how her movements complicated things.


    He was so close to the finish line, but Freya''s bursts of movement could throw everything into chaos.


    "Hey!" Dorion shouted, his voice sharp. "Don''t move into its line of sight like that! If you do, it''ll be able to spot all three of us at once without needing to move. You''ll make it impossible for anyone to advance!"


    Freya''s lips curled into a cold smile as she turned her gaze toward him:


    "Oh, Dora, I must''ve missed the part where that''s my problem."


    "You dumb bitch! The name is Dorian!"


    Freya scoffed, rolling her eyes.


    "Like I said, I''d rather we all die than let you survive."


    Dorion turned his anger toward Ezekiel, his voice rising with desperation.


    "You¡­ You''re really not gonna say anything to her? This affects you too, you know!"


    Ezekiel sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion.


    He didn''t even bother looking at Dorion as he muttered, "Whatever will be, will be."


    "What are you now, Buddha?"


    Freya didn''t wait for their argument to end.


    Her focus shifted back to the trial as she moved again, but she didn''t dare use her skill this time.


    A wise choice, as Baranga this time, didn''t simply turn toward her like before.


    Instead, the beast vanished in a blink¡ªits massive frame reappearing directly in front of her.


    Freya her breath catching in her throat as she looked up. Baranga''s three glowing eyes were wide open, each pulsating with a hypnotic, unnatural light.


    She froze, unable to move, as the beast loomed over her.


    Her heart hammered against her ribs, but to her surprise, fear wasn''t what she felt. Instead, there was a strange, almost absurd amusement bubbling up inside her. Its eyes don''t even look real, she thought. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before she could process the bizarre sensation, Ezekiel and Dorion made their move, using the distraction to slip forward.


    And this time...


    "Freedom!"


    Dorion shouted as he crossed the finish line, his chest heaving with exhilaration.


    He''d done it¡ªhe was out.


    He''d made it first, not because he was the fastest, but because he knew what mattered: be aggressive, think ahead, and take every opportunity. The early bird eats the worm, after all.


    As soon as he crossed, a notification pinged in his mind.


    Ding


    [You have cleared Trial 1 of Nightmare]


    [You have received 2000 nightmare points]


    [You have received 20 upgrade stones]


    The exit to the next trial appeared before him, a bright portal shimmering with promise.


    But instead of rushing through, Dorion did something unexpected¡ªhe plopped down on the ground, grinning like a maniac.


    He wasn''t in a hurry anymore. He turned his eyes back toward Freya and Ezekiel, just to watch the fun unfold.


    "Shit," Freya muttered under her breath.


    Her teeth clenched as she glared at Dorion, who sat there with a smug look plastered on his face.


    He''s out.


    Now, it was just her and Ezekiel left, standing at the edge of the trial''s final stretch.


    Freya exhaled, her breath heavy and filled with frustration.


    She took a step forward, the ground beneath her shifting slightly as she moved. Instantly, Baranga''s gaze snapped to her¡ªfaster than before.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    She had to be cautious now. Every movement mattered.


    Ezekiel, sensing the change in the air, adjusted his pace as well.


    He was no longer rushing, no longer reckless.


    The two of them moved slowly, carefully¡ªeach step calculated.


    Suddenly, Baranga shifted.


    The beast''s massive form blurred, appearing in front of them in an instant.


    But neither Freya nor Ezekiel flinched. They''d anticipated it. They knew Baranga was fast, but this time, they were ready. They moved with precision, staying calm despite the beast''s intimidating speed.


    And then, with one final push, Ezekiel crossed the finish line.


    Dorion, who had been lounging at the sidelines, turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he watched Ezekiel''s victory.


    Ezekiel paused, catching his breath, then spoke in a voice filled with resolve:


    "I need to end this nightmare... for the sake of those who have died. And I can only trust myself to do it."


    Dorion chuckled, a mocking smile curling on his lips.


    "Why be a hypocrite? Just be honest like me."


    With that, Dorion stood up, dusting off his hands as he prepared to leave. The show was over. There was no more waiting, no more playing. It was time to move on.


    Freya stood there, the weight of her situation sinking in.


    She watched as the others disappeared into the exit, most likely heading to the next floor.


    Her heart pounded as she realized the cruel truth¡ªshe was the only one left behind.


    Ezekiel didn''t even spare her a glance, his eyes fixed forward as he moved toward the exit.


    His determination was unshakable, leaving Freya in the dust.


    Damn it.


    Her fists clenched at her sides, frustration building inside her.


    If only she had moved faster.


    If only she hadn''t hesitated or let her fear take control.


    She sighed deeply, the regret washing over her like a wave.


    But it was too late now.


    There was no turning back.


    Her gaze shifted to the finish line, barely a dozen steps away.


    It felt like a cruel joke, knowing that the small distance was now an impossible mountain.


    She''d never make it in time, especially with Baranga''s eyes locked onto her.


    The beast''s gaze felt like a heavyweight, and she could practically feel the pressure closing in around her.


    Dammit.


    Freya exhaled sharply, the tears welling up in her eyes.


    She sniffed, wiping them away, refusing to let them fall.


    She had tried.


    She had really tried her hardest to survive... but it just wasn''t enough.


    And now...


    She closed her eyes, the finality of it all settling in.


    I guess this is the end.


    Freya took a deep breath, her resolve hardening.


    She was ready to make one final move.


    Her heart pounded in her chest as she gathered every ounce of strength.


    The decision was clear: she would take action.


    It would likely mean her death, but she''d rather face it head-on than succumb to the inevitable result of inaction and face the same grim fate without a fight.


    She focused her gaze on the finish line¡ªjust a dozen steps away¡ªand made her choice. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    It''s impossible, she knew.


    But that didn''t matter anymore.


    She was going to make that leap, no matter how unlikely.


    She would die on her own terms, with a smile on her face, even if it was the last thing she ever did.


    She exhaled, her body coiling like a spring, ready to jump.


    This is it.


    But just as she prepared to launch herself, an ear-shattering explosion echoed from behind her.


    Boom!


    The entire place trembled from the shockwave, and instinctively, Freya spun her head around, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    She couldn''t believe what she was seeing.


    The towering guardian statue that had been watching over the entrance out in the snow was now lying face down on the ground, its head completely blown to pieces.


    Standing nearby, as if he belonged in this chaotic scene, was a man wearing a hat, casually dressed in beach clothing and flip-flops, looking completely unfazed by the destruction he''d just caused as he strolled in.


    Freya blinked in utter confusion.


    "What the hell...?" she muttered under her breath.


    The scene before her felt too absurd to be real.

 Chapter 112 Giant Fall

    A Couple of Minutes Earlier


    Alex yanked his sword free from the massive corpse of a fallen Blight Bear.


    Its dark, corrupted blood stained the blade, steaming in the cold air.


    He exhaled, his breath forming icy plumes that quickly dissipated into the biting chill around him.


    Straightening up, Alex glanced at his system panel, curious about how many Nightmare Points and Tutorial Points he''d racked up. The numbers flashed before him, and his eyes widened in satisfaction.


    {Total Nightmare Points: 10,000}


    {Stats Points: 500}


    A slow grin spread across his face.


    This... this is insane.


    The 500 Stat Points alone were enough to mimic leveling up fifty times¡ªa staggering reward for his efforts.


    The bodies of countless Blight Monsters littered the frozen ground around him.


    They had rushed at him relentlessly, like moths to a flame.


    He had fought and slain every one of them without hesitation, turning the nightmare''s endless onslaught into his personal treasure trove.


    But as satisfying as the bloodshed was, Alex noticed the eerie silence that now surrounded him. It was clear¡ªthe nightmare had run out of monsters to send.


    "Tch," Alex muttered, sheathing his sword. "Guess that''s all the fun I''m getting here."


    With no more creatures to hunt, he set his sights on the looming mountain ahead¡ªthe next step in his journey. It towered ominously in the distance, its peak hidden in swirling clouds. If the nightmare wasn''t done with him yet, it would be waiting for him up there.


    The snow fell heavier as he approached the base of the mountain. Each step brought a sharper chill, the wind biting at his exposed skin like a pack of wolves. The frost would have been unbearable for most, but for Alex, it was as comfortable as a beachside stroll.


    His Cold Resistance skill enveloped him like an invisible shield, dulling the harsh bite of the weather and leaving him unbothered by the freezing conditions.


    As he trudged through the deepening snow, Alex''s mind sharpened.


    The mountain was just the beginning, and whatever challenges awaited him at its peak, he''d face them head-on.


    As Alex approached the mountain''s entrance, his eyes locked onto the first thing that stood out¡ªa towering statue, easily over thirty feet tall, clutching an enormous axe.


    Its stone frame was weathered and cracked, but its presence radiated an unmistakable sense of menace.


    He stepped closer, his boots crunching against the snow, and tilted his head back to take in the massive figure.


    His gaze settled on its eyes¡ªcarved from some strange material that shimmered faintly like they were waiting for something.


    Alex''s instincts flared, sharp and clear.


    This thing''s alive.


    As if on cue, the statue''s eyes snapped open, glowing with an eerie light. Its head tilted downward, locking its gaze onto Alex with an unsettling intensity.


    The air seemed to grow heavier, pressing down on Alex''s shoulders, but he stood his ground, meeting the statue''s gaze with one of his own¡ªfiery, unflinching, and unyielding.


    Then, in a voice that rumbled like an avalanche, the statue spoke.


    "You... you possess a cursed sigil," it said, the awe in its tone dripping like molten lead.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


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    "Is that going to be a problem?"


    He suspected it would be.


    The statue creaked ominously, its joints grinding like ancient gears.


    It lifted its colossal axe, the blade gleaming even in the dim light.


    "It is a problem," the statue intoned, its voice heavy with judgment. "Anyone who causes havoc in the nightmare... must be eliminated."


    Alex''s voice was calm, almost bored, as he muttered, "Oh... so you''re going to kill me now."


    He slid one hand casually into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the small, enhanced Blastshard he had kept there.


    "Affirmative," the statue replied, its voice booming like thunder, echoing off the walls of the mountain''s entrance.


    Alex''s lips curled into a faint smirk.


    Without missing a beat, he activated [Dismiss], transferring the energy of the shard directly to the statue''s head.


    The invisible charge was set, primed for destruction.


    "It''s too bad," Alex said, his tone shifting to something sharper, more determined. "I''ve started moving, and I don''t plan to stop until I make it out of this nightmare." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The statue seemed unfazed by his words. Its massive stone joints groaned as it lifted its enormous axe high into the air. The blade glinted menacingly as it caught the faint light.


    "I see..." The statue''s voice boomed louder, filled with finality. "Then die!"


    The axe came crashing down with a force that could split the earth.


    But...


    SNAP


    Alex triggered the [Blastshard]


    BOOM!


    The explosion erupted directly in the statue''s head, the force so immense it shattered the glowing eyes and sent chunks of stone flying in every direction.


    For a split second, the head seemed to implode inward before the entire upper section of the statue exploded outward, a deafening roar accompanying the destruction.


    When the dust settled, the headless giant''s body stood still for a heartbeat before collapsing with a thunderous thud.


    The ground beneath Alex''s feet trembled as the massive figure fell, shaking the snow-covered landscape.


    Alex stepped forward, now standing over the rubble of the fallen guardian.


    He dusted some debris off his shoulder, his expression as calm as ever as he muttered with a faint chuckle:


    "Well...that was easy."


    Without another glance at the remains of the statue, Alex turned and made his way toward the mountain''s entrance.


    Alex stepped through the entrance, his boots crunching against the frost-coated floor.


    The dim light illuminated a strange sight ahead.


    A monstrous, grotesque creature with three glowing eyes fixed unnervingly on a woman who tilted her head slightly to look at him.


    Shock and terror etched on her face.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, curious.


    Something was certainly going on here.


    He began to move, and as he got closer, he caught sight of something scrawled on the wall to his left. The faint, jagged lettering caught his attention.


    {Rules}


    He paused mid-step, his gaze narrowing as he began to read the scratched-out message.


    Once you step onto the platform, follow the rules:


    When the monster''s gaze is on you, do not move, or you''ll end up a dead fool. You cannot do this alone¡ªdo not try.


    Lest you fall under Baranga''s hand and end up fried.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smirk.


    "What kind of rule is this?" he muttered under his breath.


    The rhyming lines felt oddly out of place in the tense atmosphere.


    He squinted, rereading it carefully, but it didn''t stop him from critiquing the effort behind it.


    Seriously, it sounded like a lazy, half-baked poem that someone just gave up halfway through writing it.


    Despite how terrible the rule was, Alex knew better than to dismiss the warning outright.


    He glanced back toward the woman.


    She hadn''t moved an inch, standing as if her life depended on staying perfectly still.


    Alex''s sharp eyes picked up the slight tremble in her arms, her muscles taut from holding her position for so long.


    Alex didn''t need to guess why she couldn''t move¡ªthe beast''s gaze was fixed on her.


    The rules were clear: if she moved, she''d be fried, just as the cheesy poem on the wall had warned.


    His eyes flicked to the ground near the starting line of this trial.


    Blackened streaks crisscrossed the floor like the remnants of a brutal warning.


    He didn''t need to stretch his imagination to know what caused them.


    "Burnt corpses," Alex muttered, his lips twisting in a grim line.


    Most likely of players who didn''t follow the rules.


    Since Freya was the only one left in the trial, Alex could piece the story together easily enough.


    If anyone had made it out then they must''ve used her as bait to slip past.


    She''d been abandoned, left to keep the beast distracted so the rest could make their escape.


    In other words: A sacrificial pawn.

 Chapter 113 Calculated Risk

    Alex turned his attention back to Freya, who stood perfectly still, her breaths shallow and her face pale with terror. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Despite her fear, she was still holding her position.


    Impressive, considering what she was facing.


    "Well," Alex muttered under his breath, "guess I''d better join as well."


    Without a second thought, he stepped forward, heading straight toward the starting line.


    Freya''s eyes widened as she caught sight of him approaching, disbelief flickering across her face. Alex didn''t stop, didn''t even acknowledge her shock.


    As he raised his leg to cross the line into the trial''s madness, one of the beast''s glowing eyes snapped toward him.


    It moved fast¡ªunnaturally fast¡ªand Alex stopped wondering what the beast''s reaction was about.


    The creature was enormous, resembling some kind of orangutan demon with thick, corded muscles and glowing, malevolent eyes.


    Its gaze was intense, radiating an aura of death.


    But Alex was calm and unbothered. by the immense pressure. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure the beast was scary, but... it was not Kraken-level scary.


    Freya exhaled sharply, relief flooding through her body.


    Though she was still under unbearable pressure, she felt at ease a little.


    With him here, her chances of making it out alive had just increased.


    She now had an opportunity to make it out to the finish line.


    But...she frowned feeling conflicted.


    The new player would end up being stuck in this hellish game if she made it out.


    Her mind churned.


    What should I do?


    Freya''s eyes darted between Alex and the beast.


    Should I trick him into helping me? Make him draw the beast''s focus so I can escape?


    No.


    He would eventually realize both of them can''t escape this.


    Her throat tightened at the thought.


    It wasn''t like she hadn''t seen others do the same thing to survive, but this time it was different.


    The guilt crept in, worming its way into her conscience.


    And she hated herself for even considering the idea.


    Why?... Is it so wrong to use someone else if it means I live? Wouldn''t anyone else do the same to me if they had the chance?


    Her fists clenched.


    She hated feeling like this¡ªweak, trapped, unsure of herself.


    She stole a glance at Alex, who had stopped to read the rules written on the wall.


    But then she saw Alex begin to walk towards the starting line, lifting his leg to cross the line.


    And Freya froze.


    Her stomach twisted into a knot.


    Did he not read the rules? Did he really understand what he was walking into?


    One of Baranga''s menacing eyes locked onto Alex and panic surged in her chest.


    Before she could think it through, she yelled:


    "Stop!"


    Alex froze mid-step, his foot hovering inches above the ground.


    Freya''s voice sliced through the tense air, loud and frantic.


    "Are you dumb? Didn''t you read the rules? You''ll get incinerated!"


    Alex turned his head toward her, his sharp gaze meeting hers.


    He didn''t understand the anger behind her words.


    How else was he supposed to move forward without doing this? There was simply no point in thinking much about it.


    Alex exhaled and began to speak, his tone measured:


    "You need two or more people to take turns distracting the beast. That''s how you''re supposed to survive this trial, right?"


    Freya hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.


    "Yes... that''s how it works."


    Alex raised a brow, his expression unreadable.


    "But there''s a catch, isn''t there?"


    Freya opened her mouth to respond, but he finished her thought for her.


    "One of them has to be a sacrificial pawn," he said, his voice dropping a notch. "And if I step past this line, that''s exactly what I''ll become, isn''t it?"


    Her throat tightened, but she nodded.


    "That''s right," Freya muttered under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.


    He wasn''t dumb after all.


    He''d grasped the cruelty of the game almost instantly¡ªjust like Dorion had before him.


    Alex didn''t miss a beat, his tone cutting and direct.


    "In that case, there''s no way you can escape without someone else, yet you told me to stop. That''s not exactly smart, is it?"


    He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp. "Aren''t the dumb one here, lady."


    Freya''s jaw tightened.


    This bastard.


    She wanted to snap back, but she didn''t.


    She knew he was right. If he wanted to live, stopping him wasn''t logical.


    But logic wasn''t what mattered to Freya.


    She clenched her fists, the weight of her decision settling heavily on her.


    If being an idiot meant staying true to what she believed in, so be it.


    She''d rather die for doing the right thing than survive by betraying her values.


    "Maybe I am dumb. But I''d rather be that than become a monster." Freya said firmly.


    Alex took in her word and was stunned.


    And he stared at her remaining silent for a while.


    Freya wondered what he was thinking about, but then his voice broke through her thoughts.


    "Alright... I''ve made up my mind."


    And before she could process his words, he took a deliberate step forward.


    The moment his foot touched the ground, the beast''s glowing eyes snapped toward him like twin spotlights, and with a low, guttural growl, the monster''s massive frame shifted.


    Appearing in front of Alex.


    Its reaction this time was far more aggressive and intense.


    Freya, now free from the crushing pressure of the beast''s gaze, carefully glanced back over her shoulder.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed:


    "What are you doing?!"


    Alex turned his head slightly, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.


    He completely ignored the hulking creature looming over him, its hot breath steaming the cold air.


    "I should be asking you that," he quipped casually.


    Freya furrowed her brow, unable to wrap her head around his lack of fear.


    There wasn''t even the faintest trace of panic or anxiety in his voice.


    Did he even understand the danger he was in?


    Then Alex chuckled, an easy, almost playful sound.


    His fiery eyes locked directly onto Baranga''s glowing, menacing ones.


    "Leap, missy," he said, his tone confident and almost teasing. "Don''t worry about me. I don''t intend to die."


    Freya''s heart pounded in her chest as she shook her head.


    He didn''t get it.


    He''s mistaken.


    If Alex thought Baranga was just another monster to be dealt with, he was dead wrong.


    The beast wasn''t something you could overpower with raw strength.


    Its attacks were swift¡ªunforgiving.


    She''d seen its flames consume players in an instant, leaving nothing but charred marks on the ground.


    Baranga growled louder, its entire frame quaking with rage.


    The air itself seemed to heat up as flames flickered at the edges of its enormous maw.


    Freya swallowed hard, its reaction to Alex certainly was different.


    But then Alex spoke again, his gaze unwavering as he stared the beast down.


    "I told you not to worry, missy." His grin widened.


    "This scary-looking orangutan is nothing but prey."

 Chapter 114 Too Fast

    The confidence in Alex''s words sent a chill down Freya''s spine, and she couldn''t hide her confusion.


    She didn''t know whether to call him brave or outright insane.


    He didn''t seem suicidal¡ªhe had been sharp enough to figure things out quickly, after all¡ªbut challenging Baranga directly?


    That was as good as asking to be incinerated.


    Yet, there was something about him that convinced her otherwise.


    That made her believe him.


    The sheer confidence he exuded wasn''t just bold; it was overwhelming.


    It filled the space around him, seeming to bend the atmosphere itself to his will.


    Freya bit her lip.


    She had no doubt he was strong¡ªprobably stupidly strong¡ªbut this wasn''t a trial you could bulldoze through with muscle alone.


    This trial had rules, and from everything she''d seen, brute strength didn''t matter much against them.


    Or... was there something else? S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Had he found a loophole?


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, scanning his every move for some hidden strategy she might have missed. But no, from where she stood, it didn''t seem like it.


    Alex, meanwhile, stared down Baranga like a predator sizing up its prey.


    His fiery gaze was locked on the beast, unflinching, unyielding.


    To Freya, it looked like he intended to face the creature head-on, relying solely on brute strength.


    He can''t possibly think that''ll work... can he?


    She hesitated for a moment longer but then turned away.


    Like he said, I shouldn''t worry about it.


    The stranger had made his choice, and whatever happened next was on him.


    Though she''d been foolish enough to be honest before, she wasn''t foolish enough to ignore an opportunity when it was handed to her.


    Freya gritted her teeth, her mind sharpening with resolve.


    I''ll take it.


    She lunged forward.


    Baranga''s head snapped toward her as usual, but something felt... off.


    Freya''s sharp instincts picked up on it immediately.


    The beast''s reaction was slower than she''d expected.


    Its movements were still dangerous but it lacked the lightning speed she''d seen before.


    Her frown deepened in confusion.


    From what she had seen the closer someone got to the finish line, the faster and more aggressive Baranga became.


    She''d witnessed it herself when Dorion and Ezekiel pushed ahead.


    But now?


    Baranga wasn''t moving nearly as fast.


    Not as fast as it had been when Dorion and Ezekiel had tried to rush through.


    Why?


    The inconsistency gnawed at her as she glanced back, unable to shake the suspicion that the stranger was altering the way the beast behaved.


    Alex shifted his weight and took another deliberate step forward.


    The beast''s gaze snapped toward him instantly, its movements sharp and precise.


    Now that was fast, Freya thought.


    She was right. Baranga was certainly more focused on the stranger.


    It was almost like Baranga had a personal grudge against him, its every reaction charged with relentless intent, as though it was determined to catch him off-guard.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Instead, a confident grin spread across his face. He stood tall, like a predator toying with its prey. Each step he took seemed to mock the beast''s efforts, taunting it to try harder.


    Freya watched in disbelief, her heart pounding.


    What kind of lunatic smiles in a situation like this?


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    This was no game to her.


    She''d seen too many players fall here.


    Too many scorched into oblivion, their lives extinguished in the blink of an eye.


    And yet, Alex moved as if the threat didn''t exist, like he was enjoying the tension.


    Freya shook her head, forcing herself to focus.


    She shifted her position carefully, testing the beast''s reaction.


    When it stayed fixated on Alex, she took her chance.


    One step.


    Another.


    Just one more leap, and she''d cross the finish line.


    Meanwhile, Alex continued his deadly dance. He moved forward again, his steps calculated yet casual, drawing Baranga''s attention like a moth to a flame.


    The beast roared in frustration, its claws scraping against the ground in sheer annoyance as it tried and failed to catch Alex.


    Freya''s breath hitched. Almost there.


    With Alex holding the beast''s full attention, she was now free to make her final move. The finish line was within reach.


    Freya slowly turned toward Alex, her expression a storm of emotions.


    Her eyes were filled with a complicated mix: of confusion, guilt, and gratitude.


    Alex, standing tall amidst the chaos, simply waved at her with a carefree grin plastered on his face.


    "Go ahead," he muttered, his voice calm and steady, as though the situation was nothing more than a casual stroll.


    Freya hesitated for a brief moment, the weight of the decision pressing on her chest.


    She didn''t know what to feel¡ªsadness for leaving him behind, guilt for taking the opportunity he had given her, or assurance in his confidence.


    But she nodded.


    She couldn''t let his sacrifice be in vain.


    Taking a deep breath, she stepped past the finish line, landing on solid ground with an audible exhale of relief.


    The moment her foot crossed, a familiar sound broke the tension:


    Ding!


    A series of notifications appeared before her:


    [You have cleared Trial 1 of Nightmare.]


    [You have received 2000 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 20 Upgrade Stones.]


    Freya glanced at the words, barely processing them as her thoughts raced back to Alex.


    Her relief was short-lived.


    What''s his plan now? How does he intend to escape?


    Turning around, she scanned the platform, her heart pounding as her eyes sought him out.


    But as her gaze locked on where he had stood moments before¡ª


    Alex was gone.


    He had vanished into thin air, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    "No!" Freya exclaimed, her voice trembling as she stumbled a step backward.


    Her wide eyes scanned the trial zone.


    Only one figure remained standing within the fiery chaos¡ªBaranga, the monstrous beast.


    But where was the stranger?


    Her heart thudded painfully in her chest.


    Did he get scorched? Vaporized in an instant?


    Something didn''t add up. It didn''t feel like he''d been defeated, but...


    "Why do you mean ''No''?"


    The cheeky voice came from her side, startling her.


    Freya whipped her head around, and there he was¡ªthe stranger, casually adjusting his hat and flashing a toothy grin as though they were sharing a harmless joke.


    "I told you not to worry about me," he said, his tone playful and full of swagger.


    Freya''s jaw dropped in disbelief.


    "H-how?!"


    One second, she had seen him standing right in front of Baranga, and in the next, he had completely disappeared.


    Now he was here, calm as ever, like nothing had happened.


    "It''s simple." He shrugged nonchalantly as if explaining the easiest thing in the world. "The moment that ugly orangutan turned to look at you, I ran."


    Freya froze for a second.


    And then responded, incredulous.


    "You ran?"

 Chapter 115 Line Barrier

    How fast do you have to move to do that?


    Freya thought, her mind racing to make sense of what she had just heard and witnessed.


    Alex, smirked and casually explained, "Blitz. It''s a movement skill."


    Freya''s jaw stayed open.


    A skill.


    The explanation didn''t help much.


    "Blitz?" she repeated, trying to wrap her head around it. His movement didn''t look like running at all. It was more like teleportation.


    Unable to shake her disbelief, Freya turned her attention toward Baranga.


    Even the monstrous beast seemed to be grappling with what had just happened.


    Baranga''s glowing eyes darted around, its expression an almost comical mix of shock and fury.


    One second, its attention had been locked onto Freya as she safely crossed the finish line.


    In the blink of an eye, its focus shifted to Alex, but by the time it turned its massive head, he had vanished.


    Gone. Just like that.


    The beast''s nostrils flared, and its three irises flickered wildly, searching for its prey.


    Then it froze.


    Its rage-filled gaze landed on Alex, now standing outside the trial zone, completely unscathed.


    A guttural roar tore through the air, raw and primal.


    Freya barely had time to register what was happening before the beast charged forward, its massive limbs shaking the ground with each step.


    "Alex, look out!" she shouted instinctively, panic tightening her chest.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Her heart pounded.


    Half-expecting the beast to pounce on Alex¡ªor worse, to suddenly shift its attention toward her¡ªFreya held her breath, paralyzed by the tension of the moment.


    Baranga lunged forward, a blur of rage and power, but suddenly¡ª


    THOMP!


    It slammed into an invisible barrier, a shimmering wall of energy that appeared just atop the finish line. The force of the impact echoed loudly, but the barrier didn''t budge.


    Freya blinked in surprise as the massive beast rebounded, snarling in frustration.


    It clawed at the air where the barrier stood, unable to cross.


    Meanwhile, Alex stood on the other side, calm and collected.


    His posture was relaxed, one hand casually resting in his pocket, the other brushing a speck of dust off his shoulder.


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    He grinned¡ªa wide, confident grin that seemed to taunt the raging creature before him.


    His eyes glistened with an eerie light, like he could see far beyond the moment, peering into the future itself.


    "You hate me, don''t you?" Alex''s voice cut through the tension, his tone dripping with mockery. "Why don''t you do something about it?"


    Freya''s jaw dropped.


    "Hey!" she hissed, scolding him in a quiet panic.


    "Don''t provoke it!"


    She glanced nervously at Baranga, whose three eyes burned with fury.


    Her heart raced. Does he have a death wish?


    In horror movies, Freya thought grimly, it was always the cocky ones who died seconds after taunting the monster.


    She didn''t want to see that clich¨¦ play out in real life.


    Baranga''s roar tore through the air, louder and more ferocious than before.


    The ground trembled beneath its fury. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The temperature around the beast spiked sharply, waves of heat radiating outward.


    Its massive, fur-covered arms began to glow, the orange flames licking up its limbs until they burned like molten steel.


    With a guttural snarl, Baranga unleashed the full force of its rage, slamming its fiery fists against the barrier.


    BOOM!


    The flames exploded outward, spreading like wildfire, but the barrier held firm.


    The shimmering wall didn''t crack, bend, or falter.


    Freya''s scream echoed through the trial zone as Baranga''s flames roared against the barrier.


    Panic took hold, and she scrambled backward, crawling away from the intense heat and the terrifying sight of the enraged beast.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch.


    Instead, he chuckled with low and casual voice like this was nothing more than an amusing inconvenience.


    With a dismissive glance at the raging Baranga, Alex turned his back on the monster.


    "Let''s go. It''s over," he said, his voice calm and steady, cutting through the chaos.


    Freya was still gasping for breath, her body trembling, her clothes drenched in sweat.


    She looked up at him in disbelief as he strolled past her, completely unbothered by the danger they had just escaped.


    Her heart pounded as she forced herself to stand, her legs shaky but functional.


    She glanced back at Baranga, who was now clawing and scratching at the impenetrable barrier like a wild animal trapped in a cage.


    Despite the separation, the beast''s feral rage sent chills down her spine.


    She couldn''t believe Alex could just walk away so nonchalantly.


    She hurried to follow him, her eyes darting between the monstrous creature and the man in front of her.


    As they neared the entrance to the second trial, something caught her attention.


    There was a strange tattoo on the back of Alex''s neck.


    The dark, intricate markings pulsed faintly, almost like they were alive.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    This guy¡­ He''s not normal. Yep he''s definitely dangerous.


    Her mind raced with questions.


    What kind of person was he? What kind of life had he lived to gain this level of strength and confidence? What had he sacrificed to become the way he was?


    As these thoughts consumed her, Alex suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    Freya froze, nearly bumping into him.


    Her heart jumped at the unexpected halt, and she instinctively glanced around, half-expecting some new danger.


    Alex muttered under his breath, "Oh... I almost forgot."


    Freya blinked in confusion. "Forgot what?"


    He turned to face her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.


    His towering presence made her instinctively shrink back, and her heart skipped a beat.


    "Tell me," Alex said, his tone calm but edged with something dark, "what kind of predator lets their prey live?"


    Freya hesitated, searching for the right answer. "A... bad one?"


    "Exactly," Alex replied, his expression unreadable.


    "I was going to say a kind one. But no such term exists." she laughed.


    But Alex raised an eyebrow, giving her a look that made her glance down awkwardly.


    Why the hell did I say that? she thought, heat rising to her face.


    Turning his attention back to Baranga, who was still relentlessly attacking the barrier, Alex observed the beast''s frenzied attempts with an almost pitying gaze.


    "If there were no barrier," he said thoughtfully, "you might''ve been able to put up as much of a fight as I allowed you before I decided it was time to end it."


    Alex shook his head with a faint, regretful sigh.


    He then raised his hand slowly, almost as if commanding some unseen force.


    "It''s too bad," he murmured, barely audible, then he snapped.

 Chapter 116 Ronin

    As Alex snapped


    The air seemed to ripple, and Baranga''s body twisted and contorted, like it was being sucked into some invisible vortex, pulled apart by an unseen force.


    Then the next second, the creature exploded in a violent burst, sending a spray of blood outward, staining the barrier with crimson.


    The sheer force of it left Freya in shock.


    She stumbled back, her butt hitting the ground as her heart raced. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She couldn''t process what she had just witnessed¡ªtoo many shocks, too much happening at once.


    What the hell is this?


    Alex, his posture still relaxed, glanced down at her.


    His voice was eerily calm as if nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred.


    "Aren''t you coming?"


    Freya remained frozen on the floor, staring at him with wide eyes. Her mind was racing:


    "You... what are you?"


    Alex paused, looking at her for a moment as if he were considering how to answer.


    Then, in a tone that was so casual it sent a chill down her spine, he simply replied, "An anomaly."


    Freya''s thoughts ground to a halt, her confusion deepening.


    An anomaly?


    That made no sense to her.


    "An... an anomaly," Freya repeated in disbelief, her voice shaky as she tried to wrap her mind around what had just happened.


    Alex''s grin stretched wider.


    "That''s what they called me. But I''m Alex."


    He casually stretched out his hand, his eyes glinting with a mixture of mischief and something darker.


    "Nice to meet you...?" he said, waiting for her response.


    Freya hesitated for only a second before reaching out, swallowing hard as she took his hand. "Freya. My name is Freya."


    With a single pull, Alex yanked her effortlessly to her feet.


    His grip was strong, and Freya couldn''t help but feel both small and secure in his presence.


    "Freya, huh? Let''s go, shall we?" Alex said, his voice smooth, but the underlying edge was unmistakable.


    "I''ll be powering my way out of here. So if you want to survive, don''t stray too far from me. I''ll leave you behind without a second thought."


    "Yes, sir," Freya replied, her voice louder than she intended, trying to sound more confident than she felt.


    Earlier, she''d thought she was going to die.


    Now, thanks to this strange man, she was alive¡ªand she felt a flicker of hope for the first time since she''d entered this nightmare.


    Unlike the others, who were scrambling to figure out how to survive before the timer ran out, Alex seemed like he was walking straight through every obstacle.


    No hesitation, no fear¡ªjust calm, effortless power.


    Freya couldn''t guarantee that she''d make it out of this hellhole, but with Alex at her side, she was certain she would get closer than she ever could alone.


    And honestly? That was a win in her book. Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Without a word, Alex strode toward the exit, his movements as confident as ever.


    Freya trailed behind, her heart pounding in her chest and her gaze fixed on his back.


    The events of the trial still swirled in her mind, but she pushed them aside, determined to stay close to him.


    Just as they reached the threshold, a sharp chime pierced the silence.


    Ding!


    [To proceed to the next round, you must pay 2000 Nightmare Points.]


    Freya froze, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    "What? That''s the exact amount we just earned for passing!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration.


    Her mind raced.


    She had been counting on those points to stock up¡ªreplenishing the health potion she''d used and maybe grabbing a few more items to help in the next trial.


    Now, all her plans had crumbled in an instant.


    She sighed heavily, staring at the glowing text as if she could will it to disappear.


    This place really knows how to suck the life out of you.


    She knew there was no choice. If she wanted to move forward, she had to pay the price.


    Beside her, Alex remained calm, his expression unchanging.


    If anything, the notification only confirmed what he already expected.


    This place wasn''t about making things easy¡ªit was about breaking you, holding you back at every step.


    But Alex wasn''t one to be held back.


    Not with the advantage of his title, which doubled every reward he earned.


    Without hesitation, he swiped to confirm his payment, the points vanishing from his total.


    He glanced at Freya, whose reluctance was written all over her face.


    Freya stared at the screen for a moment longer, her lips pressing into a tight line.


    "There goes my health potion fund," she muttered bitterly before tapping the confirmation button. The points disappeared, and she let out a small, resigned sigh.


    A blinding flash of light enveloped them, forcing Freya to shield her eyes.


    When the glow subsided, the two found themselves standing in a completely different landscape.


    They had entered the second trial.


    The terrain was harsh¡ªa rocky plain stretched before them.


    The air was thick with heat, and the oppressive wave hit them like an oven door swinging open.


    Freya squinted against the brightness, beads of sweat already forming on her brow.


    They stood on a wide rocky ledge, elevated high above a bubbling pit of molten lava.


    The orange-red liquid churned and gurgled menacingly below, its heat radiating upward in shimmering waves.


    Ahead of them, a series of uneven platforms floated in the air, forming a precarious path toward a massive door embedded in the cliffside ahead.


    The platforms were scattered at various heights and distances, some wobbling slightly as if they would crumble under pressure.


    Freya''s stomach dropped at the sight.


    "Are we... supposed to jump across those?" she murmured, her voice shaky.


    Alex stepped forward, surveying the scene with a calm, calculating gaze. The molten lava hissed and bubbled below, hungry for anything¡ªor anyone¡ªthat might slip.


    He didn''t need long to figure it out.


    Just from the setup, he could already tell what this trial demanded.


    And as if to confirm his thoughts, a familiar chime echoed in the air.


    Ding!


    A notification appeared before both of them, glowing faintly in the blistering heat.


    [Welcome to the Second Nightmare Trial]


    [Rules]


    Use the footholds to cross to the next door. Try not to fall¡ªlest the lava claims you.


    [Reward]


    - You receive 3000 Nightmare Points and 30 Upgrade Points


    Freya read the notification, her face turning pale.


    Her gaze darted from the message back to the unstable platforms and then down to the searing lava below.


    The thought of falling into that fiery pool sent a shiver down her spine, despite the heat.


    Alex, on the other hand, didn''t flinch.


    "Yep, called it," Alex muttered, his eyes scanning the area.


    They weren''t alone.


    Clusters of players were scattered around the rocky plain, huddled together in small groups.


    There were about a dozen of them¡ªsome catching their breath, others cautiously observing their surroundings.


    The tension in the air was palpable like everyone was sizing up the competition.


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    Where did all these people come from?


    Freya seemed equally perplexed, her eyes darting between the unfamiliar faces.


    The players here didn''t match the numbers Alex remembered from what he had seen before he entered the nightmare.


    "The numbers don''t add up," Alex thought.


    Had the forest trial spread wider than he realized?


    Turning his gaze to Freya, Alex noticed her scanning the crowd with a mix of curiosity and anxiety.


    Her head turned left, then right, as if searching for someone.


    Her lips parted as she murmured, almost to herself, "Those two must have left."


    Alex tilted his head, confused. "Which two?"


    Freya sighed and replied, "The crazy dude with a scythe and the one who used to lead our group. Before he decided to go solo."


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    Kid with the scythe?


    There was only one person who came to mind.


    "Dorion?" Alex asked his tone sharper now.


    Freya''s head snapped toward him, her expression twisting in surprise. "You know that maniac?"


    Alex nodded slowly. Memories of Dorion surfaced¡ªwild eyes, an unsettling grin, and a scythe that moved like an extension of his body. If there was anyone who could thrive in chaos, it was him.


    Freya shook her head.


    Of course, you do. You''re just as much of a psychopath as he is if not more.


    Alex oblivious to her thoughts folded his arms and glanced around again.


    "Well, it seems they either died or moved ahead."


    Freya nodded, indifference in her:


    "I know. I was just searching for them out of curiosity. They abandoned me, so it''s not like I care."


    Alex observed her for a moment, noting the faint edge in her voice.


    Whether she admitted it or not, there was still some lingering bitterness there.


    Before he could say anything else, his attention shifted.


    From the group of players nearby, someone began to move toward them.


    A tall, older man with an aura that seemed to suck the air out of the space around him.


    He was dressed like a ronin, his worn armor bearing scars of countless battles, and his blade rested sheathed at his side. There was something about him¡ªa silent, looming menace that felt heavier than anything Alex had faced before.


    And what was this...


    Though the old man tried to hide it, Alex spotted it:


    Animosity.

 Chapter 117 Dorions Mess

    The old man''s presence carried a weight that was impossible to ignore, but what stood out more was the subtle yet unmistakable animosity radiating from him.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, narrowing his eyes.


    Why?


    The probable answer sparked fear in Alex''s mind¡ªbut rather intrigue.


    This man wasn''t just dangerous; Alex could sense it.


    The old man was far more powerful than anyone Alex had encountered in the entire tutorial so far.


    But even as Alex acknowledged the old man''s strength, a grin tugged at the corners of his lips.


    Despite his strength, he''s not at my level.


    The tension thickened as the old man''s gaze swept over them. Finally, the old ronin broke the silence, his voice deep and measured, each word deliberate.


    "Greetings... I''m Ralph Onigi. I couldn''t help but overhear. You mentioned a kid with a scythe?"


    Alex''s grin faltered for a split second.


    Dorion? So that''s what this is about.


    Before Alex could respond, Freya spoke up, her voice carrying a mix of eagerness and caution.


    "Yes, Dorion. Did you see him? It''d be hard to miss him¡ªhis craziness stands out a lot."


    The old man considered her words, his expression unreadable.


    Then he nodded slowly as if piecing together a puzzle.


    "He must be from your tutorial, then."


    "Yes, he is..." Freya replied eagerly, but then her excitement faltered as she processed Ralph''s words.


    "Wait... what do you mean by my tutorial?"


    Alex''s gaze remained fixed on Ralph for a moment, his mind working quickly to piece everything together.


    Then he muttered, almost to himself, as he nodded slowly.


    "Oh, I see... that explains it now."


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    Freya blinked, still trying to catch up. Her confusion was written all over her face.


    "Explains what? I''m so lost right now."


    Alex let out a short breath, finally turning to look at her.


    "Since this started, I''ve been wondering what happened to all the people who didn''t show up here. After all, the world''s population isn''t just in the thousands. I thought the numbers didn''t add up."


    Freya tilted her head, hanging on his every word but still unsure where he was going.


    "But now it makes sense," Alex continued. "They split everyone into separate tutorials. Some people are going through entirely different trials, like us, but somewhere else."


    Freya''s eyes widened as the pieces finally clicked together in her mind.


    She opened her mouth, then closed it, nodding slowly as her expression shifted to one of realization.


    "Oh... I get it now," she said, her tone thoughtful.


    Her gaze darted to Ralph, and then to the other players in the area.


    Freya had suspected something like this before, but the old man''s words confirmed it.


    Yet, she was still puzzled.


    How did this explanation connect to the new faces they were now seeing in the Nightmare Realm?


    Alex, noticing her confusion, decided to elaborate.


    "They probably had a tutorial boss, just like the one that brought us here. The Nightmare Realm seems to act as a hub¡ªlinking players from different tutorials into one shared space to play out its sick games."


    He turned to the old man, his sharp gaze narrowing.


    "Am I right?"


    The question hung in the air for a moment.


    Ralph''s piercing stare remained locked on Alex, his expression unreadable.


    Then, with a slow nod, he confirmed Alex''s theory.


    Even as he acknowledged it, Ralph''s mind was working.


    Something about this young man didn''t sit right with him.


    He wasn''t like the others here.


    His calm confidence was unsettling.


    His casual clothing seemed almost out of place in a setting where survival was a constant fight.


    It was as if he wasn''t taking the trials seriously¡ªyet Ralph could sense power beneath that relaxed demeanor.


    But special or not, powerful or not, everyone bled the same.


    His hand moved to rest on the hilt of his sword.


    Alex''s sharp eyes caught the movement instantly.


    Instead of tensing, his lips curved into a grin.


    "But that''s not what you came to tell us, is it?"


    Alex''s voice was calm, but the challenge in his words was unmistakable.


    The old man shook his head, his expression grim.


    "No, it isn''t," he replied.


    Freya blinked, confused by his answer.


    But before she could ask what he meant, movement in the distance caught her eye. A group of players was approaching, their expressions dark and hostile.


    There were at least ten of them, and every one of them had the same look of animosity, their attire similar to that of the old man.


    Freya''s chest tightened as she realized they were headed straight for her and Alex.


    The old man''s bitter voice cut through the tension.


    "That kid, Dorion," he began, his tone laced with anger. "I heard he''s the reason my granddaughter didn''t make it to the next trial. She managed to cross the platform... but that lunatic killed her."


    Without missing a beat, Alex responded, his voice sharp and cold. "Oh... and how is that our problem? Knowing the kid doesn''t mean we''re friends."


    Ralph''s frown deepened, the wrinkles on his face hardening.


    "Enemies by association," he growled.


    Freya''s eyes widened, and she stepped forward, trying to explain.


    "Enemies? Wait¡ªno! You''ve got it wrong. The crazy kid isn''t with us!"


    Her protest was ignored.


    Ralph''s gaze stayed locked on Alex, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword.


    His voice was steady, but the bitterness in it was undeniable.


    "Someone must pay," he declared.


    "And it''s only fair it''s you two."


    Freya froze, her heart pounding.


    The approaching group spread out behind Ralph, their weapons at the ready. She could feel the weight of their glares, like a storm building around them.


    Alex sighed loudly, tilting his head back to look at the sky as if searching for patience.


    Freya glanced at him, her voice trembling.


    "What do we do?"


    Alex wasn''t panicking like she was. If anything, he looked annoyed, as if this was more of an inconvenience than a threat.


    Finally, he lowered his head, his sharp gaze locking onto Ralph.


    "I''ll warn you," Alex began, his voice calm but carrying an edge of menace. "I''m not a stranger when it comes to killing."


    Ralph smirked, unfazed by the statement.


    "Is that so?" he replied, unsheathing his sword with a slow, deliberate motion. The blade gleamed under the dim light, its edge sharp enough to cut air. "Then that makes what I''m about to do a lot less difficult."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as they focused on the blade. There was something unsettling about the weapon¡ªits aura felt dangerous, almost alive.


    Freya''s panic spiked as she fumbled to pull out her own blade.


    Her hands trembled, and her voice came out shaky.


    "Alex, what do we do? What''s the plan?"


    Without looking back at her, Alex took a step forward.


    "The plan is simple," he said in a low voice. "I''ll handle this, and you stay as far away as possible."


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    She hesitated, gripping her blade tightly, her instincts telling her to argue.


    But then she remembered the raw power Alex had shown before.


    With a reluctant nod, she backed away, her eyes darting nervously between Alex and Ralph.


    Ralph''s grin widened as he stared Alex down, his eyes glinting with amusement.


    "Oh, you''re quite the arrogant one," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.


    Then with a flick of his wrist, he gestured to the group of players behind him.


    "Get him."


    The men surged forward, weapons drawn, their expressions full of confidence.


    Alex, unfazed, muttered under his breath, barely loud enough to hear:


    "Petrify."


    In an instant, the attackers froze mid-stride, their bodies locking up as if they''d turned to stone.


    Their weapons hovered in the air, gripped tightly in hands that could no longer move. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Panic spread across their faces as they tried to force themselves to move, but their limbs wouldn''t budge.


    Groans of effort and fear escaped their lips as they realized they were completely immobilized.


    "What... what is this?" one of them stammered, his voice trembling.


    Freya, watching from a safe distance, gasped in awe.


    Her eyes darted between the frozen players and Alex, who was standing there as if he hadn''t just halted an entire group with a single word.


    Ralph''s smirk faltered as he took a step back, his hand tightening on his sword hilt.


    His eyes narrowed, a flicker of tension crossing his face.


    Alex moved forward casually, walking past the frozen attackers.


    Each step he took made their hearts pound faster, their eyes widening in terror.


    They couldn''t move, couldn''t defend themselves.


    If Alex wanted to, he could kill them where they stood.


    Ralph was beginning to come to the conclusion that Alex might be a little too much.


    He had suspected the young man was powerful, but this... this was beyond anything he had anticipated.


    Alex finally stopped a few feet in front of Ralph, his hands slipping into his pockets.


    "I told you I''ve killed before," Alex began, his voice low and steady. "But even though I''ve done it, I''ve never found killing humans...enjoyable."


    Ralph''s grip on his sword tightened, his gaze locked on Alex as if searching for a weakness.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, his eyes sharp and unyielding.


    "But," he continued, "I won''t hesitate to do it if it''s what I need to keep moving forward."


    He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to an icy whisper.


    "So here''s your last chance. Back away... or die."

 Chapter 118 He knows

    Ralph shuddered as Alex''s words settled in. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fear wasn''t something he experienced often¡ªnot in this world, nor the one before it. But this? This was different.


    This was the kind of fear that clawed at his gut, whispering that he had made a mistake.


    But Ralph wasn''t the type to back down.


    Fear was just another wall to break through. Another obstacle to carve apart.


    He tightened his grip on his sword, ready to unsheathe it in a single, fluid motion. His instincts screamed at him¡ªattack first, think later.


    But then¡ªhe felt it.


    The sensation crept up his spine like ice water, sending a violent shiver through his body.


    A presence.


    No¡­ not just a presence. A force.


    Death itself lingered around him, unseen but undeniably real. It coiled around his limbs, pressed against his throat, as if invisible hands were waiting to squeeze the life out of him the moment he made the wrong move.


    Ralph''s breath hitched. His pulse pounded in his ears.


    His entire body froze.


    This wasn''t intimidation.


    This was a death trap.


    One step. One wrong move¡ªand it would end him.


    His fingers twitched near his sword hilt, but for the first time in his life, he hesitated.


    What¡­ what the hell is this?!


    Onigi slowly lifted his head, his gaze locking onto Alex.


    The young man hadn''t moved an inch.


    His hands were still stuffed casually in his pockets. Eyes sharp, unwavering.


    Yet, despite Alex''s relaxed posture, the weight pressing down on Onigi hadn''t lessened. If anything, it had grown heavier.


    It wasn''t just power.


    It was the presence of a monster.


    A beast that didn''t need to bare its fangs to remind you that you were prey.


    Onigi exhaled slowly, then unsheathed his sword with a steady hand.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    But instead of attacking, Onigi did something unexpected.


    He bowed his head slightly.


    "I apologize, young man."


    Alex blinked. "Eh?"


    "I failed to see how powerful you truly are," Onigi continued, his voice calm, and steady. "I hope you forgive me and my clan for challenging you."


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    Alex''s brow twitched.


    "Eh?"


    He hadn''t expected that.


    One second, the old man had been radiating killing intent.


    The next, he was surrendering?


    Alex studied Onigi carefully. The old man''s previous hostility was gone. The grudge, the resentment¡ªit had vanished like smoke.


    But something else remained.


    A lingering battle will.


    Like a fire barely contained, waiting for the right moment to burn again.


    Yet, for some reason, Onigi held himself back.


    And that was the part that truly made Alex curious.


    Alex smirked as he casually dismissed the explosion he had been ready to unleash on Onigi. At the same time, the [Petrify] holding the old man''s men in place faded away.


    The moment they regained control of their bodies, one of them¡ªeyes burning with rage¡ªrushed forward.


    His sword blazed with fire, heat radiating off the blade in scorching waves.


    With a furious roar, he raised his weapon high and swung down with all his strength.


    "Die!"


    The sword cut through the air, a flaming arc trailing behind it.


    But Alex was faster.


    With a smooth step to the side, he avoided the strike completely. The flames exploded against the ground where he had just stood, tearing through the earth and leaving a scorched crater.


    Before the attacker could recover, Alex snapped his hand forward.


    A single slap.


    CRACK.


    The impact sent the man soaring backward, tumbling through the air like a broken doll. He crashed into a rocky wall with a sickening thud.


    "Kato!"


    The others gasped in shock, watching their comrade slump to the ground.


    Anger flared in their eyes, and in an instant, they were ready to strike back.


    But before they could charge, Onigi''s voice cut through the tension.


    "Enough... we''re done here."


    His tone left no room for argument.


    "But sir¡ª!" one of his men protested.


    "Get Kato," Onigi ordered, his gaze locked onto Alex. "And leave."


    The warriors hesitated but ultimately obeyed, rushing over to retrieve their fallen comrade.


    Onigi''s words were law to his men. They didn''t dare disobey.


    The warriors stepped back without hesitation. Two of them rushed over, grabbing Kato by the arms and dragging him away, his body limp from the impact.


    Meanwhile, Onigi took slow, deliberate steps toward Alex.


    The tension hadn''t disappeared completely, but there was no hostility in his eyes¡ªonly something deeper, more calculating.


    As he stopped in front of Alex, he spoke in a calm, measured tone:


    "Forgive my son-in-law. The one Dorion killed was his fianc¨¦e. His anger is still fresh."


    Alex furrowed his brows.


    "And you''re not angry?"


    Onigi''s lips curled into a bitter smirk.


    "I am... but I realized my anger was misplaced."


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh? And what made you come to that realization?"


    Onigi exhaled, his gaze unwavering.


    "Death. It didn''t matter what I did. There was no escaping what you were about to do."


    For a moment, the air was silent.


    Then, Alex''s eyes narrowed, his lips curving into a grin.


    This old man was more interesting than he thought.


    Onigi met his gaze without flinching and continued:


    "If you don''t mind, I''d like to battle you one-on-one when the time is right."


    Alex tilted his head, amused.


    "What happened to ''enemy by association''?"


    Onigi chuckled.


    "Honestly? I was just looking for a scapegoat to quench my anger. But instead, I ended up finding someone... more. A demon, perhaps?"


    Alex smirked.


    "People call me a monster sometimes."


    Onigi nodded, his expression unreadable.


    "It''s fitting."


    There was a moment of mutual understanding between the two before Alex suddenly extended his hand.


    He wanted to test Onigi.


    Could he really detect [Exploding Touch] or did he just had good danger sense?


    "You''re quite the monster yourself. Which is exactly why I''d love to fight you after this as well."


    Onigi paused for a moment, staring at Alex''s outstretched hand. His gaze was steady, unreadable. Then, suddenly¡ª


    He burst into laughter.


    His deep, rumbling chuckles echoed through the battlefield, breaking the tension.


    "Forgive me," Onigi said, amusement lacing his voice. "But I cannot shake your hand unless I want to die."


    Alex smirked.


    He knows.

 Chapter 119 Misdirected Rage

    Alex grin widened.


    "You know I don''t have to touch you, right?"


    Onigi''s laughter faded into a knowing smirk. "True. But at this range, I could cut off your head before you even try."


    Alex''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Can you? I really want to test that out."


    The two warriors locked eyes, the unspoken challenge crackling in the air like static.


    Then, Alex shrugged. "But like you said¡­ some other time."


    Onigi nodded in agreement before turning away. His footsteps were slow and deliberate, his men parting to let him through.


    Freya hesitated before stepping up to Alex, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What was that about?"


    Alex flashed a grin. "Nothing much." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Freya stared at him for a second, then sighed, shaking her head once again in confusion.


    It was like the two of them stood in different realms.


    *


    Onigi walked back to his clan, his steps measured and firm. His men, still shaken, parted slightly as he approached.


    Kato, now fully conscious, pushed himself off the rocky wall and stumbled toward him, his expression tense with disbelief.


    "Chief, what are you doing?" Kato demanded, his voice edged with frustration. "Weren''t we going to get revenge?"


    Onigi didn''t respond immediately. His gaze remained steady, unreadable.


    Kato clenched his fists. "His friend killed your daughter! Aren''t you mad?"


    The moment those words left his mouth, a suffocating pressure filled the air.


    A deadly aura exploded from Onigi.


    The force of it hit like a shockwave. Every warrior in his clan froze. Even Kato, despite his anger, found his body locked in place, his breath caught in his throat.


    His leader was furious.


    But just as suddenly as it came, the overwhelming pressure dissipated. Onigi exhaled slowly, regaining control. When he spoke, his voice was calm¡ªbut beneath it, there was steel.


    "I am furious," he admitted, his hand instinctively brushing against the hilt of his blade. "And my sword thirsts for blood. But I will not dishonor myself by letting rage dictate my actions."


    He turned to face Kato directly.


    "I was a fool today. I let my grief blind me. I almost did something unforgivable. That is not our way."


    Kato''s fists trembled at his sides. His leader¡ªthe Onigi¡ªwas backing down from a fight?


    The same man who had once faced executioners without flinching?


    The warrior who stood his ground against monsters, assassins, and kings alike?


    Now, he was yielding¡ªto a young man in flip-flops.


    It didn''t make sense.


    It couldn''t make sense.


    Kato''s frustration boiled over. "This is fear, isn''t it?" he burst out. "You''re saying all this because you''re afraid to face him. Because he''s stronger than you."


    Kato''s accusation hung in the air like a dark cloud.


    Onigi froze.


    The rest of the clan stood in stunned silence.


    No one could believe what they had just heard.


    Kato had just called their chief a coward¡ªout loud.


    It was insane.


    Unthinkable.


    They all braced themselves, expecting Onigi''s fury to explode.


    But instead...


    The old man chuckled.


    A low, knowing laugh, as if he had expected this.


    "I''ll admit it," Onigi said, his voice calm. "I was scared."


    Gasps rippled through the warriors.


    "There''s no shame in admitting fear," he continued. "It''s that fear that allowed me to see things clearly. So no, I''m not ashamed of it."


    But then...


    The air shifted.


    The temperature seemed to drop.


    A suffocating pressure settled over them like a heavy blanket, pressing against their chests, making it hard to breathe.


    It was cold. And choking.


    A feeling of pure, unfiltered danger.


    Onigi''s expression darkened as he spoke again, his voice now ice-cold.


    "But don''t mistake that for weakness."


    The ground beneath their feet felt heavier.


    Some of the younger warriors shuddered.


    "That is certainly not why I didn''t draw my blade against him," Onigi continued. "I want to battle him free of any emotional weight, with a clear and focused mind."


    He lifted his gaze toward the horizon.


    "He''s best fought when I''m at my absolute peak."


    Kato clenched his teeth, his fists trembling at his sides.


    He hated it.


    He hated how calm Onigi was.


    How collected he sounded.


    He should be seething like he was


    Kato hated it.


    He hated that Onigi had backed down.


    For such a selfish reason.


    Even when it was for his daughter.


    Even when it was for Kiri. His fianc¨¦e.


    Kato''s fists clenched so tight his nails dug into his palms.


    She was supposed to be his wife. They were supposed to have a future together.


    But now...


    She was gone.


    Ripped away from him before they could even start their lives.


    And what was he supposed to do? Just accept it?


    No.


    He needed someone to blame. Someone to slaughter.


    Then they overheard Alex and Freya talking about Dorion.


    And just like that, they had their target.


    Their prey.


    But when the moment came...


    When he had finally faced Alex...


    He had been completely helpless.


    Defeated in mere seconds.


    And worst of all¡ªOnigi had backed away.


    Kato''s emotions were a raging storm inside him.


    Anger. Frustration. Hatred. Grief. Confusion.


    It all twisted together, making him feel like he was going to explode.


    Then, Onigi spoke.


    "We will focus on the actual culprit and get the justice Kiri deserves."


    His voice was steady. Certain.


    But then...


    "But..."


    Kato tensed.


    "If you are so desperate for misplaced revenge, if you truly believe it will ease your pain... then go ahead." Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Onigi turned to face him, his piercing gaze locking onto Kato''s.


    "I will not stop you. Nor will I try to convince you otherwise. My only wish is that you realize the difference between you and him...before it is too late."


    Onigi let out a slow breath and turned away, walking toward a rocky platform.


    He settled onto the stone, crossing his legs, his eyes shutting as he prepared himself for the upcoming trial.


    His posture was calm, collected¡ªcompletely at ease.


    One by one, the rest of the clan followed, taking their places beside him.


    All except Kato.


    Kato stood frozen in place, his body trembling with raw, unfiltered rage.


    His hands clenched into fists so tight that his nails pierced his skin, warm blood dripping between his fingers.


    He barely noticed.


    His burning gaze snapped toward Alex.


    The bastard was standing there, casually chatting with Freya, as if none of this even mattered. As if Kato''s rage¡ªhis loss¡ªwas nothing.


    Kato''s blood boiled.


    And then¡ªas if he sensed it¡ªAlex suddenly turned his head.


    Their eyes met.


    Kato''s breath caught in his throat.


    His instincts screamed.


    Before he could even think, he snapped his head away, his heart hammering in his chest.


    What the hell was that?


    It was like Alex had seen straight through him.


    Forcing himself to look back, Kato saw it¡ª


    That grin.


    A slow, knowing smirk played on Alex''s lips before he simply turned away.


    Kato''s entire body tensed.


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Was he mocking him?


    Taunting him?


    His mind reeled back to the moment he lost Kiri.


    That same smirk¡ªthe one her killer wore just before he disappeared into the next trial''s exit.


    That bastard had turned his back on him just like this.


    Kato''s hands trembled.


    He should''ve torn him apart. Should''ve ripped him to shreds.


    But they had been miles apart.


    And now... it was happening again.


    His fury ignited.


    Misdirected or not, he didn''t care anymore.


    Someone had to pay.


    This bastard was going down first.


    Then the woman.


    And finally, Dorion.


    He''d hunt them all down.

 Chapter 120 Get Ready

    Alex was completely unbothered by Kato''s simmering rage.


    He could feel the lingering resentment from the rest of the clan¡ªthe silent stares drilling into his back¡ªbut he didn''t care.


    None of them mattered.


    Only Onigi caught his attention.


    Then, Freya''s voice pulled him from his thoughts.


    "Look! A vendor''s shop."


    Alex turned, his eyes narrowing as he spotted it¡ªa small framed stall, eerily familiar in both shape and design.


    It looked just like the one he had visited before.


    The one he had dismantled.


    Before he could say a word, Freya muttered under her breath and suddenly dashed forward.


    "I''m going to see if I can get something useful!"


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    His gaze flicked back to the vendor.


    He remembered.


    That unsettling cackle.


    Those eyes¡ªwild, unhinged, almost possessed.


    The way it had spoken of his dead parents as if it had read its mind.


    At shiver ran down his spine and nothing but rage.


    Clearly, this thing was not to be trusted.


    Nothing from it should be bought.


    But he couldn''t stop others.


    People would do whatever it took to survive.


    Even if it meant making deals with the devil.


    As Alex moved closer, he noticed more and more players flocking toward the vendor.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Now that he was up close, he could see it clearly.


    The vendor wasn''t just similar to the one he had destroyed before¡ªit was nearly identical.


    Almost the exact same undead.


    Then...


    The skeleton vendor lifted its head.


    Its hollow eye sockets seemed to glow as its grin stretched wider.


    A shiver of unease crept up Alex''s spine, then rage and he balled his fist.


    About to charge at the damned skeleton not minding others.


    But then it hit.


    A searing, burning pain flared at the back of his neck.


    The cursed mark.


    It felt like fire licking at his skin.


    "Tsk¡ª!" Alex groaned, instinctively clutching the back of his neck.


    The pain was intense like a brand pressing into his flesh, but not enough to make him collapse.


    Still¡ªhe was pissed.


    If it weren''t for the sheer number of players gathered around the vendor, he would have obliterated the damn thing¡ªjust like he did the last one.


    Just then, movement caught his eye.


    Freya was storming back toward him.


    Her expression? Pure irritation.


    She muttered under her breath, grumbling about something as she stomped his way.


    Alex smirked. He already had a good guess about what was bothering her, but he decided to ask anyway.


    "What happened?"


    Freya let out a frustrated huff before launching into an angry rant.


    "I tried to buy the same health potion¡ªbut the price was tripled!"


    Her hands balled into fists.


    "Then that damned skeleton made me an offer. Said I could buy it for the same price as before if I sacrificed 50% of any two of my attribute points."


    She crossed her arms, fuming.


    "Isn''t that ridiculous?!"


    Alex barely reacted, his expression unreadable.


    Not as ridiculous as half your entire attributes and some of your skills.


    That thought still made his blood boil.


    Freya continued her rant, her voice laced with frustration.


    "It''s daylight robbery!" she snapped.


    He crossed his arms and shrugged.


    "Well, it could''ve been worse. It might''ve asked you to sacrifice a vital organ or a limb."


    Freya blinked.


    "What...?"


    Alex simply lifted a finger and pointed toward the crowd.


    "Looks like it does that too."


    Freya turned her head, following his gaze¡ª


    And her stomach dropped.


    A man was walking away from the vendor, his left sleeve empty.


    His entire arm was gone.


    But what made it worse?


    He was clutching a single boot in his remaining hand.


    Like it was the most valuable thing in the world.


    As he disappeared into the crowd, Freya felt a chill creep up her spine.


    She winced, swallowing hard.


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Her voice came out quieter this time.


    "...People are actually that desperate?"


    She knew things were bad. But this?


    This was a whole different level.


    "Oh my God!"


    A sharp gasp suddenly cut through the air.


    One of the players practically shouted, drawing everyone''s attention.


    Freya''s head snapped toward the commotion.


    Without hesitation, she moved to see what was happening.


    Alex took a step forward to follow her¡ªbut the moment he did, the pain in his neck exploded.


    A searing, burning agony.


    His entire body tensed as he instinctively grabbed the back of his neck.


    Motherf....!


    He gritted his teeth.


    The cursed mark.


    The pain had gotten more intensifying.


    And then he realized something.


    The closer he got to the vendor, the worse it became.


    Like an invisible force, pushing him back.


    A defense mechanism.


    A twisted little trick to keep him away.


    Alex exhaled sharply, eyes narrowing as he glared at the skeleton vendor.


    Then he grinned.


    Oh, it was going to pay for this.


    He may not be able to get close but he could still transfer an explosion.


    Meanwhile, Freya had already reached the vendor.


    She glanced around, catching snippets of conversation before one of the players finally pointed.


    "Look at that!"


    Freya followed their gaze¡ªand there it was.


    Sitting on the vendor''s shelf, covered in dust and age, was an old, worn book.


    Curious, she focused on it.


    A glowing description instantly popped up in her vision.


    [Trial Script: Provides useful, guaranteed hints and solutions for passing every trial in the Nightmare.]


    Her breath caught.


    "Oh!"


    No wonder everyone was freaking out.


    Freya''s eyes widened as she took in the item.


    Her shock lasted only a second¡ªuntil she saw the price.


    Her excitement instantly drained away.


    With an annoyed huff, she turned on her heels and stalked away.


    Yep. Ridiculous.


    The glowing price tag hovered in the air:


    [Price: 20,000 Nightmare Points]


    [Or: 10,000 Points + 5 Skills of the Vendor''s Choosing]


    Absolute robbery.


    She wasn''t the only one who thought so.


    The excitement in the crowd faded just as quickly.


    One by one, players shook their heads and walked away, muttering curses under their breath.


    Even some of Onigi''s men hurried back to their leader, eager to report what they had found.


    But Onigi barely reacted.


    With a sharp wave of his hand, he dismissed them.


    "Forget it. Do not approach that vendor again."


    His tone was firm, brooking no argument.


    His men exchanged uneasy glances but ultimately obeyed.


    Meanwhile, Freya made her way back to Alex.


    He didn''t ask about the item.


    Didn''t even glance at her.


    He simply turned away, uninterested.


    That was when Freya finally noticed it.


    Her eyes narrowed.


    A mark.


    Glowing. Searing hot. Right on the back of his neck.


    Like it was burning into his skin.


    Her brows furrowed.


    "I wanted to ask..." she said slowly, pointing at his neck.


    "...What is that mark?"


    Alex casually placed his hand over the mark on his neck, feeling the lingering heat pulsing beneath his fingertips.


    "Oh, this?" He said, his tone almost dismissive. "It''s a cursed mark. I got it by killing a vendor."


    Freya froze mid-step.


    Her brain stalled for a second, unsure if she had heard him correctly.


    Then, slowly, she turned to face him. "I''m sorry... what?"


    "You killed one of them?"


    Alex nodded. "Yes."


    Freya blinked. "Why?"


    "It pissed me off."


    "How?" She asked, voice rising slightly.


    "Can they even be killed?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes."


    "How?"


    Alex smirked.


    "I cracked its skull."


    Freya stared at him like he had just casually announced he had punched a god in the face.


    "You say that like it''s normal."


    Alex tilted his head.


    "It isn''t?"


    "NO!"


    Alex shrugged.


    "Well, it''s quite normal to me. Look, I''ll show you..."


    Before she could process what he meant, Alex turned toward the skeletal vendor, raising his hand as if preparing to attack.


    Freya''s eyes widened in alarm.


    "Hey¡ªWait! Stop!"


    Without thinking, she lunged forward, reaching out to grab his arm before he could do something insane.


    "Wait... don''t¡ª!"


    Freya''s warning came half a second too late.


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The entire stall erupted in a massive explosion, flames and debris shooting skyward like a volcanic blast. The shockwave tore through the air, sending a powerful gust in all directions.


    Players staggered back, shielding their faces from the sudden burst of heat and force.


    "Cough, cough!"


    Freya choked on the dust, her eyes watering as she turned to Alex.


    He stood there, grinning like a madman, completely unfazed by the destruction he had just caused.


    Freya could only shake her head.


    She was seriously starting to question if sticking with him was a good idea.


    Before anyone could even process what had just happened, a loud chime echoed through the air.


    And a notification appeared before every player.


    Ding!


    [Players, the Second Nightmare Trial is about to begin.]


    [Get ready]


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Authors Note:


    Hey, readers! The book has been thriving, and it''s all thanks to your incredible support¡ªseriously, you guys keep me going! Every bit of love, from powerstones to gifts, fuels this journey. Huge shoutout to Hypnos_the1, Torque199823 and Phoenix_One, for dropping daily powerstones¡ªyou''re the real MVPs! Let''s keep this momentum rolling!

 Chapter 121 Lavas Edge

    The second trial was about to begin.


    A notification flashed before every player''s eyes, and in that instant¡ª


    Tension filled the air.


    The nervous chatter from moments ago vanished as reality set in.


    No one paid attention to the exploded vendor''s shop anymore.


    And the culprit behind the destruction?


    Alex.


    He stood there, still grinning like a madman as if he had just finished a work of art.


    Freya, standing beside him, had a look of sheer disbelief on her face.


    "Did you really have to¡ª" she started but stopped herself.


    There was no point.


    Instead, she just sighed and shook her head.


    Meanwhile, every player began moving toward the starting line¡ª


    A narrow cliff''s edge that overlooked a deadly chasm.


    They were anxious. Tense.


    Only a few, like Alex and Onigi, seemed excited.


    Then they saw it¡ª


    The trial itself.


    A path of floating, tile-like platforms stretched across the molten abyss.


    Each platform was separated by wide, uneven gaps.


    Some were close enough for a simple jump.


    Others would require perfect timing, speed, and agility.


    One wrong move... and it was over.


    Below, the lava bubbled and popped, sending up small bursts of flame like a living, hungry beast. It looked alive like it was waiting to swallow anyone who fell, the heat making sweat drip down their faces.


    The players gulped.


    Some clenched their fists.


    Some adjusted their gear.


    But they all felt the same thing.


    Dread.


    A new notification then flashed before everyone''s eyes.


    Ding!


    [Welcome to the Second Nightmare Trial]


    [Rules]


    Use the footholds to cross to the next door. Try not to fall¡ªlest the lava claims you.


    [Reward]


    3,000 Nightmare Points 30 Upgrade Points


    [Note]


    Some footholds will crack immediately upon being stepped on. Others will hurl you sideways or even drag you backward. Some trigger deadly traps. And if that''s not enough¡­ expect Nightmare Bats and aerial monsters to attack mid-jump.


    The moment the players finished reading, panic set in.


    Some sucked in deep breaths.


    Some gulped, suddenly regretting ever signing up for this.


    Others dropped to their knees, unable to handle the pressure.


    The reality of the situation hit them hard.


    One mistake¡­ just one¡­ and they were dead.


    Freya let out a long, slow exhale, trying to steady herself.


    Then, the final notification appeared. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ding!


    [Without further ado, let the trial begin.]


    A loud buzzer echoed through the cavern.


    And yet¡­ no one moved.


    Tension hung thick in the air, paralyzing the players.


    Except for one.


    With a powerful leap, Onigi launched himself onto the first floating platform. Then another. Then another.


    He moved like a blur, bounding forward with insane speed.


    His clan members, seeing their leader charge ahead, snapped out of their hesitation and followed, leaping onto the platforms after him.


    But the rest of the players?


    They stood frozen, watching in stunned silence.


    Until...


    SHING!


    A barrier trap snapped into place the moment Onigi''s foot left a platform¡ªdesigned to lock him in and push him backward.


    But it caught nothing.


    Only his afterimage.


    By the time the trap activated, Onigi was already gone.


    Then...


    FWIP!


    A dart shot out of nowhere, aiming straight for his neck.


    In a split second, Onigi twisted midair, blade flashing¡ª


    CLANG!


    The dart was deflected, spinning harmlessly into the lava below.


    The players watching from the cliff''s edge gasped.


    Some in awe.


    Most in terror.


    This trial wasn''t just about jumping. It was a death trap.


    And no one wanted to go next.


    Until, a new notification flashed before their eyes, glowing red,


    Ding!


    [Warning: Any Player who does not begin in the next 5:00 minutes, will automatically be attacked by a limitless amount of Nightmare Monsters]


    "Eeh?!"


    The time began its countdown.


    [4:59]


    Panic erupted.


    Players started rushing forward, scrambling onto the platforms.


    Even Freya, after taking a deep breath, stepped onto her first tile.


    The trial had truly begun.


    Freya turned to look at Alex.


    She had a feeling¡ªa gut instinct¡ªthat he hadn''t moved yet.


    She suspected the madman might wait till the timer ended so he could battle some monsters.


    But when she glanced back she saw he was gone.


    Her eyes darted forward to find him.


    And there he was.


    Already ahead.


    Her breath hitched.


    When did he...?!


    She shook the thought away.


    Why even bother.


    Of course. He had shown insane speed and agility in the first trial.


    It made sense that he could move that fast.


    But then...


    Chaos erupted.


    Two players leaped toward the same platform.


    They crashed into each other, in mid-air¡ªflailing, grasping, panicked.


    SPLAT!


    They tumbled straight down¡ªplunging into the molten lava below.


    Their screams were short-lived.


    The lava swallowed them whole.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    And it was only getting worse.


    Up ahead, one of Onigi''s men stepped onto a platform¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    His foot slipped.


    His balance shattered.


    CRACK!


    He hit his head on the edge of the platform¡ªstunned¡ªbefore his body rolled over the side.


    Another life was lost.


    Then, a woman froze in terror.


    She had made it halfway across, but the gaps were getting wider. The jumps were getting harder.


    Her breathing was ragged.


    Her legs refused to move.


    She hesitated.


    And then¡ª


    CRACK!


    The tile beneath her split apart.


    Her eyes widened.


    She tried to jump¡ªtoo late.


    She plummeted.


    A horrified scream echoed through the cavern¡ªuntil the lava cut it off.


    Someone yelled, desperate, frantic...


    "Don''t stand on a tile for too long! It''ll crack!"


    *


    Onigi was far ahead.


    The only one leading the charge.


    But he felt disappointed.


    He had expected a race¡ªa battle of skill and speed¡ªbetween him and Alex.


    Instead, Alex was taking his time.


    Onigi clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    He turned his head to track Alex but froze on seeing someone else.


    Kato was moving towards Alex.


    His intention was obvious.


    So he has made up his mind huh?


    Onigi''s grip tightened on his sword. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    But then he sighed, shaking his head.


    If Kato had already made up his mind, it wasn''t his problem.


    He turned away.


    But then...


    A piercing screech shattered the air, and Onigi''s instincts screamed at him.


    He spun around and saw a massive bird.


    Tainted black with withered, drooping feathers and withered skin.


    It was bigger than an eagle and it dove toward him.


    Talons extended. Beak wide.


    WHOOSH!


    A flash of steel.


    SHLICK!


    And the Blight bird was split clean in two.


    Onigi calmly slid his sword back into its sheath.


    Then he looked up.


    And saw them.


    More.


    A flock of Blight Birds.


    Their hungry eyes locked onto him.


    And behind them¡ª


    A black cloud.


    A writhing, chittering, shifting swarm.


    Hundreds¡ªmaybe thousands¡ªof nightmare bats rushing toward him.


    Onigi''s lips curled into a grin.


    "Now this is more like it."


    He dashed forward¡ªmeeting them head-on.


    *


    Meanwhile, behind him¡­


    Alex hopped onto a tile.


    Then another.


    Then another.


    His flips flops letting out a swish sound as he landed.


    He hummed with his hands still tucked into his pockets as he smirked.


    So far this had been a breeze.


    Alex glanced at the chaos ahead and noticed Onigi had already was engaged with monsters.


    He grinned.


    He wanted in.


    But first...


    His eyes shifted to the presence stalking him.


    A silent shadow at his side.


    Alex barely tilted his head, catching a glimpse.


    It was one of Onigi''s ronin.


    The one who had attacked him before.


    Kato was it?


    He had heard someone yell the name earlier.


    Kato didn''t speak.


    He just kept moving alongside Alex.


    But his glare screamed murder.


    Alex remained casual. Unbothered.


    Then...


    In an instant.


    A fireball exploded toward him, roaring like a beast unleashed, and it came from Kato''s outstretched palm.


    His eyes burned with manic intensity as he poured more power into the flame, swelling it larger.


    But...


    CRACK.


    The tile beneath Kato shattered forcing him to leap to safety.


    He lunged to the next platform just in time, barely escaping a fiery plunge into the lava.


    He whipped his head around¡ªgrinning¡ªexpecting to see Alex burned to a crisp.


    Instead...


    The Alex he had hit¡­flickered then vanished like a mirage.


    An afterimage.


    His grin vanished.


    Then his gaze snapped forward and he saw Alex was already ahead.


    Still humming and moving like nothing had happened.


    Kato''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief.


    It was as if Alex wasn''t taking him seriously.


    Like he couldn''t be bothered to accommodate him.


    This pissed Kato off and his grip tightened around his sword.


    He chased after Alex with more vigor.


    With a sharp breath, he lunged forward towards Alex¡ªhis blade cutting through the air in a blazing arc.


    A fiery slash erupted from his weapon, tearing toward Alex''s back.


    The attack was fast. Precise. Deadly.


    But...


    CLANG!


    The flame shattered against an invisible force.


    Alex untouched and unaffected by the attack kept moving.


    [Aegis Arcane] shimmering around him, dispersing the attack like it was nothing.


    Kato''s breath hitched.


    Then Alex turned towards him and grinned tauntingly.


    Kato frowned.


    That grin.


    Like he was toying with him.


    Like he wasn''t even taking this seriously.


    Kato snapped and he roared, lunging forward.


    "Damn you!"


    His sword rose, ready to cleave Alex apart.


    But then a deafening screech.


    The sky darkened.


    WHOOSH!


    And multiple giant Blight birds descended all at once.

 Chapter 122 Monstrous Onslaught

    Kato halted his pursuit of Alex, his focus shifting to the swarm of Blight Birds diving toward him.


    His hands ignited, fireballs forming in an instant.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    He unleashed them, blasting the creatures mid-air.


    One after another, the Blight Birds shrieked before crashing into the lava, their bodies consumed by the molten abyss.


    The heat from the lava radiated intensely, making the air shimmer with waves of distortion.


    Kato''s breath came in short, sharp bursts as he prepared for the next wave of attackers.


    WHOOSH!


    Over to Alex, a Blight Bird blindsided him, slamming into him with brutal force. The tile beneath him cracked under the impact, sending shards of stone flying in all directions.


    SHATTER!


    But Alex had avoided the attack, already in motion.


    With a powerful leap, he launched himself into the air, twisting mid-flight with the grace of a seasoned warrior. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A black flame burned to life in his palm, its dark energy pulsating with an eerie glow.


    He hurled it down at the attacking bird.


    FWOOSH!


    The Blight Bird screeched in agony, its feathers igniting in dark fire. It plummeted, its wings flailing uselessly as it descended into the molten lake below.


    SPLASH!


    The lava swallowed it whole, the flames hissing into silence.


    But there was no time to stop.


    More Blight Birds dived toward him¡ªdrawn by the cursed mark on his neck.


    Instead of dodging, Alex grinned, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.


    He leaped onto the birds themselves, using them as stepping stones instead of the floating tiles, and blasted black flames with every jump, setting the creatures ablaze as he moved.


    The air was thick with the stench of burning feathers and the acrid smoke of charred flesh.


    One Blight Bird suddenly lunged, its razor-sharp beak aiming straight for his head.


    But Alex vanished, a blur of motion too fast for the eye to follow.


    Then he reappeared right at the bird''s side, his fist cocked back.


    CRACK!


    His punch crushed through bone, the impact sending the Blight Bird rocketing downward.


    BOOM!


    The Blight Bird''s broken body crashed against the rocky wall, then slid down into the lava below, leaving a trail of smoke and ash in its wake.


    Alex landed smoothly on a tile, his movements fluid, but then...


    WHOOSH!


    Without warning, flames erupted from beneath, consuming the entire platform in a fiery inferno.


    For a brief second, Alex vanished within the blaze, his figure obscured by the intense heat and light. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    But then he stepped onto the next tile like it was nothing, Aegis Arcane shimmering around him.


    The protective barrier absorbed the attack without a scratch, its bluish hue flickering faintly before stabilizing.


    Above, the sky darkened as a swarm of aerial creatures dived toward him, their shrill screeches filling the air.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He dashed straight at them, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.


    SCHING!


    In one smooth motion, he unsheathed it and slashed.


    The blade cut through the creatures like butter, their bodies splitting apart mid-air before they even knew what hit them.


    His movements a blur of speed and precision.


    He landed on the skull of a Blight Bird, the force of his step crushing it instantly.


    Using the momentum, he lunged even higher, straight into the massive swarm of Nightmare Bats approaching from above.


    And then, he howled.


    A deep, powerful sound erupted from his throat, resonating with a primal energy.


    Then...it shifted into a sonic scream.


    A shockwave rippled through the air, the vibrations so intense that everyone''s eardrums trembled.


    The Nightmare Bats froze mid-flight, their bodies twitching violently as the sound waves tore through them.


    Then one by one, they dropped, lifeless.


    Their bodies rained down from the sky, crashing into the lava below with a series of sickening splashes.


    Kato watched from a distance, frozen in place.


    A shudder crawled down his spine as he witnessed the sheer power Alex wielded.


    What¡­ was this monster?


    He had fought powerful people before, but this? This made no sense.


    How the hell was Alex so strong?! It was almost unreal.


    The obstacles that had taken so many lives already¡ªto Alex, they might as well have been cardboard cutouts.


    Kato''s body tensed, his muscles coiling like springs ready to snap.


    For the first time, a terrifying realization sank in.


    Alex could have killed him if he wanted to.


    The thought alone was enough to paralyze him.


    His grip on his sword tightened, the leather of the hilt creaking under the pressure.


    Attacking again? No. That would be suicide.


    Yet, even as the fear settled in, it didn''t quench his resentment.


    Not even a little.


    He still wanted Alex dead.


    But now¡­ he knew he couldn''t face him head-on.


    He needed a new plan.


    A better plan.


    His hatred had transformed into something darker, something twisted.


    It wasn''t just about revenge anymore. It was ego. It was envy. It was an obsession.


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    Far ahead, Onigi tore through the battlefield like an unstoppable force.


    Every monster that dared to block his way met a swift and brutal end.


    SLASH!


    His blade carved through them like paper, its edge gleaming with a cold, deadly light.


    Yet, they didn''t stop.


    The monsters clung to him like magnets, relentless in their assault.


    He was close now¡ªso close to the exit.


    But no matter how many he cut down, more kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.


    Still, Onigi never slowed.


    He never stopped.


    He was enjoying the thrill of it.


    As Onigi moved, his blade flashed like a streak of silver, carving through the monsters that dared to stand in his way.


    Blood sprayed in arcs, painting the air with crimson.


    Limbs flew, severed cleanly from their bodies.


    But despite the carnage, not a single drop stained his clothes.


    He was too fast, too precise, his movements a testament to years of relentless training and battle experience.


    Then he felt it.


    An insane amount of power.


    A presence that sent a thrill through his veins.


    Right behind him.


    Alex.


    Onigi''s lips curled into a grin, his teeth gleaming in the dim light.


    So, the young one was finally taking things seriously.


    His battle style¡ªunorthodox, unpredictable, deadly.


    Yet, so effective.


    Onigi chuckled, his eyes glinting with excitement.


    The kid was special. And¡ªif he was being honest¡ªhe looked like he was having fun. Something stirred in Onigi''s chest. Excitement.


    "Maybe I should have fun too," he mused, his voice low and gravelly.


    But just as he took his next step...


    CRACK!


    The tile beneath him shattered instantly, the sound echoing like a gunshot.


    But it wasn''t enough to catch the old man off guard.


    The moment his foot left the crumbling tile, he had already adjusted, landing on the next with the grace of a cat.


    But then another tile cracked. And another.


    The tiles had gotten weaker.


    Shattering almost as quick as he stepped on one,


    Things had gotten serious.


    Those without movement skills or insane agility would be at a huge disadvantage.


    Good thing he had both.


    With a sharp exhale, Onigi blasted forward, his body a blur of motion.


    Traps snapped at him, their mechanisms whirring with deadly intent.


    Monsters lunged, their claws and fangs bared.


    But his blade was faster.


    SLASH!


    He tore through everything in his path, leaving behind nothing but fallen enemies and shattered obstacles.


    The finish line was just ahead, its outline visible through the haze of smoke and fire.


    And he was still in the lead.


    But Alex...Alex was right behind him.


    Moving at the same pace. Never slowing down.


    Onigi frowned, his brow furrowing in thought.


    At first, he thought it was just chance, but now¡­ it was obvious:


    The Nightmare monsters were targeting Alex more than anyone else.


    Onigi grinned, a sly smirk spreading across his face.


    That just meant less trouble for him.


    But then the air shifted, and a dark presence swelled ahead.


    The Nightmare Bats stopped attacking individually.


    Instead, they swarmed together, twisting and merging into a grotesque, demonic face.


    It had no eyes. Only a gaping mouth.


    And then it screamed.


    A silent, eerie howl that made the very air shudder, sending ripples of fear through the hearts of all who heard it.

 Chapter 123 Music To My Ears

    Onigi''s sword flashed a brilliant blue as he activated a defensive skill to brace against the incoming attack.


    The air around him shimmered with energy, forming a protective barrier that should have deflected any assault.


    But nothing happened.


    No clash of steel, no explosion of force¡ªjust an eerie, silent howl that washed over him like a tidal wave.


    It wasn''t a physical attack; it was something far more insidious.


    The soundless scream burrowed deep into his mind, clawing at his thoughts and distorting his senses.


    His vision blurred, the world around him twisting into a chaotic mess.


    The tiles beneath his feet, once solid and predictable, now warped and shifted like liquid.


    Patterns swirled and melded together, making it impossible to tell where to step next.


    Onigi gritted his teeth, his instincts screaming at him to move, but his body hesitated.


    He had missed a step.


    His foot hovered over empty space, and the molten lava below seemed to surge upward, eager to claim him.


    But Onigi was no novice.


    He tightened his grip on his sword, and the blade flared a fiery red.


    Flames erupted around his body, forming a protective cloak that burned away the mental fog clouding his mind. His vision cleared¡ªjust enough.


    With a ferocious roar, he lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with precision and power.


    SHIIING!


    The fiery edge of his sword tore through the massive demonic face that had materialized before him, splitting it clean in two.


    The Nightmare Bats that had formed the monstrous entity burst into flames, their screeches turning into agonized wails as they scattered like dying embers.


    One by one, they plunged into the lava below, their forms disintegrating into ash.


    The battlefield fell silent, save for the crackling of flames and the distant echoes of combat.


    Onigi landed just past the finish line, his knee hitting the ground as he exhaled sharply.


    His chest rose and fell with each heavy breath, his body aching from the exertion. But there was no time to rest.


    A glowing notification appeared before his eyes, its text bright and unmistakable.


    Ding!


    [You have completed the second trial]


    [You have received 3,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 30 Upgrade Points]


    Onigi raised a brow as he read the notification, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield behind him.


    His men were still pushing forward, their numbers visibly thinner than before.


    The relentless waves of creatures had lessened¡ªlikely due to his and Alex''s relentless onslaught¡ªbut it wasn''t enough.


    Many of his men had fallen, their bodies swallowed by the chaos of the trial.


    And now, with the traps growing even more overwhelming, more were still falling.


    Then, a scream pierced the air.


    Onigi''s eyes snapped to the source, where one of his ronin was being snatched up by a Blight Bird.


    The creature''s massive talons dug into the warrior''s armor, lifting him into the air as he struggled in vain.


    Without hesitation, Onigi moved.


    His sword flashed from its sheath, the blade poised to cut the creature down with a single stroke.


    But then his sword stopped mid-air, as if striking an invisible wall.


    Something was wrong.


    A faint shimmer in front of him made it clear: a barrier.


    Just like the one that had stopped Baranga from attacking players who had already cleared the trial.


    It prevented him from attacking the creatures or going back to aid his men.


    Onigi exhaled sharply, a mix of frustration, regret, and realization washing over him.


    He had been so focused on securing first place¡ªon proving his strength¡ªthat he had forgotten his role as a leader.


    He should have stayed behind, guiding his men, ensuring fewer casualties.


    Instead, he had rushed ahead, leaving them to fend for themselves.


    And the worst part? Even after all that, he still hadn''t gotten first place.


    With a sigh, Onigi lowered himself onto the ground, sitting cross-legged in a lotus position. Now, all he could do was watch.


    The notification hovered in his vision, displaying the rewards for clearing the trial.


    [Reward]


    - 3,000 Nightmare Points S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - 30 Upgrade Points


    And then...


    He expected bonus points for reaching first place.


    ¡­But there were none.


    Onigi''s brow furrowed.


    That meant only one thing: he wasn''t first.


    Someone had beaten him to the finish.


    Slowly, he turned, and there, sitting casually on a rocky platform behind him, was Alex.


    The younger man was grinning, his hat tilted in greeting, his eyes dancing with amusement.


    Onigi sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    How? He hadn''t even seen Alex pass him.


    He was about to turn away, letting it go, when something shifted.


    A ripple in the air. A faint, almost imperceptible distortion in Alex''s aura.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed, and then it hit him.


    A chuckle escaped his lips, followed by an amused exclamation:


    "Young man, aren''t you a little too greedy?"


    Alex''s grin widened as he shook his head:


    "You''re a shrewd one, aren''t you?"


    Onigi smirked, muttering inwardly.


    Shrewd? Not quite. I should have sensed it sooner.


    Alex leaned forward slightly, his voice calm and confident.


    "To answer your question..."


    His grin sharpened as he replied:


    "Yes, I am greedy. I want it all."


    *


    [Multiplicity]: Create up to 5 clones of yourself, each possessing 20% of your strength. The original can give remote commands and switch places with a copy.


    Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Suddenly, at the starting line, another Alex appeared, standing with a grin. He had planned this from the start. Before he even began the trial, he had left behind a clone. Now, he could use the second perk of his skill.


    [Multiplicity]: Switch places with his clone.


    And why go through all that trouble? Well... it all started with a simple notification.


    [Warning: Any Player who does not begin in the next 5:00 minutes will automatically be attacked by a limitless amount of Nightmare Monsters]


    One word stood out to him:


    Limitless.


    Alex''s grin sharpened. That was free stat points.


    A golden opportunity to farm them like crazy.


    No way he was passing that up.


    His plan was simple:


    ? Leave a clone behind at the starting line.


    ? Proceed with the trial as normal.


    ? When the five-minute timer ran out, switch places with his clone.


    ? Get "penalized" for not starting the trial.


    ? Trigger an endless swarm of Nightmare Monsters.


    ? Slaughter as many as possible before swapping back.


    Unlimited enemies. Unlimited rewards.


    And just like that¡ªthe hunt was about to begin.


    Now, it was time. Alex stared at the countdown.


    [0:00:5]


    [0:00:4]


    [0:00:3]


    [0:00:2]


    [0:00:1]


    [0:00]


    A glowing red notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Penalty: For not beginning the round, hordes of Nightmare creatures will hunt you down. Even if you begin now, they will still pursue.]


    Alex''s grin widened. "Music to my ears," he whispered.


    He was no stranger to decimating hordes. No matter the kind of monster.


    His fingers played with the Blast Shard in his pocket as the sky above him darkened. Nightmare Bats swarmed together, blotting out the light.


    Some were massive, others smaller but just as vicious, their eyes glowing with hunger.


    Mixed in were Blight Birds, their skeletal wings slicing through the air like blades.


    Then, a faint glow pulsed at the back of Alex''s neck.


    The creatures snapped their heads toward him, their screeches turning into a unified, bloodthirsty roar.


    Like a single entity, they dove¡ªfast, unrelenting, violent.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Instead, he stepped forward, took a deep breath, and unleashed a sonic scream.

 Chapter 124 Absurd Amount

    While Alex battled the endless nightmare creatures at the starting area, things at the finish line were starting to get busy.


    The first to land was Kato.


    He had been right behind Alex, and now that he had arrived, the first thing he did was glare at him.


    Alex, however, barely acknowledged him.


    Kato''s fists clenched. His teeth ground together. His anger was palpable.


    Onigi, watching from nearby, said with a complicated look on his face..


    "I see you''re still burning with rage."


    Kato ignored him and strode forward, his steps heavy with frustration.


    "You told me to do whatever I want... so that''s exactly what I''m going to do."


    Onihi responded:


    "Even if it leads to your death?"


    Kato didn''t respond.


    More players soon arrived.


    One after another, until their number totalled seven who made it to the finish line.


    Five of them were Onigi''s men.


    Some of the ronin bruised, others bloodied, but none seemed to have suffered anything too serious.


    Kyiv, a swordsman, arrived next.


    His sleeve flared making his disability apparent.


    He was missing an arm but he didn''t seem to mind it as he proceeded to the entrance to the next trial.


    Last came Xeno, an archer.


    He clutched his face, his eyes wounded.


    A nightmare bat had attacked him, and from the way he staggered, it was clear the damage was severe.


    Onigi scanned the exhausted group wondering if that was everyone.


    But then a figure appeared in the distance.


    Still undergoing to trial.


    It was Freya.


    She moved swiftly, leaping from tile to tile, her breath ragged but controlled.


    Around her, nightmare creatures swarmed, yet something was off.


    The nightmare bats weren''t attacking her.


    The others stared in shock.


    Whispers of confusion rippled through the group.


    "Why aren''t they attacking?" someone muttered.


    Only a few bats hovered nearby, their eerie eyes locked onto her, but they did nothing.


    Freya pushed forward, her legs burning with exhaustion.


    Then, with a final leap, she landed beyond the finish line.


    Her knees buckled, and she collapsed, breathing heavily.


    When she looked up, all eyes were on her.


    Dozens of people stared their expressions a mix of confusion, suspicion, and unease.


    A nervous shiver ran down her spine.


    What if the ronin tried to kill her again?


    No.


    She doubted they would do that.


    They were probably just stunned by the sight that the nightmare bats hadn''t attacked.


    It was simple.


    From watching she had observed that the more mana you let out the more attracted the monsters are to you.


    And when he had a skill that enabled you to concern yours, then you would be practically invisible.


    The cracked tiles and the traps were the issues though.


    Luckily she had made it.


    She then rose to her feet.


    Her gaze darted across the crowd, searching for someone.


    Then, she found him.


    And without hesitation, she began walking toward him.


    Of course, he made it.


    If there was anyone she was confident would make it, it was him.


    She stepped forward, her breath still uneven from the trial.


    As soon as she reached him, she asked,


    "Why haven''t you left yet?"


    Alex, who had been sitting calmly, raised his head.


    "I thought you would have left." She added.


    Alex didn''t respond only staring at her intently, and her heart skipped a beat.


    A possibility crept into her mind.


    "Don''t tell me... were you waiting for me?"


    The silence only made her thoughts spiral.


    Her imagination ran wild.


    Then, finally, Alex responded.


    "I wasn''t waiting for you."


    For a brief second, relief mixed with disappointment.


    But then he said something absurd.


    "I was waiting for me."


    Freya''s brows furrowed in confusion.


    Wait¡­ What?! What the f*ck does that mean?!


    She wanted to ask but he shook her head, deciding it wasn''t worth figuring out.


    That''s when she noticed a movement towards the exit that led to the next trial.


    A man limped forward.


    His body was covered in scars, his arm missing.


    He looked like he was barely holding on.


    Freya''s eyes locked onto him.


    She recognized the man instantly.


    The swordsman who had sacrificed his arm for a boot.


    She had seen what the boot could do.


    It let him float briefly, giving him a slight advantage.


    But¡­ it hadn''t helped him completely.


    The nightmare monsters still tore into him.


    Yet, somehow, he had kept going.


    His steps wobbled as he staggered toward the exit. His body weary and broken.


    His face was hollow, like a man walking on the edge of sanity.


    He had given everything.


    Since the beginning, he has sacrificed, fought, and bled.


    All for one reason.


    To escape this cursed Nightmare.


    To return to his daughter.


    But then¡­


    His trembling fingers stretched toward the exit.


    Just inches away towards a step to freedom.


    But...


    Ding!


    A notification appeared before his eyes.


    Kyiv''s body stiffened.


    His eyes widened.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    Slowly, he read the message.


    His face twisted in horror.


    "No way¡­" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Kyiv''s eyes darted back to the notification.


    He read it again.


    And again.


    But the words didn''t change.


    His breath hitched.


    Then, his face twisted in disbelief.


    "No f*cking way."


    His legs buckled, and he stumbled backward.


    It felt like that single step had drained years of his life.


    Then, panic set in.


    "No, no, no, no, NO!"


    His voice cracked as frustration surged through him.


    This got everyone attention.


    Xeno, walking towards him, raised a brow.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked.


    Kyiv didn''t answer¡ªhis hands were shaking.


    Frustrated, Xeno pulled up his own screen.


    His eyes widened.


    "¡­Are you kidding me right now?!"


    His fingers clenched into a fist.


    Then, he gritted his teeth.


    "Goddammit!"


    Freya, watching their reactions, felt a pit form in her stomach.


    "What''s happening?" she asked, her voice uneasy.


    Kyiv''s head snapped toward her.


    His face twisted in rage and desperation.


    Then he yelled:


    "5000 POINTS!. We need 5000 Nightmare Points to proceed to the next round."


    A heavy stillness fell over the group.


    For a moment, no one even breathed.


    The trial they had just passed only rewarded them with 3,000 Nightmare Points each.


    If they were to use it they would be short 2,000 points.


    But where were they supposed to get that massive amount of Nightmare?


    There were two known ways to earn Nightmare Points.


    Option One which was the most common method was to hunt and kill Nightmare Monsters.


    But was it realistic now that they had exited the trial and couldn''t go back due to restriction?


    The best solution would be they kill a lot of nightmare monsters during the trial, but most of them, more than anything had been focused on survival.


    Life was lost and the survivors were injured, exhausted, and barely standing.


    The second option was to exchange Points


    Players could trade points with each other.


    But who would willingly give up their hard-earned Nightmare Points?


    No one.


    Kyiv''s breath hitched as his mind raced.


    Unknown to many.


    A third way existed.


    A secret, brutal way that only a unique few knew.


    If you killed another player, their Nightmare Points and stat points would automatically transfer to you.


    And the only way to know that is if you had killed someone in the nightmare.


    Kyiv knew.


    And on his knees, his mind spiraled.


    He had done questionable to act like a saint now.


    The first two options were nearly impossible. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So that left only one way.


    Kill someone.


    His hands trembled.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


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    Now came the next question.


    Who to kill?


    Kyiv''s eyes darted around frantically.


    Everyone who had made it this far was strong.


    No one would go down easily.


    The Ronins?


    Suicide.


    They''d spot his intent and cut him down before he even raised his sword.


    Even if he killed one of them, he wouldn''t made it out alive.


    Alex?


    Not a chance.


    Kyiv had seen what Alex was capable of.


    Xeno?


    Maybe, since he had lost an eye... but it was still too risky.


    That left only one person.


    His eyes landed on Freya.


    She was weaker than the others.


    She was exhausted.


    She was alone.


    Kyiv''s gaze darkened like a predator who had found its prey.


    He took a deep breath.


    Then without any hesitation, he lunged toward her.


    His grip tightened around his sword.


    His boots that he paid for with his arm activated, boosting his speed.


    He blurred forward, his blade aimed straight at Freya''s back.


    And she had no idea.


    The sword was inches from piercing her, but a cold voice shattered the air.


    "Petrify."


    Kyiv''s body was locked in place.


    His sword stopped¡ªmillimeters from Freya''s skin.


    Freya turned, her eyes widening in shock.


    The realization hit her.


    She stumbled back, watching Kyiv struggle with a manic look on his face.


    He gritted his teeth as he couldn''t move.


    Alex then stepped forward, leaning close to Kyiv.


    His voice was low and dangerous as he muttered:


    "You... what do you think you''re doing?"

 Chapter 125 Steel Met Steel

    The moment Alex spoke, [Petrify] shattered.


    Kyiv''s body lurched back into motion.


    His instincts screamed¡ªMove!


    And he leaped away, his sword raised high, his eyes burning with fury.


    On seeing this Alex clicked his tongue.


    Tsk.


    This was a problem.


    His clone only had 20% of his real strength.


    That meant [Petrify]''s duration and that of his other skill was weaker.


    His skills were significantly nerfed.


    If that wasn''t the case then the one-armed swordsman shouldn''t have broken free so soon.


    From the sidelines, Kato watched.


    His brows furrowed.


    He had faced Alex before, and he knew how powerful [Petrify] was.


    No one ordinary person could break free from that skill.


    So what the hell was this?


    Kato''s mind raced.


    He could tell Kyiv wasn''t that special.


    There was no way the one-armed swordsman was stronger than him.


    So how?


    How had he broken free?


    His eyes narrowed. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Something else was at play.


    There was only one explanation that made sense.


    And it was that Alex was weaker than he thought.


    Maybe he had been using a power-boosting skill all this while.


    Onigi, as if reading Kato''s thoughts, then uttered under his breath.


    "Whatever you''re thinking now is an illusion. You will gain nothing from this."


    Kato''s frown deepened.


    His master words were vague, cryptic as always, and useless.


    He had no time for riddles.


    With a scoff, he turned away.


    Focusing his gaze on Alex and Kyiv to understand more. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    There was silence and the air around two seemed to crackle with tension, the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone present.


    Xeno, who was somewhat close to Kyiv, broke the silence.


    "Kyiv¡­ what are you doing?"


    The one-armed swordsman''s jaw clenched.


    His fingers tightened around his sword.


    "There is no other way," he muttered through gritted teeth.


    "There are no nightmare monsters left to kill. No one is dumb enough to hand over their points. That leaves only one option."


    A deadly silence fell.


    Then Kyiv continued, voice grim.


    "Unlike back in the tutorial, where killing a player only gives you a percentage of their points¡­"


    His breath hitched.


    "Here, you get ALL of their Nightmare Points and Upgrade Points."


    The weight of his words settled over everyone.


    A chilling realization.


    They were stunned expressions.


    But Alex was unmoved by the new info.


    His face remained unreadable.


    Of course, he hadn''t known about this mechanic.


    But he wasn''t surprised.


    This realm was ruled by a twisted being¡ªone that wanted nothing more than to see them all break and fall so their bodies outside will be consumed.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as a thought crossed his mind.


    "I see," he muttered, his voice eerily calm.


    He took a step forward, staring down at Kyiv.


    "The reason you know this¡­ is because you''ve killed before. Is that right?"


    Kyiv''s grip on his sword tightened.


    A flicker of something...guilt?


    No. Resignation...passed through his eyes.


    Then, with a deep breath, he nodded.


    "Exactly."


    His voice held no regret.


    No hesitation.


    Then he turned his gaze locking onto Onigi.


    A smirk played on his lips.


    "That Dorion kid you keep asking about?" Kyiv tilted his head slightly.


    "He probably killed your daughter for the same reason."


    A sharp intake of breath. The Ronins tensed.


    Knuckles whitened.


    Veins pulsed in anger.


    Murderous intent filled the air.


    Alex sighed. This damned place.


    Nothing but death and blood.


    He turned his head slightly, eyes flickering to Freya.


    She was still frozen in shock.


    Her breathing was uneven.


    She had almost died just now.


    Alex sighed once again.


    Was it his problem if she did die?


    Probably not.


    But at the same time¡­


    Someone who walked with him shouldn''t die so easily.


    If anything she would rather die to the nightmare devices than a fellow player kill her.


    More importantly, he had another curiosity.


    He wanted to know.


    How long would his clone, with only 20% of his original strength, last against other players?


    Alex let out a sigh, though inside, he was grinning.


    "I don''t have a choice but to kill someone, so I hope you understand."


    "I don''t to be honest."


    "She is the weakest here so it makes sense she is the one who dies? Is that clear now?"


    Alex tilted his head.


    No way that''s a serious question.


    It was absurd.


    The man in front of him had clearly lost his mind.


    Freya, the target of his word was also reasonably pissed.


    Her expression was cold, as she took out her blade raising it in defense.


    "I''d admit. I''d have zero confidence in making it out alive. But I''d be damned if I let a disabled bastard tell me where my end would be."


    Kyiv gritted his teeth, and then he yelled.


    "I have obligations!"


    "Doesn''t deem your action right," Alex responded.


    "I have a daughter!"


    "I have a daughter so I have no choice. No matter what, I will proceed to the next trial. I will escape this hell¡­ No matter what."


    Alex paused for a second.


    Then he continued.


    "Well, even with that¡­" he said, slowly drawing his weapon [Murzok Fangblade].


    "I still can''t let you kill her. Daughter be damned."


    Kyiv''s mouth widened in disbelief, then it closed and his expression twisted into fury.


    His grip tightened on his sword.


    Then, with a deep breath, he lifted his blade and pointed it directly at Alex.


    "You asked for this," Kyiv said, voice firm.


    But there was a bit of hesitation behind his words after all he had seen Alex in action.


    Alex''s fingers curled around the hilt of his weapon.


    The dark, serrated edge of the blade gleamed.


    Tension crackled in the air.


    Only one person in the crowd truly understood what was happening¡ªOnigi.


    The old man watched in silence, arms crossed.


    He knew.


    He knew Alex was a clone.


    But he didn''t say a word.


    And Alex understood why.


    The old man wouldn''t bother fighting a weaker version of him.


    He also wouldn''t inform the others.


    Because like Alex, Onigi was curious.


    He wanted to see how long Alex''s clone could last.


    To gauge his real strength.


    But there was a problem.


    If Alex lost here¡­


    If his clone was defeated¡­


    What would that mean for him?


    If his clone died, his original body wouldn''t be able to swap in time.


    That meant he''d have to restart the trial.


    Not that he was worried about it and would be any problem.


    But it seemed like such a drag.


    So what were his options?


    Fight, or¡­ Fight.


    A grin stretched across his face.


    There was only one choice he''d ever make.


    He would fight and see how long he could last just for the fun of it.


    Kyiv studied him carefully.


    Alex didn''t seem like was going to back down.


    His face darkened.


    "You know¡­ I only need to kill one person to get the points I need."


    His fingers flexed around the hilt of his sword.


    "If that person is you...so be it."


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "Then what are you waiting for?...come at me."


    His words provoked the swordsman.


    And Kyiv moved.


    In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of Alex.


    His sword flashed downward, aiming for Alex''s neck.


    But Alex was ready.


    He raised his blade in an instant¡ª


    CLANG!


    Steel met steel and shockwave of force erupted from the impact rippling through the air.

 Chapter 126 Provoking Idiots

    Oh¡­


    Alex gritted his teeth as a dull ache spread through his arm.


    The impact had buckled his stance.


    Damn¡­ he''s strong. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even with one arm, Kyiv''s strikes were heavy¡ªfar more powerful than Alex had expected.


    He took a step back, but Kyiv was already there.


    A second strike.


    A third.


    Each one more faster, sharper, and deadlier.


    Alex had no room to counter.


    He barely managed to block, his sword ringing with every desperate parry.


    But he was losing ground.


    Kyiv''s onslaught was relentless¡ªhis attacks flowing together like a storm, giving Alex no time to breathe.


    Yet, despite the pressure, Alex grinned.


    This is fun.


    No matter how fast he moved¡ªno matter how many feints he used¡ªKyiv followed.


    It was almost unnatural.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    The way Kyiv moved was like he was floating.


    And then Alex realized it was the damned boot.


    The same boot Kyiv had sacrificed his arm for.


    "That explains it."


    Alex had no choice.


    He couldn''t win like this.


    If he wanted to win, he''d have to use some of his skills.


    But before he could act...


    BAM!


    Kyiv''s blade swatted his sword arm aside, knocking it upward.


    Alex''s chest was wide open.


    Kyiv''s eyes flashed, and he lunged going for the kill.


    But Alex let out a grin.


    Then, he sank.


    Like a stone in water.


    Almost like the ground had turned to liquid.


    Kyiv''s blade stabbed the air, and his eyes widened in confusion.


    What?


    He looked around wondering where Alex had gone.


    Then he sensed him below.


    Before he could react¡ª


    A vice-like grip clamped around both his ankles.


    Kyiv''s head snapped down, and he saw Alex half submerged in the earth.


    A wicked grin on his face.


    Then...yank.


    Kyiv''s legs were suddenly pulled downward.


    Panic shot through him.


    His feet were sinking¡ªthe ground swallowing him.


    "Damn it!"


    Both his feet were now trapped beneath the surface.


    He tried to break free but he was stuck.


    Alex then shot up from underground, his sword raised for the kill.


    But, he felt a chill crawl up his spine.


    [Danger Sense] warning him.


    And he reacted immediately.


    Without thinking, Alex threw up his arm and activated [Aegis Arcane.]


    BOOM!


    A searing wave of fire slammed into him from the side, sending him skidding backward.


    His barrier cracked¡ªa massive dent forming on its shimmerings surface.


    Smoke curled from his clothes.


    Then Alex heard a low and mocking chuckle.


    "I knew it."


    Alex''s eyes snapped to the source and he frowned:


    "You again."


    I should have killed this bastard.


    Kato stepped forward with a smirk.


    "I knew it. You''re a fraud."


    Oh..Alex uttered his mouth forming an ''O''.


    He didn''t think Kato was that shrewd to realize he was a clone.


    Kato then began to explain proudly:


    "You must have been using a power-boosting skill or artifact to enhance your strength earlier. Which is why you seemed so powerful earlier. Now I can see it has run out."


    Alex lowered his head. Disappointed.


    He was an idiot. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire


    Two more Ronins flank him.


    The first was a towering brute with scarred arms and a massive war axe.


    Akio, a barbarian.


    The other was a woman with piercing eyes and hands crackling with raw magic.


    Isla who seemed to be a sorcerer.


    They joined Kato because they still felt resentment.


    Onigi''s daughter had been their friend, and her death wasn''t something they could just let go of, especially now, that they did not have enough Nightmare Points to proceed.


    They only had two choices in other to proceed:


    Beg for Nightmare points from their comrades.


    Or take what they needed.


    Begging would make them a burden as no one knows what the next trial would demand


    So instead of attempting that, they set their sights on someone they already hated.


    A fraud.


    Kato had convinced them Alex was indeed one.


    To them, his death would serve two purposes.


    They would get vengeance for Kiri and the necessary nightmare points to proceed.


    Kyiv who''s feel were still buried, saw the intent of the Ronin and roared in frustration.


    His hands clawed at the ground, trying to yank his leg free.


    "Hey! Back off! He''s mine!"


    Kato gave a mocking shrug.


    "Sorry, buddy. This is personal."


    His smirk deepened.


    "If you''re desperate for Nightmare Points, go after the girl."


    His eyes flicked to the side.


    "Though¡­ it looks like someone already beat you to it."


    Kyiv whipped his head around, and his eyes widened.


    Xeno.


    The archer was locked in a fight with Freya.


    Freya moved fast, her body twisting as she barely dodged arrows.


    Each time she evaded, she lashed back¡ªdaggers whipping through the air.


    Kyiv''s teeth gritted.


    "Damn it!"


    Kyiv cursed under his breath, his frustration boiling over.


    His leg was still trapped, but he wasn''t about to let this kill slip away.


    With a snarl, he stabbed down at the earth around his foot¡ªeach strike chipping away at the dirt and rock, widening the gap.


    He would break free. He had to.


    He was the one who started this.


    The kill was his.


    Meanwhile, Kato took slow, deliberate steps toward Alex, his excitement unmistakable.


    A wicked grin stretched across his face.


    "I''m right aren''t I?" he asked, his voice practically thrumming with anticipation.


    "No, you''re not."


    Kato''s expression was unchanged:


    "It doesn''t matter. What is obvious is that your strength has fallen, I may not know why but I''m certainly going to take advantage of it."


    Alex lowered his hands, allowing his barrier to disperse.


    His gaze met Kato''s, calm yet piercing.


    "I see you''re really are an idiot."


    Kato''s grin faltered.


    "What...?"


    Alex''s eyes flicked to the two standing beside him.


    "And you dragged two more fools into this as well."


    Akio''s face contorted with anger as he raised his massive axe, pointing it at Alex.


    "He didn''t bring us into anything!"


    Beside him, Isla pulled out her staff, its tip glowing with raw energy.


    Her voice was steady.


    "We''re doing this for Kiri."


    Alex''s brows furrowed in confusion.


    "Kiri?" he muttered.


    Then, his lips curled into a taunting grin, his eyes glinting with mockery.


    "Who the hell is that?"


    The reaction was instant.


    "Damn you!" Kato roared.


    Akio and Isla didn''t hesitate.


    In the blink of an eye, multiple magic attacks were hurled toward Alex¡ªflames, crackling lightning, and razor-sharp wind blades streaking through the air, all aimed to obliterate him.

 Chapter 127 3 v Clone

    Multiple attacks raced toward Alex¡ªblazing fire, streaks of lightning, and razor-sharp wind blades.


    But Alex just grinned.


    Then, in a flash, he dashed forward.


    Kato''s eyes widened on seeing this.


    Approaching head-on?... Was he insane?!


    Just as it seemed Alex was about to collide with the attacks, he jumped!


    A powerful lunge sent him soaring over the deadly magic.


    Then, the moment he landed, he slammed his foot into the ground, activating [Earth Stomp].


    BOOM!


    The earthquake-like tremor sent Kato, Aikio, and Isla stumbling.


    Even those watching from a distance felt the impact.


    Kyiv, still trapped in the ground, gritted his teeth as pain surged through his already-buried leg.


    Alex took advantage of the chaos.


    He pulled out Shadow Fangs¡ªthe pair of deadly dual blades he had once looted from a goblin scout.


    It had been a while since he used them. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No time to hesitate.


    His eyes locked onto his first target, Isla.


    Unlike the others, she struggled the most to regain her balance.


    The decision was instant.


    Alex activated [Fast and Furious], his body becoming a blur as he closed the distance in the blink of an eye.


    As Alex closed in on Isla, his blade was already poised to strike.


    But...


    FLASH!


    Her staff glowed, and in an instant, she blinked away, teleporting to another spot.


    Oh?


    Alex muttered after his blade stabbed nothing but air.


    His momentary surprise cost him.


    WHOOSH!


    A sudden shadow loomed over him.


    Akio''s massive axe came crashing down from above in a brutal overhead swing.


    And Alex barely had time to react, as he jumped back!


    CRASH!


    The axe slammed into the ground, cracking the stone beneath it.


    But Alex had landed right into the path of Kato, who was already in motion.


    SHING!


    A quick-draw slash flew toward him, Kato''s blade glowing with fiery energy.


    WHOOSH!


    Alex twisted his body at the last second, dodging by a hair''s breadth¡ª


    But the searing heat of the blade as it whizzed past him still burned his skin.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A magic blast struck him from the side!


    The impact sent him tumbling across the battlefield.


    Alex exhaled sharply, his [Aegis Arcane] barrier flickering, now cracked from the force of the attack.


    Alex let out a heavy exhale, his lips curling into a grin.


    His pulse pounding.


    This was getting fun.


    [Danger Sense] was the only thing keeping him from getting torn apart¡ªit was making him react just fast enough to avoid the attacks.


    But that wasn''t enough.


    He needed an extra layer of caution.


    As he rose to his feet, he activated [Foresight], his vision sharpening, his mind calculating every possible move his enemies could make.


    But then...


    CRACKLE!


    A cage of energy suddenly erupted around him, sparking and hissing like a storm trapped in midair.


    Alex''s eyes snapped toward Isla.


    Her staff was raised, both hands glowing with power.


    Then she clenched her fist.


    The lightning cage twisted, its bars unraveling into a writhing net of energy and it surged toward Alex, ready to bind him like a snake coiling around its prey.


    But...


    FWUMP!


    Alex sank into the ground like it was liquid, his body vanishing into the earth just before the net closed in.


    The lightning snapped shut around empty space.


    Then...


    SHOOP!


    He reappeared several meters away from the trio.


    Kato''s eyes widened in shock for a moment¡ªthen he grinned.


    Alex was struggling.


    He was getting pushed back.


    Knew it.


    Alex wasn''t as strong as everyone made him out to be.


    And Kato was going to prove it.


    If they kept this up, Alex wouldn''t last much longer.


    Kato tightened his grip on his sword''s hilt, his eyes locked onto Alex.


    He turned to Akio, voice sharp.


    "Let''s go."


    Without hesitation, the two charged forward, their movements perfectly in sync.


    Above them, Isla raised her staff, summoning a pulsing orb of energy.


    The orb whirled and flickered, before unleashing a continuous stream of energy blasts, each one homing in on Alex''s position as Akio and Kato closed in.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    He had to break their momentum.


    Now.


    He rushed forward, taking two quick leaps, then screamed¡ª


    [Sonic Howl]!


    A powerful shockwave erupted from his mouth, tearing through the air like a hurricane.


    BOOM!


    The force slammed into Akio, sending the barbarian stumbling back.


    But Kato?


    He was faster.


    A blur of movement¡ªthen¡ª


    CLANG!


    His flaming sword clashed against Alex''s Shadow Fangs, sparks flying as the two locked blades.


    Kato grinned, pushing against Alex''s weapons.


    "Hah... I thought you were hot shit... but turns out you''re just trash."


    Alex met his gaze, eyes flashing.


    "Is that so?!"


    With a swift motion, Alex threw a kick¡ª


    His heel slammed into Kato''s chest, forcing him back.


    But before Alex could regain his footing...


    WHAM!


    Multiple streaks of blazing energy slammed into his side.


    Isla''s attack finding its mark.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The battlefield shook with each blast, fire, and smoke swallowing everything in sight.


    For a moment, no one could see through the haze.


    Alex''s fate was unknown.


    Had Alex been hit? Killed?


    Was he injured?


    Was he...


    As the smoke cleared, there was nothing.


    No body. No trace.


    Kato''s instincts flared, a cold sensation crawling up his spine.


    From the side!


    He swung his sword, reacting on pure instinct¡ª


    SWISH!


    Nothing.


    His blade cut through empty air.


    Then...from below.


    THWACK!


    A solid kick struck upward, slamming into his jaw.


    Alex had emerged from below, one hand braced against the ground as he drove his heel into Kato''s chin with his flip-flop.


    Kato''s head snapped back as he was sent flying.


    He crashed in the distance and Alex moved to follow up, his eyes gleaming savagely, but...


    WHAM!


    Akio dropped from above, his massive axe swinging down in a devastating arc.


    CRACK!


    The ground split apart, deep fissures tearing through the battlefield as the force of the attack ripped stone like paper.


    Alex gritted his teeth, twisting his body mid-air before leaping back, just barely dodging the strike.


    He landed smoothly, dust swirling around his feet.


    His eyes flickered between Akio and the recovering Kato.


    He was so close¡ªhe could see the perfect opportunity to finish off Kato but Akio had intervened.


    He had to admit¡­


    Their teamwork was good.


    Akio, the barbarian, came charging forward, his massive axe gleaming under the light as he swung with raw power.


    Alex stayed calm and used.


    [Petrify]


    Akio''s movements slowed, his body stiffening as the spell took effect.


    Alex didn''t waste a second.


    He extended a hand, and a faint gray glow pulsed from his palm,


    Then it ignited, dark flames twisting around his fingertips.


    [Black Flame]


    But before he could release it...


    ZING!


    A sharp, needle-thin energy beam came flying at him¡ªinsanely fast.


    From Isla.


    She had sensed the danger of Alex''s attack and countered immediately.


    Her spell was special¡ªa lethal assassination skill.


    It had almost no mana signature, meaning it couldn''t be easily detected until it was too late.


    A perfect kill shot.


    But¡ª


    To her utter shock, Alex reacted instantly.


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    As if he had been expecting it.


    Instead of dodging, he lifted the same hand he had raised for [Black Flame], the energy beam striking his wrist.


    CLANG!

 Chapter 128 Blazing Duel

    CLANG!


    Isla''s eyes went wide with shock.


    That wasn''t possible.


    Alex had reacted like he had seen her attack coming a mile away.


    And even crazier, he hadn''t dodged.


    But rather, he had raised his hand to block it.


    Her energy beam should have torn through his arm, cutting straight to the bone.


    But instead, it had vanished.


    Like it had never even been fired.


    Alex slowly lowered his arm, staring at his wrist.


    For a brief second, a faint glow flickered¡ªrevealing a bracelet¡ªbefore it dispersed like it wasn''t there.


    [Anti-Magic Gauntlet]


    The gauntlet had an effect that made it invisible to others, and he had been wearing it all along, ever since he first got it.


    But until now, he had never actually been pushed hard enough to use it.


    His expression darkened as his eyes snapped toward Isla.


    The fierce, determined look on her face didn''t change.


    But Alex''s thoughts were clear.


    She needs to go.


    CRACK!


    Akio broke free from the [Petrify] spell, muscles bulging with raw power as he charged at Alex again.


    At the same time, a blur of motion came from behind.


    Kato.


    His katana gleamed, moving in a deadly arc¡ª


    And Alex seemed completely unaware of his approach.


    Kato''s lips curled into a victorious grin.


    This was it.


    He would cut Alex down in one clean stroke.


    His katana whipped forward, Kato''s blade whistling through the air¡ª


    But Alex simply tilted his head slightly, dodging it like he had eyes in the back of his head.


    Then he vanished.


    [Stealth Walk] activated.


    Akio and Kato froze, their eyes darting around.


    Where did he go?!


    The air felt thick.


    Their grips tightened around their weapons, and their senses were on high alert.


    Then a flicker.


    A shadowy blur reappeared, and it was rushing straight for Isla.


    His intent was obvious.


    He was going to eliminate the sorcerer.


    "Shit!"


    Akio and Kato reacted instantly, surging forward to intercept him¡ª


    But before they could, Alex''s hand snapped backward, and he threw something.


    A small, dark object spun through the air.


    Their eyes tracked it.


    A rock?


    No...


    Their instincts screamed at them.


    There was no way it was an ordinary rock.


    Kato''s katana flashed, ready to swat it away¡ª


    But then, Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The [Blast Shard] exploded in a blinding flash of fire and shockwave.


    Kato and Akio were sent flying, their bodies twisting midair before slamming into the dirt.


    Dust swirled.


    Rubble fell.


    And now, Isla stood alone.


    Her body shuddered.


    Her breath hitched.


    And then¡ª


    Alex emerged from the smoke.


    Two black blades in hand.


    His eyes glowed with a predatory glint.


    The sight sent a chill down her spine.


    It was like watching a demon march forward to claim her soul.


    But Isla wasn''t weak.


    She forced a steady exhale, pushing back the fear.


    She could still fight.


    She had to fight.


    Her grip on her staff tightened.


    Then, she thrust it forward and fired a storm of energy bolts.


    WHIZZ!


    WHIZZ!


    WHIZZ!


    They tore through the air, aiming straight for Alex.


    But, Alex didn''t slow down.


    He zigzagged, moving unpredictably.


    He leaped.


    He twisted.


    Avoiding the attack.


    Every single energy bolt missed its target.


    And before she knew it¡ª


    He was almost on her.


    Isla''s heart pounded.


    Her lips moved quickly, uttering an incantation.


    And then there was a deafening crack.


    The ground froze over as an ice golem erupted in front of her.


    A towering figure of frost and stone.


    It slammed its fists together, acting as a living wall, atank, blocking Alex''s path.


    The ice golem towered over Alex, its frost-covered body steaming as it radiated an intense chill.


    Crackling ice spread beneath its feet.


    The air froze.


    It was colossal, a true force of destruction.


    Yet, Alex grinned.


    Unfazed.


    This only confirmed what he already knew.


    Taking Isla out first was the right choice.


    Before the golem could even move, Alex thrust his hands forward.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Black flames erupted.


    A barrage of scorching, cursed fire slammed into the ice behemoth.


    The force pushed it back, its massive form skidding across the frozen ground.


    Then..


    SIZZLE.


    The flames began to consume it.


    Cracks spread.


    Chunks of its frozen limbs melted and crumbled.


    Its arms snapped off. Its legs buckled.


    And then it collapsed.


    A pile of steaming, broken ice.


    Isla''s breath hitched.


    Her body trembled.


    She had poured almost everything into summoning that golem, only to watch Alex burn it to nothing.


    Her skin turned pale.


    She was running on fumes.


    And now, she was completely exposed.


    Her eyes darted behind Alex, and she spotted Akio charging forward frantically, his axe raised.


    But, he wouldn''t make it in time.


    And Alex was already closing the distance.


    Isla''s heart pounded.


    She had to buy time¡ªit was her only chance.


    Desperately, she stepped back and raised her staff, trying to use [Storm Cage] once again.


    Wind howled, crackling with the intensity of a storm, swirling around her staff and she directed it towards Alex.


    The cage should''ve trapped Alex in seconds.


    But, he was too fast.


    He dodged with impossible agility, slipping through the gusts like a shadow, avoiding the stormy snare.


    Isla''s stomach dropped.


    Dread sank in as she realized wasn''t going to win this.


    Her only choice was to use the last of her mana blink away, to escape.


    She raised her staff high, preparing to teleport.


    But just as the spell formed...


    THWACK!


    A small projectile struck her hand with precision.


    The pain shot up her arm as her fingers slipped, causing her staff to fall from her grip.


    A pebble.


    Alex had used [Minor Telekinesis] to direct the tiny stone, hitting the back of her hand and disarming her in an instant.


    Isla''s eyes widened in panic.


    She lunged for her staff, hoping to reclaim it, but it was too late.


    Before she could react, she heard Alex''s voice¡ªlow, commanding:


    "Petrify."


    Her body froze. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t full strength¡ªnot anymore, not with the energy she had left¡ªbut it was enough to lock Isla in place for a few crucial seconds.


    And in those seconds, she could feel the crushing weight of fear¡ªher body paralyzed, her options slipping away.


    Time slowed.


    Isla''s body was still, trapped by Alex''s skill.


    Fear took over, her breath shallow as she saw him approach.


    Her doom was inevitable.


    In one smooth, fluid motion, Alex reached her.


    His expression was calm, but his gaze¡ªcold and determined¡ªnever left her.


    He raised his blade, without hesitation. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Then:


    CLEAVE!


    The sound of metal cutting through flesh was sharp and brutal. Alex''s blade sliced through Isla from her shoulder to her waist, a clean cut that left disbelief in her eyes.


    Her body split into two.


    The halves of Isla''s torso fell to the ground, lifeless, in a mess of blood and broken form.


    Alex stood over her, but there was no satisfaction in his eyes¡ªonly focus.


    Then he got a notification, and his eyes flickered to it.


    Ding!


    [You have killed player Isla]


    [You have received 3000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 70 stat points]


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received additional...]


    Before Alex could even read the rest of the message, a shift in the air caught his attention.


    He turned and then saw Onigi rise to his feet.


    The old man was making a move.

 Chapter 129 Gotcha

    Onigi''s body tensed, his fingers twitching as he saw Alex about to strike Isla down.


    His instincts screamed at him to move¡ªto stop it.


    But he didn''t.


    He couldn''t.


    Isla was a huge asset to their team, but just like Kato, she had made her choice.


    She had fought. She had lost.


    If he were in Alex''s position, he wouldn''t hesitate to kill her either.


    So it would be hypocritical of him to interfere now.


    Instead, he forced himself to stay still. To accept reality.


    Besides, this wasn''t even the real Alex¡ªjust a clone.


    There was no point in wasting his sword on an imitation.


    If he was going to fight, he''d fight the real one.


    He watched as Isla fell, her lifeless body hitting the ground.


    It was unpleasant to see.


    And from the silent tension in the air, he knew his men felt the same.


    Onigi''s jaw tightened.


    He didn''t think he could stomach seeing Aikio and Kato meet the same fate.


    Enough.


    He made his decision.


    Alex, still gripping his weapon tightly, watched Onigi rise to his feet.


    His narrowed eyes locked onto him.


    Was he going to attack?


    Was he mad that I killed one of his ronin?


    His expression was unreadable¡ªhis posture tense.


    Alex braced himself, expecting an attack.


    But then, Onigi spoke.


    "I don''t think I can sit still and watch more of my people get killed."


    Alex''s narrowed eyes relaxed slightly.


    So he wasn''t going to attack.


    Onigi turned to the remaining ronin, his voice firm but calm.


    "We''re leaving."


    His words weren''t up for debate.


    The other ronin hesitated, their faces twisted with displeasure. The weight of Isla''s death still hung heavy in the air.


    But their loyalty to Onigi outweighed their thirst for revenge.


    One by one, they turned and followed their leader.


    As they reached the exit, they paid the necessary points and their figures flickered and disappeared into the next stage.


    Alex exhaled, running a hand through his hair.


    "Whew¡­"


    Relief flooded him.


    For a moment, he had assumed the worst.


    If Onigi had chosen to fight, that could have been the end for him.


    "DAMN YOU!"


    A furious voice then roared behind Alex, but before he could turn¡ª


    BOOM!


    A powerful force smashed into his back, sending him flying.


    THUD! THUD! THUD!


    Alex tumbled across the ground, dirt and debris flying in his wake.


    Pain flared through his body, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to balance, skidding to a stop.


    His mind raced.


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    Why did I react so slow?


    He snapped his head up¡ªand locked eyes with the barbarian.


    The towering warrior crouched beside Isla''s lifeless body, his trembling hands gently lifting her head.


    His face twisted in pain.


    His breath hitched, his voice breaking as he spoke.


    "You¡­ how¡­ how could you do this?"


    Alex tilted his head, confused.


    "Do what? It''s kill or be killed. I don''t assume you guys just wanted to beat me up and let me walk away¡­ did you?"


    Akio''s fists clenched.


    His muscles tensed as his expression darkened.


    His voice came out in a low, seething growl.


    "You''re a monster."


    Alex let out a short breath, his voice sharp.


    "Aren''t you coming to this realization a little too late?"


    "Damn you!"


    With a furious roar, Akio charged.


    BOOM!


    The ground cracked beneath his feet as he lunged at Alex with pure rage.


    But Alex was faster.


    In a blur, he disappeared¡ªthen reappeared mid-air, directly above Akio.


    Before the barbarian could react¡ª


    CRACK!


    Alex drove his foot down into Akio''s face, slamming him into the ground.


    The impact shook the earth, dust and debris flying everywhere.


    Pinned beneath Alex''s boot, the barbarian groaned, his arms trembling as he struggled to push himself up.


    Alex pressed down harder, his voice cold and sharp.


    "You don''t have the right to be angry at me..."


    Akio growled, his teeth grinding against each other.


    "You attacked me first¡ªwith the intent to kill."


    Rage burned in Akio''s veins. His vision blurred with fury.


    Isla was gone.


    The weight of her death crushed him, twisting his grief into something dark.


    His breathing grew heavy.


    His muscles bulged, veins pulsing as his body heated up unnaturally.


    Then a deep, guttural growl escaped his throat.


    A red aura exploded around him, pulsing like wildfire.


    He had activated it...Frenzy Mode.


    It was a skill that sacrificed defense for overwhelming offensive power.


    The angrier he got, the stronger he became.


    And right now...


    He was drowning in rage.


    Akio grabbed Alex''s ankle, his fingers like an iron vice.


    His entire body glowed red, raw energy pulsating from his skin.


    Alex felt the pressure on his leg intensify, like his bones might crack.


    His eyes narrowed.


    SHING!


    With a swift motion, Alex swung his blade down, slicing clean through Akio''s arm.


    Blood sprayed into the air.


    But the barbarian didn''t even flinch.


    Alex leaped back, his instincts on high alert.


    His eyes widened.


    What the hell?


    Akio stood there, one arm missing, yet completely unfazed.


    His chest rose and fell rapidly, his body twitching. His face was twisted, his teeth bared like a rabid beast.


    He didn''t feel pain.


    Alex''s mind clicked.


    Berserk mode.


    The barbarian''s breathing turned into a low, guttural growl.


    Then....


    ROOOOOAAAARRR!


    Akio exploded forward, charging like a rocket-powered bulldozer, the ground cracking beneath his feet.


    His eyes burned crimson, locked onto Alex with nothing but pure, mindless bloodlust.


    But Alex¡ª


    He remained still.


    Calm. Unshaken.


    His hand slowly raised.


    This fight was over.


    He had no time to waste on a rampaging beast.


    Alex''s eyes sharpened.


    This had gone on long enough.


    [Black Flame]


    The words left his lips, and instantly black flames erupted across Akio''s body, engulfing him like a living inferno.


    FWOOOSH!


    But there no screams of pain.


    The barbarian kept charging, his pace unwavering.


    His skin sizzled, flesh peeling away as the cursed fire ate him alive, but he didn''t slow down.


    He was more than a man now.


    A monster.


    A mindless force of vengeance, driven by a singular purpose¡ªkill Alex.


    His eyes burned, not from the fire but with sheer rage.


    ROAAAAR!


    And then, with one last, furious battle cry, Akio swung his massive axe¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    The blade cut through the air, aiming to cleave Alex in half.


    But¡ª


    Alex was gone.


    BLITZ!


    In an instant, Alex slipped past him, his blade a blur.


    SCHLICK!


    A brief silence.


    Akio stood frozen, his body trembling.


    Alex turned, his black dagger dripping with crimson.


    Then...


    THUD.


    Akio''s body collapsed, motionless.


    The lifeless barbarian collapsed, his severed head rolling a few feet away.


    The flames continued to burn, but the battle was over.


    [You have killed player Akio]


    [You have received 3200 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 90 stat points]


    Apocalypse Baby Kicking In


    [You have received additional 3200 Nightmare points]


    [You have received additional 90 stat points]


    Alex exhaled, his grip loosening on his blade.


    This¡­ killing people¡­ it wasn''t satisfying.


    But it was necessary.


    He had made a choice¡ªnever to spare anyone who came at him with the intent to kill.


    No matter who they were.


    His thoughts lingered for a moment, and then something felt off.


    His instincts screamed at him.


    His eyes widened.


    Wait...Where the hell was Kato?


    The realization struck like a lightning bolt.


    Then he sense danger.


    Alex moved.


    Too a little bit too late though.


    And then.


    SCHLICK!


    A blade pierced through his chest, its tip bursting out from the other side.


    Pain...sharp, cold and real.


    Alex gasped, blood spilling from his lips.


    Behind him, Kato leaned in, his voice a whisper of pure satisfaction¡ª


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 Chapter 130 Unseen Games

    In the real world¡­


    Oracle stood deep within the Beast Lord''s Forest.


    His fingers flew across his system window, eyes darting between the endless lines of data.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    He had to stop this.


    He had to interfere.


    Somehow.


    This was a disaster.


    His biggest mistake was making nightmare monsters drop upgrade stones as a reward.


    And then there was the cursed mark.


    Alex had everything to exploit the nightmare.


    He needed stat points? Killing nightmare monsters gave him stat points.


    He needed to kill nightmare monsters? The cursed mark attracted nightmare creatures like nails to a magnet.


    It was the perfect combination.


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    Oracle''s fingers clenched into a fist, his teeth gritting in frustration.


    What the hell?!


    Did this guy have luck as a hidden attribute or something?!


    His gaze darkened.


    He had to do something. Before it was too late.


    Oracle''s claws clicked against his system window as he worked.


    He couldn''t stop the Nightmare Realm from spawning monsters, that was impossible at this point.


    But he could put a condition in place.


    A way for Alex to remove the cursed sigil.


    If Alex met that condition, the cursed mark would vanish.


    Oracle let out a slow exhale, feeling a small sense of relief.


    Then, he frowned.


    His forehead was damp.


    Moisture?


    He wiped it away with the back of his hand, only to realize¡ªhe was sweating.


    Over a human.


    A damned human.


    His frown deepened. He shook it off¡ª


    But then, something worse happened.


    A patch of his fur peeled off his skin, drifting to the ground.


    Oracle''s eyes widened.


    "What the hell?"


    His fur was falling off.


    From stress.


    Because of one human.


    His gaze snapped toward Alex''s unconscious body, wrapped tightly in a cocoon of vines.


    A deep, burning resentment flared in Oracle''s eyes.


    "If I just kill him now¡­ then all of this will end."


    He raised his hand, preparing to unleash.


    But before he could, a force crashed down on him.


    Heavy. Immense. Overpowering.


    His entire body shuddered, muscles locking up.


    A deep vibration rumbled through his core, his very being trembling under an invisible weight.


    Oracle lowered his hand, and the weight vanished, his claws clenching in frustration.


    If he attacked Alex, it would be his end.


    A punishment so severe it would erase him from existence, replaced by another overseer.


    He couldn''t risk that.


    His eyes narrowed one last time at Alex''s unmoving form, resentment boiling beneath the surface.


    But he quickly looked away, deciding there were other ways to handle this situation.


    Ways that didn''t involve getting personally involved.


    With a deep breath, he vanished into the shadows.


    *


    Back in the Nightmare


    The rocky ground was littered with the lifeless bodies of the Nightmare monsters Alex had slaughtered. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Big ones, small ones¡ªall of them¡ªsprawled out like a broken swarm of locusts.


    In the middle of it all, Alex stood tall, holding the neck of a Blight Eagle.


    The once-mighty creature''s wings were gone, its sharp caw reduced to a weak rasp as it died in his grip.


    Alex glanced around his brow furrowing.


    No more monsters were coming.


    Alex frowned.


    What the hell happened to Unlimited?


    He gritted his teeth, fuming.


    Just as he was about to break the blight bird, a notification blinked in front of him.


    Ding!


    [You have killed 1000 nightmare monsters.]


    [Cursed Mark has been lifted.]


    Alex blinked, his mind struggling to catch up.


    What?


    He stared at the message, completely thrown off.


    "1000 nightmare monsters?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with confusion. "Where the hell did that condition come from?"


    He scrolled back through his thoughts, trying to recall anything he''d seen. He was sure he hadn''t read anything about this condition before.


    His eyes snapped to the old notification he had gotten when he first received the cursed mark.


    [You have killed the store vendor]


    [You have been branded with a cursed sigil for a day]


    [Nightmare monsters will hunt you relentlessly]


    [Kill 1000 nightmare monsters to get rid of the curse mark]


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he scanned the last line:


    [Kill 1000 nightmare monsters to get rid of the curse mark]


    Wait!


    Alex''s brow furrowed as his confusion deepened.


    There''s no way.


    He stared at the last line in the notification, the one about killing 1000 nightmare monsters to lift the curse mark. It didn''t make sense. There was no way he could''ve missed it before.


    He was sure it wasn''t there when the cursed mark was first placed on him.


    Suddenly, the creature''s eyes snapped open, its body writhing as it came back to life, desperate to break free.


    His grip tightened on the blight bird''s head, and summoned [Black Flame] with a single thought, his hands glowing with dark energy.


    The black fire roared to life, engulfing the blight eagle in an instant.


    The creature screeched, its body burning away under the intense flames.


    Alex held onto it, watching as the bird struggled in vain.


    He let go and watched the body fall to the ground, its form shrinking as it sizzled and popped in the heat.


    With a deep exhale, Alex turned and began walking toward the starting line of the trial, still deep in thought.


    The more he thought about it, the more certain he was: something or someone had changed the rules on him.


    There was no way he would''ve missed such an important condition before.


    And now, he had no doubt.


    It had to be him.


    "That damned bunny!"


    The more Alex thought about it, the more everything clicked into place.


    Oracle had been messing with him from the start¡ª


    Dropping him in a D-rank zone while he was still E-rank.


    Withholding critical information he revealed to other players.


    Allowing deities to toy with him and only stepping in when they pushed the limits.


    And now, this stunt with the cursed mark.


    It was all too obvious.


    Oracle was purposely limiting his growth.


    Alex clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palm.


    Yeah, it pissed him off.


    But it also pleased him.


    Because if he had drawn this much attention from Oracle, from the deities, from beings older than time itself¡­


    Then his potential had to be something truly insane.


    So insane it was driving them all crazy.


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face.


    He raised his head and spoke to the sky, to the unseen overseer watching his every move.


    "Let''s see, you piece of shit¡ªwhether or not you''ll have your way."


    Even though the restriction still irritated him, his eyes gleamed as he pulled up his system window.


    Because staring back at him was a ridiculous amount of nightmare points and stat points.


    {Total Nightmare Points: 33,400}


    {Stat Points: 1500}


    Alex''s eyes scanned the numbers, his focus zoning in on what mattered most¡ªthe stat points.


    He quickly ran the math in his head.


    1500 stat points.


    If he used the attribute converter¡­


    That would give him 30 upgrade stones.


    "Oh..."


    A slow, wicked grin spread across his face.


    He rubbed both palms together, feeling the anticipation build.


    With 30 upgrade stones, he could level up so many of his skills¡ª


    Becoming an even bigger nightmare to the overseer.


    A broken character.


    Exactly the kind Oracle hated.


    Alex let out an amused chuckle, but before he could relish in his victory any longer.


    He felt something.


    A sharp, lingering sensation pulsed through his chest.


    Like a ghostly echo of a wound he hadn''t received.


    His fingers gripped his chest instinctively.


    A stab wound.


    Then, it hit him.


    His clone.


    Kato had landed a serious injury on it.


    Alex exhaled sharply, shaking his head.


    "That clown."


    It was annoying, but no big deal.


    He was done here.


    Alex rolled his shoulders, took a breath, and swapped places with his clone.

 Chapter 131 You Deserve Death

    "Gotcha."


    Kato''s voice dripped with satisfaction as he twisted the katana deeper into Alex''s back.


    He had been waiting for this moment.


    While Akio had kept Alex''s attention, Kato had used stealth to vanish from sight¡ªmoving like a shadow, silent and unseen.


    By the time Alex realized what was happening, it was already too late.


    Steel pierced flesh.


    The blade drove clean through his chest, the cold metal gleaming as it emerged from the other side.


    Alex''s body tensed.


    His breath hitched.


    Then he felt pain. Sharp and unforgiving.


    Kato yanked the sword free with a sickening squelch, and Alex stumbled forward, blood splattering onto the ground.


    He coughed violently, crimson dripping from his lips.


    Kato burst into laughter, running a hand through his hair in disbelief.


    "And here I thought you were something special¡­"


    He sneered, tilting his head. "Turns out you''re just a fraud."


    He took a step forward, raising his katana and pointing it at Alex''s weakened form.


    "Any last words?"


    Alex grinned, the edges of his mouth curling up despite the blood trickling down his chin.


    His breathing was ragged, his body screaming in pain¡ªbut his eyes held no fear.


    Instead, they gleamed with something far more dangerous.


    Amusement.


    With a strained groan, he muttered:


    "You... you really are an idiot."


    Alex''s words hung in the air for only a moment.


    Then¡ªhis entire body blurred.


    A flicker.


    A distortion in space.


    And in the next second¡­ he was different.


    The Alex standing before Kato now was calm, collected, and completely unharmed.


    He stood tall, hands tucked casually in his shorts, the same cocky grin plastered across his face.


    But the gaping wound in his chest? Gone.


    Like it had never even happened.


    Kato''s eyes widened, his grip on the katana tightening.


    What¡­ just happened?


    His instincts screamed at him.


    This wasn''t the same Alex.


    Or rather¡­ it wasn''t the same version of him.


    Kato''s voice came out sharp and demanding:


    "What did you do?"


    Alex didn''t answer.


    Instead, he turned his gaze toward his previous location where his clone now lay, writhing in pain, its body broken and moments from death.


    A flicker of acknowledgment passed through Alex''s eyes.


    "You did well."


    With a quiet mutter, he dismissed the clone, releasing it from its suffering.


    And as the copy vanished into nothingness, its memories, its pain, its experience, everything merged back into him.


    Alex exhaled.


    He lifted his head, his lips curling into a smirk.


    "Oh, so that''s what happened." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kato''s frown deepened. His heart pounded. His palms were slick with sweat.


    "What the hell are you talking about?"


    Something was off.


    The Alex standing in front of him now felt different from the one he had just fought, like he was an entirely different person.


    But how?


    Kato clenched his jaw.


    No.


    He was overthinking it.


    He tightened his grip on his katana, forcing confidence into his voice.


    "You bastard. I don''t know what trick you pulled to get rid of your injury, and I don''t care. I beat you once, and I''ll do it again."


    Alex snorted.


    "Beat me?"


    He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes.


    "You mean my clone?"


    "What?"


    Kato''s stomach dropped.


    Then Alex dropped the truth:


    "Idiot¡­ The person you''ve been fighting? The one you sacrificed two people just to take down? That wasn''t me."


    Alex let his words sink in before delivering the final blow:


    "It was a clone. A weak version of me¡­ running at only 20% of my strength."


    Kato froze.


    For a moment, his mind went blank.


    Then his body moved on instinct, stepping back as the weight of Alex''s words crashed down on him.


    There''s no way.


    His breathing hitched, but then a memory surfaced.


    Onigi''s words.


    "Whatever you''re thinking now is an illusion. You will gain nothing from this."


    Kato''s eyes widened.


    His pulse pounded in his ears.


    No.


    It couldn''t be.


    But the truth was undeniable.


    Alex wasn''t lying.


    A shiver ran down his spine as the realization sank in.


    So this is what Onigi meant.


    Kato staggered back again, gripping his katana so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    He didn''t want to accept it.


    He had gone all out.


    Pushed himself to the limit.


    Sacrificed two people.


    And barely won.


    Only to find out¡­


    He had been fighting a weaker clone.


    Alex watched Kato''s stunned reaction, his grin widening.


    "How does it feel," Alex asked, his voice laced with amusement, "hearing the truth?"


    Kato''s hands trembled.


    He clenched his teeth, shaking his head violently.


    "No¡­ No, there''s no way. You have to be lying!"


    Kato refused to believe it.


    His ego wouldn''t allow it.


    20%?


    Had they really been that weak? Had he wasted all his strength on just a fraction of his real opponent?


    His hands trembled, but he tightened his grip on his katana.


    No. It wasn''t possible.


    Then Alex started walking forward.


    Step by step.


    His movements were slow, deliberate, like a predator playing with its prey.


    With a sharp flick of his wrist, Alex unsheathed his sword.


    "You were so arrogant earlier when you called me a fraud," Alex said casually.


    Kato''s breath hitched.


    This wasn''t the same person.


    "Stay back!" he barked, stepping away, raising his sword like it could protect him.


    Alex didn''t stop.


    He tilted his head, smirking.


    "In a sense, you were right."


    Kato swallowed hard.


    "But since the original is here now¡­" Alex''s smirk widened, his voice dripping with amusement. "What are you going to do about it?"


    Kato gritted his teeth.


    He wouldn''t cower.


    He wouldn''t run.


    Alex was bluffing. He had to be.


    Fueled by desperation, Kato tightened his grip and prepared to lunge but...


    He never got the chance.


    A blur.


    Then sharp impact.


    Discover exclusive tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Before Kato could even react, Alex''s foot slammed into his chest.


    A sickening crack echoed as Kato''s body launched backward, tumbling across the ground like a ragdoll.


    The air was knocked from his lungs.


    He hit the ground hard.


    Pain exploded in his ribs.


    His vision blurred as he gasped for breath, his chest caving under the force.


    What¡­ the hell¡­ was that?!


    Wheezing, Kato clutched at his ribs, his fingers trembling.


    It felt like a battering ram had slammed into his chest.


    Kato gasped for air, his body screaming in pain.


    His mind raced.


    It wasn''t that Alex''s clone had been weak.


    No.


    It was that Alex¡ªthe real Alex¡ªwas just too strong.


    He then heard footsteps.


    Slow and steady. Getting closer.


    A chill ran down Kato''s spine.


    His instincts screamed at him to flee.


    His legs tensed.


    He tried to turn, to sprint away, but then...


    "Petrify."


    The word was like a command from Death itself.


    Kato''s entire body locked up.


    He couldn''t move. Not even a twitch.


    Panic surged through him.


    His heart pounded.


    "Wait... please don''t kill me!" he pleaded, his voice shaking.


    The sound of metal scraping against stone sent a shiver through his paralyzed body.


    Alex was dragging his sword.


    Each step closer felt like a countdown to the end.


    "If you had a beef with Dorion, you should''ve taken it up with Dorion."


    Kato''s breath hitched.


    "I know that now¡­ please! I''m sorry!"


    Alex kept walking.


    Unfazed. Unforgiving.


    "A little too late for sorry," Alex said coolly. "You tried to kill me. Multiple times."


    Kato strained against the invisible force holding him still.


    "I didn''t know¡­ I''ve learned now! I should''ve never messed with you... Please!"


    His voice cracked with desperation.


    His body was frozen in place, his heartbeat thundering in his ears.


    Then Alex''s voice cut through the tension like a blade¡ª


    "But I''ve killed two¡­ and I hate even numbers. So I wanna make it odd."


    Kato''s stomach dropped.


    "What?! That doesn''t even¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a fistful of his hair was yanked back.


    Pain exploded across his scalp as Alex wrenched his head upward.


    Kato''s eyes widened in terror.


    Alex loomed over him, eyes cold, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "Oh? Doubting me, are you?"


    "No... I''m not¡ª"


    "Shut it."


    Alex''s grip tightened.


    "If there''s anyone who deserves to die, it''s a hundred percent you."


    Kato''s breathing grew ragged.


    He knew there was no way out.


    "You started this," Alex continued, his voice sharp, almost amused. "Riled up those two to join you... then used one as a decoy just to land a fatal hit."


    Kato''s mind reeled.


    "No... I.."


    He tried to form an excuse, an argument, anything.


    But nothing came.


    The weight pressing down on him, and the crushing, unbearable force only grew stronger with his fear.


    He couldn''t move.


    He couldn''t fight back.


    His vision blurred as pure dread consumed him.


    Then Alex''s voice, final and unwavering:


    "Enough. You deserve to die."


    Kato screamed.


    "Wait...NO..."


    But there was no escape.


    Alex''s hand ignited, dark flames bursting to life around his fingers as he activated [Black Flames].


    The fire surged forward, latching onto Kato.


    The moment it touched him, the black inferno devoured him whole.


    Kato''s eyes bulged.


    "AAAAAARGHHHHH!!"


    He collapsed, thrashing, his body rolling as the flames ate away at him.


    The air filled with the sharp, sickening scent of burning flesh.


    Kato''s screams pierced the battlefield.


    Unlike Akio whose berserk state had numbed him from pain, Kato felt everything.


    Every inch of him burned.


    Every nerve in his body screamed in agony.


    Minutes passed.


    His wails weakened.


    His movements slowed.


    Then there was silence and a familiar sound rang in Alex''s ears.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Kato.]


    [You have received 5,500 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 120 Stat Points.]


    Then..


    Apocalypse Baby Kicking In¡­


    [You have received an additional 5,500 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received an additional 120 Stat Points.]


    {Total Nightmare Points: 44,400}


    {Stat Points: 1,740}


    Alex grinned.


    He hadn''t expected much, but the sheer amount of points was insane.


    Here hunting players for Nightmare Points was way more lucrative than taking down monsters.


    Still¡­ he preferred the latter.


    Then he heard footsteps.


    "I see you don''t need my help."


    Alex said as he rose to his feet.


    Behind him stood Freya, her shoulder injured.


    Her face was pale.


    And in the distance was Xeno.


    Or what was left of him?


    The archer who had tried to kill her was dead on his knees.


    His body was riddled with daggers.


    One buried deep in his skull.


    His lifeless eyes wide open as if, even in death, he couldn''t believe he had lost.

 Chapter 132 Third Round

    Freya stood frozen, watching Alex with a mix of awe and dread.


    Her mind raced, struggling to process what she had just witnessed.


    A clone.


    Kato and the other two had been fighting a clone the entire time.


    Not just any clone¡ªone strong enough to push three opponents to their limits.


    If that was just a fraction of Alex''s strength¡­ how powerful was the original?


    A chill ran down her spine.


    "I see you don''t need any help."


    Alex turned toward her.


    His voice came out steadier than she expected.


    Their eyes met.


    His gaze was calm and unreadable gaze made.


    Freya felt her breath hitch.


    She had never needed her assistance.


    Xeno had been tough.


    Skilled, fast, and precise.


    But he had underestimated her.


    And he had paid for it with his life.


    His body was proof¡ªkneeling, riddled with daggers, lifeless eyes still wide in disbelief.


    Freya exhaled.


    She and Alex were similar in more ways than one.


    She also had a skill that could paralyze her enemies like [Petrify].


    But unlike Alex, she had to make physical contact for it to work.


    Freya winced as she felt the sting in her shoulder.


    The arrow had removed the arrow that had pierced there, but it still hurt, a painful reminder of her gamble.


    But it was worth it.


    She had forced Xeno, a skilled archer, into close combat.


    And to her surprise¡ªhe was terrible at it.


    The adrenaline surged through her, fueling her every move.


    She couldn''t fall.


    She wouldn''t fall.


    With ferocity she never knew she had, she attacked¡ªdaggers flashing, cutting through the air, slicing into flesh.


    Xeno barely had time to react as she overwhelmed him, blade after blade piercingg his body.


    But she didn''t stop.


    Not until the final dagger was buried deep in his skull.


    Silence.


    Her breath came in ragged gasps as she stepped back, hands trembling.


    Her first kill.


    Her stomach twisted.


    The metallic scent of blood clung to her.


    She doubled over and hurled.


    But she had done what she had to do.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Xeno Newman.]


    [You have received 3,000 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 120 Stat Points.]


    The notification popped up in front of her, cold and emotionless.


    It made her stomach churn even more.


    This trial was sick.


    She turned at the sound of curses.


    Kyiv.


    Still stuck in the ground.


    His sword, already cracked and broken, was now jammed deep into the earth.


    Frustrated, he stabbed the ground again, but it was pointless.


    His legs were still trapped in the hardened ground.


    He had dented the earth around him, but it wasn''t enough.


    He couldn''t break free.


    Freya exhaled, wiping the sweat from her brow.


    She walked towards him the grip on her blade tighter.


    Her footsteps were slow, deliberate.


    She only needed one clean throw.


    And he''d be dead.


    He had tried to kill her for Nightmare Points...why shouldn''t she do the same?


    Kyiv''s eyes widened in panic on seeing Frey coming holding a blade..


    In a last-ditch effort, he ripped his broken sword from the ground and hurled it like a javelin.


    But Freya turned sharply, and the blade missed.


    "Dammit!" Kyiv cursed.


    Freya turned back, her glare sharp, her anger unmistakable.


    Kyiv saw it¡ªthe cold fury in her eyes.


    He knew he''d messed up.


    His breath hitched.


    He threw up his hands.


    "Wait!" he pleaded.


    "Don''t do this!"


    Freya''s expression didn''t change.


    Her grip on the dagger tightened.


    His voice cracked.


    "I have a daughter."


    "Stop with the excuses, you filth."


    Her voice was laced with disgust.


    "I''m someone else''s daughter too."


    Kyiv lowered his head.


    Guilt weighed on his shoulders.


    "You''re right," he muttered.


    "I''m sorry..."


    His voice was weak.


    "I know it''s pathetic to keep using her as an excuse¡­ but I have to."


    His hands shook.


    "I need to get back to her."


    Freya raised her blade.


    Kyiv squeezed his eyes shut, his breath shaky, his body trembling.


    He let out a quiet sniff, waiting for the inevitable.


    Freya exhaled slowly.


    Her grip on the dagger loosened.


    Then¡ªshe walked past him.


    She didn''t do it.


    She couldn''t.


    Freya clenched her fists.


    There was no reason to kill him.


    She had already gotten the Nightmare Points she needed from killing Xeno.


    If she killed Kyiv now, it would be out of spite.


    And she was no monster.


    But Alex?


    Alex definitely was.


    And the scariest part?


    He could smile afterward like it was nothing.


    Freya shuddered.


    Alex was truly a monster.


    But maybe... being one was the only way to survive here.


    She stood there, frozen in thought, her mind spiraling.


    Then¡ª


    A voice snapped her back to reality.


    "What are you looking at?"


    Freya''s head jerked up.


    Alex was watching her, his expression unreadable.


    She blinked.


    "Nothing..." she muttered. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Just lost in thought."


    Alex then walked towards her.


    Her heart raced and she couldn''t help but assume the worst.


    His steps were steady and controlled.


    As he passed Freya, he spoke without looking back.


    "Let''s go then."


    Freya hesitated for a moment before following.


    Behind them, Kyiv''s heart pounded.


    His breath hitched.


    No.


    They were leaving him. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If they walked away now, he''d be trapped.


    Stuck.


    With no way out.


    Just waiting.


    Waiting for death.


    Kyiv''s voice cracked with desperation.


    "Please... just get me out of here! I swear I won''t attack!"


    Alex snorted.


    Not a chance.


    He had seen the look in Kyiv''s eyes the moment Freya turned her back.


    The flicker of hatred.


    The sharp glint of killer.


    If he had the chance¡ªhe would attack in a heartbeat.


    Alex ignored him and kept walking.


    Kyiv''s pleas turned into choked sobs.


    "Please..."


    His voice cracked, his eyes brimming with tears.


    Freya slowed her steps.


    Her fingers curled into a fist.


    She knew Kyiv was dangerous, but...


    Was leaving him to die really the right thing to do?


    She took a breath.


    "Alex, maybe we should..."


    "You bitch!"


    Kyiv''s sudden scream cut through the air like a knife.


    Freya whirled around, startled.


    Kyiv''s face was twisted with rage.


    "You''re just as bad as me!" he spat. "You killed Xeno! Don''t you feel guilty?! If you do, then give me his points! I need them more than you do!"


    Freya''s stomach tightened.

 Chapter 133 Player 666

    Freya shook her head, disbelief washing over her like a cold wave.


    Did he really just say that?


    Was this the same man begging for his life seconds ago?


    And to think¡ªshe had almost spoken up for him.


    Kyiv''s voice rose, cracking with hysteria.


    "You''re someone''s daughter?!" he screamed.


    His eyes burned with anger, spit flying as he ranted.


    "How do you think your parents would feel about what you just did?"


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    "You killed a man! Turned him into a porcupine under the facade of survival!"


    Her fingers twitched.


    She could still feel the weight of her dagger in her palm. The sensation of steel sinking into flesh.


    Kyiv''s voice kept hammering into her skull.


    "Admit it! You enjoyed it! You did it for the Nightmare Points!"


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    "If that''s not the case, transfer them! Transfer them, goddammit!"


    His screams echoed in her ears.


    Her pulse pounded.


    Kyiv''s words clawed at her mind, pulling at something deep inside her.


    Then a voice.


    Low, calm and unshaken.


    "Don''t listen to him."


    Freya''s head snapped to the side.


    Alex.


    His eyes held no doubt.


    No guilt. No hesitation.


    Just certainty.


    Freya swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "It''s hard not to when he''s yelling."


    "Then..."


    Alex stepped in behind her, his movements calm, deliberate.


    Then his hands lifted, pressing gently against her ears.


    Freya froze.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    The warmth of his palms against her skin sent a shiver down her spine.


    Then heat rushed to her face.


    Her cheeks burned.


    Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, louder than Kyiv''s shouts.


    She stammered, barely able to form words.


    "Wh-what... what are you doing?"


    Alex''s voice came flat and casual as usual.


    "Covering your eyes."


    A pause.


    "Keep moving, Freya."


    She blinked.


    Wait¡ªwhat?


    Alex stayed right behind her, his hands still covering her ears as they walked.


    Freya''s breath came uneven.


    Her palms felt sweaty.


    Her chest tightened.


    Her voice came out small.


    "Are¡­ are you flirting with me?"


    A beat.


    Then...


    "No!"


    Freya bit her lip.


    That response?


    It was way too fast.


    Freya stayed silent for a moment, her mind racing in confusion.


    Then a sudden realization struck her.


    Her eyes widened.


    Don''t tell me¡­


    Without thinking, she swatted Alex''s hands off her ears.


    Alex blinked, puzzled by her action.


    Then he asked:


    "What was that for?"


    Freya took a step back, staring at him like he was some kind of madman.


    "Are you setting an explosive on my head?!"


    Alex double-blinked.


    "What?"


    A pause.


    "No....why would I do that?"


    Better question: How did she know about my ability?


    His expression stiffened.


    First Onigi, now Freya.


    He sighed, shaking his head.


    He really needed to do a better job at hiding his skill.


    But then again, did it even matter?


    Physical contact wasn''t necessary anymore to use the skill.


    Freya narrowed her eyes, her mind piecing everything together.


    She knew about his ability.


    How?


    Because Onigi had refused to shake Alex''s hand, saying he''d die if he did.


    Because she had seen Alex blow up that vendor shop without even lifting a finger.


    She had put two and two together.


    And now, the lingering warmth of Alex''s touch felt less like a moment of flirty tension¡ªand more like a death sentence waiting to go off.


    Her heartbeat quickened.


    She took a shaky breath and asked, "Answer me... Did you put an explosion on me that I don''t know about?"


    Alex sighed, rolling his eyes.


    "If you keep asking me that, I might actually consider it."


    Freya''s temper snapped.


    "Next time, don''t touch me out of nowhere unless I want you to...or unless I touch you first!"


    Alex froze.


    His brain processed that in real-time.


    Wait. What?


    The last part was... confusing.


    But, after a second, he decided it was fair enough.


    He gave her a small nod.


    "Okay then."


    Alex had already started walking ahead when Freya suddenly processed her own words.


    Wait... Did I sound too rude?


    She frowned, feeling the need to clarify.


    "Wait!" she called out.


    Alex stopped but didn''t turn around.


    "What?"


    Freya took a breath, trying to find the right words.


    "Just so you know... I didn''t mean that I don''t want you to touch me... or that I do want you to touch me."


    Alex slowly turned to look at her, even more confused.


    "Okay?"


    Freya winced.


    That didn''t come out right.


    "What I''m saying is..." she gestured vaguely, struggling. "I don''t want you to touch me, but I also don''t not want you to touch me either?"


    Silence.


    Then Alex threw up his hands.


    "What?!"


    Freya groaned.


    "Listen! If you want to, you can¡ªbut sometimes you need permission! And sometimes I might touch you without permission...?"


    Alex just stared at her.


    "Again, what?"


    Freya groaned and facepalmed.


    Trying to explain was only making things worse.


    Alex, meanwhile, had given up on trying to process whatever she was saying.


    With a simple shrug, he pointed ahead.


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    "We''re here, Freya. Let''s go."


    They stood before the glowing exit, its ethereal energy swirling like a gateway to the unknown.


    Freya sighed, her face still in her hands.


    She placed her palm against the shimmering surface, feeling her soul die from secondhand embarrassment.


    No notification.


    No alert. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment they stepped forward, their bodies disintegrated into light.


    5,000 Nightmare Points vanished from their total.


    When they reappeared, the air was heavier. Darker.


    The first thing they saw was a figure.


    An undead in a crisp black suit, standing tall, his hollow eyes glowing faintly beneath a decayed yet strangely dignified face.


    He lowered his head slightly, his voice a deep, guttural rasp.


    "Welcome to the third trial, Players 665 and 666."


    The voice was deep and rasping, like dry bones scraping together.


    Alex and Freya stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the figure before them.


    An undead?


    Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he bowed slightly, his hollow eyes glowing faintly. Despite his rotting flesh, he carried himself with an eerie grace.


    "I am the guide for this round of the Nightmare Trial," he continued, his grin stretching wider than any human''s should.


    Freya swallowed hard.


    Alex, however, sighed in annoyance.


    "Another one of these clowns."


    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, fingers tensing, ready to blast the undead to smithereens just like he did the vendors, but...

 Chapter 134 Death Maze

    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, fingers tensing, ready to blast the undead to smithereens just like he did the vendors, but Freya grabbed his wrist.


    "What are you doing?! Don''t blow him up!"


    The undead chuckled, his teeth gleaming unnaturally white against his decayed skin.


    "I must agree with your companion. I''d appreciate it if you didn''t."


    His hollow gaze locked onto Alex, unblinking.


    "Without me, you cannot begin the trial. My role is to introduce players to the rules."


    His grin widened.


    "And I do so enjoy my job."


    The way he stared at them made Alex''s skin crawl.


    He didn''t want to tolerate this thing''s presence any longer than necessary.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "I think we can find a way around that."


    Alex''s voice was cold, his fingers still twitching with the urge to detonate the undead where it stood.


    Freya''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "No, we can''t!" she shouted. "And neither can the other players who show up after us! So just let him explain the damn rules!"


    Alex let out a slow breath through his nose, lowering his hand.


    She was right.


    As much as he hated it, he couldn''t be selfish.


    He''d blow up the undead later.


    For now, they had to play along.


    Freya clicked her teeth in irritation. She had no idea why Alex had such an issue with the undead, but she wasn''t about to waste time arguing.


    She turned toward their creepy, grinning guide.


    "Alright then," she said. "Can you explain what it is we''re facing?"


    The undead''s rotting lips curled into a grin, revealing jagged, yellowed teeth.


    "Sure¡­"


    His voice dropped into a guttural rasp.


    "This trial is called... the Death Maze."


    "Death Maze?" Freya repeated, her brows knitting together.


    The name alone sent a bad feeling crawling up her spine.


    The undead guide gestured with a skeletal hand, directing their attention to the enormous labyrinth before them. It stretched for miles, its towering stone walls pulsing faintly with magic. A shimmering veil covered the top, likely preventing anyone from seeing what lay inside.


    "The name is self-explanatory," the undead rasped. "Run through the maze and find a way out. Simple, right?"


    He chuckled, the sound dry and hollow, like bones clicking together.


    "Of course, there''s a catch. Monsters will be hunting you. Traps are everywhere. One wrong step, and you''re dead. And scattered throughout the maze, you''ll find undead vendors, eager to sell you items that may or may not help you survive."


    Freya folded her arms. "That''s it?"


    "That''s basically it." The undead flashed another rotting grin.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    Like hell it was that simple.


    Nothing in the Nightmare trials had been easy so far, and he doubted that would change now.


    Especially when the vendors were involved.


    Alex had dealt with these undead vendors enough to know one thing:


    They thrived on desperation.


    And what could be more desperate than players trapped inside an endless maze, running in circles, unable to find a way out?


    His mind was already piecing things together as he asked, "Is there a countdown?"


    The undead shook its head. "None."


    "Are there players who never make it out?"


    "Plenty." The guide grinned, enjoying the tension. "Some have been at it for days. Others... well, they die before they get the chance."


    Alex exhaled sharply. Figures.


    "So we should watch out for our fellow players as well," he muttered, almost as if speaking to himself.


    Freya blinked. "What makes you say that?"


    Alex turned to her, looking almost insulted. "You''re seriously asking that? After everything you''ve just seen?"


    Freya frowned, still not getting it.


    Alex sighed, then explained:


    "Think about the second trial. There were traps. There were monsters. And in the end, the Nightmare forced players to kill each other."


    His voice lowered as he gestured toward the maze.


    "This is no different."


    Freya scratched her forehead, deep in thought. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure, she understood that players would try to kill each other for Nightmare Points, but how did that actually help them escape the maze?


    Then it hit her.


    The vendors.


    Her eyes widened slightly as she turned to look at Alex.


    He smirked, already knowing she had pieced it together.


    "The vendors will sell things you need," he repeated. "And what currency do they trade in?"


    Freya clenched her jaw. "Nightmare Points."


    "And what''s the easiest way to get Nightmare Points?"


    Freya''s fists tightened as she stared daggers at the undead guide.


    "By killing another player."


    "Exactly."


    Alex crossed his arms, nodding in satisfaction.


    As expected.


    This place was twisted.


    It wasn''t just the monsters that were the problem.


    The real danger was how the game forced players to turn on each other.


    The maze wasn''t just a trap¡ªit was a meat grinder, designed to keep players desperate, paranoid, and fighting for scraps.


    Alex had no doubt that things would get even worse from here.


    And the worst possible mistake you could make was going in with someone you cared about.


    He glanced at Freya.


    Somewhat.


    The undead guide''s hollow voice interrupted his thoughts.


    "So, are you two ready to begin?" It raised a bony finger, its grin stretching unnaturally wide. "Just step forward, and I''ll send you to a random starting point in the maze."


    Then, in a tone that was almost¡­ helpful, it added:


    "By the way, you don''t have to go in alone. You can enter as a group."


    It gestured behind them. "There are still players who haven''t started yet. You could wait, form a party, and increase your chances of survival. It''s¡­ advisable, really. The more, the better." Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Freya and Alex exchanged a glance.


    The more, the better?


    Yeah. Like hell.


    Alex crossed his arms, watching Freya bite her nails, lost in thought.


    She was nervous¡ªand with good reason. The game was rigged. There was no good option here, only different flavors of bad.


    Taking a sharp breath, she exhaled.


    "What are the advantages and disadvantages of going in groups?"


    The undead guide tilted its head, as if amused by the question. "If you enter as a group, you''ll encounter fewer traps and weaker monsters. However, the correct path will be much harder to find."


    It paused, then added:


    "If you go alone, the paths will be clearer¡ªbut the number of traps will increase, and the monsters will be much stronger."


    Freya frowned. "¡­So basically, it''s bad or bad."


    The undead shrugged, its bony grin unwavering.


    Thinking about it both options were both terrible.


    If you got fooled by the false safety of a group, it was only a matter of time before desperation set in.


    Frustration would build. No progress. No escape. And when people got desperate?


    They turned on each other.


    Killing for Nightmare Points.


    Going solo, on the other hand, meant tougher monsters and deadlier traps. Only those confident in their strength would take that risk.


    People like Alex. Or the old Ronin.


    Maybe Ezekiel. Dorion?


    Then the undead spoke again. "You can also go in pairs."


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    She exhaled in relief, like an invisible weight had been lifted.


    Now that wasn''t a bad option.


    She could go with Alex.


    He wouldn''t kill her for Nightmare Points as she was sure he wasn''t lacking any.


    But then¡ªbefore she could even ask¡ªAlex stepped forward.


    "There''s no need. I''m going solo."


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Wait¡ªwhat?


    She tried to stop him.


    "Wait... we haven''t¡ª!"


    The undead guide didn''t wait for her to finish.


    "If that''s your choice, then good luck, Player 666."


    Freya''s stomach dropped.


    He was just going to leave? Just like that?


    Her hand shot forward.


    "Wait... don''t¡ª!"


    But it was too late.


    Alex was already gone.

 Chapter 135 Twisted Paths

    Alex blinked into existence at the starting line of the maze.


    The air was thick. Heavy.


    Like stepping into another world.


    He had heard Freya''s voice just before he left.


    Desperate. Reaching.


    But he ignored it.


    His reasoning was simple.


    He refused to be put in a situation where only one of them could move forward.


    It may not happen now.


    Maybe not even soon.


    But eventually, he had no doubt the game would force them into that kind of choice.


    If Alex were the one designing this nightmare, he''d do exactly that.


    Make people care, then make them choose.


    So he decided it was better to separate now, before attachment took root.


    He exhaled and turned his attention to the maze.


    The walls loomed high, jagged and uneven¡ªtwisted like molten rock frozen mid-eruption.


    Their sheer size made the path ahead feel smaller, and narrower. Like a trap.


    Above, the twin moons hung still in the sky.


    Their cold light drained the world of color.


    Black and white.


    Like an old newspaper from a forgotten era.


    Alex stared at it for a moment¡­ then felt it.


    A pull.


    Not physical, but something deeper. A tug on his mind.


    Like a void, whispering, calling.


    The longer he looked, the stronger it became. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The world blurred at the edges. The walls seemed to pulse.


    His body tensed. A trap? A hallucination?


    It was like the maze itself was alive.


    Alex shook his head and took a step back.


    No.


    If he let himself get too caught up in this, he''d be leaving himself wide open for traps, for ambushes, for whatever horrors the maze had waiting for him.


    He refocused and turned his attention forward.


    How do you escape a maze?


    Think.


    The most common strategy was to stick to one wall.


    If he kept his hand on either the left or right wall and followed it all the way through, he''d eventually find an exit, assuming the maze didn''t shift.


    Another method? Mark his path.


    If he reached a dead end, he could retrace his steps, knowing exactly where he''d already been.


    Or... what about climbing the walls?


    He tilted his head up, eyes narrowing.


    At the very top, runes pulsed with arcane light, forming an invisible barrier.


    A magical lock.


    A clear message that indicated: no cheating.


    Alex scoffed.


    Then he began cracking his knuckles.


    "Alright then¡­"


    He rolled his shoulders, stretching out.


    Let''s begin.


    He took his first step and then something clicked.


    Alex''s instincts screamed.


    A trap had just been set off. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    WHOOSH!


    CLANG!


    Massive arrows as thick as iron rods launched from hidden slots in the wall ahead, whistling through the air like deadly javelins.


    BAM!


    BAM!


    BAM!


    They slammed into Alex''s barrier, their sharp tips grinding against the invisible forcefield before dropping uselessly to the ground.


    Alex glanced at them, then let out a sharp chuckle.


    "Seriously?" he muttered, a grin creeping onto his face.


    "Right off the bat?"


    If he''d been even a second slower, those things would have skewered him like a kebab.


    And something told him this was just the beginning.


    More traps. More ambushes.


    He needed a better way to deal with this.


    Then it hit him.


    Why should I be the one running through the traps?


    A spark of inspiration lit up in his mind.


    Alex activated his skill [Multiplicity].


    A pulse of energy rippled outward, and five identical clones materialized around him, each one wearing his signature cocky grin.


    They adjusted their hats, cracking their knuckles as they waited for his command.


    Alex smirked.


    "Spread out!"


    The clones went ahead and split up at an intersection.


    Three clones dashed left.


    Two veered right.


    As they moved deeper into the maze, they split off in different directions, covering multiple paths at once, charging into the maze like a pack of shadows¡ªand setting off every trap in their path.


    One of them was bound to find the right way out.


    Alex smirked.


    He didn''t have to do a thing.


    Instead of running around blindly and risking his life, he could just wait it out.


    And when the time was right, he''d swap places with the clone on the right path.


    Simple. Efficient. Zero risk.


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    Freya stood frozen, staring at the spot where Alex had vanished.


    Just like that¡­ he was gone.


    She clenched her fists.


    She thought they had built some kind of bond.


    That, maybe, he saw her as an ally.


    But it turned out she was just delusional.


    A bitter sigh escaped her lips.


    She couldn''t understand him.


    His actions were so unpredictable.


    So frustrating.


    "Would you like to go solo as well?" the undead guide asked, tilting its rotting skull as it studied her.


    Freya shook her head instantly.


    "No."


    Unlike Alex, she wasn''t strong enough to survive alone.


    Which meant she had one option left.


    She turned away and walked toward the gathering players¡ªthe ones who hadn''t entered the maze yet.


    If she was going to make it out alive¡­


    She needed a small team.


    Then, she saw two players approaching the undead guide.


    Ella, a druid clad in a leather garment, gripping a wooden staff.


    Jeremy, a rogue dressed in a hooded cloak, his light armor barely making a sound as he moved.


    They were in the same situation as her, hesitant to go in alone.


    It looked like they had decided to team up and were about to enter as a pair¡ªuntil they noticed Freya.


    She stepped forward.


    "Can I join you?" she asked.


    Ella and Jeremy exchanged glances, then nodded.


    "Sure," Jeremy said.


    "Strength in numbers," Ella added with a small smile.


    From the brief conversation she had with them, they didn''t seem like bad people.


    But Freya kept her guard up.


    Trust was a dangerous thing in a place like this.


    Then, they stepped forward.


    And the Death Maze swallowed them whole.


    They walked cautiously, scanning their surroundings, searching for a way out.


    Following one of the most basic maze survival rules¡ª


    Pick a side.


    Left or right.


    And follow it faithfully.


    So far, so good.


    No traps.


    No monsters.


    It was almost¡­ too easy.


    And that was thanks to Jeremy.


    As a rogue, his trained instincts picked up on small details others would miss.


    He ran his fingers along the walls, feeling for hidden pressure plates.


    He crouched low, checking the ground for tripwires or concealed pits.


    He even used a tiny knife to test for false floors before stepping forward.


    Because of him, they had avoided every single trap so far.


    But Freya had a bad feeling.


    It wouldn''t stay this easy for long.


    From deeper inside the maze, they could hear screams¡ªagonized, bloodcurdling. Some belonged to players. Others¡­ to things not human.


    The chilling echoes bounced off the jagged walls, making it impossible to tell how far or how close the horrors were.


    But worse than the screams was the feeling.


    The sensation of being watched.


    Everywhere.


    Like unseen eyes clung to their backs, waiting.


    Ella''s hands tightened around her staff, her knuckles turning white. Her entire body trembled despite the warmth of her magic.


    Freya wasn''t much better.


    She stayed tense, alert¡ª fingers resting on her sword''s hilt, ready to strike at the first sign of danger.


    Ahead of them, Jeremy led the way, his every step calculated. His gaze swept the ground, the walls, even the air, searching for anything that could trigger a trap.


    His face was grim, focused.


    They moved forward.


    Step by step.


    Then, it happened.


    A whisper, soft and faint.


    Right beside Ella''s ear.


    "Hey...over here."

 Chapter 136 Mazeborn Horror

    Ella froze.


    A violent shiver ran down her spine as she snapped her head toward the sound.


    Nothing.


    Just the dark, twisted walls of the maze.


    Her breathing quickened.


    Freya, noticing the druid''s sudden distress, leaned in:


    "What''s wrong?"


    Ella''s lips barely moved as she whispered:


    "I heard a voice."


    Freya''s brows furrowed, her heart hammering at the words.


    A voice?


    But she hadn''t heard anything.


    Was it a trick of the mind? Or something worse?


    Ella shook her head, trying to convince herself.


    "Maybe I was mistaken."


    Her voice wavered.


    But then she took a step forward¡ª


    WIEEEEE!


    A piercing shriek ripped through the maze.


    Freya''s body locked up.


    The sound was so sharp, so unnatural, it felt like knives stabbing into their skulls.


    Ella, Jeremy, and Freya clutched their ears, wincing.


    And just as suddenly as it came¡ª


    Silence.


    Jeremy whirled around, his voice edged with alarm.


    "What the hell was that?!"


    Ella froze.


    A cold, sickening feeling crawled up her spine.


    Something was moving.


    Beneath her feet.


    It wriggled.


    Ella''s gaze snapped downward and her breath hitched.


    A face.


    Plastered onto the ground.


    Its eyes were wide with terror, mouth frozen in a silent scream.


    She let out a bloodcurdling shriek, stumbling backward and crashing onto the cold stone floor.


    Freya''s entire body locked up.


    Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, an erratic drumbeat of fear.


    What¡­ what is that?!


    Then Freya saw.


    A flicker of movement.


    Behind them.


    Her breath caught in her throat as she slowly turned and saw shrouded figures.


    Standing motionless at a distant corner of the maze.


    Featureless. Faceless. Watching.


    *


    Meanwhile...


    One of Alex''s clones darted through the twisting corridors.


    Arrows whizzed past him. Blades swung from hidden slots in the walls.


    Landmines? Avoided.


    His inhuman speed kept him ahead of every trap.


    But then he reached a dead end.


    He skidded to a stop.


    Crap.


    Just as he turned to retreat¡ª


    THOOM!


    A stone wall slammed down behind him, sealing the path.


    Alex''s clone gritted his teeth.


    The wall in front of him wasn''t just a dead end.


    It was alive.


    Rows of grinding teeth jutted out from the stone, gnashing together in a slow, relentless churn.


    The monstrous wall lurched forward.


    Crap.


    He thrust his hand forward and snapped


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted on the wall.


    Dust and debris burst into the air, shattering some of the grinding teeth.


    But more teeth grew in their place.


    The wall kept coming.


    Alex''s eyes darkened but then he stood firm.


    No more holding back.


    The grinding wall of teeth lurched closer, its jagged edges gleaming under the twin moons'' eerie glow.


    He raised both hands, sparks of energy crackling between his fingers.


    Explosions lined the entire wall.


    One by one.


    Each charged to the max.


    This was it.


    If he miscalculated, there was a high chance he''d be shredded.


    But that didn''t matter.


    He smirked, watching the swirling orange smoke of his explosives in this colorless, lifeless maze before he died was certainly worth it.


    With a sharp snap of both arms, he detonated the blasts.


    KA-BOOOOM!


    A deafening explosion erupted.


    The tunnel shook violently.


    A shockwave ripped through the air, sending chunks of stone flying in every direction.


    A blinding flash of fire and dust filled the space.


    The grinding teeth? Gone.


    The wall? Obliterated.


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    Chunks of stone and teeth scattered in every direction.


    But, Alex''s clone was gone.


    Even with his barrier up, the force was too much.


    Yet, in his final moment, he saw something.


    A hole.


    A massive gap was torn into the moving wall, its once impenetrable structure now broken.


    Then there was darkness.


    Alex, still seated at the starting line, suddenly grinned.


    The knowledge from his clone rushed back into him.


    He chuckled, eyes gleaming.


    "Oh¡­ so that can work."


    He''d found his path.


    Straight ahead.


    Alex rose to his feet, eyes locked on the towering wall before him.


    His hand lifted, fingers steady as he conjured multiple explosion disks in the air.


    One after another, they lined up in a deadly sequence, glowing with raw energy.


    But he wasn''t done.


    He amped them up, pouring power into each disk until they hummed with intensity, their edges crackling with unstable force.


    Then he stepped back.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    He kept moving until his back pressed against the invisible barrier that trapped him inside the maze.


    With a deep breath, he summoned [Aegis Arcane].


    A shimmering, translucent shield unfolded around him like an indestructible shell.


    He exhaled.


    And snapped.


    BOOM!


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


    BOOM!


    The explosions erupted in a chain reaction, each detonation sending shockwaves through the maze.


    Flames roared upward.


    The entire structure shook violently.


    Shattered stone and metal launched in every direction, like razor-sharp projectiles.


    But inside his Aegis Arcane shield, Alex stood firm, untouched as the force of the blast rushed past him, a furious windstorm of destruction.


    As the dust settled, he lowered his shield, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    "That should do it."


    The smoke cleared.


    And then he saw it.


    Not just a hole.


    A massive opening, carved clean through the towering wall, stretching upward like a doorway to the sky.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "I guess my path is indeed straight."


    The walls around the hole quivered, cracks pulsing with energy as they slowly began to mend.


    But not fast enough.


    Not fast enough to stop him from walking through.


    Without hesitation, Alex strode forward, his boots crunching over bits of shattered stone.


    As he was about to reached the opening, he lifted his hand again.


    Another explosion disk formed, glowing ominously against the next wall ahead.


    He was about to snap his fingers, but then...


    He felt it.


    A shift in the air.


    Unnatural. Wrong.


    Alex''s instincts flared.


    His body tensed.


    Slowly, he turned his head¡ª


    And there it was.


    An undead vendor.


    No longer grinning.


    The hollow amusement in its skeletal face was gone, replaced by something... else.


    Something worse.


    Its eerie, lifeless eyes locked onto him, unblinking.


    For the first time, it looked serious.


    And Alex couldn''t decide which was more terrifying¡ª


    The vendor smiling.


    Or the vendor not.


    "What are you doing, Player 666?"


    Alex paused.


    Okay, now that he thought about it¡ªwhat was with that number?


    Out of all possible numbers, he just happened to be 666.


    That sounded suspicious as hell.


    The undead guide took a step forward, its hollow eyes locked onto him.


    "Player 666. What you intend to do is not allowed. Go through the maze-like the rest of the players."


    Alex scoffed, cracking his knuckles.


    "Ever heard the phrase ''Work smarter, not harder''? That''s what I''m doing."


    The undead''s bony face twitched.


    It frowned.


    Alex didn''t even know it could frown.


    It had always had a plastered grin on it''s face.


    "Player 666, if you continue with this..."


    "Enough."


    Alex snapped his fingers and the undead head exploded, pieces of bone and dark mist scattering in all directions.


    Its body stood there for a moment as if it hadn''t realized what just happened.


    Then it collapsed.


    Alex exhaled and walked forward, stepping over the fallen guide without a second thought.


    "Not allowed?"


    He snorted, his lips curling into a smirk.


    He strode toward the gaping opening he had blasted into the maze.


    "Who''s going to stop me?"

 Chapter 137 Abyss

    BOOM!


    Another wall crumbled into dust.


    Alex kept moving forward, blasting through the maze, ignoring whatever tricks or obstacles it threw at him.


    A strange-looking monster lunged at him from the shadows¡ªits many eyes gleaming, tendrils writhing like snakes.


    SNAP!


    Black flames engulfed it instantly, reducing it to ash before it could even make a move.


    He didn''t slow down.


    Nothing was going to stop him.


    Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something.


    A vendor shop.


    It sat at a bend in the maze, its eerie glow standing out in the dim surroundings.


    The undead vendor behind the counter was identical to the one he''d blown up earlier¡ªsame skeletal face, same unsettling expression. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their eyes met.


    For a long second, neither moved.


    Then, the vendor opened its mouth.


    "Player 666..."


    SNAP!


    Alex blew it up.


    He didn''t wait for the vendor to finish.


    BOOM!


    The shop exploded into a fiery mess, debris scattering everywhere.


    He grinned, stepping over the wreckage without a care.


    Then, as he turned a corner, he spotted something else¡ª


    Other players.


    They stood frozen, watching him with a mix of fear, confusion, and curiosity.


    Alex barely spared them a glance.


    He had no time for them.


    He snapped his fingers again¡ª


    BOOM!


    Another wall shattered.


    And he kept going.


    The players watched as Alex disappeared into the distance, leaving behind nothing but dust and destruction.


    They exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Was that... a fellow player?" one of them muttered.


    "Or a monster?" the other whispered back.


    BOOM!


    Another explosion rocked the maze.


    The two flinched, then hesitantly stepped forward, peering down the ruined path Alex had carved.


    Their eyes darted between the wreckage behind him and the gaping shortcut ahead.


    A realization hit them at the same time.


    They looked at each other, nodded.


    No words were needed.


    Who¡ªor what¡ªAlex was didn''t matter.


    What mattered was the shortcut he was making.


    Why risk the long, dangerous route when they could just follow?


    Without hesitation, they stepped onto his path of destruction.


    Alex, far ahead, felt their presence.


    He knew they were using his shortcut.


    He didn''t care.


    Didn''t slow down.


    Didn''t acknowledge them.


    He just kept moving forward.


    A sharp, agonized scream rang out behind him.


    Alex turned swiftly, eyes narrowing.


    One of the players had collapsed, their body convulsing.


    Standing over them was an undead¡ªbut not just any undead.


    It was the undead guide.


    Its bony fingers were buried deep inside the player''s gut, blood dripping down like a leaky faucet.


    Alex hadn''t sensed its presence at all.


    The guide yanked its hand free with a sickening squelch.


    The player collapsed lifelessly.


    The air grew heavier.


    "Cheating is not allowed," the undead guide intoned, its voice eerily calm, yet edged with something sinister.


    It wasn''t smiling this time.


    Neither had the vendor before it was obliterated.


    "You''ve been warned several times," the guide continued, its hollow eyes glowing an ominous green.


    "And yet, you forced our hand."


    Alex exhaled slowly.


    His fingers twitched.


    A glowing explosion disk materialized in his palm, humming with contained destruction.


    "Like I said¡­" he muttered, flicking the disk toward the undead guide''s head.


    "What are you gonna do about this?"


    The undead''s glowing eyes narrowed.


    It parted its jaw to respond¡ª


    BOOM!


    Or at least, that''s what should have happened.


    Alex frowned.


    The explosion hadn''t triggered.


    His disk was floating midair, mere inches from the guide''s skull¡ª but it hadn''t stuck.


    His eyes sharpened.


    Something was wrong.


    Alex frowned, then slowly pulled his hand out of his pocket and snapped his fingers.


    Nothing.


    His explosion didn''t trigger.


    That didn''t make sense.


    He didn''t need to snap to activate his skill¡ªit was just a habit. But now that his attack hadn''t gone off, he did it instinctively, as if confirming that his ability still worked.


    Yet, even with the snap, nothing happened.


    His gaze darkened.


    The undead guide, watching him closely let out a low chuckle.


    "Just so you know," it muttered, "any attacks you dish out won''t work on me."


    A black, ethereal light suddenly swirled around them, forming a translucent **energy dome.


    Alex''s muscles tensed.


    He studied the shifting barrier, then turned his attention back to the undead guide.


    "Oh¡­?" He tilted his head, voice calm but laced with intrigue. "And why is that?"


    The guide''s skeletal hand slowly slipped into its pocket, mirroring Alex''s own earlier movement.


    "Because," it said, its voice carrying a hint of amusement, "I''m not truly here."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    What the hell does that mean?


    His instincts screamed at him¡ªsomething was off.


    His fingers twitched.


    Then, in an instant, his irises flashed silver.


    [Foresight] activated.


    Whatever this undead was doing, he didn''t understand it.


    But now? He could.


    The undead guide slowly raised its hand.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Even with [Foresight] active, he hadn''t seen that movement coming.


    The undead''s grin stretched wider. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Let''s sink, shall we?"


    The moment the words left its mouth, a crushing force slammed down on Alex.


    His knees buckled.


    His muscles screamed.


    It felt like gravity had increased a hundredfold.


    Alex clenched his teeth, trying to resist¡ªbut the pressure was overwhelming.


    Then...


    CRACK!


    The ground beneath him shattered like glass.


    And before he could react he plummeted into the abyss.


    Endless darkness swallowed him as he plunged at terrifying speed.


    [Night Vision] activated.


    His pupils adjusted, and he saw it¡ª


    A base far below, rushing up to meet him.


    Then...


    The pressure vanished.


    Alex barely had a second to register the sudden weightlessness before his arms moved on instinct.


    WHOOSH!


    His [Glider Cloak] flared open, sleek black wings snapping out from his arms.


    He flapped hard, pushing against the descent, forcing himself to slow.


    He stabilized.


    Then, with a final calculated movement, he landed softly on solid ground.


    Silence.


    It was pitch black.


    The only faint glow came from the crack he had fallen through, far above.


    Alex exhaled sharply, glancing up and his expressing darkened.


    The crack was swifting mending itself.


    There was nothing could do.


    But watch as it fully covered up trapping him within.

 Chapter 138 Hell

    Everything had vanished.


    And a thick, suffocating darkness swallowed Alex whole.


    His breath hitched slightly as he turned in place.


    His fists clenched.


    There was nothing around.


    Not a floor beneath his feet. Not a wall to touch. Just an endless void, black as the abyss.


    It reminded him of the white space where he first met Oracle¡ªexcept this felt... heavier.


    Then a voice boomed, shaking the emptiness.


    It came from everywhere. Nowhere. All at once.


    It was the voice of the undead guide.


    "Player 666, what is your image of hell?"


    Alex''s brow twitched.


    What the hell kind of question was that?


    His eyes darted around, scanning for anything¡ªa shape, a ripple, a sign.


    But the void stayed blank. Silent.


    So he exhaled, kept his cool, and answered, tone casual¡ª


    "I dunno. Fire. Screams. Demons."


    "Well," the voice chuckled, smooth and amused.


    "I hope this meets your expectations."


    As soon as the voice said that, light erupted from the abyss.


    A blinding flash cut through the darkness, searing Alex''s vision.


    Shadows twisted, with shapes emerging from the void as the world around him began to take form.


    Crack!


    The ground beneath his feet splintered apart, deep fissures spreading like veins.


    Molten fire surged up from below, its glow casting flickering orange light across the jagged cliffs and twisted rock formations that took shape around him.


    The lava slithered across the floor, slow and menacing¡ªlike living serpents hunting their prey.


    The air thickened, heavy, and choking. Acrid sulfur. Scorched stone.


    The stench of burning itself.


    Alex inhaled. His lungs burned.


    But it was bearable thanks to [Heat Resistance].


    The searing heat that would have reduced others to nothing but ash was nothing more than an irritating warmth against his skin.


    He watched, wide-eyed.


    Everything had manifested from nothing.


    It was like watching the birth of a world.


    Ash rained from the sky, drifting softly, coating the blackened ruins and crumbling pillars like an eerie snowfall.


    Then a movement.


    In the distance, a familiar figure emerged.


    The undead guide.


    Adjusting his tie with slow, deliberate care.


    The undead guide then spread his arms, motioning to the burning landscape around them as he muttered¡ªhis tone dripping with pride.


    "Well, what do you think?"


    Alex exhaled, eyes sweeping over the hellish terrain. Molten rivers. Crumbling ruins. A sky choked with ash.


    "Amazing¡­" he asked, impressed but then his tone changed. "But how''s this going to stop me?"


    The undead guide chuckled. Low. Amused.


    "Well¡­ I''m glad you asked."


    Suddenly the lava churned.


    Violent bubbles rose to the surface, bursting with fiery cracks.


    Something was moving underneath.


    A ripple. A shift.


    Then they emerged.


    Undead creatures clawed their way out of the molten abyss.


    Grotesque. Twisted. A fusion of burning rock and rotting flesh.


    One rose first.


    A behemoth. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ten feet tall.


    Its entire body was encased in thick, molten armor, cracks in the hardened shell glowing with fiery veins of magma. Beneath, its skeletal core flickered, its ribcage like a cage trapping pure hellfire.


    It took a step.


    THUD.


    The ground trembled beneath its weight.


    Its fists¡ªmassive boulders, dripping with lava¡ªcurled into a slow, crushing grip.


    Then came another.


    A humanoid figure strode forward, its form wrapped in blackened, half-melted armor.


    Its skeletal face was locked in a permanent sneer.


    And in its grip was a blade.


    It wasn''t made out of steel or iron. It was a sword forged from pure, solidified lava.


    The edges still burned white-hot.


    Then it appeared.


    A floating, humanoid figure wrapped in a swirling inferno. Flames roared around its form, their flickering light barely revealing the skeletal face lurking within. Hollow eyes burned like dying embers, watching. Waiting.


    But it wasn''t alone.


    More abominations crawled from the fiery abyss.


    A spider, its massive exoskeleton blackened and charred, moved with unsettling precision, its eight legs cracking the scorched earth beneath it.


    A wolf, monstrous in size, its fur replaced with flowing molten lava, stalked forward. Its eyes, nothing but smoldering coals, flickered with an unnatural hunger.


    Most of these monsters were humanoid. Twisted. Writhing.


    And all of them were closing in on Alex, who stood at the center.


    Mute.


    Unmoving.


    The undead guide spread his arms, voice laced with satisfaction.


    "How about it? These are the souls of fallen players, sealed within the very magma itself. My personal creations, handcrafted in my downtime. Impressive, isn''t it?"


    Alex said nothing.


    His face unreadable.


    The guide took his silence as fear.


    He snickered.


    "We warned you to take the normal route, Player 666. At least then, you stood a chance to escape. But no¡­ you just had to be the rebel."


    Alex remained silent for one more second¡ª


    Then, he grinned.


    "Seriously..."


    Alex shook his head.


    The simple motion made the undead guide''s expression shift and his amused smirk faltered into a slight frown of confusion.


    Alex met his gaze.


    "You should have made this place a frozen wasteland."


    The undead guide arched a bony brow.


    "Oh? And why is that?"


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "Because this place¡­"


    He raised both hands.


    Mana ignited, flowing through his veins like liquid fire.


    The air around him rippled with energy as invisible forces locked into place.


    Alex continued:


    "...is about to become hotter than it already is."


    Then...


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Explosions erupted in rapid succession.


    Walls detonated, sending molten rock flying. The very ceiling shook, debris raining down. Blazing shockwaves tore through the battlefield, igniting the monstrous forms around him.


    Flames consumed the lava creatures.


    They howled, their bodies cracking, melting, breaking apart.


    Some of them blasting into smithereens.


    The undead guide was shocked to see so many of his creatures fall in an instant and it furrowed his brow.


    A flicker of something uncertain flashed across his skeletal features before he scoffed.


    "Arrogant talk. I can create endless armies of these monsters. What makes you think you possess enough strength to counter that?"


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    The heat swirled around him, flames dancing in his wake.


    "One thing you should know about my ability is that¡­"

 Chapter 139 My Power

    "One thing you should know about my ability is that its power can get stronger at will."


    He snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    More explosions ignited across the battlefield, each one brighter, hotter, stronger.


    The air itself rippled from the sheer force. The ground beneath him cracked, glowing veins of molten energy spider-webbing outward.


    Alex wasn''t just setting off blasts¡ªhe was pushing them to the absolute limit.


    He didn''t know if the undead guide''s domain could be broken from within.


    But if there was even the slightest chance.


    Then this?


    This would be enough.


    The undead guide''s expression twitched.


    His skeletal brow furrowed.


    "Get stronger on will? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    Alex grinned.


    His stance was loose, confident¡ªuntouched by the heat and chaos around him.


    "It means¡­" he said, raising a hand.


    The flames around him spiraled, intensifying, their glow reflecting in his sharp gaze.


    "I can amp my explosions to become as powerful as I want. And most certainly¡­"


    He let the words sink in¡ªdragging out the pause.


    Then, he tilted his head slightly.


    "¡­it would be strong enough to decimate your domain. Wouldn''t it?"


    The undead guide flinched.


    For the first time¡ªa crack in his confidence.


    He could create endless monsters. He could shape the terrain.


    But there was a limit.


    And this domain?


    It wasn''t invincible.


    If pushed hard enough, the domain could be broken.


    Still, the guide scoffed, forcing confidence into his voice.


    "Hmph¡­ Even if you could pull it off, you''d never survive. The power required to do that would consume everything¡ªincluding you. There''s nowhere to run, no way to escape. You''d certainly die."


    Alex didn''t blink.


    Didn''t even flinch.


    Because he wasn''t worried about dying.


    He had an escape.


    Instead, he simply tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement.


    "Maybe you should worry about yourself."


    The undead guide''s expression twisted.


    "Enough of your bluffs! Infernals¡ªATTACK!"


    The command ripped through the air, and instantly¡ª


    The monsters charged.


    A tidal wave of molten fury.


    The behemoth stomped forward, each step sending quakes through the scorched ground.


    The flame-wrapped specter howled, its blazing form warping the air around it.


    The wolf, its molten fur seething, lunged with a snarl, its burning fangs ready to tear through flesh.


    Alex grinned, unbothered by the horde of monsters closing in on him.


    Why?


    Because this was already over.


    His fingers twitched.


    And then, he snapped.


    WHOOM!


    The air twisted.


    Reality warped as an invisible force yanked everything inward, crushing, pulling, devouring like a vortex about to implode.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The detonation ripped through the domain.


    Flames erupted outward in a blazing tidal wave, consuming everything in sight.


    The explosion didn''t just spread¡ªit surged, climbing higher, hotter, hungrier.


    A fiery inferno shot toward the dome above.


    KAABOOM!


    It shattered on impact, exploding into a storm of debris that rained down like meteorites.


    The maze walls? Gone. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Obliterated.


    The molten creatures? Disintegrated.


    The force of the blast was so immense, so unstoppable, that the entire Deathmaze trembled.


    Deep underground, every corridor, every pathway shook violently, like a beast awakening from slumber.


    Far off, in unseen chambers, other players froze mid-step, eyes widening as the ground beneath them quaked.


    They had no idea what had just happened.


    But they knew one thing for certain.


    Something big had just gone down.


    Then, the tremors faded.


    Smoke and heat lingered in the air, swirling over the battlefield.


    At the center of the devastation, a massive crater stretched deep into the earth¡ªa scar left by the sheer force of the explosion. The once-solid ground was now a jagged pit of molten rock and broken stone.


    Neither Alex nor the undead guide were anywhere to be seen.


    Then outside the death maze, there was a low, ragged cough.


    A dark figure staggered forward.


    The undead guide.


    His once-pristine form was tattered, black cracks splitting across his skeletal frame. He hacked up black blood, the thick, inky substance splattering onto the ground.


    It was a sight that shouldn''t have been possible.


    Undead didn''t breathe.


    Undead didn''t cough.


    And most certainly¡ªundead didn''t bleed.


    Yet here he was. Weakened. Damaged.


    The sudden loss of his domain had done more than just strip away his control.


    It had hurt him.


    How?


    How was that even possible?


    The undead guide staggered, his skeletal frame trembling as another ragged cough tore through him. Thick, black blood dripped from his mouth, staining the scorched ground.


    He didn''t understand.


    This wasn''t supposed to happen.


    The players standing before him, new arrivals to the trial froze.


    Confusion and fear etched onto their faces.


    The undead guide''s fingers twitched.


    He forced himself to stand, straightening his tattered suit. His usual eerie grin returned, but this time, it was strained.


    He couldn''t show weakness.


    He had a role to play.


    Brushing off the black blood as if it were nothing, he let out a forced chuckle.


    "Welcome to the Third Trial, Player 667, 668, and 669," he announced, his voice eerily calm.


    *


    Meanwhile...


    Deep within the maze, one of Alex''s clones suddenly halted mid-step.


    Then...


    BOOOOM!


    A resounding explosion ripped through the entire structure. The walls groaned as the force of the blast shook the entire maze. Dust rained from above, cracks splintering across the stone pathways.


    Alex''s clone stumbled, nearly losing his balance.


    But he caught himself, just barely, his fingers gripping the brim of his hat as he steadied.


    Then he laughed.


    A low, amused chuckle at first, then a full burst of exhilaration.


    His heart pounded.


    "Interesting..." he muttered under his breath, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    It was the original Alex.


    At the exact moment he had snapped his fingers, he had swapped places with one of his clones, ensuring he wouldn''t be caught in the sheer destruction of his own attack.


    And it was a damn good thing he did.


    The moment Alex had switched places, his clone had been caught in the maelstrom of fire and force, its body ripped apart instantly.


    It never had a chance.


    The explosion tore it to shreds, its form disintegrating into ash and embers, consumed alongside the hundreds of lava undead.


    It didn''t even get the chance to scream.


    Alex shuddered.


    Even though he was safe, he could feel it.


    That brief, horrifying moment of obliteration.


    It lingered¡ªa ghost of pain, an echo of being torn apart.


    His hands clenched into fists.


    He shouldn''t be treating his clones like this. Using them as disposable pawns.


    He''d seen a movie once¡ªwhere the clones turned against their original.


    A rebellion.


    The thought sent a chill down his spine.


    He let out a slow breath, shaking his head.


    He needed a better defense.


    Something solid. Reliable.


    Because right now?


    He was scared of his own power.


    For a defensive skill, [Aegis Arcane] was the top contender.


    And Alex was dead set on ranking it up to the max as soon as he got out of here.


    He had the points.


    He had the stats.


    Now, he just needed the opportunity.


    {Total Nightmare Points: 29,400}


    {Total Stat Points: 16,500}


    His Nightmare Points had dropped. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wait¡­


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he quickly did the math.


    Oh.


    He had lost 5,000 points as that was the entry fee for this trial.


    And had gained 1000 points from killing the infernals.


    Thus this new total.


    He exhaled, rolling his shoulders.


    No big deal.


    His clone¡ªthe one he had swapped with¡ªhad been the one that had made it the farthest ahead.


    And with how much mana he had just burned through, keeping his other clones around was wasteful.


    Alex''s next move was simple.


    Keep going.


    And keep blasting his way through.


    He didn''t bother with twists and turns.


    He didn''t care about dead ends or hidden paths.


    A straight route.


    A shortcut.


    Call it cheating if you wanted, but¡­


    Who was going to stop him?

 Chapter 140 They Meet

    Not everyone had it as easy as Alex. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For most players, the Deathmaze lived up to its name.


    Monsters lurched from the shadows.


    Traps sprang from the walls and floor.


    And worst of all, the maze itself fought against them.


    Many got turned around confused.


    Many ran in circles.


    And many found themselves hopelessly lost.


    Among them were Ezekiel and Dorion.


    The two had entered together as Ezekiel thought it''d be safer that way.


    But he was wrong.


    Ezekiel let out a long sigh, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the wall ahead of him.


    There¡ªetched into the stone¡ªwas a mark he had made an hour ago.


    Dorion saw it too.


    And his frustration boiled over.


    "Goddammit¡­ This is your fault."


    He turned to Ezekiel, eyes burning with irritation.


    "You told me to trust your navigation! Now look what happened!"


    Ezekiel clicked his tongue in frustration.


    "Well, I''m not the one who provoked the damn monsters, forcing us to run for our lives."


    He shot Dorion a glare, his patience running thin.


    This guy¡­


    He was like a rabid dog, lunging at every monster they came across as if he was programmed to pick fights.


    And because of that?


    They had been chased, cornered, nearly killed¡ªall because Dorion couldn''t control himself.


    How the hell was Ezekiel supposed to focus on finding a path when he had to deal with this reckless idiot?


    Dorion''s temper snapped.


    "You know what? I''ve had enough of your nonsense."


    His voice was sharp, filled with raw hostility.


    He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with something dangerous.


    "You think you can read me like a book?"


    Dorion cracked his knuckles, his aura flaring.


    "Screw it. I might as well get rid of you now. You''re useless to me anyway."


    Ezekiel exhaled slowly.


    Weary. Irritated and done with this shit.


    With a single motion, he reached behind his back and drew his greatsword.


    The heavy steel gleamed under the dim maze light.


    His voice was calm, steady:


    "Fine then. Bring it. I need all the Nightmare Points I can get¡­ Might as well take yours."


    He raised his blade, planting his feet in a solid stance.


    Dorion''s lips twisted into a wicked grin.


    "Oh? You hypocrite¡­ Finally revealing your true desires, huh?"


    Ezekiel''s grip on his sword tightened.


    "I''m not a hypocrite."


    "Your denial itself is hypocritical," Dorion responded.


    Ezekiel groaned, gripping his greatsword tightly.


    With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, swinging his blade in a sharp arc¡ªbut Dorion was fast.


    He leaped backward, dodging just in time, his feet skidding against the stone floor.


    Dorion smirked. "You scolded me for killing that girl to earn Nightmare Points¡­"


    His voice was taunting, filled with mockery.


    "Yet when I transferred some to you, you didn''t decline them. You used them to move forward."


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened.


    "You call me out for doing the dirty work, but when I offer you the rewards of that dirty work¡ª" Dorion''s eyes gleamed with contempt. "You take it. And then you shame me afterward?"


    He spat on the ground.


    "You''re a f*cking hypocrite, Ezekiel."


    Ezekiel exhaled, keeping his emotions in check.


    "I''m only doing what it takes to survive."


    Dorion''s smirk widened. "Then kill like I do."


    Silence stretched between them.


    Ezekiel sighed, turning away.


    That single act¡ªhis lack of response¡ªignited Dorion''s fury.


    Dorion''s expression darkened, his aura turning ice-cold.


    "Like I said, I''ve had enough of your half-assed behavior." His grip tightened on his scythe. "This partnership ends with your death."


    He surged forward, his weapon gleaming in the dim light.


    But before his attack could land.


    FWOOOSH!


    A piercing gust sliced through the air.


    Sharp icicles, shaped like deadly javelins, streaked past Ezekiel from behind¡ª


    Straight toward Dorion.


    His eyes widened. Shit!


    With a sharp spin, he swung his scythe.


    CLANG!


    The force of his counter sent shards of ice scattering.


    Ezekiel instantly sensed someone behind him.


    His instincts screamed danger.


    Without hesitation, he abandoned his attack, pushing off the ground and landing beside Dorion.


    Just moments ago, they were ready to kill each other.


    But now?


    A new foe had entered the scene.


    Both their gazes snapped toward the approaching figure.


    An old man.


    He wore the tattered robes of a ronin, his posture relaxed yet commanding. In his hand, a blade pulsed with energy¡ªa bluish glow, flowing like liquid metal, shifting like a living current.


    The temperature seemed to drop as he stepped forward, the pressure around them growing unbearable.


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Dorion clenched his jaw. Who the hell is this?


    The old man stopped a few feet away. His piercing gaze locked onto Dorion.


    His voice was deep, unwavering. "Kid with the scythe? Are you Dorion?"


    Dorion''s eyes narrowed.


    His mind raced¡ªhe didn''t recognize this man.


    Not his face. Not his voice.


    But that aura.


    It was monstrous.


    And that attire¡­


    It felt familiar. Like something he had seen before, but couldn''t quite place.


    The old man''s gaze sharpened. "Answer me! Are you Dorion?"


    Onigi spoke calmly, but his aura was anything but.


    It raged around him like a boiling inferno, heavy and suffocating.


    Ezekiel swallowed hard. His instincts screamed at him¡ªthis was no ordinary foe.


    Something about the man''s familiar clothing set off alarm bells in his head. A realization dawned, one he didn''t like.


    He gritted his teeth.


    Traveling with Dorion had been a mistake.


    A big mistake.


    Dorion, unfazed, folded his arms. His voice was casual, almost bored.


    "Yeah, I''m Dorion. Who''s asking?"


    The old man''s grip on his sword tightened. His next words carried the weight of pure vengeance.


    "Kiri... You killed my daughter, Kiri, just to gain enough Nightmare Points to be here."


    Dorion''s eyes narrowed.


    For a second, he seemed confused.


    Then, it clicked.


    Oh.


    So that''s what this was about.


    A slow grin spread across his face, his features twisting with amusement.


    He chuckled, tilting his head.


    His words dripping with mockery.


    "Kiri¡­? Who the hell is that?"


    Ezekiel''s jaw dropped.


    He had no doubts now.


    The kid standing beside him wasn''t just reckless¡ªhe was a maniac.


    A walking disaster who would most certainly get him killed.


    Onigi said nothing.


    His face was calm, his expression unreadable.


    But the silence was worse than any outburst.


    Then in a terrifying blur of motion, he moved.


    FWOOSH!


    He shot toward Dorion like a missile, his blade glowing with lethal intent.


    Dorion reacted instantly, spinning his scythe into position, ready to clash.


    But then...


    BOOM!


    The entire wall beside them exploded.


    A shockwave of rock and dust blasted outward, cutting the fight short.


    Onigi flipped backward, dodging the debris with inhuman reflexes.


    Dorion caught off guard, barely managed to shield himself from the flying rubble.


    Ezekiel wasn''t so lucky.


    He staggered, coughing violently as thick smoke curled around them.


    "What the hell...cough, cough...was that?!" he wheezed, trying to see through the haze.


    Then footsteps.


    Slow. Casual.


    A shadow emerged through the dust, stepping right into the tense standoff.


    His hands stuffed into his pockets.


    Flip-flops.


    Beach shirt.


    Walking in like he just got back from vacation.


    The dust settled, and his face came into view.


    Alex.


    He glanced around, recognizing familiar faces.


    Then, with a lazy grin, he muttered:


    "Oh¡­"


    His gaze flicked between the three players.


    Then he smirked.


    "What the hell is going on here?"

 Chapter 141 VeilBorne

    Elsewhere...


    Frey''s body froze.


    Her breath hitched as her wide eyes locked onto the shrouded figures before her.


    They stood unnaturally tall, their limbs long and spindly, stretching out like shadows.


    They had no faces.


    Then notification flickered before her eyes glowing eerie red.


    [Veilborne]


    Freya''s breathing quickened.


    "What...what the hell are those?" she whispered, panic creeping into her voice.


    The rogue beside her had snapped out of his own fearful daze.


    Without hesitation, he struck.


    He stepped forward, his hands moving in a blur, launching a flurry of daggers at the creatures.


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    The blades sliced through the air and passed right through them.


    CLANG!


    The daggers clattered uselessly against the maze walls, echoing in the dead silence.


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    They didn''t have physical bodies.


    Yet, they just stood there.


    Their grotesque limbs hanging limply at their sides.


    Watching.


    Waiting.


    Staring.


    Their faces nonexistent faces.


    The eerie red glow where their eyes should have been pulsated, but the Veilborne remained motionless.


    The rogue gritted his teeth.


    "What are you two doing? Attack!" he snapped, gripping another dagger.


    "Wait..." Freya''s voice was sharp. Her gaze narrowed.


    Something was off.


    They weren''t moving.


    She doubted it was because they weren''t hostile¡ªafter all, this was a Nightmare. Everything here was meant to kill them.


    Then why?


    Her mind raced. Maybe they had a restriction. A condition that needed to be met before they attacked.


    She spoke quickly.


    "What if we back away slowly? Maybe they don''t attack unless they''re provoked."


    The rogue hesitated. "We don''t know that for sure."


    "It''s the best plan we''ve got."


    A shaky voice cut in.


    Ella.


    She was struggling to get to her feet, using her staff for support.


    She looked pale.


    Freya could hear the tremble in her breath.


    The three exchanged glances.


    Then, as one they started moving.


    Slow, careful steps backward. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Veilborne did not move.


    Their eyes stayed locked on the creatures.


    Not blinking. Not breathing too loud.


    Then...they turned a corner.


    And in that instant...


    They just knew.


    Like an unseen signal had been given, their instincts screamed one thing.


    RUN.


    Freya and the rogue launched forward, their bodies reacting before their minds could process it.


    Their footsteps pounded against the maze floor as they moved in sync, both fast and agile¡ªbuilt for close combat.


    But Ella wasn''t as she was a druid.


    She lagged behind.


    Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as she saw Freya and the rogue pulling ahead.


    Panic clawed at her chest.


    She risked a glance over her shoulder, and froze.


    The Veilborne were following.


    But there was no sound.


    No footsteps. No rustling.


    Just the silent, unnatural movement of their lanky, faceless forms.


    Ella''s breathing hitched.


    Her legs trembled.


    She tried to move faster, but panic made her clumsy.


    Her foot caught on the uneven ground.


    She tripped.


    THUD!


    Pain shot through her hands and knees as she hit the cold floor.


    Up ahead, Freya heard it.


    The sharp groan of pain.


    She turned and her stomach dropped.


    Ella was down, and the Veilborns were right behind her.


    How were the Veilborne moving without a sound?


    Not a single footstep.


    Not even the faintest whisper of motion.


    It was like they were gliding through the air¡ª


    Like ghosts.


    Maybe they were ghosts.


    They had no faces. No weight.


    And worse¡ªthey couldn''t be touched.


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    Her instincts screamed at her to keep running, but another voice in her head stopped her.


    Something felt off.


    She spun around and yelled, "Wait!"


    Her boots screeched against the stone as she came to a sudden stop.


    Jeremy, ahead of her, skidded to a halt as well.


    Both of them turned and saw it.


    Ella was still on her knees, frozen in place.


    And right behind her were the Veilborns.


    Ella''s breath came out in ragged gasps.


    She barely managed to push herself up, legs trembling.


    Then, as if something compelled her.


    She turned her head.


    And locked eyes with the faceless creature.


    Her body locked up.


    Her hands started to shake.


    Her chest rose and fell in rapid, uneven breaths.


    Like she couldn''t get enough air.


    Freya''s stomach sank.


    Ella was panicking.


    Jeremy''s eyes widened in panic.


    "Ella! What are you doing?! Get up and move!"


    His voice cut through the air like a whip, but Ella didn''t respond.


    She just knelt there, trembling.


    Frozen.


    Freya clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her sharp gaze locked onto the Veilborns.


    Something was off.


    Why weren''t they attacking?


    They had been fast enough to catch up, moving like silent wraiths through the maze.


    So why were they just¡­standing there now?


    It didn''t make sense.


    A dozen thoughts rushed through Freya''s mind.


    Was this an illusion? Were these creatures even real?


    She didn''t know.


    And she didn''t want to find out the hard way.


    Then it hit her.


    They weren''t moving¡­because they were being watched.


    Her breath hitched.


    It made sense.


    As long as someone had their eyes on them¡­they wouldn''t move.


    Freya took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking.


    "I''ve figured it out."


    Jeremy, still shouting at Ella, snapped his head toward her, his brow furrowing.


    "Figured what out?"


    Freya''s eyes stayed locked on the Veilborne as she answered.


    "If we keep our gazes on them¡­ they won''t move."


    Jeremy''s confusion deepened.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Freya didn''t look away from the creatures as she clarified, her voice firm.


    "Exactly what I said. As long as we keep watching them, they can''t move. That''s why they were able to follow us before¡ªno one was looking at them."


    Jeremy''s mind raced, quickly piecing it together.


    "So one person has to watch them while the others move¡­"


    Freya gave a slight nod, tension coiling in her chest.


    This situation¡ªthis eerie, silent game¡ªfelt too familiar.


    It was almost exactly like Baranga in the first trial.


    Too similar.


    A sacrificial pawn was needed¡ªsomeone had to keep watching the monsters so the others could escape.


    But unlike the first trial, fleeing wouldn''t guarantee safety. More monsters lurked ahead, traps waited to be triggered, and the maze itself could easily lead them astray.


    Freya''s forehead dripped with sweat. She wiped it away instinctively¡ªjust for a second.


    And in that split moment, she swore the Veilborne moved. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    An inch or two.


    Her stomach twisted.


    No way.


    She muttered under her breath, heart pounding.


    Did they have to keep their eyes on them without blinking?


    If that was the case¡­ then there was no way to do this for long.


    Jeremy clicked his teeth in frustration. His fists clenched.


    This was Ella''s fault.


    He regretted stopping for her.


    The druid was too cowardly to even help herself. She was a burden.


    And burdens needed to be discarded.


    As long as they could get Ella to look at the Veilborne, they would stay frozen.


    Jeremy exhaled sharply before speaking, his voice firm.


    "No matter how I look at this¡­ it won''t work. Our best option is to outrun them."


    Freya remained silent, her gaze fixed on the creatures.


    Jeremy continued, his tone more insistent.


    "If we can convince Ella to keep her eyes on them, our problem is solved."


    Freya''s frown deepened.


    He was basically saying they should sacrifice Ella.


    Leave her behind.


    Let her stall the monsters while they ran.


    Freya clenched her fists. Was that really the only choice?


    She turned to Jeremy, her voice laced with disbelief.


    "And if we reach a dead end?"


    Jeremy''s expression didn''t waver.


    "Then we fight."


    Freya narrowed her eyes.


    "Why not fight now? They aren''t attacking at the moment."


    Jeremy scowled, frustration clear on his face.


    "You saw what happened earlier. My blade went straight through them."


    His jaw tightened.


    "We don''t stand a chance."


    Freya''s voice was firm.


    "I doubt we''d be able to outrun them. And if we do, we''ll still have to fight them later. So why not deal with them now?"


    Jeremy clenched his teeth, frustration boiling over.


    "Don''t ask dumb questions, Freya. I know you''re not naive enough to misunderstand what I''m saying."


    Freya''s expression darkened.


    "Oh, I understand just fine. And to be honest? I''m disgusted."


    Jeremy blinked.


    "What¡­?"


    Her eyes burned with disappointment.


    "If you want to leave, then go. But let''s not run into each other again."


    Jeremy frowned, hesitating for just a second.


    His grip on his weapon tightened.


    Then he scoffed, shaking his head.


    "Fine. If you want to risk your life for that coward, be my guest. I''m leaving. Not that it matters but I doubt we''ll ever meet again. You''ll be dead before that happens."


    Without another word, he spun on his heels and bolted into the darkness.


    Freya exhaled heavily, her shoulders tense.


    What did she expect?


    Freya couldn''t exactly blame him for his decision.


    There was seemingly no way out.


    This place was merciless and only the strong or the ruthless would make it out alive.


    Up ahead, Ella slowly lifted her head. Her breathing had steadied, the trembling in her hands now gone. Her wide, terrified eyes locked onto the Veilborne, refusing to look away.


    Then, in a shaky voice, she spoke.


    "Is¡­ is anyone there?"


    She had heard the sound of footsteps fading, someone leaving.


    She knew what that meant.


    Freya had explained it, if no one kept their eyes on the Veilborne, they would move. They would get closer. They would attack.


    But Ella couldn''t bring herself to look back to see who had stayed.


    If she was alone¡­ if no one had remained¡­ then she was already dead.


    Freya stood frozen, watching Ella''s small, trembling figure as she held her ground.


    She was staring down death itself.


    Freya clenched her fists.


    Leaving her behind was the logical choice. The smart choice. The kind of decision that would keep her alive.


    But she couldn''t do it.


    She just¡­ couldn''t.


    Why?


    Hadn''t she already proven she could be ruthless?


    Hadn''t she killed Xeno for Nightmare Points without hesitation?


    Wasn''t she supposed to be a monster?


    She could easily justify it¡ªtell herself that she only killed because she had been attacked first.


    But that didn''t change the fact that she had taken a life.


    A killer doesn''t get to play the hero.


    So why was she hesitating now?


    Why should a monster like her act like some selfless fool just to save someone else?


    Freya''s gaze flicked to Ella.


    She was small, fragile...helpless.


    She sat on the cold ground, staring up at the towering Veilborne, her body trembling but her eyes locked onto them, frozen in fear.


    Freya clenched her jaw.


    She looked just like her.


    Like Freya when she had been left alone with Baranga.


    Maybe¡­ that was the reason.


    Maybe it was because she knew exactly how it felt.


    To be abandoned.


    To feel that soul-crushing despair as hope slipped away.


    That pain had burned itself into her.


    And now, she was watching someone else suffer the same thing.


    Her fists tightened.


    Then, without a word, she moved.


    She stepped forward.


    One step at a time.


    Toward Ella.


    Freya''s breathing remained steady and controlled.


    She didn''t waver. Didn''t flinch.


    The towering Veilborne loomed over them, their featureless faces locked in an eerie stillness. But she refused to let fear take hold.


    They won''t move as long as we''re watching.


    Slowly, she lowered herself onto one knee in front of Ella, never breaking eye contact with the creatures.


    Then, gently, she placed her hands on Ella''s trembling shoulders.


    Ella flinched at the touch.


    Her body tensed as if expecting to be abandoned all over again.


    But then, cautiously, she turned her head¡ªjust enough to see who it was.


    Her wide, fearful eyes met Freya''s calm ones.


    "You¡­ stayed."


    Ella''s voice was barely more than a whisper, filled with disbelief.


    Freya didn''t answer right away. Her focus stayed locked on the Veilborne.


    Then, she finally spoke, her voice even and measured.


    "One question, Ella."


    Ella swallowed, still shaken.


    "W-What?"


    "Do you have any spell that can make light?"


    Ella blinked in confusion, her mind sluggish from fear.


    But after a moment, she stammered out a response.


    "Y-Yeah¡­ I do."


    Freya''s lips curled into a confident grin.


    "Then¡­ we''ll be fine."

 Chapter 142 Let There Be Light

    Ella''s mind raced.


    Light?


    How was that supposed to help?


    She tilted her head slightly, confused and curious, but Freya didn''t explain. She just kept grinning, her sharp eyes locked onto the Veilborns.


    Watching. Studying.


    She''s got a plan, Ella realized. But what is it?


    Freya''s grip on her weapon tightened.


    If her theory was correct, then this idea might work.


    Most likely.


    ¡­But she wasn''t completely sure.


    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself.


    The details clicked together in her mind.


    The Veilborns didn''t have shadows.


    That didn''t make sense.


    The moonlight was shining down on them, so why weren''t they casting any?


    Unless...


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    Because they are shadows.


    It made too much sense.


    They moved without sound.


    They were immune to physical attacks.


    They were living darkness.


    And if that was true¡­ then there was one thing they couldn''t stand.


    Freya knew she was taking a gamble.


    Sure, the Veilborns could be something else entirely. There were plenty of other possibilities.


    But she was willing to bet everything on her suspicion.


    That these creatures were shadows.


    And what was the best way to destroy a shadow?


    Light.


    That was why she had asked Ella the question.


    Of course, she wasn''t completely sure. This was all just a theory.


    The worst-case scenario?


    They weren''t shadows at all¡­ and both of them would die.


    Freya swallowed hard but didn''t back down.


    Better to take a risk than to run aimlessly into another trap.


    Her eyes never left the Veilborns.


    She took a deep breath.


    "Alright, Ella," she said, voice steady. "Let''s do this."


    Ella hesitated for a fraction of a second before pushing herself to her feet.


    She had no idea what Freya was planning, but at this point, she didn''t care.


    If it meant survival, she was willing to try anything.


    Tightening her grip on her staff, she raised it high.


    A faint glow flickered at the tip.


    Then, she began to conjure a ball of light.


    A soft glow flickered to life at the tip of Ella''s staff.


    The magic swirled, gathering into a small, pulsing ball of light.


    Then there was movement.


    The Veilborns flinched.


    Their reaction was eerie, unnatural.


    They didn''t stumble or lurch like normal creatures.


    Instead, they jerked backward in quick, precise steps, then froze in place, bodies contorted in odd, twisted positions.


    Like a glitch in reality.


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Ella''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "They''re¡­ moving away," she whispered.


    Her heart pounded.


    It was working.


    It was actually working.


    A wave of relief crashed over her.


    "It worked," she exhaled, barely believing it herself.


    "Of course it did," Freya replied, trying to sound confident.


    But inside?


    Her legs were shaking.


    She had gambled everything on this theory.


    And it had paid off.


    She forced herself to stand tall, keeping her gaze locked on the Veilborns.


    "Can you make it brighter?" she asked.


    Ella nodded eagerly.


    She tightened her grip on her staff, pouring more energy into the spell.


    The ball of light expanded¡ªgrowing bigger, brighter, stronger.


    The Veilborn recoiled even further, their eerie retreat almost hypnotic.


    Their movements were unnatural¡ªgliding back in sharp, jerky steps before freezing mid-motion.


    Ella, heart pounding, felt a rush of courage.


    She took a step forward.


    The glowing orb of light hovered above her staff as she cautiously guided it toward the Veilborn.


    They shrank away, slipping backward like shadows fading from sunlight.


    The more she advanced, the more they retreated.


    Freya watched closely, her body still tense. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    The creatures were moving away, but she didn''t dare relax yet.


    Ella continued her slow, deliberate march forward.


    The Veilborns drifted back until¡ªthey vanished around a corner at an intersection.


    Gone.


    Ella exhaled a shaky breath, sweat clinging to her skin.


    She left the glowing orb floating in the middle of the intersection, ensuring the Veilborn wouldn''t be able to return through that path.


    Only then did she finally clutch her chest, feeling the rapid thud-thud-thud of her heartbeat.


    She turned to Freya, who met her gaze with a triumphant grin.


    Without thinking, Ella threw her arms around Freya in a tight hug.


    "Thank you, ma''am¡­ You saved me."


    Freya stiffened.


    "Ma''am?!" she exclaimed. "I''m not that old!"


    Ella trembled, her relief spilling over into sobs.


    "I¡­ I thought I was going to die¡­" sob sob "¡­Thank you¡­"


    Freya stiffened at the sudden embrace, caught off guard by the wave of emotions crashing into her.


    Ella clung to her tightly, shoulders trembling, tears dampening Freya''s sleeve.


    For a moment, Freya hesitated.


    Then, with a small smile, she let out a sigh and gently patted the back of the girl''s head.


    "It''s no problem," she murmured.


    As she held Ella, she took a closer look.


    Now that she wasn''t just seeing her as a burden or a liability, she realized she had been mistaken.


    Maybe it was the way she dressed, or the fear that had made her seem older before.


    But Ella was younger than she had thought.


    A teenager, probably.


    Freya cleared her throat, shaking off the sentimental moment. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm... let''s not stay here too long," she said firmly. "This is a death maze. Relaxing isn''t a good idea."


    Ella wiped her eyes, nodding quickly.


    "Right," she said, her voice still a little shaky but determined.


    She stepped back, finally releasing Freya, and the two turned to move forward.


    They walked in silence.


    Neither of them spoke about Jeremy.


    Freya and Ella moved cautiously, their footsteps light against the cold stone floor. Every step was deliberate, their eyes scanning for hidden traps. The last thing they needed was to trigger some deadly mechanism.


    As they turned a corner, a sickening crunch echoed through the passage.


    They froze.


    Up ahead, hunched over a mangled corpse, was a creature unlike anything they''d seen before.


    A ram.


    But not just any ram.


    Its jagged horn looked like it had been chipped away by battle, rough and uneven. Veins of molten light pulsed along its cracked skull, giving off an eerie glow. Its eyes burned a deep, molten gold, flickering like living flames.


    [Shard Ram]


    Freya stiffened.


    A ram? Eating a corpse?


    She had always thought rams were herbivores. Clearly, this thing didn''t get the memo.


    Her eyes flicked to the glowing text above its head. Unlike the Veilborns, whose names had shone a threatening red, this creature''s name glowed green.


    That was interesting.


    Freya was starting to piece something together.


    Red meant the monster was far beyond their level¡ªa death sentence if they tried to fight.


    Yellow probably meant tough, but not impossible.


    Green?


    Green meant they had a chance.


    Freya tightened her grip on her blades, her stance steady.


    The Shard Ram looked dangerous, but she was confident she could take it down.


    The creature scraped one hoof against the ground, its jagged horn beginning to glow with a fierce golden light. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat before¡ª


    Boom!


    The ram charged.


    Fast.


    Too fast.


    Freya braced herself, ready to strike¡ª


    But before she could move, Ella stepped in front of her.


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    "Whatare doing?!"

 Chapter 143 Crazy Enough

    Ella slammed her staff into the ground.


    A magic circle flared to life beneath the charging ram.


    From the glowing glyphs, thick, thorn-covered vines erupted, shooting upward like a living trap.


    The vines coiled around the Shard Ram in an instant, wrapping tightly around its body, its legs, and its glowing horns.


    The beast thrashed violently, trying to break free, but the vines held firm¡ª


    Then came the spikes.


    Razor-sharp thorns lined the vines, pressing deeper and deeper into the ram''s flesh.


    SHRRRK!


    The spikes pierced through, shredding the monster apart.


    A spray of blood splattered against the stone walls.


    Freya stared, stunned.


    She hadn''t expected that. Not from Ella.


    The girl who had been shaking in terror just minutes ago had just annihilated a monster without so much as a flinch.


    Freya''s gaze flicked to Ella''s face.


    Calm. Focused.


    The fear she had shown against the Veilborns was gone.


    Maybe standing her ground against the shadow creatures had done more than just save her life.


    It had changed her.


    On seeing this a question lingered in Freya''s mind, gnawing at the edges of her thoughts.


    She turned to Ella, her expression serious.


    "Ella."


    The druid looked up, still catching her breath from the battle.


    "Yeah?"


    Freya hesitated for a second, then asked:


    "What color was the identity notification on the Shard Ram?"


    Ella blinked, confused:


    "What?"


    "The name above its head. What color was it?"


    Ella furrowed her brows, thinking back:


    "Green... Why?"


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Her eyes widened slightly.


    Just as I suspected...


    So it really was different for each player.


    The system wasn''t just marking monsters based on their overall power¡ªit was comparing them to the strength of the player looking at them.


    Which meant...


    Another unsettling thought crept into Freya''s mind.


    She hesitated, then shook her head, almost as if trying to dismiss the idea.


    But she needed to be sure.


    "And what about the Veilborns?" she asked, her voice quieter this time.


    "What color did you see?"


    Ella furrowed her brows, thinking back.


    Then she answered hesitantly:


    "Green as well?"


    "GAAH!"


    Freya let out a sharp cry, making Ella jump in alarm.


    "Ma''am?! What''s wrong? Are you hurt?!" Ella''s voice wavered with concern.


    Freya clutched her chest dramatically, breathing heavily as if she''d just taken a punch.


    Then she shook her head:


    "No... I''m fine. Just... shocked."


    How could this be?


    Ella tilted her head, confusion clear on her face.


    Freya narrowed her eyes at the young druid.


    If the Veilborns appeared green to her¡­ then that meant Ella was strong enough to face them.


    But from what Freya knew, the only thing that could harm those creatures was fire.


    Which meant¡­


    Freya took a steady breath, then asked carefully, "Ella¡­ do you happen to have an ability that lets you use fire?"


    Ella nodded. "Yes."


    Freya sucked in a sharp breath.


    Of course she has fire magic.


    Her mind raced.


    "Then¡­ you could''ve dealt with the Veilborns easily."


    Ella awkwardly scratched the back of her head, looking embarrassed. "I was too scared¡­ And besides, we only figured out their weakness too late, so¡­"


    Freya sighed, nodding. "That''s true¡­"


    But still. If Ella had acted sooner, they could''ve wiped those shadowy creatures out. No need for all that fear.


    Freya glanced at Ella again. She was way more powerful than she let on.


    As long as she had the confidence to act, she''d be a force to be reckoned with.


    A reliable partner.


    That thought reassured Freya.


    But then...


    As they turned the next corner, Freya''s stomach twisted.


    The sight before them sent a chill crawling up her spine.


    Jeremy was hanging on the wall...impaled.


    Thick wooden thorns jutted out of his chest, piercing straight through his body.


    His head hung low, arms limp, fingers barely curled.


    Blood dripped from his lips, a slow, steady trickle that stained his torn shirt.


    Freya froze, her breath catching in her throat.


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    Ella shuddered, gripping Freya''s hand tightly as if grounding herself.


    Freya''s voice came out barely above a whisper:


    "What... what the hell happened?"


    They inched closer.


    Jeremy wasn''t moving.


    He was dead.


    Freya''s mind raced.


    Was it a trap? A monster? Was it still here, watching them?


    Her eyes darted around, scanning every shadow, every crevice.


    Nothing. No movement.


    No monsters lurking in the dark.


    She exhaled, pressing her lips into a thin line.


    Whatever happened here, it was too late to change.


    And dwelling on it wouldn''t keep them alive.


    It was unfortunate.


    Freya had told Jeremy they shouldn''t cross paths again.


    And now... it seemed like they never would.


    "Let''s go," Freya said, her voice firm but quiet.


    Ella clung to her arm, pressing close as they walked beneath Jeremy''s lifeless body.


    She kept stealing glances at the corpse, her face pale, her grip tightening with each step.


    Then...They heard it.


    A faint, creaking sound. Like old wood bending, twisting... moving.


    They turned.


    It was crawling.


    Dark, gnarled roots slithered across the ground like tendrils, twisting together, rising up.


    Forming something.


    A humanoid figure took shape, its entire body made of hard, knotted wood.


    It turned toward them, slow and deliberate.


    Its eyes¡ªhollow. Empty. Dark.


    A notification flashed in front of Freya.


    She already knew.


    It would be red.


    But before she could even read the name¡ª


    The wooden creature attacked.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted right beside the monster.


    The blast shook the ground, a shockwave ripping through the air.


    Freya stumbled back, barely keeping her balance, while Ella yelped and clutched her arm for support.


    The creature was gone.


    Obliterated in the blast.


    Before Freya could even process what happened, another explosion roared, this time blowing a massive hole in the maze wall ahead.


    BOOM!


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    Who the hell would be crazy enough to use explosions to get through this death trap?!


    Then she heard footsteps.


    Slow. Casual. Unbothered.


    Freya''s breath caught.


    There was only one person reckless enough to take on the trial like this.


    The dust settled.


    And she saw him.


    Alex.


    Of course. It had to be him.


    Alex didn''t look towards their direction.


    He walked forward, calmly stepping through the hole he had just blasted into the wall.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    Another explosion rocked the maze.


    Freya flinched, but her focus shifted as she caught sight of Ella.


    She wasn''t moving.


    Her eyes were locked on Jeremy''s lifeless, thorn-ridden corpse.


    Freya didn''t hesitate. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She grabbed Ella''s arm and yanked her forward.


    "This isn''t the time to freeze up," she muttered under her breath.


    Survival was right in front of them, and they weren''t going to waste it.


    She pulled Ella along, hurrying after Alex.


    They reached the next hole¡ªa fresh blast still crumbling at the edges.


    Alex had just stepped through, pausing for the first time.


    Freya saw him glance left.


    Then right.


    Then, with a tone that somehow carried both mild surprise and complete indifference, he muttered:


    "Oh¡­ what the hell is going on here?"

 Chapter 144 Dramatic Reunion

    "Oh... what the hell is going on here?"


    Alex muttered, his eyes scanning the area as he turned his head left, then right.


    The people standing before him were all too familiar.


    Onigi¡ªthe old Ronin, standing firm as ever, his hand resting lightly on his sword''s hilt.


    Dorion¡ªthe scythe-wielding teen, the one with ties to the Blood Monarch, his expression unreadable.


    And then there was another guy.


    A warrior clad in heavy armor, gripping a massive greatsword.


    Alex could feel the tension crackling between Onigi and Dorion, the way their stances were slightly angled toward each other, their fingers twitching toward their weapons.


    It wasn''t hard to guess what was going on.


    A fight was brewing.


    But it wasn''t his fight.


    He had zero intention of getting involved.


    Whether they killed each other or not?


    Not his problem.


    He just wanted out of this damned maze.


    Then¡ª


    Footsteps.


    He turned.


    Another familiar face emerged.


    Freya.


    "Seriously." Alex muttered under his breath.


    "What the hell was happening?"


    A reunion or something?


    Freya stepped into the tense scene, but she wasn''t alone.


    A new face was with her¡ªa mage or something similar, from the looks of it.


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the newcomer. Something felt¡­ off about her. He couldn''t put his finger on it, but he made a mental note to stay cautious.


    Meanwhile, Ezekiel and Dorion had also noticed Freya.


    Their reactions were instant.


    Ezekiel''s face twisted in shock¡ªhis mouth opened slightly as if the words had been stolen from him. Guilt flickered across his expression.


    "Freya?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Dorion, on the other hand, had a very different reaction.


    He grinned. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    "You''re alive. I didn''t think you''d survive that."


    Freya clicked her teeth in irritation. Seeing either of them again was the last thing she expected. And judging by the way they stood next to each other, it was clear¡ªthey were working together.


    "Well, I did," she said, crossing her arms. "Happy to see me?"


    Dorion''s smirk didn''t waver.


    "No, not really."


    Then, without missing a beat, he turned to Alex.


    "But I am happy to see him, though."


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    "What was that about?"


    Dorion''s words had rubbed him the wrong way, but before he could dwell on it, another voice cut in.


    "Alex," Onigi spoke up, his voice carrying an edge. "I thought you said you didn''t know each other?"


    The old ronin had been watching their exchange carefully, his expression darkening. Something wasn''t adding up.


    They all seemed familiar with each other. Too familiar.


    And yet¡­ if Onigi recalled correctly, Alex had denied ever being associated with Dorion.


    So what was this now?


    His grip on his katana tightened.


    Alex turned toward him with a deadpan expression and answered,


    "We don''t. He tried to kill me. Told me a tree is taking people to a dream realm. Passed out. Then I passed out. Now we meet again. That sums up our interactions."


    There was a brief silence before someone else replied.


    "Oh, is that so¡­?"


    The voice came from Freya.


    "Then tell me, Alex¡ªhow would you sum up our interaction?"


    Alex''s brain stalled.


    Where the hell is that coming from?


    Freya''s words cut through the tension, her tone sharp with frustration.


    "You just left me. Without even saying anything."


    Alex exhaled through his nose, turning slightly but not fully facing her.


    "Did I have to?"


    His response only made Freya''s eyes narrow.


    From the side, Dorion let out a chuckle, clearly enjoying the exchange.


    "Oh, you two know each other?" he remarked, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    Alex ignored him, but before he could respond, Onigi spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of exhaustion and anger.


    "Alex," the old ronin sighed, rubbing his temple. "Are you going to get in my way? I''ve lost too many, and the only thing I feel right now is rage. I don''t want to unleash it on the wrong person."


    Alex turned his head, meeting Onigi''s steely gaze.


    "Why do you keep dragging me into this?" he muttered. "If you wanna kill him, go right ahead."


    He waved a hand dismissively.


    "I''m leaving."


    Alex was just about to take a step when suddenly¡ª


    A pair of arms wrapped around his.


    Alex froze.


    What. The. Hell.


    Dorion had locked him in a tightly, his grip unnervingly strong.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Alex muttered, completely baffled.


    Dorion''s voice came next, dramatic and pleading.


    "Brother, don''t do me like this."


    HUH?


    Alex''s entire body stiffened.


    "Brother?!"


    "Alright, you''re insane. Get off me!"


    With a sharp motion, he shoved Dorion''s arms off, stepping back as if trying to shake off the lingering awkwardness.


    And as if things weren''t already dramatic enough, a voice echoed from behind.


    "Player 666."


    The chilling voice cut through the air, making everyone freeze.


    They all turned at once.


    An undead stood before them.


    Unlike the vendor or the guide they had encountered before, this one was different.


    It wore no clothes.


    No robes, no armor¡ªjust bare, bones.


    Its hollow eyes locked onto Alex.


    "Player 666. You cannot keep breaking the rules."


    Alex sighed, completely unfazed.


    "This again."


    Ezekiel, on the other hand, was visibly confused.


    "Who''s Player 666?" He frowned. The number alone sent a shiver down his spine.


    Freya, arms crossed, gave a casual nod toward Alex.


    "It''s the one and only..."


    Dorion''s eyes widened.


    He took a sharp breath.


    "Seriously? You of all people got the number 666? That is both strange and cool. One heck of a coincidence."


    Is it?


    Alex barely had time to question Dorion before the undead spoke again.


    "Player 666, you..."


    Boom!


    Alex sighed and snapped his fingers.


    The undead''s head exploded in an instant.


    Flesh and bone scattered, dissolving into dark mist before it even hit the ground.


    He was so damn tired of hearing that same monotonous voice every single time.


    But then...


    Footsteps.


    More of them.


    His eyes flicked around.


    Undead.


    They were everywhere. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emerging from the shadows, stepping through cracks in the walls, forming from black mist.


    Left. Right. Front. Back.


    The group was completely surrounded.


    Then, in a voice that sent a shiver down their spines, all of the undead spoke in unison.


    "Since Player 666 has refused to listen and has broken the rules, disrupting the trial, he is to be eliminated....along with the players with him."

 Chapter 145 Youre Crazy, Hes Crazy, Everyones Crazy

    "Since Player 666 has refused to listen and has broken the rules, disrupting the trial, he is to be eliminated....along with the players with him."


    There was a brief silence.


    And then...


    "What?"


    Ezekiel exclaimed in shock.


    The rest were also stunned by this as well.


    Ezekiel turned toward Alex, eyes filled with frustration.


    "Seriously?!"


    He didn''t even know the guy.


    Freya frowned, stepping closer to Alex with narrowed eyes.


    "Alex, what did you do this time?"


    Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "Well, in case you didn''t hear, apparently blasting my way straight through the maze is considered cheating. The undead guide wasn''t happy about that, so it tried to drag me to hell. I killed it, caused a mini-earthquake, and¡­ well, now we have this."


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened.


    "Wait. You were the reason for the earthquake?!" he practically shouted.


    A mix of shock, frustration, and disbelief crossed his face.


    Who the hell was this guy?


    Surprisingly, he was the only one who seemed visibly upset. Which was rather odd.


    Freya just shook her head, sighing deeply.


    "You¡­ why is it always chaos with you?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex shrugged, raising both hands in surrender.


    "Hey, it''s not my fault. I just tend to have that effect on everything."


    Freya''s expression darkened.


    "Is that why you left me behind?"


    Alex shrugged, his voice low and indifferent.


    "Who knows."


    Freya''s forehead creased.


    What the hell was she supposed to do with that answer?


    Before she could press further, Dorion smirked and chimed in.


    "Okay, I''m sensing some tension here. Did you two hook up or something?"


    WHOOSH


    SLICE


    A sharp flash of steel cut through the air.


    Onigi struck.


    Dorion barely reacted in time, whipping up his scythe to block the attack. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed.


    Dorion''s smirk vanished.


    His frown deepened as he took a couple of step back.


    "Hey, old man, now''s not the time for this! We''re surrounded by undead monsters! Shouldn''t we, I don''t know, postpone whatever beef you have with me?"


    Onigi''s grip on his katana tightened, his eyes cold and unwavering.


    "No," he said, voice firm.


    "Now is the perfect time."


    His stance lowered, blade steady.


    "I''m taking your head right now. No matter the interference."


    Dorion turned to Alex, his expression exaggerated¡ªlike a kid whining to his mom.


    "Brother."


    Alex''s eye twitched. His patience was wearing thin.


    "Cut the ''brother'' crap already. It''s getting on my nerves."


    Dorion scoffed, clicking his teeth in annoyance.


    "Tch."


    Ezekiel, who seemed to be the only one actually concerned about their situation, finally snapped. His voice rose slightly, laced with nervous energy.


    "Alright¡­ You guys do realize we''re literally surrounded by hundreds of undead, right?"


    Alex barely spared a glance at the horde. He waved a dismissive hand.


    "They''re after me. You guys can leave."


    Ezekiel''s jaw clenched.


    "Leave? Where? We can''t leave! We''re surrounded."


    Alex shrugged as if it wasn''t his problem.


    Dorion, on the other hand, seemed far more entertained by the chaos. He cracked his neck, gripping his scythe with a grin.


    "Well, I don''t intend to miss out on free Nightmare Points."


    Ezekiel was losing his patience. His voice came out sharp and exasperated.


    "Kid, you have bigger problems."


    Dorion tilted his head, grinning like he had just heard the funniest joke.


    "Bigger? Eh¡­ I wouldn''t call it that. The undead seem way more interesting."


    Ezekiel clenched his fists.


    "You''d be dead before you even take down one of them."


    Dorion''s grin widened. He twirled his scythe with practiced ease, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh.


    "Oh? Is that a bet? Now that''s exciting."


    Despite his cocky words, his focus was razor-sharp. His eyes locked onto the approaching undead, but Onigi wasn''t fooled.


    The old warrior shifted into a battle stance, katana at the ready. His expression hardened.


    He could sense Dorion''s carefree attitude was an act.


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    A distraction.


    Onigi could feel it¡ªthe true intent lurking behind Dorion''s playful grin. The scythe-wielder wasn''t just watching the undead.


    He was watching him.


    One misstep, one moment of underestimation, and Onigi would be the one lying dead on the ground.


    Meanwhile, standing slightly behind the chaos, Ella¡ªwho had been silently observing all this insanity¡ªleaned closer to Freya and whispered:


    "Ma''am¡­ who are these crazy people? And more importantly, what are we going to do about the monsters?"


    Crazy people?


    Freya muttered inwardly, shaking her head.


    Seriously, who in this damn place wasn''t crazy?


    She exhaled, then turned to Ella. "Honestly? I don''t know. This place somehow threw us all together."


    Ella nodded slowly, still trying to make sense of it all.


    Freya continued, her tone a little lighter. "But as for the monsters¡­ there''s no need to worry. Not when he''s around."


    She gestured toward Alex, who stood there, arms crossed, looking as unbothered as ever despite the swarm of undead closing in.


    Ella let out a relieved sigh, but just as she was about to relax, her expression turned serious again.


    "Ma''am, I have something to share with you."


    Freya''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Share what?


    What the hell was this about?


    And why now of all times? The timing was suspicious, making her mind race with possibilities.


    Before she could ask, a glowing notification flickered into view in front of her:


    [Ella wants to share Nightmare points with you.]


    [Do you want to accept?]


    Freya frowned, eyes fixed on the glowing notification hovering in front of her.


    "What is this?" she asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.


    Ella had used a system feature that allowed players to share Nightmare points. It wasn''t an uncommon function, but almost no one used it.


    Nightmare points were everything in this place¡ªpower, survival, the difference between life and death.


    So why the hell was Ella giving hers away?


    Freya''s mind raced.


    Was it that she didn''t think she would survive this?


    Ella noticed the confusion on Freya''s face and gave a small, almost shy smile.


    "Well," she said, rubbing the back of her neck, "the points I''m sharing¡­ are the ones I got from killing Jeremy."

 Chapter 146 Ronin vs Teenager

    Freya froze. Find more to read on My Virtual Library Empire


    The words hit her like a slap, her mind struggling to process them.


    "I''m sorry, what?" she asked, her voice sharp with disbelief. Maybe she misheard. Maybe she was just imagining things.


    She squinted at Ella. Did she really just say¡ª


    "You killed who?"


    Ella hesitated, shifting awkwardly. Her fingers fidgeted, her shoulders slightly hunched. She looked¡­ embarrassed?


    "The points I got from killing Jeremy," she repeated, softer this time. "I want to share them with you."


    Freya blinked. Once. Twice.


    She was stunned. Confused. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a split second, she wondered if this was some kind of joke. If it was, Ella''s sense of humor was completely broken.


    But Ella wasn''t laughing.


    "You killed him?" Freya asked, her tone slower, more careful now.


    "Yes."


    "Jeremy?"


    "Yes."


    "When did that happen?"


    "Well, he was already dying, so I¡ª"


    Ella started to explain, but before she could finish¡ª


    A deafening explosion shook the ground, cutting her off mid-sentence.


    BOOM!


    The sound of bones clattering followed as shattered skeletons crumbled to the floor.


    Alex had snapped, wiping out multiple undead in an instant. His sudden attack practically declared the start of the fight.


    The remaining undead let out an eerie screech, their hollow eyes glowing brighter. Provoked, they charged with even more aggression, their bony limbs moving unnaturally fast.


    Freya tensed, her grip tightening around her blades. She shot Ella a sharp look.


    "We''ll talk about this later," she said firmly. There were more pressing matters now.


    Even though Ella''s words had rattled her, Freya forced herself to push it aside. She needed to focus. Hesitation could get her killed.


    Beside her, Ella raised her staff, standing her ground without a hint of fear.


    She had no regrets.


    She had done it while Freya was too distracted by Alex''s arrival to notice.


    Jeremy was going to die anyway. So why waste the chance?


    Taking his life meant securing more nightmare points¡ªpoints that could help those still alive.


    And in this place, survival was the only thing that mattered.


    The undead let out guttural snarls and broke into a sprint, each wielding a different melee weapon¡ªrusted swords, jagged axes, chipped spears.


    Their hollow eyes locked onto the group, hungry for destruction.


    At the same time, Onigi and Dorion had already started battling.


    CLANG!


    Blade met scythe, ringing through the air as the two warriors engaged in a deadly dance.


    They weaved through the maze, their weapons colliding in rapid succession, sparks flying with every impact.


    Any undead unlucky enough to step between them was instantly cut down¡ªsevered limbs and shattered bones littering the ground.


    They reached an intersection, both pausing just for a second.


    An undead lunged at Dorion from behind, swinging a rusted axe. Without looking, Dorion drove his elbow backward¡ªCRACK!¡ªshattering the creature''s neck and sending its skull flying off its spine.


    As the undead''s lifeless body collapsed, Dorion smirked and kicked it like a ball toward Onigi.


    Onigi reacted in an instant.


    SWIPE!


    His blade slashed clean through the airborne corpse, splitting it in half. But before he could reset his stance¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    Dorion''s scythe was already coming down, aiming to cleave him in two.


    Onigi harrumphed.


    "Petty tricks."


    At the last second, he tilted his body sideways, just enough to let the scythe sail past him.


    CRASH!


    The weapon slammed into the ground with such force that it shattered the stone beneath, the impact sending a burst of debris flying.


    The momentum carried Dorion forward.


    Onigi''s eyes sharpened as he turned toward Dorion, gripping his katana tightly.


    With a swift motion, he slashed¡ªbut this wasn''t an ordinary attack.


    FWOOOSH!


    The blade glowed sky blue, radiating an icy aura, and in an instant, multiple thin ice blades erupted from the swing, streaking toward Dorion like deadly shards.


    Dorion''s grin widened. Interesting.


    Spinning his scythe in a blur, he deflected the first wave with sharp, precise movements.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    The ice blades shattered on impact, spraying frost into the air.


    But one blade slipped through his defense.


    SWOOSH!


    It streaked past his face, so fast he barely had time to react.


    At the last second, Dorion tilted his head, just enough to dodge a fatal strike. The blade sliced across his chin, leaving a thin but deep mark.


    For a moment, he stood still.


    Then, slowly, he reached up and touched his chin. His fingers came away wet. Blood.


    His grin faltered¡ªonly for a second.


    Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he dropped his hand.


    The wound vanished.


    Not a scar, not a single drop of blood remained.


    Dorion grinned again, this time wider.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed. What the hell was that?


    A healing skill? A regeneration ability?


    Whatever it was¡­ it would be a problem.


    "Grr..."


    The undead skeletons rattled and groaned, emerging from the shadows, their hollow eyes glowing with eerie light. They closed in from behind, forming a tightening circle around Dorion and Onigi.


    But the two warriors didn''t even glance at them. Their focus was locked on each other.


    A breath...


    Then...


    They resumed once again.


    Dorion''s scythe swung in a deadly arc. Onigi''s katana met it midair. Sparks flew.


    The force of the impact cracked the stone beneath them as they pushed against each other, neither willing to back down.


    Meanwhile, Alex stood amidst the swarm of undead, his fists clenched.


    More and more skeletons staggered toward him from all directions, weapons raised. His usual method¡ªsnapping and setting off controlled explosions¡ªwould have been the easiest way to take them all down.


    But there was a problem.


    They were too scattered.


    If he kept using his explosions, the shockwaves would spread too far. The others might get caught in the blast.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head.


    This is why he worked better alone.


    Fine. Hand-to-hand it is.


    A smirk crept onto his face.


    If he had to fight them up close, he might as well make it enjoyable.


    He wanted to feel their bones crumble under his fists, hear the cracks as he shattered them one by one.


    His eyes flicked to his inventory.


    He needed something that would help him get up close and personal.


    Reaching out, he selected an accessory¡ªone designed to make his punches hit harder.

 Chapter 147 Attack on Titan

    [Fury Gauntlet]


    "It''s been a while," Alex muttered, flexing his fingers before slamming his fists together.


    CRACK!


    A metallic ring echoed as the spiked gauntlets clashed, sending tiny sparks flying.


    He hadn''t used this accessory since his battle with the Cockatrice King. Back then, it had helped him shatter a beast twice his size.


    The Fury Gauntlet wasn''t just for show.


    It boosted his strength and defense boosted by 10%.


    And it had a special effect:


    He could dish out a punch that landed with three times its usual force and the cooldown for it was 10 minutes.


    Alex grinned.


    Without hesitation, he charged forward, the ground beneath his feet cracking slightly as he launched himself at the nearest skeleton.


    Freya caught sight of him moving and didn''t hesitate. She followed suit, gripping her blade tightly, her sharp gaze locked on the incoming wave of undead.


    Behind them, Ella raised her staff, her lips moving rapidly as she whispered an incantation. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A magic circle appeared on the ground beneath her feet, glowing with an eerie green light.


    From within, vines sprouted¡ªthick, writhing, and lined with razor-sharp thorns.


    With a single flick of her hand, the vines lunged forward, twisting and coiling toward the skeletons like hungry serpents.


    Ezekiel stood behind them, watching as they all rushed into battle.


    His hands clenched into fists.


    He gritted his teeth.


    He watched as Dorion and Onigi clashed ahead, their weapons slicing through the air at blinding speeds.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Every strike sent sparks flying, leaving deep gouges in the walls and floor.


    Any undead foolish enough to step between them were reduced to scraps¡ªsevered limbs and shattered skulls littering the battlefield.


    It was intense.


    He had always known Dorion was powerful, but not like this.


    And the grin on Dorion''s face?


    That was pure madness. The guy was enjoying it.


    Then there was the other maniac.


    The one who had dragged them all into this chaos.


    The one causing this massive ruckus.


    Alex.


    Done with blowing things up, he had switched to raw, unfiltered violence.


    He plowed through the undead like they were made of paper, each punch turning skeletons into airborne piles of bones.


    One unlucky skeleton tried to lunge at him¡ªbig mistake.


    Alex caught it mid-attack, slammed it to the ground with a sickening crunch, then yanked it back up by the leg.


    And then...


    He began to spin.


    Faster and Faster.


    Bones clattered, undead screeched, and Alex just cackled like a madman, whirling the skeleton around like a living wrecking ball.


    As Alex swung the undead around like a club, bones shattered on impact, taking down the swarm that surrounded him.


    Then, with a grunt, he hurled the battered skeleton straight into the wall.


    BOOM!


    It exploded into pieces, ribs and skull fragments scattering across the battlefield.


    Danger.


    His instincts flared.


    Alex''s head snapped up¡ªundead archers had taken position above, bows drawn, arrows flying straight at him.


    TCH.


    His hand shot up.


    A faint ripple in the air¡ªMinor Telekinesis activated.


    The arrows froze mid-air, trembling, their momentum stolen.


    Alex smirked. "Not today."


    With a flick of his wrist, the arrows spun around and shot back at their senders.


    THUD! THUD!


    The undead archers crumpled to the ground, permanently dead this time.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    He let out a battle cry, his voice echoing through the battlefield as he punched through another wave of skeletons, sending bones flying.


    Then, in a blink¡ªhe vanished.


    A second later¡ªhe reappeared elsewhere.


    Another wave of undead collapsed as he tore through them at impossible speed.


    Ezekiel clenched his jaw.


    What the hell kind of monster is this?!


    Alex was using multiple high-tier skills effortlessly like it was nothing.


    And now, Freya was getting involved too.


    Freya flicked her wrist¡ªa flurry of blades shot through the air.


    THUNK!


    The daggers buried deep into the undead''s foreheads, dropping them instantly.


    Before the rest could react¡ªshe vanished.


    Stealth.


    The next moment, more skeletons crumpled to the ground, their skulls pierced by daggers that seemed to come from nowhere.


    Then¡ªshe reappeared.


    In a single, fluid motion, she drove both blades into an undead''s skull.


    CRACK.


    She twisted the hilts. The skull fractured under the force, splitting apart.


    But another undead raised its rusted sword¡ªready to swing.


    Before it could¡ªvines erupted from the ground.


    SHRRK!


    They snaked around the skeleton, tightening it like a vice, then tore it apart limb by limb.


    More vines slithered across the battlefield, ripping through undead like living whips.


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply.


    Watching all this unfold, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was just standing there, useless.


    He muttered under his breath, "Why''d I have to get dragged into this mess?"


    He thought about leaving.


    But then he remembered the undead''s chilling words:


    "Everyone with Alex will be eliminated."


    If he ran, would they chase him? Would he even make it out?


    Not worth the risk.


    Ezekiel sighed again, then rolled his shoulders.


    "Guess I should join in too."


    Ezekiel rushed into the horde.


    As soon as he reached them, he swung his heavy blade¡ªSHING!¡ªthe steel carved through multiple skeletons, splitting them clean in half. Bones clattered to the ground.


    But he wasn''t done.


    With a flick of his hand, he summoned a shield.


    WHAM!


    He swung it like a battering ram, smashing through more undead. Skulls snapped like brittle twigs as the impact sent skeletons flying.


    Then something changed.


    A few steps ahead, two¡­ three skeletons began to merge.


    Their bones twisted and fused, cracking as they melded into a single, hulking figure.


    A towering abomination with a massive spiked mace in hand.


    It turned its hollow gaze toward Ezekiel.


    THUD.


    It took a step forward.


    Ezekiel sighed, shifting his stance. Seriously? Why did this happen right when he finally decided to join in?


    The creature lunged.


    BOOM!


    The mace came crashing down!


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, raising his shield.


    CLANG!


    The impact rattled his entire arm, forcing him back a step. Dirt and dust kicked up around him.


    Meanwhile...


    Alex was in his own world of destruction.


    His fists crushed skeletons like paper, sending bone fragments flying in every direction. He moved like a whirlwind, every punch tearing through wave after wave of undead.


    Then, mid-punch, he saw something.


    A stronger undead.


    It was huge, powerful-and was fighting Ezekiel.


    Alex grinned. That was his kind of fight.


    But before he could charge in¡ª


    More skeletons started merging.


    One... Two... Twenty...


    A hundred.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Now this was going to be fun.


    The undead continued to merge and grow, stacking bones upon bones¡ªuntil it reached titan level.


    A colossal undead now stood before them, its skull brushing the ceiling, shoulders as broad as fortress walls. In its massive, decayed hands, it gripped a sword the size of a building.


    Alex licked his lips, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Now we''re talking.


    The Titan roared, its hollow bellow shaking the maze itself. Then, with a slow yet terrifying rise of its sword, it lifted the massive blade overhead.


    And then...


    SWOOSH¡ªBOOM!


    The sword came crashing down! Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    The sheer force of the attack split the ground apart, carving a massive trench that tore through multiple maze walls. Debris exploded into the air, dust clouds swallowing the battlefield.


    But¡­


    Did the attack land?


    Nah.


    A voice rang out above.


    "Hey, you missed."


    Through the swirling dust, Alex hovered midair, a cocky smirk on his face.


    He had dodged at the last second, using sheer agility to leap high into the sky.


    Now, it was his turn.


    Alex drew back his fist.


    His breath steadied.


    Then he activated the [Fury Gauntlet]''s special triple effect.


    Power surged through his arm. The gauntlet glowed red-hot, its metal groaning under the sheer force building up inside. Energy shot out, trembling with energy.


    His muscles tensed.


    And then he swung forward, his fist rocketing toward the Titan''s skull like a meteor crashing to earth.


    The air shook. The force rippled outward.


    And then...

 Chapter 148 A Crazy Idea

    KABOOM!


    Alex''s fist connected with the undead titan''s skull.


    A shockwave erupted, splitting the air like a thunderclap.


    The titan''s massive face cracked, and then shattered completely. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BOOM!


    Its head blew apart into nothingness, fragments of bone and glowing embers scattering like fireworks.


    The towering body swayed, cracks racing down its entire skeletal frame.


    Then...


    CRASH!


    The colossal undead collapsed, its sheer weight smashing through multiple maze walls like a wrecking ball.


    Dust and debris shot up in thick clouds, filling the battlefield.


    Silence followed.


    Then Alex exhaled sharply, a torrent of air rushing from his lungs.


    He landed softly, the sole of his slippers touching the cracked stone floor with ease.


    His fingers flexed.


    His muscles hummed with residual power.


    Behind him, Freya, Ella, and Ezekiel stood frozen, eyes wide in shock.


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    The strength needed to deliver a punch like that¡­ was beyond normal.


    Especially since the titan wasn''t just one enemy¡ªit was made of hundreds of undead.


    With its fall, their numbers had been drastically reduced.


    Now, the remaining undead were scattered, disorganized, easy to pick off.


    They finished the fight.


    And Ezekiel, still exhausted, still processing what he just witnessed, let out a strained breath.


    His voice wavered, a mix of awe and worry.


    "What are we going to do now?" he asked.


    His eyes darted around, paranoia creeping in.


    "Our actions will provoke retaliation. We might never make it out of here."


    Alex grinned, eyes glinting with mischief.


    "We won''t? I wonder about that."


    Ezekiel narrowed his eyes.


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Freya, on the other hand, exhaled sharply, already bracing herself.


    She knew that look.


    Whatever Alex was planning, it was going to be crazy.


    And then...


    FWOOSH!


    Alex activated [Multiplicity].


    In an instant, five identical clones of himself burst into existence, surrounding them.


    They flickered into view, each one wearing the same cocky smirk.


    Then the clones scattered in every direction, moving fast.


    Ezekiel''s jaw dropped.


    He can create clones too?!


    His mind reeled.


    What else could this guy do? Breathe fire? Control time? Summon dragons?!


    "What was that about?" Ella asked, eyes wide.


    Alex waved it off casually.


    "Nothing you should be concerned about."


    Ezekiel wasn''t having it.


    "I think we should. You pulled us into this mess! How is creating more of you supposed to help?!"


    Alex sighed, like explaining something to a child.


    Then, with an easy smirk, he simply pointed.


    "Over there."


    Alex pointed ahead.


    The three turned to look and what they saw made their eyes widen.


    The fallen titan undead had smashed through countless maze walls, leaving behind a massive, gaping path.


    One of his clones continued to blast his way straight through, with [Exploding Touch] creating an easy path that led to the direction of the maze exit.


    Alex smirked.


    "Just keep going straight to the end, and you''ll escape."


    Ezekiel blinked:


    "Wait¡­ seriously?"


    Ella said nervously:


    "But isn''t that¡­ breaking the rules?"


    Alex raised an eyebrow, looking at her like she had just said something ridiculous.


    "You''re seriously worried about that now?" he asked, voice dripping with amusement.


    He gestured at the destruction around them¡ªthe crumbling walls, the shattered skeletons, the sheer chaos.


    "At this point, everything''s already gone to hell. Why not finish it with even more chaos?"


    Ezekiel and Ella just stared at him, dumbfounded.


    Freya, meanwhile, sighed, shaking her head.


    Yep. Crazy.


    She had more experience with this.


    But as she stood there, feeling the adrenaline, the thrill, the sheer insanity of it all¡ª


    She realized something.


    Compared to before when she had been confused, and scared by Alex action.


    Now? She felt excited.


    Freya groaned, rubbing her forehead.


    Maybe the madness was getting to her too.


    Alex continued, completely unfazed.


    "The undead guide never told us how we had to get through the maze. So technically? Anything counts."


    He chuckled.


    "Honestly, I find it funny that he called me a cheat when I did nothing wrong."


    "So, what do you intend to do while we escape?" Freya asked, her voice steady. She knew he was planning something crazier.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then Alex finally answered¡ªhis tone casual, almost amused.


    "Blow this place up. Why?"


    A tense beat followed.


    Ezekiel froze.


    Then, without even looking back, he turned on his heel and walked away.


    "Yeah, I''ve had enough of this."


    Alex''s actions were too much.


    Too reckless.


    Too insane.


    Ezekiel wasn''t about to stick around for whatever crazy plan came next.


    Alex watched him go, then looked at Freya.


    "You should leave too."


    Freya studied him for a second. Then she sighed.


    "Just come out alive."


    With that, she turned and followed Ezekiel, Ella trailing close behind.


    As soon as they were at a safe distance, Alex muttered under his breath.


    "I can''t die. I''m too broken."


    He slowly raised both hands, fingers flexing, power crackling around him.


    His grin widened.


    "Alright then... why don''t we begin setting things up?"


    *


    Meanwhile, Dorion and Onigi were still locked in battle.


    The ground was littered with shattered bones, the remains of countless undead.


    Onigi''s breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling rapidly. A deep slash marked his torso, blood seeping into his clothes.


    Dorion, in contrast, stood tall. Untouched.


    No wounds. No hesitation. Just a few rips in his clothing.


    Onigi clicked his teeth in frustration.


    He had landed multiple attacks¡ªbut they meant nothing.


    Each time his blade struck flesh, Dorion healed instantly. Wounds sealed as if they never existed.


    Onigi was at a disadvantage.


    The longer the fight dragged on, the worse it got.


    And it wasn''t just the regeneration¡ªDorion was fast, slippery. He wielded his scythe with frightening precision, twisting and shifting like a shadow, always just out of reach.


    But Onigi had seen his chance.


    For just a moment, Dorion was distracted, when the colossal undead titan fell (courtesy of Alex), the impact shaking the battlefield.


    A split second of vulnerability.


    Onigi struck.


    His blade sliced across Dorion''s neck.


    For a brief instant, Dorion''s eyes widened.


    His fingers flew to his throat, clutching at the wound.


    Blood gushed between his fingers.


    Victory?


    No.


    Then came the grin.


    An eerie, bone-chilling grin.


    Dorion''s eyes burned with vigor.


    Before Onigi could react, Dorion manipulated his own blood¡ªwarping it into the shape of a blade.


    And then...


    SLASH!


    A crimson arc had torn across Onigi''s chest.

 Chapter 149 The Maze And The Guide

    Onigi clutched his wound.


    It wasn''t healing.


    His breathing grew heavier as pain pulsed through his body. His regeneration¡ªit wasn''t working.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Dorion''s blood had done something.


    A special effect? A curse? Whatever it was, it was stopping him from healing.


    And knowing Dorion, this wasn''t his only trick.


    Dorion tilted his head, a wicked smirk tugging at his lips.


    "Are you done, old man?" he taunted. "I still have a lot more to dish out."


    Onigi tightened his grip on his weapon.


    The kid was dangerous¡ªtoo unpredictable.


    His mind raced. But his heartbeat was calm.


    ''Should I use that?''


    But before he could decide, another presence arrived.


    A sharp shift in the air.


    Alex.


    No...not Alex.


    A clone.


    Onigi''s frown deepened. "What is he up to this time?"


    Alex''s clone glanced at the battlefield, his gaze flicking from the scattered bones to Onigi''s wound.


    "Oh..." Alex muttered, a grin creeping onto his face.


    "This scene was certainly not what I was expecting."


    This fight wasn''t going the way he expected.


    Dorion somehow was winning.


    Alex''s gaze sharpened. He looked at Dorion differently now.


    The kid was way stronger than he had seemed at first.


    No doubt because of his connection to a deity.


    That power, that affiliation, gave him an edge.


    Did Onigi have something like that?


    Alex doubted it.


    With a sigh, he decided to cut straight to the point.


    "Alright, listen up. I plan to blow the entire maze up, so you two might wanna put this little fight on hold and get to stepping."


    Dorion blinked.


    "Huh?"


    The words clearly caught him off guard.


    Alex pointed behind him.


    "Follow the straight path I made, and you''ll be fine."


    Then he smirked.


    "But hey, if you two wanna keep fighting, be my guest."


    Alex placed his hand against the maze wall setting an explosion disk.


    A smirk played on his lips.


    "But I''d advise you to leave. My explosion doesn''t discriminate."


    With that, he turned and ran off, leaving both of them staring after him.


    Dorion exhaled, then turned to Onigi, a sharp grin forming on his face.


    "Well? What''s it gonna be, old man? Temporary truce?"


    Onigi didn''t even hesitate.


    He lifted his sword and pointed it straight at Dorion, his gaze unwavering and cold.


    "Like I said earlier, I''ll be taking your head. No matter the interference."


    Dorion''s grin faltered slightly.


    What a troublesome geezer.


    He really wished Onigi would just wait. The last thing he wanted was to get caught in Alex''s explosion.


    There was also something off about Onigi''s aura now.


    Something unsettling.


    For the first time, he wasn''t sure he''d win this fight without nearly dying himself.


    Onigi took a step forward, his voice low and firm.


    "One of us isn''t leaving this place, kid."


    His grip on his sword tightened.


    "So raise your weapon."


    *


    As Alex''s clones sprinted through the maze, setting up explosives, the real Alex stood before the fallen titan undead.


    He extended his hand, using [Dismiss] to transfer his explosion disk all over the maze, the energy spreading like wildfire, saturating the ruins with unstable mana.


    This action rapidly burned his mana.


    And he was running out quickly.


    But he didn''t care.


    The destruction he was about to unleash would be a masterpiece.


    This sight of it was something he''d love to see.


    More undead swarmed toward him, but Alex barely acknowledged them.


    One punch. That''s all it took.


    Bones shattered, skulls crumpled, and bodies collapsed like broken puppets.


    Then there was a shift.


    A heavy presence filled the air, thick with rage and vengeance.


    The big boss had arrived.


    The Undead Guide.


    And he was furious.


    Alex spotted him through the haze of broken walls and dust, casually lifting a hand in greeting.


    "Oh¡­ hey there." He waved like he was running into an old friend. "If you could just wait a sec while I finish up here, that''d be awesome."


    The Undead Guide''s skeletal frame tensed, his glowing eyes burning with fury.


    "Damn you! You''ve ruined it all!"


    He roared, his voice shaking the very foundations of the maze.


    Alex unfazed, tilted his head as he asked in a casual tone:


    "Ruined what, exactly?"


    "The entire trial!" the Undead Guide roared.


    A dark rift split open beside him, and from it, a sword of pure void energy materialized in his grasp.


    Without hesitation, he lunged at Alex, moving faster than expected.


    CLANG!


    Alex barely had time to draw his own blade, meeting the strike with a powerful parry.


    Sparks flew as metal scraped against metal.


    The Undead Guide didn''t let up.


    His sword became a whirlwind of deadly strikes, slashing from all directions.


    Left. Right.


    A downward cleave.


    A twisting thrust.


    But Alex deflected every attack, stepping back with each strike, keeping his cool.


    "Now, because of you¡­" the Undead Guide growled, pushing harder, "I''ll make sure every single player in this maze doesn''t make it out alive!"


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh? Are you sure you want to do that?"


    With a sudden burst of speed, he twisted his wrist, swatting the Guide''s sword aside. Then, in one smooth motion, he drove his boot into the undead''s chest, launching him backward.


    The Undead Guide staggered, backwards. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His skeletal teeth clenched in pain.


    "You''ll regret this¡­" he snarled.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk as he raised his hand.


    "Would I?"


    He snapped.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Explosions ripped through the maze, shaking the ground.


    Walls crumbled.


    Flames roared.


    Thick smoke twisted into the air as entire sections of the labyrinth collapsed into rubble.


    Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    And that was just the start of it.


    The Undead Guide gritted his teeth, his hollow eyes burning with fury.


    He lunged at Alex, sword raised but Alex simply snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The Undead Guide''s body detonated, chunks of bone and shadow scattering into the air.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then his body reformed.


    Bone snapped back together, shadow tendrils stitched his form whole once more.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "This is why I hate you guys. Your annoying asses just keep coming back."


    The Undead Guide uttered darkly.


    "I''m undead. It''s what we do."


    Alex folded his arms.


    "Yeah? Well, let''s see how long that lasts."


    The Undead Guide twitched. A flicker of unease crossed his face.


    Alex smirked.


    "I can sense it, you know. The energy leaking out of you."


    The Guide stiffened.


    "You''re the one sustaining this place, aren''t you?" Alex continued. "An anchor the Nightmare is using to keep the maze together. To generate monsters. To keep this trial running."


    The Undead Guide''s glowing eyes widened.


    "What¡­? How''d you¡ª?"


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    "Come on. It''s obvious. You''re more than just a ''guide'', you''re the body. The maze is the heart. You can''t exist without it. You''re both linked."


    The Undead Guide took a step back.


    For the first time, a hint of fear flickered in his expression.

 Chapter 150 Despair And Await

    This was why the undead guide was hurt after his first battle with Alex.


    The destruction of the domain had damaged him.


    The area of the maze where the domain had formed also gone, and with it, his strength had weakened.


    He gritted his teeth.


    The Death Maze was connected to him.


    Its destruction was his destruction.


    Alex crossed his arms, watching the Undead Guide''s reaction with amusement.


    He took a step forward, his voice taking on a teasing edge.


    "Though, of course, this is all just an assumption," he continued. "But I bet it''s pretty close to the truth, isn''t it?"


    The Undead Guide''s glowing eyes narrowed.


    He didn''t respond.


    Not because Alex was wrong, but because he was right.


    Alex grinned, watching the hesitation flicker across the Guide''s face.


    "Oh? No rebuttal?" He let out a chuckle.


    "Guess I must''ve hit the mark, huh?"


    The Undead Guide''s grip on his sword tightened, but his silence betrayed the truth.


    Alex tilted his head, eyes gleaming with mischief.


    "Now, here''s a fun question..." He tapped his chin


    . "What happens if the maze is completely wiped out?"


    The Undead Guide stiffened.


    Alex''s smirk widened.


    "Will the Nightmare keep pumping you full of energy to fix it?" He shrugged. "I doubt it. After all, its energy isn''t limitless."


    The Undead Guide''s hands trembled.


    Alex had noticed it the moment the cursed mark vanished.


    One second, it was there¡ªhis personal tool for farming stat points.The next? Gone. Just like that.


    It didn''t sit right with him. It felt like manipulation.


    "Bullshit." That was the only way to describe it.


    A condition was suddenly slapped onto him out of nowhere.


    Someone clearly didn''t want him taking advantage of the curse.


    But it was more than that.


    His mind pieced it together.


    The more monsters he killed, the weaker the tutorial boss behind this nightmare became. He didn''t have the full picture yet, but he was willing to bet it would affect the trials ahead.


    And there was no way the beast lord behind the nightmare would let that happen.


    Alex clenched his fists.


    But there was one thing he knew for sure.


    The Beast Lord¡ªthe supposed ruler of this twisted place¡ªwasn''t a god.


    It was a beast.


    A damned tree.


    Not a deity.


    And that meant... its energy wasn''t limitless.


    No matter how terrifying it seemed, no matter how much power it claimed to hold¡ªit had a breaking point.


    And Alex was going to find it by blowing the whole place up.


    The undead guide froze for a moment.


    Then, its body jerked violently.


    A low, unnatural crack echoed as its spine twisted, and its head snapped upward.


    Its eyes began to glow¡ªan eerie, unnatural green.


    Alex''s grin faded slightly as he watched.


    Possession.


    That wasn''t the undead guide any more.


    It was eerily similar to what had happened to the undead vendor when he had first appeared here.


    Something else had taken over.


    Alex smirked, his voice laced with mockery.


    "Nice of you to show your face."


    He was sure it was the Beast Lord speaking now.


    The undead''s head tilted at an unnatural angle before straightening.Then, it grinned.


    That same creepy, unnerving smile.


    "Human..."


    The voice that came from it was deeper, layered, inhuman.


    "You think you''re smart. That you''ve figured things out."


    Slowly, the possessed undead raised its hand.


    The ground trembled.


    Behind it, shadows stretched unnaturally.


    Then, one by one, massive figures rose.


    Undead titans.


    Their bodies towered over the maze, bones cracking, joints snapping into place.But these were different.


    Unlike the one Alex had crushed before, these dripped with lava.


    Molten rock leaked from their bodies like blood, sizzling as it hit the ground, burning holes into the stone floor.


    The possessed undead''s grin widened as it looked at Alex.


    "Despite all your knowledge..."


    Its glowing eyes pulsed with a sickening green light.


    "You still won''t leave this place alive."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, cracking his knuckles.


    This... was going to be interesting.


    The possessed undead took a slow step forward, its molten titans looming behind it like giants of destruction.


    Its eerie green eyes glowed brighter as it locked onto Alex.


    "Alex Hunt."


    The voice was deep, guttural, layered with something far beyond human.


    "I''m ending your journey here before you''re causing nothing but havoc. Your death will be great sustenance for all the energy I''ve lost."


    Alex chuckled, shaking his head.


    "Sorry to break it to you, but you''re about to lose even more energy."


    He casually cracked his knuckles, a smug grin spreading across his face.


    "I''ve sent my clones all over the maze to set up explosions¡­ for a big bang."


    "If anyone is ending things here... it''s me."


    The possessed undead froze.


    Then, its eerie glow flared.


    "Bastard!" it roared, fury lacing every word.


    Its skeletal hands clenched into fists.


    "Don''t you care about the lives of your fellow players?! They''ll get caught in the crossfire!"


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Players?" he scoffed.


    Then, with a casual shrug, he continued:


    "The ones still alive are already heading toward the path I made. Straight toward the exit line of the maze."


    For a moment, the air was still.


    Then, the possessed undead''s lips curled into a wicked grin.


    A sinister, unnerving smirk.


    "Really...?" it drawled, voice dripping with malice.


    "Do you think I''d let them escape just like that?"


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    *


    Over at the fleeing players...


    The ground rumbled beneath them.


    A deep, guttural groan echoed through the maze.


    Then...


    THUD!


    THUD!


    Multiple giant undead rose from the earth, their grotesque forms blocking the path forward.


    They weren''t as massive as the titan undead Alex had fought, but they were just as terrifying.


    Their glowing eyes burned with hunger.


    Their jagged claws twitched in anticipation.


    "Seriously?!"


    Ezekiel, who had been leading the group, skidded to a stop, his boots grinding against the dirt.


    With a quick motion, he unsheathed his greatsword, the blade gleaming under the eerie maze light.


    Beside him, Freya and Ella didn''t hesitate.


    Freya''s twin daggers gleamed, and Ella''s staff raised ready to cast a spell.


    Behind them...


    A swarm of surviving players¡ªthe ones Alex had guided toward the escape route¡ªstood frozen.


    Some gripped their weapons, while others hesitated, fear gripping their chests.


    But they had no choice.


    The finish line was just ahead.


    And standing between them and freedom?


    A horde of giant undead.


    The undead let out a monstrous growl.


    Then they attacked.


    Their massive hands swung downward, ready to crush them.


    But...


    SNAP!


    A blinding blur appeared right in front of them, multiple Alex clones appearing.


    And with a single snap of its fingers.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Multiple giant undead collapsed, their bodies hitting the ground with earth-shaking force.


    The players barely had time to process what happened before more undead formed.


    But then...


    A blitz of pure speed tore through them like a phantom.


    SLASH!


    A couple of the undead collapsed instantly, their massive bodies crumbling into dust.


    Then there was another blur. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    BOOM!


    More undead exploded apart, their twisted forms torn to pieces.


    The surviving players froze in shock.


    Their eyes darted around, confused.


    Who was doing this?!


    Then they saw them.


    Dorion and Onigi.


    The crazy teen and the old Ronin.


    But instead of working together, Dorion was running for his life. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And Onigi?


    Chasing him. Sword in hand. Eyes burning with fury.


    "Where are you running off to, kid?!" Onigi bellowed. "You cannot escape death!"


    Dorion, still sprinting, glanced back with a cocky grin.


    "You shouldn''t run too much, old man. You''ll give yourself a heart attack."


    Freya blinked.


    What the hell were these two doing?!


    Earlier


    Dorion had dodged Onigi''s attack and instead of fighting back, he had taken off running.


    He wasn''t about to let himself get cooked by Alex''s nukes.


    Onigi, refusing to let him go, charged after him. His expression?


    Pure rage.


    The chase was a blur of speed and near misses, the two weaving past the undead, almost dancing through the battlefield.


    And then Dorion crossed the finish line first.


    Right behind him, Onigi followed his blade inches from the teen''s back.


    And thanks to their unintentional distraction, the rest of the players.


    Made it out alive.


    Alex clones stood firm, battling with the endless horde of undead spawning at a rapid pace.


    Their mission? Aid their escape and hold the line.


    The other players had to escape. No matter what.


    *


    The possessed undead guide clenched his teeth, his eerie green eyes flickering in frustration.


    He could feel it.


    Multiple players¡­ escaping.


    One after another, crossing the finish line.


    Never before had so many survived this round of the nightmare.


    It was unprecedented.


    And it was infuriating.


    Then a cold, chilling voice cut through the chaos like a blade:


    "Your defeat is inevitable, you damned tree. Give up."


    The undead guide snapped his head up.


    Alex stood there, calm and composed, his hand raised high.


    He was about to detonate every single explosive he and his clones had planted across the maze.


    The undead guide''s eyes widened, and it roared sending a wave of undead forward, an army of towering abominations rushing Alex all at once.


    "Damn you!"


    Their rotting bodies thundered across the battlefield, weapons raised, shadows stretching like a tidal wave of death.


    But Alex simply grinned.


    Then he snapped his fingers.


    "Despair¡­ and await."

 Chapter 151 Burnt Out

    "Damn you!"


    The possessed undead let out a furious shriek, its grotesque form twisting unnaturally as it lunged for Alex, stretching its decayed limbs toward his face.


    But it was too late.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk. "Despair and await."


    Snap.


    The sound echoed through the crumbling maze.


    In an instant, Alex''s body blurred, vanishing¡ªswitching places with one of his clones.


    He reappeared mid-stride, now facing the massive undead giants that were relentlessly chasing after the escaping players.


    He took a quick glance.


    They were all gone. Safe.


    Good.


    His eyes flicked to his remaining clones.


    Only two were left. They had been fighting non-stop, holding back the monstrous horde.


    The one he had just swapped with steadied itself, standing its ground.


    The second clone¡ªbruised, battered, and barely holding together¡ªturned its head toward Alex. Its expression was clear.


    It was ready.


    Alex met its gaze and grinned. He raised two fingers in a mock salute.


    The clone gave a final nod.


    Then Alex bolted¡ªfeet pounding against the stone floor as he sprinted toward the exit line of the death maze.


    Behind him, a chain reaction of explosions ripped through the maze¡ªthunderous, earth-shaking blasts that tore through walls, shattered pillars, and obliterated everything in their wake.


    The shockwaves rushed forward, heat licking at Alex''s back, but he didn''t slow down.


    He had done what he came to do.


    And he wasn''t looking back.


    KABOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    A chain reaction of explosion disks ignited simultaneously, each blast tearing through the maze like a miniature nuke.


    The air twisted violently, creating a vacuum that sucked in debris, dust, and even flames before unleashing a catastrophic shockwave outward.


    The earth-shaking impact sent cracks spiderwebbing through the stone floors.


    Walls crumbled.Monsters disintegrated.Traps were obliterated before they could even trigger.


    Everything in its path was consumed by the inferno.


    Meanwhile, the possessed undead guide, gripping Alex clone by the throat, snarled. It tightened its grip, attempting to crush the life out of it.


    But before it could succeed...


    Poof.


    The clone vanished¡ªdismissed by Alex in an instant.


    And in the next second, the undead guide, along with every lava-coated abomination nearby, was engulfed in the explosive fury.


    At the Finish Line¡­


    Alex stood just behind the barrier, the only thing keeping the destruction contained within the maze.


    The transparent energy field flickered a protective wall that prevented anything¡ªliving or dead¡ªfrom escaping.


    Alex exhaled, grinning as he admired his work.


    Fire. Smoke. Absolute devastation.


    The maze was now an inferno of chaos, its once towering walls now nothing but rubble.


    His masterpiece.


    He crossed his arms, watching as yet another explosion erupted in the distance, sending a plume of flames and debris soaring into the sky.


    "My ability really is a thing of beauty," he mused, smirking.


    After the explosions finally settled, silence took over.


    Everything was gone.


    The maze? Erased.


    In its place was nothing but darkness.


    A bottomless abyss.


    It was as if the labyrinth had never existed in the first place.


    That was the power of [Exploding Touch].


    And Alex hadn''t even maxed it out yet.


    He exhaled, arms crossed, still watching the chaotic void he had created. But then¡ª


    Something shifted. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A faint dragging sound.


    At first, it was barely noticeable, like a whisper against the rubble.


    But soon, it became clear¡ª


    Something was moving.


    Something was still alive.


    Alex narrowed his eyes and took a few careful steps back from the barrier.


    Then, he saw it.


    A skeletal hand clawed its way past the scorched ground.


    It dragged itself forward.


    It was the possessed undead.


    How the hell did it survive that?


    Its once-imposing frame was now reduced to almost nothing.


    Only its upper body remained, one bony arm, and a cracked skull barely holding itself together.


    The undead coughed, a wheezing rasp, as it continued to crawl forward, pulling itself past the barrier.


    But then, it stopped.


    A shadow loomed over it.


    A heavy presence.


    The undead froze, its remaining eye socket flickering with faint energy.


    Then it slowly looked up.


    And there he was.


    Alex.


    Standing tall, arms crossed, staring down at him.


    The possessed undead felt its entire body shudder.


    That grin on Alex''s face¡ªarrogant, unfazed.


    A nightmare in human form.


    Alex crouched down, resting his elbows on his knees as he sighed.


    "You just had to drag your ass over here, huh?"


    His voice was calm, almost amused.


    "Haven''t you had enough?"


    The undead didn''t respond.


    The greenish glow in its hollow eyes flickered weakly, barely holding on.


    Then it let out a low, rattling groan.


    "This¡­ this isn''t over¡­"


    Alex exhaled, shaking his head.


    "You''re right, it isn''t¡­"


    He rolled his shoulders, then smirked.


    "We''ll meet again, won''t we?"


    His voice dropped, steady and final.


    "Don''t disappoint me next time."


    Then¡ªAlex raised his hand.


    His fist clenched tight.


    And with one brutal strike¡ª


    CRACK! Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    He slammed it down, shattering the undead''s skull into dust.


    Ding!


    A sharp chime echoed in Alex''s mind.


    Then, notifications flooded in¡ª


    [You killed Overseer of the Third Trial]


    [You have received 10,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 100 Stat Points]


    Another set of alerts popped up.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 10,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received an additional 100 Stat Points]


    Alex''s lips curled into a satisfied grin.


    The points from killing the undead guide were great, but that wasn''t all.


    He had racked up more from cutting down the hordes of undead and monsters in the maze.Not to mention, the reward for clearing this trial.


    [You have cleared the Third Trial]


    [You have received 5,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 50 Stat Points]


    And, again, his ability kicked in.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 5,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received an additional 50 Stat Points]


    Alex quickly pulled up his status to see the total.


    A number flashed before him:


    [Total Nightmare Points: 61,000]


    [Total Stat Points: 2950]


    Alex nodded to himself.


    The stat points were all he cared about.


    Upgrading his skills.Pushing past his limits.


    That was the goal.


    But first¡­


    A deep exhale left his lips.


    "Rest."


    He muttered the word softly, then let himself fall backward.


    His magic point was at zero.


    And if he wanted to end this nightmare he needed to recover first.


    But just before he hit the ground...

 Chapter 152 A Condition

    But just before he hit the ground a soft, warm hand caught him.


    He was pulled into an embrace.


    A gentle warmth surrounded him.


    His body tensed for a moment, then relaxed as he inhaled a familiar scent.


    It was Freya.


    And she..


    *Sniff *Sniff


    She smelled... nice.


    Alex blinked up at her, slightly dazed.


    "You haven''t left?" he asked.


    Freya shook her head, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.


    "No."


    Behind her, Ella stood quietly, watching the exchange.


    Ahead, Ezekiel was talking to some of the players Alex''s clones had saved.


    In total, there were about a dozen survivors.


    Alex''s eyes swept over them, then narrowed slightly.


    "What about Onigi and Dorion?"


    He hadn''t seen those two anywhere.


    Freya''s expression shifted slightly as she answered.


    "They took their fight to the next trial. The old man seems hell-bent on ending his life."


    Alex sighed.


    Whatever was going on with Onigi and Dorion had nothing to do with him. He''d had people trying to kill him for something he knew nothing about. And that wasn''t exactly pleasant.


    Right now, he had bigger concerns.


    Freya''s voice broke the silence.


    "What do we do now?" she asked.


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, still feeling the weight of exhaustion.


    "We wait for a while and recover," he said simply.


    Freya nodded.


    "That''s probably a good idea. A lot of people are injured, and the vendor is nowhere to be seen to buy potions."


    Alex shot her a look.


    "You''re still thinking about those overpriced potions after seeing the ridiculous amount they charge?"


    Freya shrugged.


    "Well, they''re our only option since the system shop is still locked."


    Alex sighed again.


    He doubted a vendor would even show up.


    Not after the damage he had caused.


    Not after the massive loss the Beast Lord had suffered.


    But just as that thought crossed his mind¡ª


    A faint glow flickered in the air.


    A shop materialized out of nowhere, its neon-like signs flashing to life.


    A moment of stunned silence passed before one of the players shouted excitedly, pointing toward the newly appeared shop.


    "The vendor''s here!"


    Alex froze.


    Had he heard that right?


    He turned his head sharply¡ªand sure enough, there it was.


    The vendor''s shop stood fully set up, its eerie glow flickering against the darkness.


    And then¡ªits eyes locked onto him.


    A sickly, unnatural green light burned within them, staring straight at Alex.


    Seriously?


    Alex''s thoughts raced.


    The Beast Lord had just suffered a massive loss. Yet, it still spawned these guys?


    There was no way this was a coincidence.


    Alex had no doubt¡ªthe Beast Lord was up to something nasty.


    His instincts kicked in.


    He raised his hand, ready to obliterate the shop.


    But then¡ªhe hesitated.


    Damn it.


    His mana hadn''t recovered enough.


    Even if he wanted to destroy it, he couldn''t.


    With a frustrated sigh, he lowered his hand.


    Besides¡ªit was already too late.


    Players had gotten too close to the vendor shop. If he attacked now, they''d be caught in the blast.


    Alex''s gaze flickered toward the group.


    Ezekiel was at the front¡ªleading them.


    One of the players rushed ahead, excitement gleaming in his eyes as he reached the vendor.


    "I''d like to purchase a health potion!" he blurted out.


    SMACK!


    Ezekiel slapped the back of his head.


    The player staggered forward, rubbing the spot where he was hit.


    "Idiot," Ezekiel scolded, "shouldn''t you check how much you need to go to the next round before spending all your points?"


    The group fell silent.


    He had a point.


    The second trial had demanded more Nightmare Points than most players could afford, forcing them to turn on each other.


    Who was to say the same thing wouldn''t happen here?


    The young man gritted his teeth, clearly annoyed about getting hit¡ªbut after a moment, he nodded.


    "You''re right. We should check first."


    Alex watched the exchange, stunned.


    Somehow, Ezekiel had taken charge.


    He had only just met these players, yet they were already following his lead.


    Impressive.


    Ezekiel then turned toward another player, making a subtle gesture with his hand.


    The player understood immediately, nodding before heading toward the exit to check what they needed to advance.


    Before the player could check the requirements, the undead vendor suddenly spoke.


    "There''s no need to worry about points. You''ll certainly have enough."


    The words hung in the air, heavy with suspicion.


    Ezekiel''s brow furrowed.


    Like hell, he''d just take its word for it.


    His voice was sharp as he demanded, "What do you mean by that?"


    The undead vendor, unbothered, simply cleared its throat¡ªa dry, raspy sound like bones scraping together.


    Then, it spoke again.


    "I have an offer."


    The moment those words left its mouth, a notification window flashed in front of every player.


    Alex frowned.


    His eyes swept over the group, watching as each player¡ªFreya included¡ªread the message.


    But him?


    Nothing.


    No notification. No message.


    Yeah¡­ the Beast Lord was definitely up to something.


    He stood back, observing.


    At first, the players'' faces were filled with curiosity.


    Then shock.


    Finally, disbelief at whatever they had just read.


    Item: Exit Key


    Description: A special key that can be used on the door to the next trial, unlocking an exit that would take a player out of the Nightmare.


    The players'' eyes widened, stunned by what they were seeing.


    A key to escape the nightmare they were trapped in.


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    But as their gazes locked onto the glowing key, they all knew from experience that nothing comes easy in this twisted game.


    The price¡­ would be insanely high.


    Ezekiel''s face twisted into a frown, a clear sign that he wasn''t about to get excited over something this good.


    "What''s the price?"


    The undead vendor''s voice was low and unsettling, but it carried a strange calm.


    "Not a price, a condition," it corrected, its green eyes glowing as if to emphasize the weight of the next words. "And it''s a simple condition, really."


    Ezekiel''s frown deepened, his instincts screaming that simple was the last thing this would be.


    The vendor''s eerie grin stretched wider, its glowing eyes scanning the group with amusement.


    "In fact," it continued, voice smooth and deliberate, "not all of you need to participate for the condition to be met. As long as you received the notification, you get a free pass¡­ even if only one of you completes it."


    The players exchanged uneasy glances.


    That wording¡­was setting them up for something bad.


    Ezekiel''s patience wore thin.


    His jaw tightened, his fingers curled into a fist.


    "What is the condition?" he demanded, voice sharp.


    The vendor didn''t answer right away.


    Instead, it turned its gaze, slow, deliberate, until it landed directly on Alex.


    Then, it grinned.


    Alex''s own lips curled into a smirk, his fists balling at his sides.


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    This damn beast¡­


    And then, the vendor said it out loud:


    "As long as you take out Player 666 over there¡­" its bony finger pointed straight at Alex, "then all of you will receive an Exit Key and walk free."

 Chapter 153 Bad Choice [1]

    Alex sighed the moment he heard it.


    His head tilted downward, shoulders slumping slightly.


    Called it.


    The beast lord always had a trick up its sleeve, something twisted, something designed to mess with him. He''d seen this kind of setup before¡ªbeen through it. And if the people around him made the wrong choice, he wouldn''t hesitate.


    When he finally lifted his gaze, his eyes scanned the room¡ªand immediately, he saw it.


    Hostile stares.


    The players, the very ones who had fought alongside him, were now eyeing him like a prize, calculating, hesitating, their minds already spinning with possibilities.


    Alex sighed again, this time more tired than annoyed, his voice a quiet mutter:


    "Seriously? I have to do this again?"


    Ezekiel''s reaction was immediate. He clicked his tongue, his jaw clenching as he processed the condition. His disbelief turned into irritation before he finally spoke:


    "This has to be a joke, right?"


    But the undead vendor was unfazed, its eerie green eyes gleaming with amusement.


    "It isn''t," it said, completely serious. Then, it repeated itself, word for word¡ªjust to drive the point home:


    "As long as Player 666 is dead, every single one of you gets an Exit Key."


    Exit Key?


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he turned toward Freya.


    Out of everyone here, she was the one he was most curious about. Her choice mattered the most to him.


    But first, there was something more pressing.


    "Freya, what the hell is an Exit Key?"


    She frowned, confusion flickering across her face.


    "You didn''t get the notification?"


    Alex shook his head.


    Freya''s expression tightened. Then, she nodded in understanding.


    Figures.


    Since the condition to get the Exit Key was to kill Alex, why would the system even bother showing it to him?


    Taking a deep breath, she explained:


    "The Exit Key can be used on the door to the next trial. But instead of moving forward, it lets us escape the Nightmare entirely."


    Alex''s eyes widened. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a grin.


    Ah. Now it made sense.


    No wonder the others were staring at him like that.


    Conflicted. Hesitant. Tempted.


    Some had even gulped, their hands twitching at their sides, weighing their choices.


    He couldn''t blame them.


    But if anyone made the wrong choice¡­


    He wouldn''t forgive them.


    Ezekiel felt a cold shiver run down his spine.


    Kill Alex to get a way out?


    Was that even possible?


    His mind raced, recalling everything he had seen so far.


    Alex was a monster.


    He had wiped out a Titan Undead with a single devastating attack. His explosion ability alone was enough to turn the battlefield into ash.


    There was no way any of them stood a chance.


    But then, a dangerous thought crept in.


    Alex was weakened now.


    Ezekiel''s hands clenched into fists.


    Wait¡­ Are you actually considering it?


    He felt his chest tighten. His own reaction startled him.


    If he wasn''t thinking about it, then why was he worried about how powerful Alex was?


    A sense of unease settled in his gut.


    Slowly, he turned to face Alex.


    Their eyes met.


    Alex didn''t look angry. Didn''t look scared.


    Instead, he just grinned.


    Completely unfazed.


    His expression was unreadable, but one thing was clear¡ªhe knew exactly what was going through Ezekiel''s head.


    And that alone sent a chill down Ezekiel''s spine.


    But did that even matter?


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened.


    Alex wasn''t normal. That much was obvious. Maybe this was the price for breaking the rules¡ªfor causing chaos in the maze.


    But was that really an excuse?


    Now you''re just looking for a reason.


    Still, he needed to confirm.


    Ezekiel took a step forward, his voice steady but laced with doubt.


    "If I may ask¡­ why do we have to kill him? Did he do something wrong?"


    Does it matter? Ezekiel thought to himself.


    The undead vendor tilted its head slightly, its glowing green eyes locked onto him.


    Then, it spoke.


    "Does it matter?"


    Ezekiel''s breath hitched.


    That was the exact thought that had just crossed his mind.


    The undead grinned wider, its voice like a whispering taunt.


    "Your freedom lies in killing that man over there. It''s either you do it¡­ or you don''t. It''s as simple as that."


    Ezekiel''s hands curled into fists.


    It wasn''t simple.


    Not at all.


    But the undead was right about one thing¡ªhe was stalling.


    Deep down, he was dragging this out to avoid making a choice.


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    And looking around at the others, he could see the same hesitation reflected in their eyes.


    None of them wanted to be the first to decide.


    Because once someone did¡­


    Everything would spiral out of control.


    A player crept closer to Ezekiel, voice low, barely above a whisper.


    "He''s right. We should do it."


    Ezekiel''s head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing.


    It was the man Ezekiel had gestured to check out the exit, named Kieran.


    Kieran swallowed, then added, staring at Alex nervously:


    "Especially now that he seems exhausted."


    Ezekiel turned his gaze toward Alex, who was sitting on the ground, still and silent.


    It was the perfect opportunity.


    Ezekiel had witnessed Alex fight firsthand. The explosive power, the raw strength, the abilities far beyond what any of them could handle.


    But now?


    Alex looked drained, his body slumped, his breaths slow. The sheer effort it must have taken to blow the maze to oblivion had clearly left him burnt out.


    If they waited and he recovered¡­


    They wouldn''t stand a chance.


    So why not strike now?


    The air grew thick, the tension spreading like wildfire.


    Freya felt it.


    She felt the weight of the moment crushing down on her as every set of eyes in the room slowly turned to Alex, gazes filled with hostility, greed, and fear.


    She could tell what they were thinking, and she hated it.


    She had heard Alex mutter his complaint earlier, that annoyed sigh, the way he had muttered, "Seriously? I have to do this again?"


    And that pissed her off.


    That he even had to make this choice in the first place.


    The players murmured among themselves, their hushed voices buzzing like an uneasy swarm.


    All eyes kept flicking toward Ezekiel, waiting. Watching.


    He stood at the center of it all, his stance unreadable.


    Was he for this? Against it?


    Freya''s stomach twisted.


    Her image of him¡ªthe leader who wanted everyone to survive¡ªhad cracked. Shattered.


    She had no idea what the tank was thinking anymore.


    Back in the first trial, he had made it clear that every action he took was about his own survival¡ªwhich, at the time, was justifiable.


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    Now, she wanted to see just how far he''d go.


    Would he stay true to that mindset?


    Would he cross that line if it meant saving himself?


    Her gaze locked onto Ezekiel''s.


    Silence.


    And in that brief exchange¡ªthe flicker in his eyes, the way his fingers twitched¡ªFreya understood.


    He had made his choice.


    Ezekiel sighed and reached for his sword.


    The quiet scrape of metal filled the air.


    Around him, others followed suit¡ªhands hovering over their weapons, hesitating, but ready.


    Freya''s jaw clenched.


    Her fists tightened.


    Rage burned inside her.


    She gritted her teeth, barely holding back the fury threatening to explode.


    They were really going to do this?

 Chapter 154 Bad Choices [2]

    Damn it all.


    Freya couldn''t hold back her frustration any longer.


    Her blood boiled.


    With a sharp inhale, she rose to her feet¡ªher movements abrupt, furious.


    Then, she snapped.


    "Are you people seriously¡ª?!!" she shouted, her voice raw with rage.


    Her glare burned as she whipped her head around, staring down each of them.


    "The only reason we even made it out of that hellhole was because of him!" she yelled, pointing toward Alex.


    "He made the path to escape!"


    "He took down the monsters in our way!"


    "And this is how you repay him?! By stabbing him in the back?!"


    A heavy silence followed.


    Then, a voice cut through it.


    Kieran.


    His tone was flat. Emotionless.


    "If he dies, we all get out. The answer is pretty obvious."


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    A few others nodded in agreement.


    Then, the first player who had rushed to the vendor spoke up, his expression hardened.


    "I''ve done too much shit to start playing hero now," he said, rolling his shoulders.


    "Let''s kill him¡ªand get this nightmare over with."


    Freya''s fists clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms.


    Her jaw locked.


    Her heart pounded.


    Their words dripped with nothing but selfishness.


    She couldn''t believe it.


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    She had never hated a group of people more in her life.


    Then, Ezekiel finally spoke.


    His voice was low. Tired.


    "I''m tired, Freya. We all are."


    He exhaled slowly, shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion.


    "Who knows what the next trial will throw at us? We''ve already lost too many people. And if we keep going¡­"


    His gaze darkened.


    "More of us will die."


    Then, he lifted his head¡ªhis expression cold.


    "Why not end it now?"


    Freya''s eyes narrowed.


    "At the cost of someone''s life?"


    Ezekiel took a step forward.


    His boots scraped against the ground, the sound heavy. Unyielding.


    "That sacrifice is worth it."


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    Her fingers twitched at her side.


    Then, without hesitation, she drew her blade.


    Steel flashed.


    Her stance was firm, eyes locked onto Ezekiel.


    "Then you''ll have to go through me first."


    Ezekiel let out a frustrated sigh.


    His patience was running out.


    "Move, Freya."


    His tone was sharper now. Warning her.


    "No one sent him to piss off the Nightmare."


    His jaw tightened.


    "This is just the result of his recklessness."


    Freya''s grip tightened around her weapon.


    "That ''recklessness'' is the only reason any of you are still alive right now."


    Ezekiel''s expression hardened.


    "Enough¡­"


    A new voice suddenly cut through the air.


    Then¡ª


    Thud.


    A staff struck the ground.


    The sound echoed.


    The floor rumbled beneath them.


    Then, like snakes slithering from the depths¡ª


    Vines erupted.


    Dark green tendrils shot out of the earth, twisting and curling through the air before latching onto Freya and Alex.


    They had no time to react.


    The vines wrapped tight, locking them in place.


    Freya struggled, gritting her teeth¡ª


    But the more she fought, the stronger the vines squeezed.


    Alex, still silent, barely even moved.


    The air around them grew thick with tension.


    Someone had made their move.


    And now, everything was about to change.


    The vines tightened.


    Thick, rough tendrils coiled around their bodies like serpents, wrapping their arms, legs, and torsos until only their heads remained uncovered.


    The pressure was suffocating.


    Freya''s breath hitched as she struggled, but the vines only constricted further, locking her in place.


    Her heart pounded.


    Then she turned her head, eyes wide with shock as realization slammed into her.


    It was her.


    "Ella?!"


    Her voice cracked with disbelief.


    "What are you doing?"


    Ella stood firm, her expression cold. Unwavering.


    Her grip on her staff was tight, her knuckles slightly pale from the pressure.


    Her response was simple.


    Flat. Emotionless.


    "What needs to be done."


    Freya felt her stomach drop.


    A chill crawled up her spine.


    She wanted to deny it, to believe she had misheard.


    But deep down¡ª


    She knew.


    She should have seen the signs.


    She should have known this would happen.


    The moment Ella killed Jeremy, Freya should have realized.


    But she had ignored it.


    She had wanted to believe that Ella was still the young, innocent girl she appeared to be.


    That she hadn''t been broken by this nightmare.


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    That she hadn''t been twisted into believing that mercy was a weakness.


    But she was wrong.


    And now she couldn''t help but wonder.


    What does that make me?


    For choosing to show mercy¡­


    Was she a fool?


    Ella''s voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.


    "I like you, Freya." Her expression was unreadable, her grip on her staff firm. "But you''re too much of a saint, always obsessing over good and bad."


    Freya''s jaw tightened.


    "I''m not a saint, Ella. No one is."


    Ella''s eyes narrowed.


    "Then stop acting like one and let us do what needs to be done."


    Freya''s fingers curled into fists.


    She bit her lip, frustration boiling inside her.


    "I cannot."


    Ella''s lips pressed into a thin line.


    "Then sit still while we make the right choice."


    Alex still wrapped in vines, he let out a scoff.


    Right¡­ more like selfish.


    Ezekiel stepped forward, his boots crunching against the dirt.


    The other players followed, closing in, their eyes locked on Alex like predators circling prey.


    He stopped just a few feet away.


    "You''ve been awfully quiet, Alex."


    Alex tilted his head, his expression unreadable.


    "Yeah¡­ I''m just taking it all in, really." His gaze flickered over them, sharp and calculating.


    Ezekiel''s grip on his sword tightened. "And what do you think?"


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face.


    "I think you''re making a foolish choice."


    "This piece of..."


    Kieran stormed forward, fury flashing in his eyes, his hand tightening around his weapon as he moved toward Alex. But before he could take another step, Ezekiel''s hand shot out, stopping him with a firm grip on his shoulder.


    Alex''s voice cut through the tension like a blade.


    "Just so you know, unlike Freya, I''m not a saint." He leaned his head back slightly, casually meeting their stares.


    His tone was cold, yet calm. "If you come at me with the intent to kill, then be prepared to be killed as well."


    A sigh escaped Alex''s lips as he glanced around at the players, his expression unbothered by the mounting hostility.


    "She warned you, but you wouldn''t listen."


    Ezekiel''s eyes narrowed in confusion.


    Kieran, barely able to control his temper, snapped, unable to comprehend Alex''s nonchalant attitude:


    "This bastard. What is he talking about?"


    Ezekiel''s gaze shifted to Freya, his frown deepening.


    She clicked her teeth, her face turned away, unwilling to meet his eyes.


    Their fate was no longer hers to worry about.


    "Just so you know, the reason she tried to stop you is not because she''s trying to help me," Alex continued, his tone lighter now. "She''s doing it for your sake."


    Ezekiel''s brows furrowed even more.


    "Don''t bluff, man. With that kind of massive explosion you cast there, there''s no way you aren''t on red right now."


    Ezekiel''s voice was sharp like he was trying to make Alex see reason.


    But Alex just smirked, his expression almost mocking.


    "Oya, oya, you don''t catch me." Alex''s eyes gleamed with mischief before his face twisted into a wide grin.


    "But just so you know, I don''t need any ability to get rid of you clowns."


    Before anyone could react, the vines holding Alex in place burst apart.

 Chapter 155 Bad Choices [3]

    With a sudden burst of power, Alex tore through the vines that had been binding him. The thick, green restraints exploded outward, shredded into pieces that fluttered to the ground like dying leaves.


    A stunned silence washed over the players.


    Ella''s eyes widened in disbelief, her heart pounding.


    That shouldn''t have been possible.


    Her vines weren''t just meant to hold him¡ªthey were laced with sharp spikes, meant to tear into his flesh and grind his body into pulp. But instead of blood, they had met something unbreakable.


    A skill.


    A defensive skill.


    Ella stiffened, her mind racing.


    Didn''t he run out of mana?


    That explosion from earlier¡ªit should have drained him completely. But if he was still standing, did that mean his mana regeneration was insanely fast?


    Or worse¡ªhad he already recovered?


    If that was the case, they stood no chance.


    She swallowed hard, hoping for the former.


    Alex let out a slow exhale, his muscles relaxing as he deactivated [Aegis Arcane]. A faint glow faded from his skin, the protective barrier dispersing.


    He rolled his shoulders, stretching out his arms like someone waking up from a nap.


    "There goes the mana I recovered," he muttered to himself.


    His Danger Sense had warned him just in time. If he hadn''t reacted, those vines would have shredded him apart. Using his last bit of mana to shield himself was the right call.


    His eyes lifted, gaze sweeping over the stunned players.


    Alex''s gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Ella.


    Cold. Unforgiving. Merciless.


    She didn''t hesitate to turn on him.


    But too bad for her¡ªshe picked the wrong person to mess with.


    He took a slow step forward, his movements deliberate.


    Thud


    The sound of his foot hitting the ground sent a ripple of unease through the group.


    Instinctively, they stepped back.


    Even Ezekiel.


    Alex chuckled, low and sharp.


    "What the hell are you waiting for?" His voice carried through the silence like a blade slicing the tension. "Weren''t you going to kill me?"


    No one moved.


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened, his fingers twitching over the hilt of his sword.


    Alex''s smirk widened. "Is your resolve this weak?" His voice was mocking now, taunting. "Freedom is right in front of you, and you''re too scared to take it. Seriously¡­ what a pathetic bunch."


    That last line stabbed right into Ezekiel''s pride.


    His teeth clenched as anger flooded through him, his grip on his sword tightening.


    Enough.


    With a sharp inhale, he stepped forward¡ªready to strike.


    But Alex was faster.


    In a blink, he was gone.


    Before Ezekiel could even process what happened, Alex was already in front of him¡ªhis movement a blur, his fist pulled back, ready to strike.


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened in disbelief and horror.


    It was too late.


    He hadn''t even seen the punch coming.


    BOOM!


    Instinct kicked in.


    Ezekiel barely had time to raise his shield, bracing for impact.


    The moment Alex''s fist connected a deafening shockwave exploded through the air.


    His entire body was lifted off the ground.


    His shield bent inward, the once-sturdy metal caving like paper under the sheer force of the blow.


    Pain ripped through his arm.


    His shoulder twisted unnaturally¡ªdislocated.


    He was flying.


    The world spun violently, sky and ground flipping over and over as he tumbled.


    Then...


    CRASH!


    His body slammed into the wall.


    The impact rattled his bones, a sharp burst of pain radiating from every nerve.


    His head slumped forward, blood dripping from his lips.


    His arms and legs were numb.


    It felt like he had just been hit by a truck.


    Reality sank in.


    They had made a mistake. A huge one.


    There was no way they could defeat Alex.


    Run!


    Ezekiel wanted to scream it¡ªwarn them.


    But no words came out.


    His throat was dry. His chest ached. Fear choked him silent.


    The other players stood frozen, their eyes locked on Ezekiel''s crumpled body against the wall.


    Then, slowly Alex turned toward them.


    His gaze was sharp, cold, merciless.


    "Last warning."


    His voice was calm, yet filled with finality.


    "Leave now¡­ and you won''t have to die."


    There was a brief silence.


    But then...


    "Don''t be a fool!" Kieran snapped, his voice strained with desperation. "None of us is making it out of this damn place. This is the best choice!"


    The players hesitated.


    Their grips tightened on their weapons.


    But no one lowered them.


    Alex sighed. A slow, tired exhale.


    "Alright then..."


    Step.


    Alex began to walk forward.


    Each step echoed through the room.


    His expression darkened.


    His presence felt heavier¡ªmore suffocating.


    "Who''s next?"


    Kieran''s fingers tightened around his sword.


    His teeth dug into his lip, as if biting back fear¡ªforcing himself to act.


    Then¡ª


    With a loud cry, he charged!


    The others followed, yelling, weapons raised.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch.


    This wasn''t a battle.


    It was a rabbit throwing itself at a tiger.


    Kieran lunged first, swinging his sword with all his strength.


    But his blade sliced through nothing but air.


    Alex was already gone.


    SWISH


    SWISH


    Kieran barely registered what happened.


    Then¡ªhe felt it.


    A strange lightness in his body.


    His vision blurred.


    His mind screamed at him to move.


    But something was wrong.


    He turned his head¡ªand that''s when his body fell apart.


    Shredded.


    Split clean.


    His mouth opened to speak, but no words came.


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    He was already dead.


    A notification flashed before Alex''s eyes. One down.


    But he wasn''t done.


    Alex moved like a ghost, slipping between them, his blade flashing like lightning.


    More bodies dropped.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five.


    Each step, each swing, each kill¡ªflawless.


    By the time the survivors realized what was happening, it was already over.


    The remaining players stood frozen.


    Their weapons shook in their hands.


    What they just witnessed was horrific.


    They thought Alex was dangerous before¡ªbut this?


    Even without using his explosive abilities, he was still a monster.


    Charging him head-on was suicide.


    Alex exhaled, flicking his wrist.


    Blood sprayed off his blade. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His sharp eyes scanned the terrified faces before him.


    "Why?" His voice was calm, almost mocking.


    "You''re not coming at me?"


    Silence.


    Not a single one dared to step forward.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Then I''ll come to you instead."


    He stepped forward¡ª


    THWIP!


    Vines lashed out, coiling around his leg.


    His movement stopped instantly.


    Again.


    This girl.


    Alex''s gaze snapped to Ella.


    She stood tall, her staff raised, her expression hardened.


    "Come together, everyone!" she yelled. "So he doesn''t pick us off one by one!"


    Alex reacted instantly.


    His blade flashed as he sliced through the vine wrapped around his leg.


    But before he could move...


    BOOM!


    A fireball exploded against the ground where he stood.


    BOOM! BOOM!


    More came, raining down like meteors, scorching the air around him.


    Alex dodged, weaving through the chaos, his body a blur of motion.


    Then¡ªhe shot out of the smoke, unscathed.


    His sharp eyes locked onto a new figure¡ªanother mage.


    Figures.


    They were teaming up.


    Ella and the mage kept up the relentless barrage, trying to pin him down.


    But Alex had already made his decision.


    He''d pick them off first.


    Moving with calculated precision, he weaved through fireballs and vine whips, getting closer, step by step.


    Then...


    "Wait¡­ please don''t kill me!"


    A young woman, one of the players, dropped her weapon, tears spilling down her face.


    She trembled, pleading for her life.


    But Alex''s gaze didn''t waver.


    SLASH.


    A clean, merciless cut.


    Her body collapsed to the ground.


    No hesitation.


    He had warned them. Given them a choice.


    They refused to listen.


    Mercy was no longer an option.


    An arrow shot through the air, aiming straight for him.


    Alex''s hand snapped up and the arrow froze mid-flight.


    Suspended.


    Hanging in the air like time itself had stopped.


    His eyes glowed faintly.


    [Minor Telekinesis]


    Alex smirked, tilting his head.


    Then, with a flick of his wrist¡ª


    The arrow reversed course, firing straight back at the archer.

 Chapter 156 Bad Choices [4]

    With a flick of his wrist, Alex sent the arrow flying back.


    It whistled through the air.


    THUNK!


    The archer''s eyes widened in horror just before the arrow pierced through their skull.


    They dropped instantly.


    Another one down.


    Alex barely had time to recover before more fireballs rained from above. Vines lashed out, trying to coil around him like hungry serpents.


    But he was already moving.


    Ducking. Twisting. Slipping through gaps in the attacks like a phantom.


    One by one, he tore through the stragglers, slicing them down until only a handful remained.


    Now, the battlefield was almost empty.


    Only the strongest were left standing.


    In front of him stood Ella, her cold gaze unwavering.


    Beside her, Freya remained bound, vines wrapped tightly around her body.


    Behind him, a squad of five¡ª


    Two tanks, a swordsman, a spearman, and the fire mage.


    Alex exhaled sharply, assessing the situation.


    He had a choice to make.


    Then¡ªhe moved activating [Fast and Furious.]


    His body blurred forward, wind howling in his wake as he charged straight at Ella.


    She was the biggest threat. She had to go first.


    BOOM!


    His fist slammed into her barrier¡ªa compact, shimmering magic shield that materialized just in time.


    The ground cracked beneath their feet from the sheer force.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    She blocked it?


    Most shields would have shattered on impact.


    Instead, hers absorbed the force, rippling but holding firm.


    Tsk.


    She''s tougher than I thought.


    Without hesitation, Alex unleashed a flurry of sword strikes, each one a blur, each one aimed to break through.


    CLANG


    CLANG


    CLANG.


    Each hit struck the barrier like a hammer against steel, sending waves of energy outward¡ª


    But still, it didn''t crack.


    Instead, it pulsed, absorbing everything.


    Alex''s lips curled slightly.


    "Oh¡­"


    Now this was interesting.


    He could feel it¡ªher magic shield was even stronger than his [Aegis Arcane].


    But he bet it cost a lot of energy to maintain.


    Ella lashed out.


    Vines shot toward Alex, twisting like whips, aiming to ensnare him¡ª


    But he lunged backward, dodging with a sharp, fluid motion.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A fireball streaked toward him from behind, its heat searing the air.


    Alex barely twisted out of the way, the flames brushing past where he stood just moments ago.


    His eyes flicked toward the source.


    The fire mage.


    Tch.


    If he couldn''t take down one, he''d eliminate the others first.


    More spells came, streaking through the air like deadly comets.


    But Alex was too fast.


    His body became a blur¡ªmirages trailing behind him as he darted sideways, slipping past every attack.


    A shadow on the battlefield.


    Then¡ªhe dropped low, dashing toward the ground, picking up speed.


    "He''s coming this way!" The spearman''s voice cracked with panic.


    "Stop him!"


    The two tank-like players immediately moved to intercept.


    The first barely had time to raise his weapon before...


    SLASH!


    His head hit the ground before his stance was even complete.


    The second tank swung his shield forward, aiming to bash Alex with full force.


    But his attack hit nothing.


    His eyes widened.


    Alex was gone.


    Then a sharp presence tingled at his back.


    Before he could react...


    SHINK!


    A blade pierced through his chest.


    His breath hitched. His vision blurred.


    Alex yanked the sword free as the tank collapsed.


    Three left.


    The swordsman, spearman, and mage.


    The two melee fighters roared and charged together.


    Alex didn''t even spare them a glance.


    He ignored them completely.


    Speeding past.


    Straight toward the mage.


    Panic flickered in her eyes.


    She raised her staff, desperately trying to cast a spell.


    But it was too late.


    Alex''s foot slammed into her chest with a brutal kick.


    WHAM!


    She flew backward, tumbling across the ground.


    Then a furious scream came from behind.


    "You bastard!"


    The spearman.


    His spear lunged toward Alex''s back, the swordsman attacking at the same time.


    Alex''s hand shot out...


    SNATCH!


    He caught the spear mid-thrust.


    Before the spearman could react...


    CRACK!


    Alex''s elbow smashed into his nose, a sickening crunch echoing through the battlefield.


    The spearman staggered back, dropping his weapon, clutching his face in agony.


    Alex, now holding the spearman''s weapon, didn''t hesitate.


    SHINK!


    In one fluid motion, he slashed the throat of the swordsman.


    Blood sprayed as the swordsman staggered, gasping. His knees buckled. He collapsed, lifeless.


    But Alex was already moving.


    Without breaking stride, he lunged the stolen spear toward the mage, who was crawling away, desperate to escape.


    THWACK!


    The spear impaled her, pinning her to the ground.


    She let out a strangled gasp. Then silence.


    Two dead. In an instant.


    "Damn you!"


    The spearman, now recovered, roared in fury.


    Rage twisted his face as he threw a wild punch straight at Alex''s head.


    But Alex barely moved.


    His hand snapped up, catching the fist mid-air with effortless ease.


    The spearman''s eyes widened.


    Alex tilted his head. Smirked.


    "You call that a punch?"


    The spearman trembled, despair creeping in.


    Alex tightened his grip.


    "This is how you throw a real punch."


    Then...


    BANG!


    Alex''s fist slammed into the spearman''s gut.


    But it didn''t just hit, it pierced.


    Flesh ripped.


    Bone shattered.


    Alex''s arm went straight through, his bloodied fist bursting out the spearman''s back.


    The spearman coughed, his body convulsing.


    Then, like a puppet with cut strings¡ªhe dropped.


    The spearman groaned, blood dripping from his mouth as his body trembled.


    Alex ripped his hand free, pulling it out with a wet, sickening sound. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    The spearman''s body shuddered. His knees buckled.


    Then, he collapsed.


    Dead.


    Alex exhaled, shaking the blood off his hand as he surveyed the battlefield.


    Two left.


    He turned his gaze toward Ezekiel, but he was gone.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Then, a low chuckle escaped his lips.


    "Smart," he muttered.


    Ezekiel must have fled to the next trial. He knew they stood no chance.


    That left only one person.


    Alex turned to her.


    Ella.


    She stood there, her grip tight on her staff, hesitation flickering in her eyes.


    Alex took a step forward.


    Ella''s breath hitched.


    She suddenly raised her staff, pointing it at Freya, who was still trapped.


    "Don''t move!" she screamed.


    Alex stopped. His eyes narrowed.


    Ella''s voice was sharp, filled with desperation.


    "One more move..." she tightened her grip on her staff, her magic crackling with raw energy.


    "¡­and I''ll grind her into pieces." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ella lifted her staff, her eyes burning with determination.


    She spoke, and the vines wrapped around Freya twisted tighter¡ªthreatening to crush her.


    Alex paused for just a moment.


    Then, he grinned.


    "Do it...if you can."


    Ella''s expression darkened.


    But before she could react Alex vanished.


    In a flash, he was right in front of her.


    Her breath caught in her throat.


    Too fast.


    Her instincts screamed, but it was too late.


    WHOOSH!


    The blade swung.


    THUD.


    THUD.


    Ella''s eyes widened in horror.


    Her hands...


    They were gone.


    Both hit the ground, her staff clattering beside them.


    A moment of stunned silence.


    Then....


    "AAARRRGHHH!"


    A piercing scream ripped through the air as Ella fell to her knees, clutching her bleeding arms.


    Freya shuddered, frozen in fear.


    Ella''s scream was bone-chilling.


    The vines strangling Freya began to shrivel and crack.


    Within seconds, they withered into dust.


    She was free.


    Freya stumbled forward, breathing heavily, her heart still racing.


    Then, she looked up.


    Alex was already walking toward Ella.


    His blade dripped with fresh blood.


    His cold, merciless gaze locked onto Ella''s trembling form.


    He was going to finish the job.


    No hesitation.


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    She moved before she could think, stepping between them and throwing up her hands.


    "Wait!"


    Alex halted.


    His expression darkened.


    He tilted his head slightly, frowning.


    "What the hell are you doing?"


    His voice was low and sharp.


    Freya swallowed, her hands trembling.


    "Wait...don''t kill her."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    "Why?"


    "You... don''t have to." Freya''s voice was urgent.


    "She can''t cause any more trouble. Not like this."


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    A tense silence.


    Then, his expression turned cold.


    His next words were like ice.


    "Freya, the fact that you chose to remain naive after everything you''ve faced¡­"


    He exhaled sharply, his gaze filled with disdain.


    "Is quite irritating."


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Then...dark flame erupted from Alex''s palm, surging toward her like a vengeful specter.

 Chapter 157 Her Death

    Freya''s breath hitched.


    Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Alex fire an attack straight at her. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her entire body froze.


    A chill ran down her spine, her mind screaming at her to move.


    But she couldn''t.


    Her legs locked in place.


    She shut her eyes tight, bracing for the burning pain of the incoming dark flames.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion shook the air.


    Freya flinched, but...the pain never came.


    Confused, she opened her eyes.


    She turned sharply, her heart pounding.


    That was when she saw it:


    A second fireball, one she hadn''t noticed, had been coming straight for her from behind.


    Alex''s attack hadn''t been meant for her.


    He had blown the fireball away.


    The smoke thickened, swirling in the air.


    Then...


    Whoosh!


    Another fireball shot out of the haze, streaking toward her like a meteor.


    Freya gasped.


    But before it could reach her¡ª


    FWOOSH!


    A surge of black flame roared past her shoulder, clashing mid-air with the fireball.


    BOOM!


    The impact sent a wave of heat blasting outward.


    Freya instinctively shielded her face as the force pushed against her.


    A tense silence followed.


    Then the smoke began to clear.


    And Freya knew.


    There was only one person who could have attacked her.


    As the smoke thinned, Freya''s eyes locked onto Ella.


    The woman''s face twisted in pain, yet she still stood, her staff clutched tightly in her grip.


    Freya''s heart skipped a beat.


    She had seen it¡ª


    Ella had lost her hands.


    Yet, somehow, she was still holding her staff.


    Freya''s gaze sharpened.


    And then¡ªshe noticed it.


    Those weren''t her real limbs.


    Vines.


    Twisting, pulsing green tendrils had sprouted from her severed wrists, taking the shape of hands.


    Freya''s stomach tightened.


    Ella had regrown them.


    And now she could still fight.


    A sudden glow pulsed from Ella''s staff.


    Magic energy gathered and the next moment, she attacked.


    A blast of pure force raced toward Freya.


    Freya gritted her teeth, barely dodging as the air sizzled beside her.


    Her hands clenched.


    She had stopped Alex from killing Ella.


    And yet now¡ªthe very person she had saved was trying to kill her.


    Her chest tightened with frustration.


    "Ella, you don''t have to do this!" she shouted.


    Ella''s expression darkened.


    "Don''t give me that shit," she spat.


    Her vine-like fingers tightened around her staff, green energy crackling at its tip.


    "I''m only doing what I believe to be right. If killing means I get to escape this hellhole, even by an inch, then I won''t hesitate."


    Freya''s stomach churned.


    Ella''s glare burned into her.


    "So what are you gonna do?" Ella continued.


    "Will you let me escape? Or will you kill me?"


    Freya''s breath caught.


    Before she could respond¡ª


    A cold, familiar voice cut through the tension.


    "I don''t think you should be concerned about her decision."


    Freya stiffened.


    Alex had appeared beside her.


    Ella gritted her teeth.


    The pain of her severed limbs still burned¡ª sharp, unrelenting.


    Her healing magic had closed the wounds, but it couldn''t erase the agony.


    She knew the truth.


    If Alex was determined to kill her, there was no escape.


    She had seen it¡ª his ruthlessness, his precision.


    If he made up his mind, it was over.


    But¡ª


    If anyone could stop him, it was Freya.


    She had noticed it before.


    Something about the way Alex looked at her¡ª there was a connection.


    A bond.


    Clenching her vine-forged hands, Ella swallowed her pride.


    Her voice trembled as she stepped forward.


    "Freya¡­ please."


    Her red-rimmed eyes locked onto Freya''s.


    "Please understand. I was only doing what I had to. I acted out of desperation, out of fear. But now¡ª"


    Her breath hitched.


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    Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced herself to continue.


    "Now I see it. What I did before¡­ it was wrong. It was pathetic."


    She winced, her body trembling.


    "But I want to make things right. I''ll do it the hard way. I''ll face the next trial and fight to survive."


    Ella''s voice cracked.


    "Please, just let me go."


    She took a shaky step back.


    "You don''t have to let him kill me. I swear¡ªI''ll never come near you again."


    Freya stood there, frozen.


    Her chest tightened.


    A mix of emotions swirled inside her.


    Ella was begging. Pleading for her life.


    But Freya shook her head.


    She clenched her fists.


    It didn''t matter.


    She had no control over Ella''s fate.


    Freya exhaled sharply.


    If she wanted to survive, she should be pleading with Alex not her.


    But deep down, Freya knew the truth.


    Alex wouldn''t listen.


    And besides, why should she care?


    Ella had just tried to kill her.


    Yet, as she stared at the desperate girl before her, a strange heaviness settled in her chest.


    Then, Alex''s voice cut through the silence.


    His eyes never left Ella.


    "So¡­" he said calmly, almost too calmly.


    "What are you going to do, Freya?"


    His fingers flexed slightly.


    "Do you still want me to spare her?" His voice dropped lower. "Or end it now?"


    Freya turned her gaze toward him.


    Her breath hitched.


    Why was he asking her this?


    Before she could respond, Alex raised his hand.


    Freya''s eyes widened as she realized¡ª


    He had recovered enough to use Exploding Touch.


    A single dismissal command, and he could set off an explosion right on Ella''s head.


    He was ready to end her.


    Ella saw the motion.


    She didn''t understand what it meant, but instinct screamed at her¡ª danger.


    Pure, suffocating fear gripped her.


    She staggered back.


    Her voice trembled, almost breaking.


    "Freya?"


    Freya didn''t move.


    She didn''t speak.


    She didn''t even look at her.


    Ella''s eyes darted toward the exit.


    There was no hope.


    Freya wasn''t going to stop him.


    She had to run.


    Without hesitation, she spun on her heel and sprinted toward the gateway to the next trial.


    Her heart pounded. Faster. Faster.


    She could make it.


    She had to make it.


    Behind her, Alex watched in silence.


    His gaze was cold. Unbothered.


    Then, in a calm voice, he spoke to Freya.


    "What are we doing, Freya?"


    Freya froze.


    Alex''s tone was unreadable, but she could feel the weight in his words.


    "She''s getting away."


    Freya shuddered.


    She knew what he wanted to hear.


    She just couldn''t say it.


    Her lips trembled. What should she do?


    Then Alex''s voice sharpened.


    "Freya?!"


    Freya clenched her fists.


    She couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Do whatever you want!" she finally burst out.


    And the moment the words left her mouth, Alex moved.


    Ella had almost reached the gate.


    Her fingers stretched forward, inches from salvation.


    But then...


    BOOM.


    Her head exploded.


    A sickening burst of blood and flesh splattered across the floor.


    Her lifeless body crumpled at the threshold.


    So close. Yet so far.


    Freya winced, her whole body recoiling at the gruesome sight.


    She clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to suppress the rising nausea.


    It was so abrupt.


    So swift.


    So brutal.


    So merciless.


    Her legs trembled before giving out, and she collapsed to her knees.


    Tears burned at the corners of her eyes.


    Her breath hitched.


    It was too much.


    The sheer violence of it.


    The way Ella''s life was erased in an instant.


    Freya''s shoulders shook. She couldn''t hold it in.


    She turned to Alex, eyes red, tears streaming down her face.


    Her voice broke as she spoke:


    "How¡­

 Chapter 158 Grim Lord

    "How¡­ how can you do this kind of thing without even batting an eye?"


    Alex looked down at her.


    Then, with a casual shrug, he replied:


    "I don''t know. I guess I''m just done with hesitating."


    His voice was eerily calm.


    "They tried to kill me, and that wasn''t forgivable. Simple as that."


    Freya''s fingers tightened into fists.


    "But you spared Kyiv¡­" she said weakly.


    At this, Alex turned toward her.


    His face was unreadable.


    His gaze, cold.


    Then he spoke¡ª


    "Did I...?"


    Freya''s brow furrowed, her mind racing. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    Her eyes locked onto Alex, searching his expression, trying to pry the truth from him.


    But his face remained unreadable.


    His words weren''t a lie.


    A cold, sinking feeling twisted in her gut.


    Her heartbeat quickened. He wasn''t lying.


    When¡­? When did this happen?


    Alex''s voice was eerily calm as he answered:


    "I snapped right before the exit pulled us into the next trial. There was no way you would have known."


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    Her hands pressed against the cold ground as she instinctively crawled backward.


    She couldn''t comprehend how he could be so ruthless, so completely unbothered by the things he had done.


    Her body shuddered.


    Her voice trembled as she whispered:


    "How¡­ how did you get to this point?"


    Alex''s gaze didn''t waver.


    "I dunno," he said, voice flat. "Like everyone else, I''m just doing what it takes to survive."


    Then, his expression darkened, his next words sending a chill down her spine:


    "And thinking of the threats I''ll have to face¡­ I''d say what I''ve done so far is just the bare minimum of what it''ll take."


    Freya stood frozen, her mind swirling with a storm of emotions.


    What threat was he talking about?


    She let out a slow sigh, her gaze dropping to the ground.


    There was so much she didn''t understand about this tutorial.


    Too much.


    Alex had been right about one thing¡ªshe was too naive. She lacked the sheer brutality needed to survive.


    If this place had taught her anything, it was that becoming a monster was the only way to make it out alive.


    And not just here¡ªbut in the real world too.


    People like her? People who still clung to morals and hesitation?


    They didn''t live long.


    But¡­ was it so wrong for her to refuse to become like him?


    Freya clenched her fists, her heart aching with the weight of that thought.


    Alex watched her for a moment, his gaze unreadable.


    Then, without another word, he turned away.


    He wasn''t going to waste time convincing her.


    Instead, he dropped to the ground, crossing his legs.


    He wasn''t moving on to the next trial just yet.


    His mana was drained. And he knew better than to rush in recklessly¡ªnot when the next trial could be even worse.


    As he sat, he swiped his hand in the air, pulling up his system interface.


    Kill notifications and rewards flooded his screen.


    A dozen. Maybe more.


    A small smirk touched his lips.


    "Not bad."


    A series of blue system notifications flooded Alex''s vision, each one appearing in rapid succession.


    [You have killed Kieran Darcel.][You have received 5,200 Nightmare Points.][You have received 150 Stat Points.]


    [You have killed Jon Evergreen.][You have received 5,000 Nightmare Points.][You have received 95 Stat Points.]


    [You have killed...]


    The messages kept coming, one after another, a grim tally of his victims.


    Then, the final notification appeared.


    [You have killed Ella Sundown.][You have received 12,000 Nightmare Points.][You have received 400 Stat Points.]


    Alex''s breath hitched ever so slightly.


    Twelve thousand?


    His brows furrowed. That was more than anyone else he had killed.


    For a moment, he was surprised.


    But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.


    Ella wasn''t as innocent as she pretended to be.


    She had attacked him without hesitation.


    She had tried to kill Freya without remorse.


    There was no way she had gathered that many Nightmare Points just from hunting monsters.


    No. She had targeted other players.


    Naive ones. Like Freya.


    Alex''s eyes darkened.


    The irony of it all was almost amusing.


    He dismissed the other notifications about his title boosting his abilities¡ªhe already knew what they said.


    Instead, he checked his updated total.


    [Total Nightmare Points: 275,000][Total Stat Points: 7,850]


    Alex''s eyes widened slightly as he scanned the numbers.


    A slow smirk played on his lips.


    Not bad. Not bad at all.


    His points had skyrocketed.


    Compared to what he had before, the increase was massive.


    Killing fellow players paid far more than killing monsters. As sick as it was, it was the truth.


    The tutorial had it backward.


    Instead of rewarding teamwork or survival, it favored betrayal.


    He let out a small exhale, shaking his head. It didn''t matter. He had adapted.


    A few more minutes passed as he sat in silence, feeling the familiar energy return to his body.


    His mana was full.


    Time to move.


    He pushed himself to his feet, stretching his arms briefly before turning his gaze to Freya.


    What would she do now?


    She had seen everything. His ruthlessness. His lack of hesitation.


    Would she stay away, now that she understood what he was?


    Freya slowly rose as well, her movements stiff, her expression unreadable.


    Then, to his surprise¡ªshe walked toward him.


    Alex tilted his head, watching her approach before speaking in a calm, almost amused tone:


    "Seeing as how you looked at me like I was a demon, I don''t think you''d still want to associate with me. Would you?"


    For a moment, she said nothing.


    The silence stretched between them.


    Then, with a deep sigh, Freya finally spoke:


    "I mean¡­ at this point, I''d be a fool not to follow you."


    She met his gaze, determination flickering behind her exhaustion.


    "Things are only going to get harder from here. And if I can rely on your strength¡ªeven for a little while¡ªthen I will."


    "Even if that puts you in dangerous situations?" Alex asked, his tone unreadable.


    Freya met his gaze, her expression steady. "Nothing''s more dangerous than being alone. Naive as I am."


    Alex chuckled, low and amused. "You''re not afraid I''ll kill you, just like I did the others?"


    Freya didn''t flinch. "Unlike them, I wouldn''t dream of attacking you."


    Alex''s lips curled into a grin. "I guess you''re not as big of a fool as I thought."


    Freya bit her lip, eyes narrowing slightly. "I''d rather you not call me that."


    Alex smirked. "Freya the Fool. Kinda has a ring to it."


    "Don''t."


    Alex let out another chuckle, shaking his head before turning toward the exit. The swirling energy pulsed, waiting.


    "Alright..." He stretched his arms behind his head, his posture relaxed, completely at ease.


    "Let''s go, then."


    With his hands resting at the back of his neck, he walked toward the portal like he had all the time in the world.


    Freya hesitated for a second before following him, her decision made.


    Only three people had entered the gate.


    Dorion, Onigi, and Ezekiel--who had abandoned the others.


    Alex shook his head.


    Then he noticed an emerald gaze on him watching.


    He stopped:


    "Thats right...I almost forgot."


    Freya covered her ears.


    Alex snapped and the undead vendor along with his stall exploded.


    BOOM!


    They continued and Freya who had covered her ears shook her head.


    Alex''s action didn''t surprise her anymore.


    The moment they reached the exit, they slammed their hands against the portal.


    And just like that¡ªthey vanished.


    No notification. No warning.


    Alex narrowed his eyes. That was different. Usually, the system would confirm their transition. But this time? Nothing.


    Then, in the blink of an eye¡ªthey reappeared.


    A rocky plain stretched endlessly around them, rough and cracked like the remnants of an ancient battlefield.


    Above them, two moons glowed ominously in the sky.


    The air was heavy and unnatural. It felt like they were no longer inside the trial mountain¡ªor maybe¡­ they had reached its peak.


    Alex frowned. Something was off.


    Then, he saw it.


    Them.


    Ahead, an army of monsters stood in formation¡ªwaiting.


    And at the front of them all¡ªa massive beast.


    It towered over everything else, its presence suffocating. A skull-shaped mask covered its face, hiding its true features. In its hand, it clutched a long, rusted chain that clanked as it moved.


    Just then, a system notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Welcome to the Final Trial of the Nightmare]


    [Due to an anomaly, all previous trials have been scrapped.][You have been transported to the mountain''s peak at the cost of all the Nightmare Points you possessed.][Prepare to face the final boss¡ªGrim Lord¡ªand his army.]


    Freya''s voice trembled as she took a step back.


    "Is that... the Grim Lord?"


    Alex''s gaze locked onto the towering figure ahead.


    Yeah¡­ the description fits the name perfectly.


    He then let out a small, amused chuckle, feeling a rush of pride.


    His actions had forced the system''s hand.


    So much so that the Beast Lord had decided to speed things up.


    He lifted his head, smirking as he locked eyes with the monstrous entity before him.


    The Grim Lord let out a guttural growl, his massive frame steaming like a furnace. Green light flickered in the sockets of his skull-shaped mask, a telltale sign of possession.


    Alex''s grin widened:


    The Beast Lord wanted to end this now?


    "Good."

 Chapter 159 Immortal Body

    The moment Ezekiel saw Alex and Freya standing before the Grim Lord and its monstrous army, he froze.


    His breath hitched.


    His entire body went stiff.


    The sheer horror on his face wasn''t just because of the nightmare-fueled creatures looming ahead.


    It was Alex.


    Alex scared him more than the Grim Lord itself.


    A shiver ran down Ezekiel''s spine. It didn''t take much to put the pieces together.


    No other players had appeared.


    Only Alex and Freya.


    Which meant¡­


    Alex had killed them all.


    Ezekiel swallowed hard, his throat dry as sand.


    A part of him wanted to run.


    To bolt in any direction, even if it meant throwing himself into the Grim Lord''s army.


    But there was nowhere to go.


    Nowhere to hide.


    They stood at the peak of the mountain.


    The terrain was like a vast, circular arena, its edges glowing faintly with a shimmering magic barrier that loomed over them like an unbreakable dome.


    There was no way out.


    No hidden exits. No tricks. No escape.


    One path remained.


    Kill the final boss¡ªGrim Lord.


    That was the only way to survive.


    The only way to leave this nightmare behind.


    But for Ezekiel, that fight was already out of reach.


    He wasn''t thinking about the Grim Lord. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was thinking about Alex would do to him.


    Slowly, Alex turned his head.


    And he froze.


    Alex was staring directly at him.


    That gaze¡ªcold, unreadable, piercing through him like a dagger.


    Ezekiel felt his body tense, a shudder running down his spine.


    His instincts screamed at him to move.


    To run.


    To do something.


    Because if Alex decided to kill him now¡ªnothing could stop him.


    Ezekiel had seen what he was capable of.


    He knew what Alex had done to the others.


    His breath came in shaky gasps.


    He braced himself, waiting, expecting the worst.


    But then, Alex looked away.


    Just like that.


    Ezekiel blinked, stunned.


    Alex ignored him.


    He turned his back and focused ahead¡ªon the battlefield, on the towering beast waiting beyond.


    Because to Alex, Ezekiel didn''t matter anymore.


    After blasting the tank away, Alex had given the other players a chance to flee.


    They didn''t take it.


    They chose to attack him instead.


    And now, they were dead.


    Ezekiel didn''t attack and chose to flee.


    And that¡ªthat single decision¡ªwould be what saved his life.


    Alex had already noticed him when he first appeared.


    But it wasn''t Ezekiel that made him turn.


    It was the sound of battle.


    The clash of steel.


    The grunts of exertion.


    The unmistakable sound of two warriors still fighting in the distance.


    Alex''s gaze shifted.


    Way behind them¡ªDorion and Onigi were still at it.


    Still locked in combat.


    Despite everything.


    Despite the nightmare unfolding before them.


    Despite the beast lord and his army waiting just ahead.


    They fought as if none of it mattered.


    Had they lost their minds?


    Their weapons clashed again, sparks flying in the dim light of the twin moons.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    The old man¡ªOnigi¡ªwas clearly in bad shape.


    His breathing was ragged, his robes torn, and deep gashes marked his arms and legs. Blood dripped steadily onto the rocky ground beneath him.


    And yet¡­


    He looked thrilled.


    Dorion, on the other hand, was physically fine.


    His body was mostly untouched¡ªonly a few minor cuts on his clothes, barely a scratch compared to Onigi''s state.


    By all logic, Dorion should have the advantage.


    But his expression said otherwise.


    He looked¡­ uneasy.


    Worried.


    His stance was rigid, his grip on his weapon too tight.


    Meanwhile, Onigi only grinned.


    A wild, manic grin¡ªlike he had already won.


    "It''s only a matter of time, isn''t it?" Onigi said, his voice eerily calm despite his wounds.


    Dorion''s expression stiffened.


    "What are you talking about?" he asked, struggling to keep his composure.


    Onigi''s grin widened.


    "At first, I thought you were immortal."


    His bloodstained fingers twirled his blade, the motion smooth, almost casual.


    "But then¡­ I realized something."


    "You''re not."


    He took a step forward, his eyes sharp, predatory.


    "You can only activate your immortality skill a certain number of times, can''t you?"


    Dorion''s jaw clenched.


    The amusement in Onigi''s eyes intensified.


    "And once that limit is reached¡­All fatal injuries will remain fatal."


    Dorion clicked his teeth in frustration.


    His eyes narrowed, locking onto Onigi.


    How¡­? How had this damn old man figured it out?


    Dorion had been careful.


    He hadn''t given away any tells¡ªno hesitation, no slip-ups.


    And yet¡­ Onigi knew.


    Dorion clenched his fists.


    It wasn''t a guess.


    Onigi had confirmed it with his own body.


    This mad geezer.


    Instead of playing it safe, he threw himself into the fight.


    Taking reckless risks.


    Letting himself get hit.


    All just to see how many times Dorion could recover.


    And because he was a far better fighter, he could land fatal hits¡ªwounds that should have killed Dorion instantly.


    But thanks to a skill Dorion possessed called [12 Immortal Body], Dorion had healed every time.


    And Onigi had watched.


    Studied.


    Then struck again.


    Again.


    And again.


    Pushing Dorion to activate his ability over and over.


    Dorion''s stomach twisted.


    He was running out.


    The skill had a limit.


    A fixed number of uses.


    And now, he had burned through most of them¡­


    And that terrified him.


    Because now more than ever, he needed that skill as a backup.


    Behind him stood the Grim Lord¡ªthe final boss.


    A towering, unstoppable monster with hundreds of powerful creatures waiting at its command.


    Dorion''s heart pounded.


    He needed [12 Immortal Body] for that battle.


    Not for this.


    Not for some pointless fight with an old man who was willing to die just to prove a point.


    And yet, here he was¡ªburning through his last chances of survival.


    It was frustrating.


    But what pissed Dorion off even more was that the old man was holding something back.


    Something powerful.


    He could feel it.


    A pressure lurking beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to explode.


    Dorion''s grip on his scythe tightened.


    If Onigi unleashed it, if he used up everything his body had left¡ªThat would be the end.


    The old man grinned.


    Then he attacked.


    His blade became a blur.


    Dorion barely had time to react.


    His instincts screamed as he blocked, parried, and dodged with everything he had.


    His scythe clashed against Onigi''s sword in rapid succession, sparks flying as metal met metal.


    And all the while, Onigi was grinning.


    Mocking him.


    "What''s wrong young man?" Onigi teased between strikes. "I thought you were having fun earlier."


    Dorion clicked his teeth.


    Another flash of silver.


    He narrowly avoided the blade, stepping back just in time.


    He couldn''t counter.


    Not without taking another fatal wound.


    He was running out of options.


    Onigi''s smirk widened.


    "You fraud," he sneered. "You act like a maniac, but you''re not." Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    Dorion''s heart pounded.


    "You only play the part," Onigi continued, his blade moving even faster. "But the moment your life is actually on the line..."


    A heavy slash forced Dorion to retreat.


    "...Your little facade breaks."


    Onigi''s eyes gleamed.


    "You''re easy to...

 Chapter 160 Final Battle

    "You''re easy to read, kid. Like a book."


    Onigi''s blade came down like a hammer.


    Dorion barely had time to react.


    He swung his scythe up, metal clashing against metal with a sharp clang.


    His arms trembled as Onigi pressed down, the weight behind the strike forcing him to grit his teeth.


    "You''re no warrior," Onigi sneered. "You''re only a child."


    Dorion''s grip tightened.


    He refused to flinch.


    "Old man, are you seriously going to kill a child?" he shot back, voice laced with mockery.


    Onigi chuckled, dark and amused.


    "Wouldn''t be the first."


    Dorion gulped.


    That wasn''t a bluff.


    A cold chill ran down his spine, and in a flash of panic, he swung wildly, knocking Onigi back.


    The man barely stumbled before flipping into a smooth retreat, landing light on his feet.


    Dorion sucked in a breath.


    His heart was pounding.


    His scythe pointed at Onigi as he barked:


    "Haven''t you seen the armies ahead of us?! We need our full strength to face him!"


    Onigi didn''t move.


    Didn''t blink.


    Then, he sighed.


    "Young man¡­" he muttered, voice almost disappointed. "Have you gone deaf?"


    Dorion''s frown deepened.


    Something in Onigi''s demeanor turned sharp, the casual playfulness draining from his face like ink washing off paper.


    Then, his eyes darkened.


    "Didn''t I tell you?"


    He lifted his katana. Icicles bloomed along the blade, glistening in the dim light, the air around them turning frigid.


    "It doesn''t matter what happens around me."


    He stepped forward.


    "I am taking your head¡ªno matter what."


    Dorion gritted his teeth as Onigi attacked again, meeting the old man blade in a shower of sparks.


    Alex watched the fight.


    Without another glance, he turned away, focusing back on the real threat¡ªthe Grim Lord and its army of monsters.


    Then, a notification flashed before his eyes.


    [All players now available for the final trial]


    [Final Trial Beginning.]


    RROOOOAARRR!


    A monstrous bellow shattered the air.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes blazed, golden light burning in its sockets. It threw both hands to the sky, and the effect was instant.


    A wave of power rippled through the battlefield.


    The creatures behind it howled and shrieked, their bodies thrumming with newfound energy.


    The very ground shuddered beneath their voices, a deep, unrelenting tremor that sent loose stones tumbling down the mountainside.


    Behind the Grim Lord were more monsters.


    Some looked just like it¡ªtowering, skeletal beasts with armor plating their bodies.


    But there were also twisted creatures, animal-like but wrong, their fur and flesh fused with gnarled branches and rotten bark.


    Their eyes glowed a sickly green, their breaths slow and heavy.


    Then there were the humanoid undeads, the players were used to, their faces frozen in grotesque grins just like the vendor.


    Then came the lava monsters.


    They lurched forward, their bodies a chaotic mess of molten rock, jagged stone, and flickering embers. Their limbs melted and reformed with every step, like they had no solid shape¡ªjust pure, burning destruction.


    They were hideous.


    A tangled mismatch of horrors, oozing heat so intense that the very ground beneath them sizzled and cracked.


    Enough to make any sane player hesitate.


    Freya muttered, her voice tight with fear.


    "Are we really going to face them all?"


    Alex stepped forward. Unbothered. Unshaken.


    "Yeah."


    He watched the monsters, eyes scanning their movements. Sizing them up. Calculating.


    What''s the best way to deal with them?


    Blow them up?


    Maybe.


    But something nagged at him.


    The Beast Lord had already seen his power back in the earlier trials. It wasn''t stupid. If it expected him to use explosions, then it would have something prepared.


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    Still¡­ no harm in testing it.


    Alex raised his sword, the blade gleaming under the eerie glow of molten bodies.


    He tapped into [Exploding Touch].


    Then, with deliberate precision, he stacked explosion disks onto the blade¡ªone after another.


    Each one a promise of destruction.


    Then, with a flick of his fingers, Alex activated [Dismiss]


    The explosion disks vanished from his sword¡ªonly to reappear mid-air, streaking toward the monster army like silent, invisible bombs.


    But the Grim Lord reacted instantly.


    Its glowing eyes flashed, and both of its massive hands shot up.


    A barrier snapped into existence¡ªa shimmering, translucent wall of raw magic. The disks slammed into it¡­ and vanished.


    Blocked.


    Alex''s brows furrowed.


    That barrier...


    It felt familiar.


    Like the skill the Cockatrice King had used before¡ªa defense skill that rendered all mana-based attacks useless.


    From behind the barrier, the Grim Lord let out a low, rumbling laugh.


    "Puny human, your tricks will have no effect on me."


    Then it moved.


    With one fluid motion, the Grim Lord raised its colossal sword and swung.


    WHOOSH!


    The blade sliced through the air, a monstrous arc of force ripping toward Alex.


    Alex twisted his body just in time.


    The sword missed¡ªbarely¡ªbut the sheer force of it wasn''t just for show.


    BOOM!


    The ground where he''d stood exploded, chunks of rock and dirt launching into the air. The impact tore a deep scar into the battlefield, the edges still trembling from the blow.


    The shockwave rushed past Alex''s face, sending his shirt whipping behind him.


    A few feet away, Ezekiel''s breath hitched.


    He could feel it now¡ªthe sheer, overwhelming power they were up against.


    Freya took a sharp step to the side, eyes locked on the massive crater left by the Grim Lord''s attack.


    The sheer force of it¡­


    She gulped.


    If she wanted to survive this final battle, then one thing was clear¡ªgoing anywhere near that thing was a death wish.


    Meanwhile, Alex exhaled slowly.


    The lingering heat from the attack brushed against his face.


    That was close.


    If that sword had connected, there''d be no second chances.


    He''d be split clean in half.


    Even [Aegis Arcane] wouldn''t save him from that kind of raw power.


    But instead of fear¡­


    Alex grinned.


    The Grim Lord was strong.


    And with its barrier nullifying mana-based attacks, there was only one solution¡ªclose combat was inevitable.


    Alex raised a hand using [Multiplicity]


    Instantly, his copies materialized behind him, stretching their arms with cocky grins.


    Each of them was eager, ready.


    Then, Alex activated [Foresight].


    As soon as he did, the Grim Lord reacted.


    Its burning eyes narrowed as it saw multiple Alexes appear.


    Then, with a deep growl, it began to move.


    The massive chains wrapped around its arms dragged across the battlefield, sparking against the stone.


    Alex stepped forward.


    The Grim Lord''s steps grew faster.


    Alex matched its pace.


    The air between them thickened.


    The ground trembled.


    Then there was a pause.


    A single heartbeat stretched between them.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    They exploded into motion at the same time.


    Weapons raised. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The force of their charge churned the air into a vortex of power.


    Then....


    CLANG!


    Their blades collided and the force of impact shook the entire battlefield.


    The final battle had begun.

 Chapter 161 Annoying Shield

    The Grim Lord swung its twin massive blades, the chains linking them rattling like thunder as it spun them with terrifying speed.


    Each strike ripped through the air, the sheer force tearing through the ground, carving deep trenches with every slash.


    The speed. The precision. The sheer power behind every swing¡ªit was enough to send most warriors into a panic.


    But Alex was unfazed.


    His agility stats were too high, and with [Foresight] activated, he saw the attacks coming before they even happened.


    He moved like a ghost.


    Weaving. Dodging. Slipping past every monstrous strike with inches to spare.


    Then there was an opening.


    One that only someone with Alex speed could take notice of.


    His eyes flashed.


    Now.


    With a swift counter, he angled his blade, [Shadow Fang], and deflected one of the Grim Lord''s swings.


    Sparks flew.


    The impact rattled his arm¡ªthe thing was absurdly strong¡ªbut he used the momentum to launch himself forward.


    His body blurred.


    [Blur] activated.


    He shot through the air like a missile, blade aimed straight at the beast''s glowing eyes.


    One clean strike.


    That''s all he needed.


    But then...


    CLANG!


    A barrier snapped into place, identical to the one that had blocked his explosions earlier.


    Alex''s blade slammed into the invisible forcefield, stopping dead.


    His pupils shrank.


    "Dammit!"


    He gritted his teeth and immediately kicked off the air, flipping backward.


    As he landed, he dismissed [Shadow Fang] and summoned [Murzok Fangblade].


    The twin dagger wasn''t ideal for defending the Grim Lord''s chain blade.


    The Grim Lord raised its massive blade, pointing it straight at Alex.


    "This is where you fall, Alex Hunt."


    Alex tilted his head, his expression unreadable.


    Then, with a smirk, he replied,


    "Oh? There is no advantage you have over me that would give you the imagery of your victory."


    The Grim Lord scowled.


    "If you have nothing useful to say, then keep quiet," Alex''s grin widened. "Silence is far scarier."


    The Grim Lord''s frown deepened.


    A low growl rumbled from its throat as its armies surged forward, a wave of monstrosities charging with bloodlust.


    Their numbers were overwhelming.


    Hundreds¡ªno, thousands.


    The ground shook beneath their thundering steps, their roars filling the battlefield like a storm about to break.


    From above, they must have looked like a swarm of death itself, rushing straight for the enemy.


    But Alex just grinned.


    Slowly, he curled his fingers.


    Click.


    He had planned for this.


    Earlier, when his explosion disks failed to reach the armies, he had summoned more and redirected them.


    Planting them on the battlefield ground¡ªwaiting.


    And now?


    The enemy was mindlessly stepping directly unto his trap as they frantically attacked.


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted.


    A chain reaction of explosions ripped through the battlefield, blasting massive craters into the earth.


    Flames erupted in a violent bloom, engulfing the undead army in waves of scorching fire.


    BOOM!


    Another detonation sent shockwaves rippling outward, shaking the very ground.


    BOOM!


    A third explosion roared to life, the force obliterating the weaker undead, scattering their remains into ashes.


    Then more exploded, turning the battlefield into an inferno.


    Smoke billowed, rising in dark plumes as charred remains crumbled to the ground.


    But even with the devastating power of the explosions, some undead still stood.


    Unshaken. Unbroken.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    More were still coming.


    Without hesitation, he snapped a command.


    Immediately, his clones burst forward, sprinting across the scorched earth with wild grins on their faces.


    Each clone wielded a different weapon¡ªmassive broadswords, twin daggers, spears, and a magic staff¡ªall drawn from Alex''s vast arsenal, thanks to his loot from the Cockatrice King''s cave.


    The Grim Lord, watching the destruction unfold, frowned.


    Its glowing eyes flickered with fury as it took in the scene¡ªits undead horde diminished, scattered, burning.


    Then, its expression twisted into rage.


    With a guttural snarl, it gritted its teeth and lunged forward. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Runes flared to life along its massive arms, glowing an eerie red.


    Then...


    FWOOSH!


    Fire exploded from its hands.


    The flames crawled down its arms, surging toward the hilt of its enormous blade.


    The steel turned molten, glowing red-hot as the flames coiled around it like a living creature.


    The air around the weapon twisted and warped from the unbearable heat.


    Then it attacked.


    Alex''s eyes flashed with focus as he narrowly dodged the Grim Lord''s devastating strike.


    WHOOSH!


    The sheer force of the attack split the air, the speed even greater than before.


    Alex vanished in a blur, reappearing instantly beside the Grim Lord, his blade poised for a counterattack.


    There!


    With precise aim, he drove his sword toward the beast''s ribs¡ª


    CLANG!


    The blade slammed into an invisible wall.


    A magic barrier. Again.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    The way the barrier activated¡ªalmost instant, as if it was automatic.


    Before he could react further¡ª


    The Grim Lord swung a massive backhand, aiming to swat him like an insect.


    WHAM!


    But it only hit a blur¡ªan afterimage.


    Alex had already moved.


    In the next instant, his arm latched onto the Grim Lord''s massive limb, gripping it tightly.


    The beast growled in frustration, trying to shake him off, but Alex held on like unbreakable steel.


    Then...


    SHRRRK!


    The Grim Lord''s arm suddenly shifted.


    Dark vines shot out from its flesh, twisting like writhing snakes¡ª


    Each tipped with razor-sharp edges.


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    There was no choice but to let go.


    He kicked off, launching himself away just as the deadly tendrils lashed through the air where he had just been.


    SLASH!


    A massive blade came next, tearing downward.


    Alex twisted in midair, barely dodging.


    Before he could land, the Grim Lord charged again, its massive body closing the gap instantly.


    It wasn''t giving Alex any room.


    No space to breathe. No chance to counter.


    Alex''s heart pounded.


    Then..


    His mouth opened, and he screamed using [Sonic Howl]


    WHOOOOOM!


    A powerful shockwave erupted from his lungs, ripping through the air like an explosion.


    The attack hit the Grim Lod pushing it backward, but there was no damage.


    Once again, the magic barrier shimmered to life, blocking the force completely.


    Alex clicked his teeth in frustration.


    This confirmed it.


    The defense was automatic.


    No conscious activation, no delay¡ªjust an unbreakable shield that triggered the moment an attack made contact.


    Annoying.


    But Alex wasn''t done yet. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    He raised his hand, fingers poised to snap.


    A single movement and the explosion disks he had placed on the Grim Lord''s arm would detonate.


    That was the plan.


    Except...


    Nothing happened.


    Alex''s brows furrowed.


    He snapped again.


    Still nothing.


    His eyes flickered to the beast''s arm.


    The disks were gone.


    Vanished. Just like before.


    The Grim Lord let out a low, cracked laugh.


    "I told you earlier, human¡­Your puny tricks won''t work on me."

 Chapter 162 Clone Show

    Alex clenched his jaw.


    The Grim Lords defense was starting to piss him off.


    Before he could think of another plan¡ª


    CLANG!


    The Grim Lord drove both of its massive blades into the ground.


    A deep rumble followed.


    The battlefield shook.


    Then¡ªlava.


    It spread out like twisting vines, glowing veins of molten fire crawling across the ground.


    And from within the molten depths, figures began to rise.


    Undead knights.


    Their bodies were charred black, their armor searing hot, their weapons dripping with molten embers.


    One by one, they stepped forward, their empty eyes glowing with a burning rage.


    Alex''s expression darkened as he lowered his hand.


    He wasn''t worried about the undead knights.


    He was worried about the Grim Lord.


    As long as the monster remained standing, this battle would never end.


    But there was a problem.


    If he couldn''t land a hit, how was he supposed to win?


    Meanwhile


    BOOM!


    His clones had already engaged the army of undead monsters.


    Swords clashed.


    Explosions erupted.


    Creatures shrieked as they were cut down.


    Away from the original Alex and the final boss, his clones fought like a team of seasoned adventurers, each wielding weapons from his personal arsenal.


    Since [Multiplicity] couldn''t duplicate weapons, they each geared up with the real ones stored in Alex''s inventory.


    One clone stood tall, clad in [Spectral Warden Armor], the high-end armor Alex had specifically purchased to fight the Cockatrice King.


    It wielded a massive axe, one it had ripped from the hands of a giant undead.


    BOOM!


    The clone charged forward, meeting the horde head-on like an unstoppable juggernaut. Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    Axe swinging.


    Feet stomping.


    With each brutal strike, monsters were split in half, their bones scattering across the battlefield.


    Another clone, armed with [Eclipse Edge]¡ªAlex''s very first weapon¡ªmoved like a storm through the undead.


    SLASH!


    The sword tore through rotting flesh and brittle bones in elegant, sweeping motions.


    Three undead creatures lunged at it from different directions.


    But the clone didn''t panic.


    It activated [Petrify].


    A dull glow pulsed from its eyes.


    CRACK!


    The three monsters froze mid-motion, their bodies stiff as stone.


    Then...


    SHING!


    A single, precise swing split them clean in half.


    Meanwhile, a third clone used [Stealth Walk], its form blurring into the darkness.


    Equipped with [Shadow Fangs], it silently maneuvered through the battlefield, targeting the undead that hadn''t even noticed its presence.


    Then, like a phantom, it struck.


    A blur of flashing blades.


    An explosion of severed limbs.


    By the time the monsters realized what had happened, it was already too late¡ªtheir bodies crumbling to the ground.


    The fourth clone, wearing [Fury Gauntlets], rings that boosted strength, faced down a lava-coated undead.


    The fiery creature raised a molten hand, hurling a wave of scorching lava straight at it.


    But the clone was faster.


    WHOOSH!


    It sidestepped in an instant, appearing at the monster''s side.


    Then...


    BAM!


    A powerful punch collided with the undead''s ribs.


    The force was devastating.


    The monster was blasted off its feet, slamming into a pile of its own allies.


    But the clone wasn''t finished.


    It turned its sights to an Undead Titan towering over the battlefield.


    The colossal creature swung a massive fist, trying to swat the clone away.


    But before the blow could land the clone leaped into the air.


    Fists clenched.


    A trail of wind followed its movement.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A single, earth-shattering punch tore the titan''s head from its shoulders.


    The gigantic body lurched, then collapsed with a thunderous crash, flattening the smaller undead beneath it.


    Dust and debris filled the battlefield.


    The last clone stood behind the others, gripping a staff with both hands.


    It wasn''t just any staff.


    This was the [Staff of Power], a relic Alex had looted from the Cockatrice Cave.


    A weapon that boosted magic by 30%.


    Its purpose in battle? Pure destruction.


    With a steady stance, the clone raised the staff high, raw energy channeling into his body


    FWOOOSH!


    A wave of black flames erupted from Alex''s hands, sweeping across the battlefield and engulfing the undead in dark, searing fire.


    The creatures shrieked and writhed, their bodies turning to ash as the flames devoured them whole.


    Some monsters, unfazed by fire, tried to break through the defenses, charging straight for the mage clone.


    But it was ready.


    The clone opened its mouth and used [Sonic Howl]


    A deafening shockwave blasted from its lungs, hitting the incoming undead with brutal force.


    CRACK!


    Bones snapped. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sheer impact sent them flying backward, crashing into their allies.


    Still despite the sheer power of Alex''s clones¡­


    They weren''t enough to stop the entire horde.


    Some undead slipped past, heading toward the other players.


    Freya stood frozen, her jaw slackened in shock.


    The battle before her was beyond anything she had ever witnessed.


    Especially the fight between Alex and the Grim Lord.


    Every undead that dared approach him was obliterated instantly.


    The sheer intensity of his movements, the precision of his strikes, and the unstoppable power behind his attacks sent chills down her spine.


    But what truly shook her: were his clones.


    Though they were vastly outnumbered, they were holding their ground.


    Dominating.


    Each one fought with a different weapon, a different style.


    How many weapons did Alex even have?! How many skills did he possess?!


    Freya''s hands tightened around her own weapon.


    But no matter how hard they fought¡ªthey couldn''t stop them all.


    Some of the undead slipped past the clones, their rotting forms moving with terrifying speed.


    And they were coming straight for her.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    Her fingers tightened around her weapon, but her palms were slick with sweat.


    No matter how many battles she had fought, facing monsters like these was always terrifying.


    Their feral eyes glowed with hunger, twisted grins stretching across their grotesque faces.


    Their jagged claws clicked against the ground as they advanced.


    Her heart pounded.


    She hated this.


    Her mind screamed at her to run but she wasn''t going to.


    She wondered if she would have even made it this far without Alex.


    And the answer was a resounding No.


    She would have died in the first trial of Baranaga if not for his intervention.


    And now, he was up there, fighting the Grim Lord alone.


    She was going to fight too. Even if it was her last.


    A sudden presence then appeared beside her, snapping her out of her spiral.


    Freya turned her head.


    Ezekiel.


    He stood rigid, gripping his weapon tight.


    His sharp eyes were locked onto the incoming undead.


    His expression was serious, unreadable.


    Neither of them spoke.


    They didn''t need to.


    It didn''t matter what they thought of each other.


    Right now, they had a common enemy.


    And their lives were on the line.

 Chapter 163 Tag Team

    The undead rushed toward them, their movements frantic, their growls feral.


    GRR¡­ GRR¡­


    The sound of bones rattling and flesh squelching filled the air as they closed in.


    Ezekiel exhaled, gripping his greatsword tighter. Freya did the same.


    There was no time for hesitation.


    They had to hold the line.


    As the horde reached them, Ezekiel muttered under his breath:


    "Don''t die."


    Freya''s grip on her blades tightened. Her gaze was sharp, unwavering.


    "I won''t."


    And then...


    The undead were right on top of them.


    Ezekiel moved first.


    He stepped forward, planting his feet firmly into the ground.


    With a powerful swing, his greatsword carved through the air and smashed into a charging skeleton.


    CRACK!


    Bones splintered and shattered, the undead collapsing into a pile of dust.


    Without missing a beat, he charged forward, shield raised, and slammed into the next wave of enemies.


    The force sent several undead stumbling backward, their snarls turning into pained hisses.


    Freya inhaled sharply, then leaped back, creating space.


    Inhale. Exhale.


    Her body tensed.


    Then¡ªshe lunged.


    Moving like a streak of silver, she weaved through the gaps Ezekiel had created.


    Her blades flashed.


    SHING! SHING!


    Like hot knives through butter, they tore through undead skeletons and beasts alike.


    One creature lunged at her¡ªshe ducked.


    Another came from behind¡ªshe twisted, spinning her blades outward, slicing through its neck.


    Each strike was precise.


    Each movement was flawless.


    Ezekiel powered forward, his greatsword a blur as he swung, hacked, and sliced through the horde.


    Freya stayed close behind him, her movements swift and precise. Each time an undead tried to swarm Ezekiel from behind¡ªshe was there, cutting them down.


    Together, they carved a path of destruction through the monsters.


    Then¡ªthe last of the undead fell.


    For a fleeting moment, they paused, sucking in sharp breaths.


    But their respite didn''t last long.


    A new wave of undead monsters surged forward, their sheer numbers doubling, tripling.


    Across the battlefield, Alex and his clones were pushed to their limits, their relentless fight leaving gaps in the defense.


    More undead slipped through.


    The battleground was too vast, too chaotic.


    The clones couldn''t cover everything.


    And now, Ezekiel and Freya were facing another onslaught.


    Without hesitation, they readied themselves again.


    Ezekiel roared, throwing himself forward.


    His greatsword tore through the first skeleton in his path, shattering it into dust.


    He barreled ahead, plowing through the horde with sheer force, his shield smashing into anything that stood in his way.


    Freya moved behind him, using him as a shield.


    She didn''t have Ezekiel''s raw strength or unyielding defense.


    Instead, she darted in and out of openings, picking off zombies with deadly precision. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A slash¡ªone fell.


    A spin¡ªanother collapsed.


    Her movements were quick, clean, and efficient.


    But then..


    A low, guttural growl made her stiffen.


    She turned and saw pack of undead wolves was charging straight for her.


    Their eyes glowed with eerie hunger, their decayed bodies twisted and unnatural.


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    They were fast.


    And they were coming right for her.


    One of the undead wolves lunged, its jaws wide open, yellowed fangs bared¡ªready to tear into Freya.


    But before it could land¡ªshe vanished.


    Like a ghost.


    The wolf landed on empty air, its rotten paws skidding across the dirt.


    The rest of the pack snapped their heads around, searching.


    Their ears twitched. Their noses flared.


    Nothing.


    Freya was in stealth mode.


    Then...


    SHING!


    A sickening slash tore through one of the wolves.


    The beast shuddered, its body splitting apart before it even realized what happened.


    The others froze, their glowing eyes flickering with confusion.


    Then another fell.


    And another.


    They couldn''t see her.


    Couldn''t hear her.


    Couldn''t sense her.


    Freya was everywhere.


    Her movements were a blur, a shadow, a whisper of death.


    With crazy speed, she sliced through the undead beasts and skeletons one by one, her blade striking like lightning¡ªsilent, swift, and merciless.


    Ahead of her, Ezekiel rampaged.


    With Freya holding her own behind him, he let loose.


    His greatsword cleaved through the undead like they were made of paper.


    Swing. One fell.


    Hack. Another crumbled.


    Crush. Bones shattered beneath his boots.


    His attacks were relentless¡ªbut so were the undead.


    The monsters swarmed, their sheer numbers threatening to bury him alive.


    But Ezekiel refused to back down.


    Instead, he threw his head back and roared.


    A deafening, earth-shaking roar.


    A shockwave rippled outward, blasting the undead back like ragdolls. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    The horde staggered, stunned for just a moment.


    That was all he needed.


    With a ferocious battle cry, Ezekiel raised his sword high¡ªand swung with all his might.


    One.


    Two.


    Three devastating slashes.


    And the last skeleton crumbled to dust.


    Again, the two barely had a moment to breathe.


    Before them¡ªmore undead.


    A swarm of skeletal warriors clattered forward, weapons raised¡ªbut the real problem loomed behind them.


    A lava giant.


    Its massive, molten body cracked and sizzled, glowing veins of fire running through its rocky form. Every step it took sent tremors through the battlefield, the ground beneath it melting into liquid stone.


    Ezekiel''s brows furrowed.


    Skeletons? Easy.


    But a lava giant? That was trouble.


    Still, he planted his feet, gripping his greatsword tighter.


    Then...


    Freya sprinted past him.


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened.


    "What the...?"


    Before he could even ask, she shouted over her shoulder:


    "Follow me!"


    Ezekiel hesitated.


    But only for a second.


    Freya wasn''t reckless. She wasn''t the type to charge in without a plan.


    Trusting her, he rushed after her.


    Freya reached the skeletons first.


    They reacted instantly, their crude blades slashing toward her.


    But she was faster.


    She twisted, ducked, and spun, weaving through their attacks like a ghost slipping through the cracks of reality.


    And as she passed them¡ª


    She slapped her palm against their skulls.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    Each touch was deliberate.


    Each movement¡ªprecise.


    All of a sudden the undead stopped moving.


    Every skeletal warrior stood frozen in place, their weapons raised mid-strike, but completely motionless.


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened.


    Then it hit him¡ª


    Freya''s ability.


    She must''ve used a skill that froze whatever she touched.


    Realizing the effect wouldn''t last long, he reacted instantly.


    With a fierce battle cry, Ezekiel swung his greatsword, cleaving through the immobilized skeletons as he sprinted after Freya.


    Freya charged ahead, weaving through the battlefield.


    But Ezekiel''s focus shifted as he saw the mouth of the lava giant gurgled.


    A deep, bubbling sound echoed from its molten throat¡ªa warning.


    Ezekiel''s instincts screamed at him that it was about to attack.


    Freya was right in its path.


    And she realized too late.


    The lava giant lurched forward, its massive mouth opening as a fiery glow surged within.


    Then a torrent of lava erupted.


    Freya skidded to a halt, eyes wide.

 Chapter 164 Escape=Death

    There was no time to dodge.


    But Ezekiel reached her first.


    With a powerful lunge, he grabbed her shoulder, yanking her behind him.


    And in the same motion, he raised his shield.


    A magic barrier flickered to life, shimmering in front of them.


    The lava crashed against it¡ªa flood of molten rock, hissing and burning against the shield''s surface.


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, his muscles tensed as he held firm against the impact.


    The force was immense.


    The lava spray ceased, the last embers hissing into the ground.


    Freya didn''t hesitate.


    She dashed forward, her body a blur as she closed the distance between her and the lava giant.


    Then, she dove.


    Her momentum sent her sliding beneath the towering undead, barely avoiding the molten drips that fell from its hulking form.


    As she passed under, she thrust out both palms.


    Slap!


    Her hands connected with the giant''s bony legs.


    Immediately, her ability activated.


    The giant''s body was locked in place, unable to move.


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    "Hot!"


    Freya winced, yanking her hands away. Even though she had only touched it for a second, she got burnt. It was like its bones were burning, like touching a stove right after it''s been taken off the fire.


    Her hands stung, but she gritted her teeth.


    The mission was done.


    Ezekiel saw his opening.


    He lunged forward, his greatsword raised high.


    With a powerful swing.


    SHRAAK! S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blade carved through the lava giant, slicing it clean in half.


    For a moment, time seemed to pause.


    Then...


    Its massive body collapsed.


    Molten lava spilled from its core, hissing as it splattered onto the ground.


    The glow in its burning eye sockets faded.


    The undead titan was dead.


    Catching Their Breath


    Ezekiel landed with a heavy thud, his body tense with exhaustion.


    He planted his sword into the ground, leaning on it, breathing heavily.


    Freya approached, rubbing her palms, trying to shake off the sting.


    She glanced at him, then gave a small nod of approval.


    "Good job."


    A simple compliment.


    But after that fight, it meant everything.


    Ezekiel''s grip tightened on his sword, his expression tense.


    "Don''t relax yet. More are coming."


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    She turned her head and froze.


    A new wave of undead surged forward, their bodies crawling, limping, and sprinting toward them like a swarm of insects drawn to blood.


    Her frown deepened.


    They were endless.


    Relentless.


    Each time they cut one down, more took its place.


    Like flies, they kept spawning.


    And their numbers?


    Way more than Alex''s clones could hold back.


    Ezekiel let out a frustrated sigh. His gaze flickered toward Dorion and Onigi, still locked in battle.


    The two warriors fought like they were in their own world, oblivious to the chaos raging around them.


    Ezekiel''s teeth clenched.


    "If those two would just work together instead of trying to kill each other, things would be way easier."


    But he knew better.


    There was nothing they could do about it.


    Onigi''s rage was all-consuming. His thirst for revenge was absolute, and from the way they fought, it was clear¡ª


    Either he or Dorion would leave the fight battlefield alive.


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply.


    As much as he wanted to ignore it, he couldn''t.


    And whether he liked it or not, it concerned him too.


    Because he knew exactly where the Nightmare Points he''d received from Dorion came from.


    He watched it happen yet he couldn''t bring himself to do anything.


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply, forcing himself to push aside his frustration.


    No time to dwell on what-ifs.


    He turned back and saw more monsters were closing in.


    Freya stepped forward, moving beside him.


    For a brief second, neither of them spoke.


    Then, as if reaching a silent agreement¡ª


    They stood their ground once more, weapons raised, ready to meet the next wave of undead.


    It was only going to get tougher from here.


    *


    "Seriously?!"


    Dorion gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse as he clutched his throat.


    Warm blood oozed between his fingers.


    Another cut. Another wound was left by Onigi''s blade.


    His vision wavered as he staggered back, feeling the hot liquid pour down his chest.


    No matter how hard he pressed his hand against the wound¡ª


    The blood wouldn''t stop.


    "Damn it." He cursed under his breath.


    [12 Immortal Body] was running out.


    He had been trying to hold back.


    Trying not to use it.


    But now, he had no choice.


    The taste of iron filled his mouth as blood seeped past his lips.


    His breath hitched.


    His chest tightened.


    His vision blurred.


    And his consciousness began to fade.


    Then he heard footsteps.


    Slow. Heavy. Unyielding.


    Each step crunched against the frozen ground, echoing through the dead silence.


    Dorion''s heart pounded. A slow, dreadful rhythm hammering in his ears.


    He turned and there he was.


    Onigi.


    Advancing without hesitation, his expression as cold as the ice forming beneath his boots.


    Every step left behind a trail of frost, the very ground freezing solid in his wake.


    The air crackled, charged with something unnatural.


    Something deadly.


    Dorion''s breath hitched.


    A shiver crawled up his spine, sinking into his very bones.


    His teeth clenched in frustration.


    He didn''t want this.


    But, there was no other choice.


    With a grimace, he activated [12 Immortal Body].


    A searing pain shot through his veins as his wounds knitted back together.


    The gaping slit across his throat was sealed shut.


    The blood vanished.


    His body was whole again.


    But the price¡ª


    Another life lost.


    Dorion exhaled shakily, watching the reality of it sink in.


    He was running out.


    And this time, it was serious.


    How did it come to this?


    How did he end up facing a monster like this alone?


    His fingers tightened around his scythe, the cold metal biting into his palm.


    He forced himself upright, legs trembling beneath him.


    Not from fear, but from the cold.


    The kind that seeped into his bones, his lungs.


    Like death itself.


    His breath came in shaky, white puffs, dissolving into the frozen air.


    His instincts screamed at him:


    Run.


    Flee.


    Give up.


    And then...


    SHING.


    A flash of silver.


    The old man raised his sword.


    And instantly the temperature plunged.


    A wave of suffocating cold wrapped around Dorion''s lungs, squeezing the breath from him.


    The ground beneath him creaked and split, frost spreading like veins across its surface.


    Dorion staggered back, his chest tightening, his fingers stiff from the biting chill.


    His pulse thundered in his ears.


    He was trapped.


    And the only way out...


    Was death.

 Chapter 165 Dorion Dead?

    The two locked eyes.


    Dorion trembled, his breath uneven.


    Onigi, in contrast, stood calm and composed, his expression unreadable.


    Then¡ª


    He tilted his head slightly.


    A silent observation.


    If Dorion was this shaken¡­ then the skill that allowed him to regenerate must be running out.


    A realization settled in Onigi''s gaze. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dorion gulped.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    Onigi vanished.


    Dorion barely had time to react before the old man was upon him, his katana slicing down in a deadly arc.


    Too fast!


    Dorion''s body moved on instinct, and then...


    CLANG!


    A sharp, metallic sound rang out¡ªlike a sword striking solid rock.


    Onigi''s hand throbbed from the impact.


    His eyes narrowed.


    What the?


    His blade hadn''t hit metal.


    It had hit Dorion''s blood.


    Dorion had hardened it, forming an armor around the spot where the blade had struck.


    Onigi took a step back, stunned.


    Then, a slow smirk formed on his lips.


    "Oh¡­" He muttered, tilting his katana.


    "You still have more tricks."


    Dorion lunged forward, his scythe swinging down in a deadly arc, aiming to cleave Onigi in half.


    But, the old man lunged backward, avoiding the attack with swift precision.


    Dorion didn''t let up.


    His eyes were filled with desperation.


    He couldn''t die. Not this time.


    Gritting his teeth, he swung down again.


    But Onigi had already darted back, causing the strike to miss.


    Then, the scythe shifted.


    Before Onigi''s eyes, its form morphed, stretching and twisting into a long spear.


    And it shot forward.


    The spear''s blade elongated, stabbing straight for Onigi''s chest.


    His eyes widened in disbelief.


    This kid¡­


    Even with that look of fear and desperation, he was still dangerous.


    But, Onigi''s instincts were sharper than steel.


    At the last second, he twisted sideways.


    The spear missed, slamming into the ground with a sharp CRACK.


    But Dorion wasn''t done.


    With a flick of his wrist, he whipped the spear sideways, its blade slicing toward Onigi once more.


    The old man''s katana flashed.


    CLANG!


    He parried the attack with expert precision.


    Then he countered.


    A precise, forceful strike that sent Dorion staggering backward.


    Dorion''s arms blurred as he spun his weapon, blocking each strike in a frantic attempt to keep up.


    But Onigi was relentless.


    The old man''s attacks came at him faster and sharper, like a raging storm.


    Every time Dorion tried to counter, Onigi would sidestep, duck, or weave, evading the attacks as if he could read Dorion''s movements like an open book.


    Then, Onigi smirked.


    "You''re getting desperate."


    Dorion''s anger flared.


    "Shut up!" he roared, stepping forward to attack¡ª


    But, his foot slipped.


    The ground was slick.


    His balance wavered.


    "Eh?"


    Dorion''s eyes widened in confusion as his body tilted forward.


    Then he fell.


    His mind raced.


    What just happened?!


    That''s when he noticed it.


    The ground around them had turned to ice.


    Onigi had frozen it.


    Dorion had been so focused on defending that he hadn''t even realized the battlefield had changed.


    Then a sharp chill filled the air.


    Dorion looked up, and saw Onigi''s sword flash.


    With a single swing, a wave of icy slashes exploded forward, racing toward him.


    Dorion''s eyes widened in panic.


    Dorion''s heart pounded. He had seconds to react.


    With a flick of his wrist, his weapon shifted¡ªthe spear retracting, reshaping into a scythe.


    More coverage. More defense.


    But...


    SLICE!


    SLICE!


    SLICE!


    "AAARGH!"


    Blood splattered into the air.


    Dorion''s scythe had deflected some attacks¡ªbut not all.


    Pain exploded across his body.


    Deep gashes tore through his skin.


    A searing cut split his cheek.


    Another slashed across his arm and leg.


    And, one of his ears:


    Gone.


    Dorion''s body trembled as he stumbled backward, rolling across the icy ground.


    Everything hurt.


    Every breath burned.


    He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to rise.


    The fight wasn''t over¡ªOnigi was still coming.


    But, his legs wobbled.


    His body refused to move properly.


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    The old man didn''t hesitate.


    He blitzed forward like a blur¡ªhis sword raised, ready to finish it.


    Dorion was out of time.


    Dorion''s heart pounded.


    In a pure panic, he threw up his arm to block with his scythe.


    But...


    SHING!


    Onigi''s blade was too fast.


    SLICK!


    A flash of silver¡ªthen pain.


    Dorion''s arm was gone.


    "AAARGH!"


    A scream tore from his throat as he staggered backward, his severed limb falling to the icy ground¡ªhis weapon slipping from his grasp.


    Blood poured from the wound, spilling down his side.


    His vision blurred.


    His balance wavered.


    He tried to retreat¡ªstep back, run, anything¡ª


    But...


    STOMP.


    Onigi slammed his foot down, sending a wave of ice rushing forward.


    The frost coiled around Dorion''s feet in an instant¡ªfreezing him in place.


    Dorion gasped.


    His legs refused to move.


    His entire body ached.


    And Onigi?


    He was still coming.


    His cold, deadly gaze locked onto Dorion as he closed the distance, sword in hand.


    Dorion''s breath hitched.


    This is bad.


    His mind raced, scrambling for a way out¡ªanything.


    But, there was nothing.


    He was trapped.


    Dorion''s eyes widened in terror.


    His breath came in shaky gasps as he raised a trembling hand.


    "W-Wait¡­!"


    A desperate plea.


    A last-ditch effort.


    But...


    SHING!


    Onigi''s katana flashed.


    One clean, merciless stroke.


    SLIT.


    Dorion''s head separated from his body.


    A torrent of blood sprayed into the air, painting the frozen ground crimson.


    His head spun before hitting the earth with a sickening thud.


    A second later, his body collapsed.


    Motionless. Lifeless.


    Silence settled.


    Onigi exhaled, icy fumes escaping his lips.


    He stood still, eyes locked on Dorion''s fallen form.


    Waiting.


    Did that do it?


    He couldn''t be sure.


    He had no idea how many times this kid could come back to life.


    But judging by Dorion''s panic-stricken face in his final moments¡­


    This had to be the last one.


    Still, he needed to be absolutely certain.


    Onigi didn''t lower his blade.


    He waited. Watching. Listening.


    Dorion''s regeneration was always instant.


    The moment he took fatal damage, his body stitched itself back together like it was second nature.


    And each time, he struck back immediately.


    It had caught Onigi off guard more than once.


    So this time, he stayed extra cautious.


    But¡­


    Nothing happened.


    No glow. No healing.


    Dorion''s body remained still.


    No sign of his usual automatic rebirth.


    Onigi''s frown deepened.


    "Is he¡­ really dead?"


    He didn''t trust what he was seeing.


    He had to be sure.


    Gripping his katana, Onigi stepped toward Dorion''s corpse, preparing to hack it to pieces.


    But then¡ª


    THUD


    THUD


    THUD.


    The ground shook.


    A massive shadow loomed over him.


    Onigi turned, his instincts flaring.


    A towering undead giant built like a fortress of muscle and bone was charging straight at him.


    Too fast.


    Too close.


    "Tch¡ª!"


    He barely had time to react¡ª


    BOOM!


    The undead behemoth slammed into him.


    The impact was like getting hit by a runaway train.

 Chapter 166 Never Killed

    Onigi was launched off his feet, gritting his teeth as his body tumbled through the air.


    But before he could fully crash, he lunged forward, twisting midair at the last second.


    His boots skidded across the frozen ground, absorbing most of the impact.


    He slid back a few meters before coming to a halt, one knee bent, hand pressing into the ice to steady himself.


    He exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the frigid air.


    That was close.


    Lifting his head, he finally took a proper look at his attacker.


    A massive, skeletal undead, its hollow eyes burning with eerie light.


    Onigi''s frown deepened.


    He had been so focused on fighting Dorion that he hadn''t realized what was happening around him.


    His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield.


    Alex and his clone were still locked in combat with the Grim.


    Freya and Ezekiel fought alongside them, their weapons flashing as they struck down lesser undead.


    The battle was raging on.


    His chest heaved, his body shaking from exhaustion.


    Their fight had drained him.


    The undead were charging toward him, their rotting forms sprinting across the icy battlefield.


    Onigi glanced at them, but he wasn''t worried.


    He still had enough strength to deal with the lesser undead.


    The Grimlord, however¡­


    His gaze flicked back to Dorion, eyes narrowing.


    Dorion''s severed head lay still on the ground. His body remained motionless, lifeless.


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    The undead ignored him completely.


    That meant only one thing:


    He was truly dead.


    Onigi let out a slow, relieved exhale, his breath visible in the cold air.


    It''s over.


    He had won. He had gotten his revenge.


    But there was no time to celebrate.


    The battle wasn''t finished.


    He gripped his katana tightly, feeling the strain in his tired muscles.


    With what little mana he had left, he channeled it into his body, reinforcing his movements. His limbs felt heavier than before, exhaustion creeping in, but he forced himself to move.


    His sharp eyes locked onto the undead beast barreling toward him.


    With a thunderous roar, it swung its massive arm down, aiming to crush him.


    Onigi dodged in a blur, sliding to the side with practiced ease. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then...


    SHING!


    His blade sliced clean through the monster, parting flesh and bone like butter.


    The beast didn''t even have time to react¡ªits body fell apart, collapsing in a heap.


    But more monsters emerged, their grotesque forms closing in on him.


    Onigi remained calm.


    Unlike his fight with Dorion, where he had pushed himself to his absolute limit, this time, he conserved his energy.


    His movements were sharp and efficient.


    Minimal steps. Precise slashes.


    Each swing of his blade cut down an enemy in a single stroke.


    He moved like a seasoned warrior, his every motion flowing like poetry¡ªlethal, yet beautiful.


    In a matter of moments, the battlefield was littered with corpses.


    Only one enemy remained.


    A lava giant.


    Its molten body crackled with heat, glowing like a living furnace.


    Onigi steadied his breath, raising his blade once more.


    He sidestepped the stream of molten lava the giant unleashed, the scorching heat singeing the air around him.


    With a swift motion, he swung his katana, slicing through the lava giant''s bony limb.


    CRACK!


    The severed limb crashed to the ground, molten rock splattering in all directions.


    But the monster wasn''t finished.


    Its mouth bubbled, flames surging from within its throat, building up for a devastating attack.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed.


    I have to end this now.


    He dashed forward, his blade poised to strike.


    With a single, powerful swing¡ª


    SHING!


    His sword cut through the beast.


    But, something was wrong.


    Onigi''s instincts screamed.


    A presence¡ªdangerous, familiar¡ªright behind him.


    And before he could react...


    SHNK!


    A curved blade burst through his chest, piercing straight through his body.


    Cough¡ª!


    Onigi''s breath hitched. Blood spilled from his mouth.


    His vision blurred, his body paralyzed in shock.


    Slowly, painfully, he turned his head.


    Dorion.


    Alive. Smirking. Eyes filled with malice.


    The young warrior grinned wickedly, his scythe still impaled through Onigi.


    Blood dripped from the blade.


    Dorion lifted Onigi off the ground, his grip unrelenting.


    The old man winced, feeling his strength fading.


    He had been so sure Dorion was dead.


    But he had been wrong.


    Dorion tilted his head, a smug smirk curling on his bloodstained lips.


    "I don''t think you''re dumb enough not to realize," he said, voice dripping with mockery.


    Onigi gritted his teeth, struggling to breathe as blood trickled from his mouth.


    Dorion leaned in slightly, his voice lowering into a chilling whisper.


    "Or don''t tell me¡­ you''ve never killed here before?"


    Onigi''s eyes widened slightly.


    Dorion chuckled darkly.


    "That''s it, isn''t it? You didn''t know¡­ because you''ve never done it."


    The old man remained silent, his body trembling from pain and realization.


    Dorion''s smirk deepened.


    "Whenever you kill someone, you get a notification. Didn''t see one, did you?"


    Onigi frowned, his mind racing.


    A notification?


    He was supposed to see a notification. He never knew that.


    Onigi sighed in deafed.


    He had never killed anyone in the Nightmare.


    Not even in the Tutorial.


    He had always avoided unnecessary bloodshed, preferring to hunt monsters instead of taking another person''s life.


    Whenever there was conflict, he left it to Kato.


    But this time was different.


    His daughter had been killed.


    Murdered.


    For Nightmare Points.


    And he had snapped.


    For the first time, he had wanted revenge¡ªnot just any revenge, but death.


    Dorion''s death.


    And yet¡­ he had failed.


    Because he misunderstood.


    Because he had been careless.


    Because he had underestimated the boy''s ability.


    He thought Dorion''s regeneration was automatic.


    But now he realized¡ªDorion could control the timing.


    Onigi let out a weak, bitter laugh, despite the agony searing through his body.


    What a broken ability.


    Dorion''s eyes narrowed as he noticed the grin spreading across Onigi''s bloodied face.


    His frown deepened.


    Why the hell was this old man grinning?


    Inside, Dorion was boiling with rage.


    His body tensed, and his fingers tightened around the bloodstained scythe.


    Then, he opened his system window¡ªand his heart sank.


    [12 Immortal Body]¡ªgone.


    Not on cooldown.


    Not disabled.


    Completely erased.


    His breath hitched.


    That was his last revival¡ªhis ultimate trump card.


    The skill granted by the Blood Monarch himself meant to make him unstoppable.


    A warrior who could never truly die.


    And he had burned through all of it in a single fight.


    His teeth clenched hard.


    "Damn it!"


    Dorion could hardly believe it. He had wasted his most powerful ability¡ªone that should have made him invincible.


    And the worst part?


    It was all thanks to this old man.


    Just thinking about Onigi made his blood boil.


    He had planned to be the unkillable nightmare, the enemy who always came back, but now¡ª


    Now, if he died...


    He would die for good.


    Dorion exhaled sharply, forcing himself to push the frustration down.


    Then...


    THUD


    THUD


    THUD


    Heavy footsteps echoed through the battlefield.


    Dorion''s gaze snapped to the side¡ªmore undead were approaching.


    He stiffened.


    He wasn''t at full strength, and his chances of survival had just plummeted.


    "Damn it."


    Frustration burned inside him as he jerked his scythe free, sending Onigi flying off the blade.


    THUD!


    The old man groaned in pain, tumbling across the ground before slamming into a wall with a sickening crunch.


    Dorion didn''t waste another second.


    He whirled around¡ªhis eyes locked onto the horde of undead advancing toward him.


    His grip on the scythe tightened.


    He had already lost his strongest skill¡ªthe one thing that made him unstoppable.


    His frustration boiled over, his teeth gritting hard as he cursed under his breath.


    Damn it!


    With a fierce roar, Dorion lunged forward, scythe raised high, charging straight at the undead horde.


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    Freya and Ezekiel were locked in battle, their movements a blur as they cut down the undead one after another.


    But no matter how many they killed, more kept coming.


    The battlefield was becoming a nightmare.


    And there was no end in sight.


    Ezekiel swung his blade, cleaving through the wave of undead skeletons swarming in front of him.


    CRACK!


    He bashed another with his shield, shattering its ribcage into a spray of brittle bone.


    But in the heat of battle, he missed one.


    WHAM!


    A skeleton on his blind side swung a massive hammer¡ªslamming it into his side with bone-crushing force.


    Ezekiel was launched off his feet¡ªhis body hurtling through the air before crashing hard onto the ground.


    THUD!


    Pain exploded through his body. Blood dripped from his lips. His muscles throbbed in agony.


    More undead were closing in.


    He had to move. Now.


    But his body wouldn''t respond.


    Freya saw it happen.


    Her eyes flashed cold.


    She instantly activated Ghost Mode¡ªher form flickering like a phantom as she vanished from sight and reappeared mid-dash.


    SLASH!


    She cut down two skeletons without breaking stride, their bodies collapsing into dust behind her.


    She reached the attacker in an instant.


    SHINK!


    Her blade pierced its skull, the undead jerking before going limp.


    But then...


    A massive shadow loomed over her.


    Freya''s eyes snapped upward.


    Above her, a giant undead had raised a colossal hammer, ready to bring it crashing down on her.


    She had no time to dodge.


    WHOOSH!


    SLICE!

 Chapter 167 Undead Players

    Freya had no time to dodge.


    Her heart pounded as the massive hammer came crashing down toward her.


    WHOOSH!


    SLICE!


    A circular blade-like object suddenly whizzed through the air, slicing clean through the undead''s thick, rotting neck.


    SHNK!


    The head separated from its body, flipping once before crashing to the ground.


    THUD!


    The giant''s lifeless corpse toppled over, the hammer slamming into the dirt with a heavy clang.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    She immediately whipped her head around, searching for the source of the attack.


    Then¡ªshe saw it.


    The spinning blade boomeranged back, arcing through the air before landing perfectly in the hand of its thrower.


    It was one of Alex''s clones.


    But as Freya''s eyes locked onto the weapon, she realized something.


    That wasn''t a blade at all.


    It was¡­ a hat.


    The same hat he always wore.


    The clone casually flipped it in his hand, then placed it back onto his head as if nothing had happened.


    The sharp gleam that once flashed across its surface was now completely gone.


    As if it had never been a weapon at all.


    Behind Alex, more undead shrieked and charged, their decayed limbs clawing forward with terrifying speed.


    But...


    SNAP!


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted behind him, sending chunks of dirt and shattered bones flying through the air. The blast tore through the undead, silencing their roars in an instant.


    Ezekiel, watching from a distance, clicked his teeth.


    "Tch. Showoff."


    Unfazed, he jogged up to Freya, raising a casual hand.


    "Yo... Here to help."


    But Freya barely noticed him.


    Her gaze was locked onto Alex¡ªor rather, his clone.


    Her expression was frozen in stunned disbelief.


    It looked exactly like the real Alex.


    Same stance.Same sharp eyes.Same confident smirk.


    If she hadn''t seen him use [Multiplicity] to create five clones, she would''ve sworn this was the real one.


    What a powerful skill!


    She muttered inwardly, but then¡ª


    A deep, guttural groan echoed behind them.


    Freya, Ezekiel, and the clone snapped their heads around¡ª


    Huff. Huff.


    Dorion stood there, breathing heavily, his grip tightening around the cracked skull of an undead. His entire body was covered in wounds, fresh cuts and bruises marking his skin like battle scars.


    He looked like hell.


    Fatigue weighed down on him, his body sluggish from both exhaustion and the crippling debuff of his own skill. It had left him weaker than usual, and because of that, the swarm of undead he had fought had managed to land multiple brutal hits.


    Despite this, he was still walking towards them.


    Still alive.


    Freya''s eyes widened the moment she saw him.


    She had been expecting to see the old man¡ªnot this teenager in front of her.


    Her brows furrowed.


    "You''re alive?"


    Dorion scowled at her tone.


    "What? You want me to die or something?"


    Freya blinked slowly, studying him.


    Something about this exchange felt... familiar.


    Her lips curved into a smirk.


    "Is that a serious question? Of course, I do."


    Dorion''s eye twitched.


    His fingers curled into a fist.


    "You bitch..."


    Dorion cursed under his breath, stepping toward Freya with clear frustration.


    But before he could get close.


    CAW! CAW!


    A piercing cry echoed from above.


    Freya''s eyes shot up.


    From the darkened sky, a swarm of undead Blight Birds came diving toward them, their decayed wings beating rapidly, their hollow eyes glowing with eerie malice.


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    A sudden blast of black flames roared through the air, consuming the birds mid-flight. BOOM!


    BOOM!


    One by one, their burning bodies crashed down around them, reduced to nothing but scorched husks.


    Alex lowered his hand, smoke rising from his fingertips¡ªhe had fired off his Black Flames just in time.


    One of the charred corpses plummeted straight toward them¡ªbut before it could make an impact, Ezekiel swung his shield, knocking the burning remains aside with a single powerful strike.


    He turned, eyes locking on Dorion.


    His expression darkened. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You... you really won against the old man?"


    Dorion grinned smugly, placing a bloodied hand on his hip.


    "Of course I did," he said with pride. "I pushed my blade right through his chest."


    Silence.


    Alex''s brow furrowed deeply at those words.


    The old man lost?


    His fists clenched as he studied Dorion more carefully.


    Something didn''t add up.


    No matter how he looked at it, Onigi was definitely stronger¡ªhe was sure the Ronin would win. But now¡­


    His sharp gaze swept over Dorion''s battered body.


    The wounds, the blood, the exhaustion¡ªit was obvious.


    It was a close battle.


    And yet... Dorion was standing here.


    Something wasn''t right.


    Dorion noticed Alex''s stare and gave a casual wave.


    Alex clicked his teeth in annoyance.


    Onigi had the advantage.


    And yet, Dorion still won.


    Alex knew exactly why.


    The Blood Monarch.


    That was Dorion''s backing.


    Alex had almost forgotten¡ªbut now, as he studied Dorion carefully, the realization weighed on him like a warning.


    Dorion wasn''t just some reckless fighter.


    He was linked to something far more dangerous. Onigi was unaware of this danger which was why he had lost.


    Alex''s jaw tightened.


    It sucked to lose someone with potential for this maniac.


    ROOOOAR!


    A monstrous cry tore through the battlefield.


    Alex''s gaze snapped to the distance.


    More undead poured forward, their hollow eyes glowing, their decayed bodies moving with unnatural speed.


    Another wave had broken through the defensive line.


    His chest rose and fell as he let out a heavy sigh.


    This wasn''t ending.


    Unless the original Alex could defeat the Grim Lord, this battle would go on forever.


    He turned toward Freya and Ezekiel.


    Both of them were worn out, their armor dented, their bodies battered from endless fighting.


    They wouldn''t last much longer.


    Alex''s grip tightened around the accessories in his hand.


    He could ensure their survival¡­ or at the very least, increase their chances.


    Without a word, he pulled out a couple of stat-boosting rings and handed them over.


    Freya''s tired eyes flickered with surprise.


    She glanced down at the rings, then at their descriptions.


    Her expression hardened.


    Without hesitation, she slid them onto her fingers.


    She didn''t need to be told twice.


    Even if the boost was small, in a battle like this¡ªevery bit of power mattered.


    Alex then lifted a thin pendant toward Freya''s neck.


    It was another accessory with a special effect.


    For some reason, Freya assumed he was about to put it on her.


    Her heart skipped.


    Her face flushed a deep red as she instinctively turned her back to him, tilting her head slightly to the side.


    A soft blush crept up her neck.


    Alex blinked.


    Then, in a low, deadpan voice, he asked:


    "Freya... what are you doing?"


    Dorion, watching from the side, sighed and shook his head.


    "This fool."


    Freya froze.


    Her breath hitched as realization slammed into her like a brick wall.


    Oh.


    He wasn''t putting it on her.


    He was just handing it over.


    Her entire body stiffened.


    She whipped around so fast it was almost comical, snatching the pendant from his hand with stiff, jerky movements.


    Her cheeks were so hot she swore they might burst into flames.


    Meanwhile, the undead were getting closer.


    Alex, unfazed, tossed a few rings toward Ezekiel, who caught them mid-air.


    Ezekiel stared at the ring in his hands.


    His brows furrowed.


    His fingers curled tightly around them as a conflicted look crossed his face.


    "Why help me¡­?" he muttered, voice low. "I tried to kill you."


    Alex didn''t answer.


    He simply turned away.


    They had no time for this conversation.


    There were bigger threats. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Still, as he turned back toward the approaching undead, he noticed something.


    Dorion was staring at him.


    Expectant.


    As if waiting for something.


    "Brother? What about me?"


    Dorion''s voice carried a mix of expectation and entitlement.


    Alex had so generously handed over accessories to Freya and Ezekiel¡ªsurely, he had something for him too?


    But instead of reaching into his inventory, Alex frowned.


    His gaze darkened.


    The audacity of this clown.


    Maybe he thought they were actually siblings.


    Alex''s voice was cold. Unforgiving as he responded:


    "You... you can die for all I care."


    Dorion''s mouth dropped open.


    The savagery of that response left him speechless.


    He opened his mouth to protest, but...


    Grrr. Grrr.


    Low, guttural growls echoed through the battlefield.


    The undead were closing in.


    Dorion snapped his head toward them.


    A twisted, ugly smile pulled at his lips.


    He wasn''t grinning because he was confident.


    He was grinning because he was nervous.


    Because deep down, he was scared for his life.


    His body still hadn''t fully recovered.


    The backlash from using [12 Immortal Body] was weighing him down like chains, making every movement sluggish.


    Right now¡­ he couldn''t fight at full strength.


    Dorion hated to admit it, but there was no way he could survive this alone.


    Like it or not, he had to rely on the others¡ªespecially Alex.


    It sucked. Really sucked.


    But for now? He''d play along.


    At least until he found a way out of this mess.


    And get revenge for this insult.


    Ezekiel slipped the rings onto his fingers and exhaled heavily.


    The stat boost wasn''t much¡ªjust a small increase.


    But even that little bit made a difference.


    It gave him just enough confidence to stand a little taller and grip his weapon a little tighter.


    Meanwhile, out of the three, Freya felt something different.


    It wasn''t just confidence. It was reassurance.


    And that was because she was standing behind Alex.


    Strange.


    Even though this was just a clone, he still exuded the same unshakable presence.


    That same quiet confidence.


    It was like the battlefield didn''t faze him. Like he''d already figured out how this fight would end.


    Then, Alex gripped his sword firmly.


    His voice was calm but carried the weight of command.


    "Get ready."


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    The original Alex stood motionless.


    His sharp gaze was fixed on the Grim Lord, who had its massive chain blade buried in the ground.


    At first glance, it looked stuck.


    But then¡ª


    CRACK!


    Veins of lava-red energy spread across the battlefield like fractures in the earth itself.


    Something was coming.


    From the cracks, shapes began to rise.


    But these weren''t just any undead.


    They were¡­ different.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Two figures emerged first, clad in armor.


    Their armor was worn, and cracked, but familiar.


    Too familiar.


    Then he saw their faces.


    Recognition hit him like a sledgehammer.


    A slow chuckle escaped Alex''s lips.


    "Seriously?"


    The undead were players.


    Players he had fought before.


    Players he had killed.


    One by one, they crawled out of the nightmare itself.


    Each one wearing the face of someone he had slain.


    Kato. Kyiv.


    And the most recent¡ªElla.

 Chapter 168 Fallen Archfiend

    The Grim Lord took note of the flicker of unease on Alex''s face.


    A deep, guttural chuckle rumbled from its skeletal throat before it finally spoke:


    "Recognize them?"


    Its voice was like a death rattle¡ªslow, deliberate, filled with dark amusement.


    "These are the players whose lives you''ve stolen."


    Alex''s expression remained cold, but his fingers tightened slightly around his sword.


    His eyes flicked over the undead players crawling free from the lava-cracked earth¡ªtheir empty gazes locked onto him, their once-living bodies twisted into grotesque imitations of their former selves.


    But then¡ª


    He frowned.


    "So?" he asked, voice unwavering. "You think this makes a difference?"


    The Grim Lord tilted its head, chains clinking as it shifted.


    "We''ll see, won''t we... human?"


    A test, then.


    Alex''s thoughts moved fast.


    Did the Grim Lord think he''d hesitate?


    That he''d feel guilt?


    That the sight of these former enemies¡ªnow puppets of undeath¡ªwould make him falter?


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face.


    Not quite.


    He felt nothing for them.


    Not regret. Not sorrow. Not even remorse.


    And even if he did feel these things, the monstrous, hollow look in their undead faces was enough to snuff out any chance of guilt.


    Then...


    RUMBLE.


    Another undead clawed its way out of the ground.


    But this one was different.


    As it fully emerged, the air around it crackled with energy.


    Alex''s eyes sharpened.


    It was massive.


    Its humanoid form was covered in thick, bulging armor-like scales.


    Two gigantic horns curved backward from its skull.


    Electricity danced across its body, crackling between its shoulders and fingers like a living storm.


    A true powerhouse.


    And from the sheer pressure it radiated¡ª


    Alex knew.


    This one wasn''t like the others.


    This was a real threat.


    [Varkos, the Fallen Archfiend]


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    The new undead before him wasn''t like the others.


    It towered over the battlefield¡ªits massive, hulking frame covered in blackened, armor-like flesh. Its jagged horns curved menacingly, crackling with unholy lightning that danced across its body.


    This thing didn''t just look like a demon.


    It felt like one.


    Alex''s grip tightened on his sword.


    Out of all the undead he had faced since coming here, this was by far the strongest.


    Only one other presence felt heavier.


    The Grim Lord.


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    "If those two team up... this could be bad."


    Then...


    SHING!


    With a slow, deliberate motion, Varkos unsheathed its weapon.


    A massive blade, nearly as long as its own body, pulsed with violent arcs of electricity.


    Then it grinned.


    A creepy, twisted grin¡ªits sharp teeth glinting beneath the glow of blue lightning.


    And then¡ªIt moved.


    Bolted.


    Not towards Alex.


    His eyes widened.


    It was rushing past him.


    Straight toward¡ªHis clones.


    Freya.


    Ezekiel.


    Dorion.


    "Shit¡ª!"


    Without hesitation, Alex thrust his sword forward.


    An ethereal explosion disk he had set on his blade shot out, spinning like a deadly saw blade as it raced toward the charging archfiend.


    The disk landed on the demon. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    But...


    Whoosh


    The attack was dismissed the instant it stuck.


    Alex clicked his teeth.


    "Not good."


    That thing had the same defense skills as the Grim Lord.


    Alex grip on his sword tightened.


    There was no time to hesitate.


    He activated [Fast and Furious]¡ª!


    BOOM!


    He launched forward like a bullet, his body blurring from sheer speed as he shot toward Varkos.


    But...


    THUD!


    Something massive crashed in front of him, blocking his path.


    Alex''s eyes flicked up and saw rhe Grim Lord.


    A towering shadow of death.


    It tilted its head slightly, its eerie, glowing eyes locked onto him.


    "Where do you think you''re going, human?"


    Then...


    WHOOSH!


    Its chain blade lashed out¡ªfast, precise, and deadly.


    The air screamed as the attack cut through it, a razor-thin wave of destruction trailing behind the blade.


    BOOM!


    The strike was so powerful that it didn''t just carve through the ground¡ª


    It kept going.


    Tearing through stone.


    Shattering everything in its path.


    A wall far in the distance exploded from the impact, debris raining down like a meteor storm.


    But Alex wasn''t there.


    He had already dodged, flipping backward just before the blade could reach him.


    He landed in a crouch, skidding slightly as dust kicked up around him.


    Then he hissed.


    "Damn it¡ª"


    The Grim Lord wouldn''t let him pass.


    And Varkos was still charging straight toward the others.


    Alex''s mind raced.


    "I can''t reach them in time."


    His only option was too use his clones.


    But¡ª


    "They''re too weak."


    Each one only had 20% of his strength.


    Would that be enough?


    Would they survive against something that powerful?


    His grip tightened.


    Alex was lost in thought for only a second¡ª


    But that was enough.


    SHAAA!


    From the ground, multiple vines suddenly shot out, twisting and lunging toward him like living snakes.


    A trap.


    Alex''s instincts kicked in immediately.


    His hand snapped up, and with a thought¡ª


    FWOOSH!


    A black flame erupted from his palm, spreading like wildfire.


    The vines screeched and curled, instantly scorched to ash.


    Alex glance at the attacker and saw who it was...


    Ella.


    She raised her staff, her eyes cold and filled with undead malice.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A fireball dropped from the sky.


    Followed by another.


    And another.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Alex sucked his teeth, twisting his body, dodging as the blazing projectiles rained down like meteors.


    Each impact was brutal, the sheer force shattering the ground and leaving behind smoldering craters.


    The heat licked at his skin, but he stayed sharp.


    Then he frowned.


    "I know this attack."


    His eyes flickered as he processed the fiery assault.


    This wasn''t Ella''s magic.


    This was Isla''s.


    A sorcerer who had attacked along with Kato.


    A woman with a twisted sense of justice¡ªJustice that had gotten her killed.


    Alex exhaled sharply.


    When he had dismissed his clone, he had absorbed all of its memories and experiences.


    He remembered the power behind Isla''s fireballs.


    But...


    "They weren''t this strong."


    The flames burning before him were hotter, brighter, more destructive than anything his clone had experienced.


    And that could only mean one thing.


    The undead were stronger.


    Their Grim Lord hadn''t just revived them, they had been enhanced.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as multiple undead players let out eerie growls, their once-human faces now twisted with malice.


    They rushed at him.


    He gritted his teeth, setting explosion disk on the ground.


    "Fine."


    Then he snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    A shockwave of explosions tore through the battlefield, flames erupting in a perfect chain reaction.


    The ground shook violently.


    Smoke and debris filled the air.


    He should have taken them all out.


    But then¡ª


    Through the smoke¡ª Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were still in one piece.


    Unscathed by the attack.


    Still charging at him.


    Alex''s eyebrows shot up.


    "No way."


    A dark chuckle then came from the Grim Lord.


    Raising its massive chain blade, the undead ruler grinned.


    "I told you your puny trick is futile. As long as my minions are within my range¡­"


    Its voice was mocking, filled with cruel amusement.


    "I can extend my defense to all of them."


    The reveal hit Alex like a punch.


    Grim Lord''s magic barrier extended to the undead.


    "That''s why they weren''t affected."


    Grim Lord''s glowing red eyes locked onto him as it lifted its chain blade¡ª


    "Despair, human¡­And die."

 Chapter 169 Weird Accessory

    Grim Lord unleashed a flurry of deadly slashes¡ªeach one powerful enough to rend steel apart.


    Alex dodged swiftly, but tension crept up his spine.


    A single sweat drop rolled down his forehead.


    "Too close."


    Before he could react, Grim Lord closed the distance, their weapons clashing in a brutal exchange¡ª


    Sparks ignited as steel met steel.


    Alex gritted his teeth, parrying another vicious strike.


    But it wasn''t just the Grim Lord.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Fireballs rained from above¡ª


    A lightning-fast energy bolt shot from the side¡ª


    Isla and Ella had joined in.


    The battlefield became a chaotic storm of explosions, fire, and steel.


    Alex barely had time to think as he weaved between attacks, his sword flashing like a blur.


    And yet¡ª


    He still found time to mock. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You know¡­" he huffed between swings, "you need to stop talking like a final boss from a shitty game."


    The Grim Lord roared, furious.


    It raised its chain blade, preparing to strike¡ª


    Alex pulled his sword back, feigning a counterattack.


    But instead¡ª


    He whispered.


    "Petrify."


    The invisible paralyzed the Grim Lord''s body.


    For a second, it froze.


    Alex''s eyes flashed.


    "Now!"


    He shifted his weight, ready to deliver a devastating blow.


    But then¡ª


    A glow.


    A flicker of danger.


    His instincts screamed.


    He barely turned his head¡ª


    Just in time to see a massive fireball rocketing toward him.


    "Tch."


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    With a sharp thrust, he drove his sword straight into the Grim Lord''s throat.


    At the same time, he activated [Aegis Arcane], summoning a protective barrier around himself which received the attack.


    The smoke cleared.


    And Alex was shook.


    Despite Alex''s sword lodged in its throat, its ghastly eyes burned with malice.


    And then¡ª


    WHAM!


    The Grim Lord''s massive blade came crashing down.


    Alex''s barrier shattered instantly.


    KABLAAM!


    The impact sent shockwaves through the air.


    Alex was blown backward, his body smashing against the ground.


    Pain shot through his shoulder.


    Blood.


    A fresh cut.


    Meanwhile, the Grim Lord bled from its wound, but its flesh began to stitch itself back together.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    His own wound was already healing, [Minor Heal] kicking in but...


    He felt it.


    Danger.


    His instincts screamed at him to move.


    Above¡ª


    A storm of fireballs rained down.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Explosions erupted as the scorching flames torched the battlefield.


    Alex pushed off the ground, sprinting sideways as fireballs slammed into the spot he had just been.


    The heat scorched his back, but he didn''t stop.


    No time to rest.


    No time to breathe.


    Isla and Ella were responsible for the barrage.


    And Alex knew he had to get rid of them ASAP, but¡ª


    Something else nagged at his mind.


    The Grim Lord.


    More specifically, the neck chain it wore¡ªa dark, rusted chain with three skull pendants.


    He hadn''t noticed it before.


    But now?


    One of the skulls glowed with an eerie green light when he had used [Petrify].


    Alex tilted his head slightly.


    What are those?


    He barely had time to think¡ª


    GRRAAAGH!


    A chorus of growls snapped him back.


    He was surrounded.


    Undead players closed in, their rotten faces twisted in rage.


    Leading them was Kato.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    The first wave lunged.


    Alex raised his hand.


    [Aegis Arcane].


    A shimmering shield formed around him.


    CLANG! CLANG!


    Weapons struck, but every attack bounced off his magical barrier.


    Then he moved.


    Like a blur, Alex phased through them.


    His sword flashed.


    And the undead collapsed instantly, their bodies falling apart as he cut through them with precision.


    One by one, they dropped.


    Then he saw Kato.


    The last one standing.


    He snarled, raising his weapon to strike¡ª


    Too slow.


    Alex''s sword came down in a devastating arc.


    With sheer force¡ª


    BOOM!


    Kato''s body exploded apart.


    But before Alex could even take a breath¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    A ripping force tore through the air.


    A rendering strike¡ª


    From behind.


    The Grim Lord had already recovered.


    Alex reacted instantly, twisting his body in an almost impossible motion¡ª


    Like he had eyes in the back of his head.


    The attack missed.


    He landed smoothly, his grip tightening on his sword.


    But a barreling force closed in from behind.


    Fast. Aggressive.


    And was about to hit him.


    Alex twisted his head slightly¡ªjust enough to catch a glimpse.


    An undead.


    If he remembered correctly, this was Akio.


    One of the three he had killed in the second trial.


    Alex reacted instantly using [Earth Swim].


    WHOOSH!


    His body sank into the ground like a shadow.


    As he disappeared into the earth, his hand shot out.


    GRAB!


    His fingers latched onto Akio''s leg, and the undead was dragged halfway down, its body thrashing, unable to escape.


    Then Alex sprung up.


    His sword flashed.


    CRACK!


    A single stab to the skull.


    The undead''s head shattered, and it stopped moving.


    Again no time to breathe as...


    SHHK!


    Vines suddenly curled around his legs.


    Alex''s blade slashed, cutting them apart.


    But the vines pulsed.


    Moving sudden surge of strength.


    Faster. Tighter.


    They coiled around his ankles before he could react.


    Then...


    WHIP!


    "Whoa.."


    Alex was yanked up.


    Swung into the air.


    And then flung downwards the Grim Lord like a missile.


    The undead tyrant was already waiting.


    Its massive sword drew back.


    The blade glowed red-hot, lava dripping off its edge.


    Like a batter preparing for a home run.


    Only this time, the ball was Alex.


    And if that sword connected¡ª


    He wouldn''t just be sent flying.


    He''d be split into three.


    But...


    Despite plummeting helplessly toward the Grim Lord, Alex grinned.


    A sharp inhale.


    His chest expanded.


    Then...


    A powerful howl.


    BOOM!


    A shockwave of raw sound energy erupted from his mouth.


    The force slammed into the Grim Lord, hitting it like a wrecking ball.


    The towering undead staggered back, its footing nearly lost.


    Alex was still airborne.


    But with the recoil from his own attack he angled his body, adjusted midair, and flipped.


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    Then landed on the ground.


    But the moment his feet touched the ground, Alex activated [Blur].


    FWOOOSH!


    His speed exploded.


    His figure became a blur, shooting forward like a bullet¡ª


    Straight for the Grim Lord.


    One arm outstretched.


    Target locked.


    The chain.


    Dangling from the Grim Lord''s neck¡ª


    Three eerie skull pendants.


    He didn''t know what they did.


    But something told him¡­


    They were important.


    And he was going to rip them off.


    WHOOM!


    The Grim Lord''s reaction was instant.


    It arched backward in pure panic¡ªavoiding Alex''s hands.


    Then leaped away.


    Once.


    Twice.


    Three times.


    The undead tyrant put as much distance as possible.


    Alex stopped in his tracks.


    Grinning.


    His eyes locked onto the Grim Lord''s face.


    The undead''s panic faded¡ªbut just barely.


    Alex chuckled.


    "Knew it."

 Chapter 170 Three Pendant

    Alex had been watching closely.


    The moment he''d reached for the pendant, the Grim Lord had reacted instantly.


    Too fast.


    Too defensive.


    That reaction wasn''t normal.


    Which meant one thing.


    Those pendants were important.


    His mind worked fast.


    They had to be linked to the Grim Lord''s abilities.


    Which meant crushing them would nerf the Grim Lord.


    A slow grin stretched across Alex''s face.


    He straightened up and began walking forward.


    Step by step.


    By step.


    His gaze locked onto the Grim Lord, eyes sharp, calculating.


    The towering undead stood firm, but Alex caught it...a flicker of hesitation.


    Even if it was just for a second.


    Alex tilted his head, smirking.


    Then he teased:


    "You seem really protective of that chain on your neck."


    His eyes flickered toward the pendant. "I didn''t take you to be vain."


    The Grim Lord''s eyes glowed.


    A low, guttural voice rumbled:


    "Taunt all you want, human. Your end will come soon."


    Alex shook his head.


    Then muttered,


    "Again, with the cheesy dialogue."


    The Grim Lord said nothing.


    But its stance shifted into caution.


    Because now, Alex was aware the pendants were special.


    Three pendants. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each one a key to the Grim Lord''s overwhelming power.


    The first gave the beast the ability to summon a magic barrier that dismissed any magical attack.


    The second gave the beast the ability to summon an endless army of undead, including the special undead players.


    The third gave the beast a broken concept of regeneration, wounds vanishing instantly, as if they were never there.


    All three were crucial.


    If even one was destroyed, the Grim Lord''s advantage would crumble.


    Grim Lord frowned.


    Its grip tightened on its sword, and with a deep growl, it stabbed the ground.


    A summoning.


    Alex''s eyes sharpened.


    He knew exactly what that meant¡ªMore undead.


    And wasn''t having that.


    FWOOSH!


    With a burst of speed, Alex vanished using [Blur.]


    In an instant, he reappeared right in front of the Grim Lord.


    Grim Lord''s eyes widened¡ª


    CLANG!


    It was forced to stop the summoning and defend itself.


    Alex''s blade clashed against the Grim Lord''s, sparks flying.


    Grim Lord growled, shifting its stance.


    But Alex didn''t let up.


    Another strike.


    CLANG!


    Then another.


    CLANG!


    More.


    Faster.


    Relentless.


    Each attack forced the Grim Lord to react, its sword barely keeping up.


    It wasn''t just that Alex was fast.


    He was ferocious.


    The moment he had realized the importance of those pendants¡ª


    Something inside him switched.


    The Grim Lord had been an overwhelming wall.


    Now e was just a puzzle to break apart.


    And Alex was about to rip the pieces apart.


    Alex swung his blade with deadly focus, each strike precise and unrelenting, forcing the Grim Lord to stumble backward.


    The two clashed in a chaotic dance, their battle tearing apart the landscape.


    Rocks shattered beneath their feet. The air vibrated with each impact.


    Sparks erupted.


    A battle so fierce that Ella and Isla could only watch, unable to intervene.


    The Grim Lord growled, its jagged sword whipping through the air, unleashing a storm of rendering strikes.


    WHOOSH!


    Alex dodged, his movements like a ghost¡ªswift, untouchable.


    Then¡ªhe was gone.


    A blur.


    Reappearing right behind the Grim Lord.


    The undead ruler whipped around, slashing without hesitation¡ª


    But Alex was already ahead of it, using [Petrify]


    A pulse of power.


    The Grim Lord froze, its entire body locking up for just a second.


    Alex grinned.


    This was it.


    He raised his sword, ready to cut deep¡ª


    But¡ª


    BOOM!


    A sudden blast of energy shot toward him from the side.


    An undead mage.


    Its timing was insane.


    Alex clicked his teeth, his instincts screaming.


    He stepped back just as the energy howled past him, exploding into the ground.


    Grim Lord moved.


    Freed from the effect of Petrify, it snarled, raising a massive foot¡ª Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    THUD!


    A brutal kick to Alex''s chest.


    Pain exploded through his ribs.


    His body launched backward, skidding across the cracked ground.


    But there was no time to breathe.


    The Grim Lord leaped forward, its towering form blotting out the sky¡ª


    Its blade¡ªraised high.


    Searing hot.


    Lava dripped from its edge.


    Then¡ª


    It swung.


    BOOOOOOM!


    The ground erupted, a shockwave blasting outward, kicking up dust and debris.


    Alex was thrown back, his boots skidding against the cracked earth.


    He exhaled, steady. Unharmed.


    His lungs burned, but not from exhaustion but excitement.


    His passive skill, [Vigor Strike], pulsed through his veins, ensuring that he could keep fighting endlessly.


    In drawn out melee combat, he was unstoppable.


    His lips curled into a grin.


    Then¡ªhe moved.


    A blur, surging forward like a bullet.


    The Grim Lord roared, sensing his approach¡ª


    It swung.


    A miss.


    Alex wasn''t there.


    A feint.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened as it turned¡ª


    Alex had vanished from its path.


    He reappeared beside Isla, the undead sorcerer.


    Her hands glowed, a spell forming.


    Too late.


    Alex''s blade sliced through the air.


    SCHLICK!


    It pierced her skull, snuffing out the eerie glow in her dead eyes.


    Her body collapsed, lifeless.


    Then¡ªa flicker.


    In an instant, Alex was in front of Ella, the undead druid.


    Her eyes widened in shock.


    She raised her staff, desperate¡ª


    A magic shield, forming.


    But Alex was too fast.


    She had no chance.


    Sure, her long-range magic could unleash destruction, but in close combat?


    She was helpless.


    Especially against someone like him¡ªa player with insane physical stats.


    Alex closed the distance in a blink.


    Before she could react, his hand shot out.


    He grabbed her by the face.


    SLAM!


    He drove her into the ground, the impact cracking the earth beneath her.


    A sickening crunch.


    Bones snapped.


    She tried to move, but Alex''s boot came down hard.


    Right on her bony throat.


    CRACK!


    Her skull detached, rolling lifelessly across the ground.


    All of this¡ªin a single breath.


    Alex lifted his gaze, turning toward the Grim Lord.


    The beast growled lowly.


    Its eyes flickered with rage.


    Alex had just annihilated its last support in an instant.


    Now¡ª


    It was just the two of them.


    Alex stepped forward.


    Each movement deliberate. Unshaken.


    A smirk tugged at his lips.


    "Now it''s just you and me."


    The Grim Lord''s frown deepened.


    It knew the truth.


    Without its minions to distract Alex¡ª


    Defeating him would be nearly impossible.


    The Grim Lord was filled with desperation.


    It raised its massive blade in an attempt to summon gain.


    But¡ª


    HAAAARGH!


    Alex unleashed [Sonic Howl].


    A shockwave of sound blasted through the battlefield, slamming into the Grim Lord.


    The beast staggered, its summoning interrupted.


    Alex didn''t waste a second.


    He lunged.


    As he sprinted, his eyes locked onto two fallen blades¡ªweapons from the undead he had already cut down.


    With a swift motion¡ª


    He scooped them up mid-run.


    Then¡ª


    He threw them.


    The two blades spun through the air, slicing toward the Grim Lord.


    The beast gritted its teeth, recovering just in time.


    It whipped its chain blade, preparing to deflect the incoming attack.


    CLANG!


    The first blade collided, knocked aside.


    But¡ª


    The second blade stopped.


    Right in front of the Grim Lord''s face.


    Frozen. Suspended in midair.


    For a split second¡ª


    The beast hesitated.


    Its eyes flicked toward the hovering weapon, confusion flashing across its monstrous face.


    And in that tiny moment of distraction, Alex blitzed forward.


    He shot past the floating blade, his sword whistling through the air, and aimed straight for the Grim Lord''s throat.


    But...


    The beast reacted instantly.


    Its chain blade swung up, knocking Alex''s sword aside with a bone rattling force.


    Then a massive hand clamped around Alex''s neck.


    The Grim Lord lifted him off the ground, squeezing tight.


    "You fool," it growled. "I can read your actions."


    Alex, gasping for air, managed a smirk.


    "Can you?"


    Alex twitched his finger.


    A subtle, almost imperceptible motion.


    [Minor Telekinesis] activated.


    The floating blade shot forward.


    Straight into the Grim Lord''s eye.


    SQUELCH!


    The beast roared in agony, and its grip loosened.


    With a furious snarl, it let go of Alex.


    Alex hit the ground, stumbling backward, gasping for air.


    But he didn''t stop.


    His eyes burned with determination.


    With a swift step forward¡ª


    He raised his blade, aiming to take the Grim Lord''s head off in one clean strike.


    But then¡ª


    SHRRRKK!


    Vines exploded out of the Grim Lord''s body like a living trap, lunging at him.


    Alex''s instincts screamed.


    He jumped back¡ªfast.


    The vines whipped past where he''d just been, nearly snagging his limbs.


    "Dammit."


    Alex landed, skidding backward, gripping his sword tighter.


    He''d been so close.


    So damn close.


    But being creative wasn''t enough.


    The vines retracted, slithering back into the Grim Lord''s body as if they had never existed.


    With a sickening squelch, the beast yanked the dagger out of its eye socket.


    A greenish glow flickered to life¡ª


    The wound sealed shut like it had never been there.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    And then he saw it.


    One of the pendants on the beast''s chain pulsed with a faint light.


    Alex''s grin returned.


    Another discovery.


    That pendant was the key to the Grim Lord''s insane regeneration.


    But just knowing that wasn''t enough.


    If anything, it was useless unless he figured out how to destroy them.


    And he would.

 Chapter 171 Counter

    Grim Lord''s grip tightened around its weapon.


    For the first time, it was starting to feel nervous.


    Alex''s attack had failed, but that didn''t matter.


    Because in the process, he had forced the Grim Lord to reveal one of the pendant''s abilities.


    And now...


    The battle was shifting out of its favor.


    The Grim Lord gritted its teeth.


    Its usual strategy¡ªsummoning powerful undead minions¡ªwas no longer an option. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It needed a new plan.


    Its mind raced.


    Varkos.


    Grim Lord''s most powerful undead.


    Sending him away was a mistake.


    It didn''t think Alex would be such a chore.


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    But now, it needed the undead general back.


    The Grim Lord focused, reaching out with its mind.


    It could feel Varkos''s presence in the distance¡ª


    Locked in battle.


    With who?


    It sharpened its focus.


    The human clones.


    Alex''s clones were keeping Varkos busy.


    The Grim Lord''s frown deepened.


    No matter.


    Grim Lord intended to call him back anyway, as the clones wouldn''t stand a chance.


    But then¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    Alex had noticed his moment of distraction and attacked.


    He knew the beast was up to something.


    But that didn''t matter.


    Because he had a plan.


    The Grim Lord spotted him approaching and instantly lashed out.


    A barrage of brutal, rending strikes¡ªeach one fast, precise, and deadly.


    SWISH!


    SWISH!


    Alex dodged, weaving between the monstrous attacks, his reflexes razor-sharp.


    And then¡ª


    He closed the distance.


    The Grim Lord snarled, sensing danger, and swung its massive blade.


    But Alex was gone.


    Using [Earth Swim].


    In an instant, he sank into the ground¡ªlike a shadow melting into the earth.


    The Grim Lord''s blade sliced through the empty air.


    Its eyes darted around.


    WHOOSH!


    Alex erupted from the ground¡ª


    Behind the beast.


    Blade flashing.


    SLASH!


    But the Grim Lord reacted just in time.


    CLANG!


    Steel clashed against steel.


    Sparks exploded into the air.


    Then, another strike.


    A counter.


    A furious, chaotic exchange of blades.


    CLASH!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Each attack faster.


    More relentless.


    Then, the beast lashed out with a devastating, full-force slash.


    Alex saw it coming.


    But instead of blocking with his blade, he twisted his body and activated [Aegis Arcane].


    The arcane shield materialized and shattered on impact.


    BOOM!


    But Alex just grinned.


    Because he didn''t care.


    Not yet, huh?


    Alex thought to himself, his eyes locked onto the Grim Lord.


    They clashed again¡ªswords colliding in a brutal flurry.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    SWOOSH!


    The Grim Lord roared, swinging its massive blade downward with terrifying force.


    Alex leaned back at the last second, activating [Aegis Arcane].


    CRACK!


    The barrier shattered on impact, fragments of magic fizzling away.


    But Alex just smirked.


    "Third time''s the charm."


    The Grim Lord hesitated.


    What was this human playing at?


    Alex had completely stopped moving.


    His arms were outstretched.


    His magic shield was up.


    And then, he yelled out¡ª


    "Come!"


    The provocation was like pouring oil on fire.


    Furious, the Grim Lord lunged forward and swung down with all its might.


    A strike powerful enough to cleave mountains in half.


    BOOM!


    But¡ª


    Instead of Alex''s shield shattering on impact¡­


    It held firm.


    A radiant glow rippled across its surface, humming with energy.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened.


    Then [Aegis Arcane] special effect activated.


    "Counter."


    SLASH!


    A massive gash tore across the Grim Lord''s body, nearly splitting it in half.


    Purple blood erupted from the wound, splattering onto the ground like a ruptured dam.


    The beast staggered, its monstrous frame trembling from the devastating blow.


    The power of [Aegis Arcane] had activated--A 30% chance to deflect attacks, but with an added 50% damage boost.


    And it had just hit perfectly.


    Alex''s eyes locked onto the skull-shaped pendants.


    This was his moment.


    This was his chance to destroy them.


    But...


    Despite the injuries the Grim Lord received, it managed to react.


    Vines exploded from its body in a desperate, frenzied burst!


    WHOOSH!


    They lashed out, aiming to ensnare Alex.


    But...


    CRACK!


    Alex leaped back just in time, the vines slamming into the ground where he had just stood.


    Then, he looked up, and grinned.


    The Grim Lord''s wounds closed.


    Its body restored.


    One of the skull-shaped pendants pulsed with a sinister glow.


    But¡­one was missing.


    Alex flashed a mocking grin, his fingers tightening around something in his palm.


    Then, slowly¡ªdeliberately¡ªhe turned his hand over, revealing what he held.


    Crushed fragments.


    The shattered remains of one of the Grim Lord''s skull pendants.


    With a smirk, Alex let the pieces fall.


    They crumbled through his fingers, scattering onto the ground like dust.


    "No..."


    The Grim Lord''s voice was a low, guttural growl.


    Its massive frame stiffened.


    Then it stepped forward.


    And roared.


    "NO!!"


    The beast''s fury shook the battlefield, but Alex was already moving.


    SNAP!


    He activated the trap he had set on the ground beneath the monster¡ª


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted in a massive explosion, flames and debris swallowing the Grim Lord whole.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    He had suspected that one of the pendants was responsible for the beast''s magic barrier.


    And he hoped that the one he destroyed was the right one.


    But...


    The Grim Lord emerged unscathed.


    The beast strode out of the smoke, its eyes gleaming with mocking amusement.


    Alex clicked his teeth.


    The barrier was still intact.


    And judging by how the Grim Lord''s wounds had already healed, it wasn''t the pendant that gave it regeneration either.


    So what was the effect of the pendant he had he destroyed?


    The Grim Lord stepped forward, its massive form radiating pure rage.


    Its glowing eyes locked onto Alex, and its voice rumbled like thunder.


    "You damn human... You''ll pay for what you just did."


    Alex exhaled, rolling his shoulders.


    His grip on his sword tightened.


    "Says every single monster I face."


    The Grim Lord lunged, its body exploding with thorn-covered vines, each one lashing out like a whip of death.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    SHING!


    He spun his blade in a sharp, fluid motion¡ª


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, he dove in.


    His goal? The last two pendants.


    Using [Blur], he vanished, a streak of motion blowing past the vines as they slammed into the ground, shattering stone.


    He closed in on the beast, his blade aiming straight for its chest¡ª


    Then, something felt off.


    A strange chill crawled up his spine.


    Then...


    Memories flashed through his mind.


    Scenes he didn''t recall experiencing himself.


    A battle. A struggle.


    A final blow.


    Then it hit him.


    "Dang."


    One of his clones had just been killed.

 Chapter 172 Varkos Arrival

    Earlier...


    Alex''s clones were locked in battle, relentlessly tearing through the monstrous army.


    BOOM!


    Explosions shook the battlefield.


    The ground was littered with shattered bones, the remains of the undead piling up with every passing second.


    Yet, the clones did not slow down.


    They attacked without hesitation, their strikes merciless and precise.


    Each clone wielded [Vigor Strike], making their stamina virtually infinite as long as they remained in motion. They could fight endlessly.


    At the center of the chaos¡ª


    One Alex clone stood out.


    The one clad in [Spectral Warden Armor].


    Unlike the others, this clone was a force of destruction, its movements swift and precise, each strike lethal.


    The armor enhanced its power, turning it into an unstoppable reaper, carving through the undead horde like a death god.


    Then...


    A Titan Undead emerged.


    CRASH!


    It swung its massive weapon down with earth-shattering force.


    The ground split open, dust and debris flying into the air. Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    But, itmissed.


    The Alex clone had already moved.


    Before the weapon even landed, he was climbing the Titan''s massive arm, using its bony structure as a path.


    Then alfway up, he twisted his body¡ª


    And hurled his axe in a spinning motion, the weapon slicing through the air, heading straight for its mark.


    The axe spun like a deadly disc, carving straight through the Titan Undead''s skull.


    CRACK!


    A deep fissure split across its head before...


    BOOM!


    The massive creature collapsed like a crumbling tower, shaking the battlefield.


    But Alex was already in motion.


    He leaped.


    Soaring through the air, he caught his midair sword and¡ª


    SLASH!


    He landed with a powerful downward strike, cleaving through several undead as his blade ripped through their bodies.


    The surge of power within him was electric.


    He wasn''t slowing down.


    Another Alex clone, Gauntlet Alex, was tearing through the undead.


    BAM!


    He punched straight through an undead''s skull, his fist shattering bone like glass.


    Then¡ª


    THWACK!


    He caught the heads of two undead, one in each hand, then smashed them together with enough force to splinter their skulls into dust.


    With a sharp inhale, he activated the Fury Gauntlet''s special effect.


    His strength tripled instantly.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    He swung his fist like a meteor, sending the undead flying in all directions.


    Bones shot into the air, scattering like debris from an explosion.


    Another clone, who wielded Eclipse Edge, stayed behind.


    He moved like a shadow.


    A blur of motion.


    Every step was precise, every strike lethal.


    He cut down the undead one by one, his blade leaving black streaks of energy in its wake.


    At the same time, he focused on thinning out any undead that tried to break away and attack Freya and the others.


    The final Alex clone stood behind them, gripping the Staff of Power.


    His voice boomed across the battlefield¡ª


    "You guys, retreat!"


    There was no hesitation.


    The three immediately understood the reason behind his words, them pulled back.


    A relentless wave of rotting bodies rushed toward them, eyes burning with an unnatural glow.


    The staff-wielding clone didn''t flinch.


    He stood firm, gripping the Staff of Power tightly.


    The long, ancient staff pulsed with raw energy.


    It wasn''t just a weapon¡ªit was an amplifier.


    It boosted his mana and multiplied his attack power.


    And he had already set the entire battlefield ablaze with hidden explosives.


    Each one was supercharged.


    He only needed to snap his fingers.


    But instead...


    He lifted his staff high, letting the moment sink in.


    Then, in a voice that echoed across the battlefield, he roared:


    "Let there be explosions!"


    A pulse of invisible force rippled outward, twisting and distorting the space around them.


    For a split second, everything went silent.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    KABOOM!


    A chain reaction of destruction erupted.


    Explosions detonated in perfect succession, ripping through the battlefield like a rolling inferno.


    Hundreds of undead were caught in the blast.


    Their bodies tore apart midair, bones shattering, dust and debris filling the sky.


    The shockwaves surged outward, scorching the land, leaving nothing but craters and flames.


    The force of the explosion rushed toward the four clones like an unstoppable storm.


    But, they were ready.


    In perfect sync, they activated [Aegis Arcane].


    A radiant barrier of energy shimmered into existence around them, absorbing the violent shockwave.


    As flames roared and debris rained down, the four clones stood.


    Unmoved.


    The Staff-Wielding Alex lowered his hand, dismissing the shimmering [Aegis Arcane] barrier.


    The battlefield was a scorched wasteland.


    The air was thick with smoke, embers flickering like dying stars.


    The Alex responsible for this damage tilted his head back and let out a low, victorious cackle.


    His eyes gleamed as he took in the aftermath¡ª a masterpiece of destruction.


    A few feet away, the rest stood watching him with a mixture of awe and concern.


    There was only one thought running through their minds:


    Madman.


    Seeing him like this¡ªlaughing at the devastation¡ª made them realize this was how they looked from the outside.


    This was how insane they were.


    The flames died down.


    The explosions had settled.


    And the battlefield?


    Completely wiped clean.


    Not a single undead remained.


    For a brief moment, the clones let out a sharp exhale.


    Was it over?


    Then a deep rumbling.


    The ground trembled.


    In the distance, a new wave of undead materialized.


    Endless. Relentless. Unstoppable.


    They weren''t coming from the ground.


    They weren''t crawling out of the shadows.


    They were spawning from thin air.


    The clones all sighed at the same time.


    This was never ending.


    The only way to stop this endless horde was to defeat the Grim Lord.


    And that was exactly what the original Alex was trying to do.


    The newly spawned monsters would take some time to reach them.


    So the clones decided to use this time to let their bodies finally able to relax for just a moment.


    But then..


    A shadow appeared before them.


    It was not one of the undead.


    It was something worse.


    A tall humanoid figure stood before them, its body encased in armor-like scales that gleamed under the eerie battlefield light.


    Two sharp, jagged horns curved from its forehead, crackling with electricity.


    In its grip, a massive sword hummed, sparks of lightning dancing along the blade.


    A demon. No...


    A name burned into their minds:


    [Varkos, the Fallen Archfiend.]


    The air grew heavy.


    The pressure around them shifted.


    This was no mindless undead.


    This thing had intelligence.


    It had power.


    The clones immediately tensed.


    Even without a single movement from Varkos, they could feel it¡ª


    This was not an opponent they could take lightly.


    Stormforged Alex stepped forward, his armor crackling with residual energy.


    Gauntlet Alex clenched his fists, his knuckles glowing with raw strength.


    Staff Alex instinctively took a step back, positioning himself behind the others.


    Varkos'' eyes flickered.


    A cold, calculating intelligence lay behind them.


    Then...


    Varkos moved in an instant, its mouth snapping open¡ª


    A sphere of lightning energy began to form, bright, unstable, and deadly.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    The lightning blast erupted, cutting through the battlefield like a thunderbolt from the heavens, straight at the clones.


    Alex''s clones all had high-speed reflexes, thanks to [Danger Sense].


    They moved instantly, their bodies reacting before their minds could even process the attack.


    The lightning blast struck the ground behind them with a deafening crackle, sending up a storm of dust and debris.


    It missed.


    But, Varkos surged forward.


    And Stormforged Alex barely had time to register the movement before the Archfiend''s lightning-coated sword came crashing down toward him.


    "Tch!"


    With a sharp exhale, Stormforged Alex swung up his axe, intercepting the blow.


    BOOM!


    The impact shook the ground, creating a deep crater beneath them.


    Sparks flew as lightning snapped and hissed around them.


    Varkos pressed down, pouring its monstrous strength into the attack.


    Alex gritted his teeth, muscles straining as he held his ground.


    But he was losing.


    Gauntlet Alex charged in from the side.


    His fist glowed with power, aimed directly at Varkos'' ribs.


    The Archfiend barely reacted.


    It twisted, swatting Gauntlet Alex away with a backhand strike, sending him crashing into a pile of bones.


    But, that brief distraction was enough. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Stormforged Alex roared, pushing up with all his might.


    Varkos staggered back, losing the pressure on his sword for just a moment¡ª


    And that was all Swordsman Alex needed.


    Like a shadow, Swordsman Alex appeared at Varkos'' blind spot.


    His blade gleamed, slicing through the air.


    He aimed straight for the Archfiend''s neck.


    But Varkos vanished.


    A crackling bolt of lightning shot past them, and before they could react, it was already behind them.


    It wasn''t attacking them.


    It was going for Staff Alex.


    Varkos had been playing them.


    From the start, its real target was Staff Alex, the one who had just unleashed the devastating explosion.


    Why?


    Because out of all the clones, Staff Alex was now the most vulnerable.


    But if Varkos had rushed at him too soon, it would''ve been obvious.


    So it distracted the others first.


    Staff Alex barely had time to process what was happening.


    His instincts screamed at him.


    Move! Defend! Do something!


    His hands shot up as he summoned [Aegis Arcane].


    A shimmering arcane shield materialized in front of him, a desperate attempt to block the incoming strike.


    But...


    He had miscalculated.


    Severely underestimated the power the fiend possessed.


    Varkos'' blade swung down.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    A shockwave blasted through the battlefield.


    The air rippled from the sheer force.


    The ground trembled.


    Dust and debris filled the air.


    And then¡ª


    A sharp, sickening crack.


    The smoke cleared.


    [Aegis Arcane] had shattered.


    The shield had taken the full force of the attack¡ª


    But it wasn''t enough.


    The remaining clones watched in horror.


    Varkos stood there, its lightning-clad sword humming ominously.


    And at its feet was Staff Alex.


    His body, split in half.


    "Damn¡­"


    One of the clones muttered.


    The realization hit them all at once.


    This wasn''t just any enemy.


    Varkos was different.


    It was a monster on a completely different level.


    And it had just wiped out one of them in an instant.


    Varkos saw the shock and tension in their eyes.


    And it grinned.


    A cruel, evil grin.


    Then it spun its sword, lightning crackling around it.


    And in the next instant, it lunged forward, towards the rest, to finish the job.

 Chapter 173 Alex Fault

    Freya slashed through the last undead, its body crumbling into dust.


    She let out a heavy exhale, wiping sweat from her forehead.


    The battlefield was finally clear.


    But then¡ª


    She noticed something.


    Alex had stopped moving.


    His body was rigid.


    His eyes were locked on something in the distance.


    He didn''t blink.


    Didn''t speak.


    Didn''t even breathe.


    Freya frowned, confused.


    She stepped forward, her boots crunching against broken bones.


    "What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.


    Alex didn''t answer.


    Didn''t even acknowledge her.


    He just stood there.


    Frozen.


    Then, she saw it¡ª


    A subtle tremor in his hands.


    Alex wasn''t just standing still.


    He was shaken.


    His fists clenched as the weight of a single truth crashed down on him.


    One of them had died.


    Alex''s mind raced.


    There was an opponent strong enough to take on four of his clones at once.


    And worse¡ª


    It wasn''t even the Grim Lord.


    That meant there was more than one high-level threat in this battle.


    He Had to Move¡ªNow


    His heart pounded.


    He snapped out of it, scanning his surroundings.


    Freya and the others¡ªthey were safe.


    Which meant¡ª


    He could go.


    Without another word, Alex bolted.


    His body became a blur as he sprinted toward his clones.


    Toward the monster that had just killed one of him.


    Freya''s eyes widened as Alex suddenly took off.


    "Wait!" she yelled, her voice sharp and urgent.


    But he was already gone.


    A blur of motion, disappearing into the battlefield.


    Freya squinted, eyes straining through the lingering dust and flickering embers.


    Up ahead, she saw them¡ª


    Alex''s clones.


    Locked in battle with a dark figure.


    She couldn''t tell exactly what it was, but she could feel it.


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    A powerful presence.


    Something dangerous.


    Her fingers twitched, the urge to help nagging at her.


    But then doubt crept in.


    Would she even make a difference?


    Would she only slow them down?


    She exhaled sharply.


    She hated this feeling¡ªbeing a burden.


    Just standing here, useless.


    Their presence was already a strain on the battlefield, and she didn''t want to make it worse.


    But still¡ª


    It sucked to be helpless.


    To just watch instead of fight.


    Freya shook off the frustration and turned her attention elsewhere.


    Her gaze landed on Dorion.


    He lay sprawled on the ground, chest rising and falling in uneven breaths.


    His body was scorched, his skin charred in some places.


    Not just exhausted¡ªhe looked drained.


    Like something was sapping his energy.


    The undead alone couldn''t have done this.


    This was something worse.


    Onigi.


    That thing must have done a number on him.


    Freya''s jaw tightened.


    If she couldn''t fight on the front lines, then she needed to help somewhere else.


    She turned, scanning the battlefield¡ª


    And her eyes landed on Ezekiel.


    He was close by.


    Ezekiel sat on the ground, his back leaning against his massive greatsword, the blade half-buried in the dirt beside him.


    His eyes swept across the battlefield.


    Up ahead¡ªAlex''s clones were locked in a fierce clash with Varkos, the Fallen Archfiend.


    Further away¡ªThe original Alex was locked in combat with the Grim Lord.


    And as if that wasn''t enough¡ª


    Dozens. More. Undead.


    Marching in from the horizon, their soulless eyes locked onto them.


    Ezekiel let out a long sigh, his voice tinged with both awe and unease.


    "That man... doesn''t he ever run out of stamina?"


    He shook his head, watching as Alex continued to fight, his movements still sharp, still precise, still deadly.


    "He''s doing so much, yet he doesn''t even look tired. Seriously... he''s a real monster."


    Freya''s expression darkened at those words.


    She turned toward Ezekiel, her tone sharp, carrying an unmistakable edge.


    "Yeah... a monster."


    Her gaze flickered back to Alex, still fighting, still standing.


    "One that saved our lives."


    Alex''s strength was terrifying¡ªno doubt about that.


    But he wasn''t some mindless killer.


    Every time he struck first, it was because someone had forced his hand.


    He never killed without reason.


    He always gave a warning.


    One that was either ignored¡ªor refused.


    Ezekiel scoffed.


    "Saved lives, yes..."


    His grip on his sword tightened.


    "But then took them."


    "Take them?..."


    Freya''s voice rose, sharp and incredulous.


    She knew exactly what Ezekiel was getting at¡ªthe survivors Alex had killed in the third round.


    But their deaths?


    That was on them.


    "He didn''t take anything," she shot back, eyes narrowing.


    "They threw it all away."


    Ezekiel''s gaze darkened.


    "He could have ignored it. They couldn''t harm him. Yet he still killed desperate people."


    Freya''s jaw clenched.


    "You could have stayed," she countered, her voice laced with frustration.


    "You could have convinced them not to attack. They saw you as a leader. Yet you ran the moment you got hit."


    She took a step forward, eyes burning.


    "You''re at fault too."


    Ezekiel flinched but quickly regained his composure.


    "He turned the nightmare on its head," he argued, his voice steady.


    "But he never thought about the consequences for everyone else. That forced the nightmare to take drastic action, pushing people into desperation."


    Freya''s fists clenched at her sides.


    This guy¡ª


    He was dodging responsibility while pointing fingers at someone else.


    What a coward.


    "How would his inaction have made things any better? Right here, right now, in this moment?"


    Ezekiel responded slowly:


    "You don''t realize it, but the Nightmare wants as few players as possible to survive. And though it didn''t get rid of them directly...Alex helped it."


    Ezekiel''s eyes darkened as he spoke in a low, almost conspiratorial tone.


    "Now that I think about it¡­ maybe Alex is something the Nightmare spawned. A creature designed to make us dependent on him¡ªbefore he kills us all."


    Freya''s head snapped toward him, disbelief flashing across her face.


    "Okay, that''s wild."


    Her voice dripped with frustration.


    "You must have lost your mind. How dare you say that when he literally gave you rings to boost your survival?"


    Ezekiel let out a slow sigh, his expression unreadable.


    "I am grateful," he admitted, but his tone carried an unsettling edge.


    "But I also can''t ignore my animosity toward him."


    Freya''s anger flared.


    "Isn''t your animosity misplaced? He''s been nothing but generous, and that''s what pisses you off?"


    Ezekiel scoffed.


    "Generous?"


    He said the word like it was the most ridiculous thing he''d ever heard.


    "That''s what you call him?"


    His jaw tightened, voice low and sharp.


    "He selfishly plowed his way through the maze, provoked the Undead Guide and the Nightmare itself. He killed people who just wanted to survive. And now? Now we''re stuck here, fighting endless waves of monsters with no way out."


    His eyes narrowed, bitterness dripping from his words.


    "But hey¡ªseems like we''re all having fun, right? And you call that bastard generous?"


    Freya didn''t hesitate.


    Her voice was sharp, her words like daggers.


    "Oh, and what exactly did you do while all of this was happening, oh selfless one?"


    She clapped back, her arms crossing as she stared Ezekiel down.


    "From Trial One, you prioritized your own survival above everything else. In Trial Two, I don''t even know how you got enough Nightmare Points to proceed, but let''s be honest¡ªthere''s no way you made it through without killing another player. And then, in Trial Three, you used the maze Alex created¡ªthe very one you keep complaining about."


    Ezekiel''s eyes narrowed.


    "There was no other option," he shot back. "He nuked the entire maze and then just stared at it in awe¡ªlike it was some masterpiece. Remember?"


    Freya scoffed, ignoring the remark. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And yet, after he got you and a dozen others out, what did you do? You rallied the survivors and tried to kill him. But when you took a single punch and realized you couldn''t win? You ran. Left the rest to die. Yeah¡­ real selfless indeed."


    Ezekiel exhaled slowly, turning to face her fully.


    His voice was calm, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    "Killing Alex would''ve meant escaping the Nightmare," he said, his words deliberate.


    Then, tilting his head slightly, he added:


    "Tell me, Freya¡ªyou never considered it? Not even for a second?"


    Freya''s response...

 Chapter 174 The Past Wont Stay Dead

    Freya''s response was instant. Her voice didn''t waver.


    "I didn''t."


    She held his gaze, unwavering.


    "Because I know there''s no escape without him. And so far? He''s proving me right."


    Ezekiel was silent for a moment. Then, with a sigh, he finally spoke.


    "Well, not everyone is like you."


    His voice was low, steady.


    "Most people don''t try to see the good in others. They don''t try to believe in it. And they sure as hell don''t make excuses for the bad. Some people are just bad¡ªplain and simple. Being too understanding? That''s a quick way to get killed in a situation like this."


    Freya''s frown deepened.


    Hypocrisy.


    That''s all she heard in his words.


    Before this nightmare began, Ezekiel had been the one trying to do good.


    He had been the one saying they needed to work together, that he would lead them out of this trial.


    But the moment things got rough?


    He abandoned all of that.


    He chose himself over everyone else.


    Sure, maybe his actions were justified.


    After all, when he needed help, no one had stepped forward¡ªexcept Dorion.


    But if he could understand that the people who tried to kill Alex were just desperate...


    Then, shouldn''t he also understand that they were scared?


    He couldn''t have it both ways.


    He couldn''t call others cowards while doing the exact same thing.


    Now, as Freya looked at him, all she saw was someone pathetic¡ªa man who refused to take responsibility for his own actions and only ever found fault in others.


    Freya narrowed her eyes at Ezekiel, her voice sharp and cutting.


    "You... you don''t know how to take accountability, do you?"


    Ezekiel''s lips parted slightly as if he wanted to respond, but before he could¡ª


    "Of course he doesn''t."


    A familiar voice interrupted.


    Freya turned just as Dorion walked toward them, his steps slow and heavy with exhaustion. His body was still battered from earlier, but his eyes burned with anger.


    "That''s why he left me alone to face the old man after we shared the points I got from killing his daughter."


    Silence.


    Ezekiel looked down. His face was unreadable, but his body spoke volumes. Shoulders tense. Fists clenched.


    He wasn''t denying it.


    Freya''s breath caught. Her eyes widened in shock.


    Wait¡­ it''s true?


    She turned fully toward Ezekiel, searching his face, but his gaze never lifted from the ground.


    Freya''s chest tightened. He was worse than she thought.


    Then¡ª


    A guttural, gurgling noise filled the air, low and unnatural, like something choking on its own breath.


    The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.


    What the hell¡ª?


    Before she could react, an invisible force exploded outward from the center of their group, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.


    A crushing impact slammed into her body, launching her off her feet.


    "UGH¡ª!"


    She tumbled, her back scraping against the rough ground as she rolled several meters before finally coming to a stop. Dust clouded her vision.


    Pain shot through her limbs as she groaned, forcing herself to push up on shaky arms.


    Her breath was ragged. Her heart pounded.


    They had gotten distracted.


    In the middle of a battlefield, they had let their guard down¡ªcompletely unaware of their surroundings.


    For a brief second, Freya thought an airborne creature had crashed down in the middle of them. But as she forced herself up, wincing at the ache in her limbs, she saw the truth.


    Right in front of her, a glowing energy gate shimmered into existence.


    It looked similar to the trial gates that transported players to the next stage¡ªbut something about this one felt¡­ wrong.


    Then¡ªsomething stepped through.


    A figure emerged from the gate, moving with slow, deliberate steps.


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat as she focused on it.


    The first thing she noticed was the bow it held.


    The second was the way it moved.


    Unlike the usual undead with their stiff, unnatural motions, this one walked with control. Precision. Purpose.


    Then she saw the armor.


    Her stomach dropped.


    The armor was familiar. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    She had seen it before.


    Then, a notification appeared atop it.


    [Undead Player: Xeno]


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    "No way..."


    She recognized this undead.


    The archer from the second trial.


    The one she had killed.


    Her hands trembled.


    She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest.


    "What... what the hell is this?"


    Compared to Freya, who faced only a single undead player¡ª


    Ezekiel was approached by multiple.


    At first, he couldn''t process what he was seeing.


    His mind refused to believe it. But then, one by one, the names began flashing before his eyes:


    [Undead Player Sally][Undead Player Marcus][Undead Player Isaac][Undead Player Micah]...[Undead Player Bart]


    The moment he read the last name, his body froze.


    "No¡­ this can''t be real."


    He recognized every single one of them. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These were not just undead.


    These were the players who had died in the first round.


    Their lifeless eyes, once filled with desperation and fear, were now empty sockets glowing with a sinister light. Their bodies moved with purpose, not like mindless husks, but like something aware.


    Ezekiel''s breath hitched.


    His fingers twitched around the handle of his weapon.


    "What¡­ what sick game is this?"


    Dorion was still on the ground, wincing in pain. He had spent more time groaning on the ground, and when he finally pushed himself up, it wasn''t by choice¡ª


    The undead attacked.


    Dorion barely had a second to react.


    He gritted his teeth and threw himself backward, narrowly avoiding a vicious swipe aimed at his chest.


    He landed hard but managed to roll to his feet, his breathing ragged.


    Then¡ªhe saw it.


    An undead walking toward him.


    At first, he didn''t pay it much attention.


    But something seemed off about it.


    Unlike the others he''d killed so far, this one moved differently.


    Smoother. More controlled. More alive.


    Dorion''s brow furrowed.


    He narrowed his eyes, scanning the figure.


    The way it walked. The stance. The armor.


    Then a notification flashed.


    [Undead Player Kiri]


    The world blurred.


    His stomach twisted into knots.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    No. No way.


    He recognized her immediately.


    The girl he had killed.


    Onigi''s daughter.


    His fingers tightened around his scythe.


    His breath came out sharp and shaky.


    Then, his expression darkened.


    "You bitch."


    The word spat out before he even realized he had spoken.


    Because of her...


    Because of her, Onigi had marked him for death.


    Because of her, he had lost his most powerful skill.


    His vision turned red.


    A deep, guttural rage boiled up from within him.


    His body moved before his mind could stop it.


    And with a raw shout, he lunged forward, scythe raised high, ready to cut her down again.


    The undead let out a low, rasping growl, a sound that felt almost¡­ resentful.


    Then, with eerie speed, she met him head-on.

 Chapter 175 30 Seconds

    One of his clones was dead.


    The realization hit Alex like a punch to the gut.


    He hadn''t expected one to die this soon.


    "How did it happen?"


    The question burned in his mind, but there was no time to dwell on it.


    He wasn''t worried. Didn''t have to be.


    Just curious.


    As he dove forward, vines lashed out at him¡ªthick, twisting tendrils aiming to wrap around his limbs and drag him down.


    Alex twisted midair, narrowly dodging as the vines cracked against the ground where he had just been. Too close.


    His suspicions were right.


    Varkos¡ªthe summoned beast¡ªwas insanely strong.


    Maybe too strong for his clones to handle.


    But they had to.


    He needed them to hold Varkos back, or he''d have no chance of dealing with the real threat standing in front of him¡ª


    The Grim Lord.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    If he wanted to win this fight, he couldn''t just rely on brute force.


    He needed to use everything in his arsenal.


    All of it.


    He surged forward, closing the distance between him and the Grim Lord. The towering creature responded instantly, its massive blade humming with dark energy¡ª


    Then¡ª


    SLASH!


    A Rendering Strike tore through the air.


    Alex ducked, rolling beneath the deadly arc.


    The wind from the swing whipped at his skin as he popped back onto his feet, inches from the monster.


    This was his chance.


    He reached out with his mind, activating Minor Telekinesis.


    His target?


    The skull-shaped pendant hanging around the Grim Lord''s neck.


    Alex yanked.


    For a moment, the pendant shook violently¡ª


    It hummed¡ªa strange, eerie vibration filling the air.


    Then the Grim Lord barrier flared to life.


    Enabling the pendant to resist.


    "Guess that won''t work."


    Alex muttered to himself, eyes narrowing.


    The Grim Lord''s defensive aura didn''t just protect its body¡ªit covered the pendant too.


    A deep, rumbling voice echoed from the monstrous figure.


    "You foolish thief."


    Then they clashed.


    Alex lunged in, blades flashing, but the Grim Lord was fast despite its massive frame.


    CLANG!


    Their weapons met in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent vibrations up Alex''s arms, but he pushed forward, twisting his body to deflect the next blow.


    The heat from the Grim Lord''s body was intense, searing his skin on contact. Flesh sizzled.


    But Alex barely flinched.


    His wounds healed instantly¡ªjust like the Grim Lord''s.


    The difference?


    His healing was nowhere near as powerful.


    He had to be careful.


    He saw an opening when the Grim Lord had overextended its swing.


    And Alex shifted his stance, ready to counter.


    But...


    SHHHLK!


    Vines shot out from the Grim Lord''s body, whipping toward him like spears.


    Alex cursed and abandoned his attack, leaping backward just in time.


    The vines slammed into the ground where he had just stood, leaving deep cracks in the stone.


    He clicked his teeth in frustration.


    Ever since he broke the first skull-shaped pendant, the Grim Lord had changed its strategy.


    Now, it was on high alert.


    Its focus had shifted to defense, making it much harder for Alex to land a decisive blow.


    The beast lurched forward, closing the distance.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    They clashed again.


    Blades rang. Sparks flew.


    Vines sprouted wildly from the Grim Lord''s body, lashing out in every direction.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    He wasn''t just dodging attacks anymore¡ªhe was fighting against a storm of blades and vines coming at him from every direction.


    His eyes darted rapidly, scanning every movement, predicting every attack.


    Then...


    SWOOSH!


    A massive arm made entirely of vines burst out from the Grim Lord''s back.


    Alex barely had time to register it before...


    THWACK!


    The vine-arm slammed into his side, hitting him like a wrecking ball.


    He went flying.


    CRASH!


    Alex skidded across the ground, wincing as he came to a stop.


    His ribs ached, but he pushed himself up.


    Only to see vines creeping toward him like snakes, spreading across the ground, trying to trap him.


    Alex''s muscles tensed.


    He flipped backward, then again¡ªand again¡ªjust barely avoiding the vines that lashed at his feet.


    But before he could regain his stance, a shadow loomed over him.


    Alex''s instincts screamed.


    He looked up.


    The Grim Lord was descending from the sky.


    It had leaped high above him and was now coming down with a cleaving strike, aiming to split him in half.


    "Tch¡ª!"


    Alex kicked off the ground, throwing himself to the side.


    WHOOSH!


    The Grim Lord''s blade slammed down just inches from where he had been.


    Even though he dodged, the edge grazed his cheek, leaving a thin red line on his skin.


    Alex landed, breathing hard.


    "Dammit." He muttered under his breath.


    But the Grim Lord wasn''t done.


    It spun its massive chain blade, the weapon whirling so fast it blurred.


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    FWIP!


    The blade shot toward Alex, the chain elongating unnaturally, stretching across the battlefield.


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    Too fast!


    The chain wrapped around his body, the metal links coiling tight before he could react.


    And the blade at the end of the chain was rushing toward him, ready to cleave him in half.


    Alex had only a second to react.


    He dove straight into the ground.


    WHOOSH!


    The blade slashed through empty air, missing its target.


    The chains, now slack, fell to the ground with a metallic clank.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted behind the Grim Lord.


    Flames and smoke burst into the air. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The monster whipped around, searching for the source.


    But there was nothing there.


    It was a feint.


    Because in front of it, Alex was already moving.


    SLASH!


    He swung his blade, aiming straight for the Grim Lord''s neck.


    But...


    SHHHRK!


    The monster reacted instantly.


    Vines shot out of its body, twisting together at lightning speed, forming a thick shield in front of it.


    Alex''s attack slammed into the barrier, cutting deep¡ª


    But not deep enough.


    More vines surged out, forcing Alex backward.


    He landed a few feet away, exhaling sharply.


    This wasn''t working.


    Without tricks like the one he had just used, he wasn''t getting anywhere.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    The Grim Lord was too alert now.


    There was no way he''d catch it off guard again.


    Not when the monster was this defensive.


    He sighed.


    There was only one way out of this.


    One that came with serious drawbacks.


    Alex sighed again, his hands clenching into tight fists.


    If he used this, then he had to end the fight fast¡ªwithin 30 seconds.


    No hesitation.


    No second chances.


    He took a deep breath.


    Inhale. Exhale.


    Then, he muttered:


    "Titan''s Fury."

 Chapter 176 Second Pendant

    BOOM!


    A shockwave exploded out from his body, sending cracks through the ground beneath him.


    His muscles tensed, expanding, as if his entire body had been supercharged.


    Steam seeped from his skin, rising in thick, ghostly wisps.


    His breathing grew heavier, his chest rising and falling like a machine preparing for battle.


    Alex''s aura glowed an ominous red, the sheer intensity of it warping the air around him. A raw, overwhelming power coursed through his body, making the ground beneath him tremble.


    The Grim Lord squinted its eerie, emerald-green eyes. Something was off.


    The human in front of it had changed.


    His strength had skyrocketed.


    And that was not a good thing.


    Alex slowly raised his head, locking eyes with the beast.


    The Grim Lord didn''t hesitate.


    It moved instantly, instinct screaming that if it didn''t react now, it wouldn''t survive.


    WHOOSH!


    But even with its speed, it was too late.


    Alex''s blade tore through the air like a meteor, slicing through the Grim Lord''s face in a devastating arc. A massive chunk of its flesh was ripped away, sending black ichor spraying across the battlefield.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened.


    Even though it had reacted instantly, it had still gotten cut.


    That had never happened before.


    Snarling, the beast lord lashed out, summoning dozens of thick, writhing vines, all shooting toward Alex like deadly spears.


    But they all struck nothing.


    Alex was already gone.


    And he was already in front of it.


    So fast.


    The Grim Lord reacted on instinct, exploding in a mass of vines as it leaped backward, trying to create space.


    Something was wrong.


    The human in front of it had suddenly surged in power¡ªa power it didn''t understand. It needed time to analyze. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex had no intention of giving it time.


    WHOM!


    A shadow loomed over the Grim Lord.


    It looked up¡ª


    And there was Alex, plummeting from the sky like a meteor, a blur of red energy, his blade raised high.


    The beast lord reacted instantly, slashing out with its chain blade.


    SWISH!


    But Alex twisted midair, barely tilting his body, dodging the attack by inches.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    Alex''s sword came down like a warhammer, striking with a force that shook the battlefield. The ground beneath shattered, a deafening explosion ripping through the air.


    A thick cloud of smoke burst outward.


    But from the haze¡ª


    The Grim Lord staggered out, a deep wound on its shoulder already sealing shut, black ichor bubbling over the injury.


    Its eyes held unease.


    The Grim Lord felt it¡ªa sinking sense of dread.


    Alex''s sudden power boost was unnatural.


    It didn''t understand what had happened, but it knew one thing for certain¡ª


    It needed Varkos.


    But before it could do anything...


    YANK!


    A powerful force jerked the Grim Lord backward.


    Alex had seized it by the leg, his grip like iron shackles.


    His eyes burned crimson, glowing with a feral intensity.


    Then he pulled.


    The beast lord was ripped off its feet and dragged toward Alex at a terrifying speed.


    Alex raised his blade, ready to cleave the monster apart¡ª


    But¡ª


    SHLAAK!


    The Grim Lord''s body twisted, morphing into a mass of writhing vines that coiled around Alex in an instant.


    The vines tightened like a serpent, wrapping around his arms, chest, and legs, pinning him in place.


    Alex gritted his teeth, struggling, but the vines multiplied, thickening around him until he was completely covered.


    The Grim Lord grinned.


    In its mind, the fight was already over.


    Alex, despite his power boost, had let himself get caught.


    What a fool.


    The beast lord prepared to crush him...but then:


    BOOM!


    A deafening shockwave erupted from within the vines.


    The entire mass exploded outward, shredded into a storm of green debris.


    Alex stood in the wreckage, his muscles tense, his aura still blazing red.


    He had just torn through the Grim Lord''s trap with sheer strength alone.


    The Grim Lord groaned, its massive body collapsing onto the ground.


    Its pendant glowed, radiating a sickly light as its wounds rapidly healed.


    But healing wasn''t enough.


    It knew now¡ªthis wasn''t the same human it had faced before.


    This thing in front of it was something else.


    Something unstoppable.


    The moment its body reformed, the Grim Lord made its decision¡ª


    Run.


    Survival was all that mattered now.


    It turned to retreat, its monstrous limbs tensing¡ª


    But...


    A shockwave of pure force erupted from Alex''s throat as he used Sonic Howl.


    BOOM!


    The Grim Lord''s body was slammed into the ground.


    The sheer pressure pinned it down, its claws scraping helplessly against the earth. The ground trembled, deep gouges forming as the beast was dragged back, its massive form grating against the dirt.


    And Alex didn''t stop.


    The moment the howl ended, he vanished.


    A blur of movement...


    Then...


    SLASH!


    A clean, merciless strike.


    The Grim Lord''s arm flew through the air, severed completely.


    The beast reeled back, an ear-splitting scream of agony shaking the battlefield.


    Panic overtook its mind.


    There was nothing left but the overwhelming urge to flee.


    But Alex''s voice cut through the chaos.


    A single word.


    "Petrify."


    Grim Lord froze.


    Its body refused to move¡ªnot because of any physical restraint, but because of something far more terrifying.


    Fear.


    The petrification effect took hold for just a fraction of a second¡ª


    But that was enough.


    Enough for Alex to move.


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    Enough for him to grab the second pendant.


    RIP!


    With a single, forceful yank, Alex tore the skull-shaped charm off the beast''s neck.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened.


    Panic flooded its mind.


    The moment it regained control of its body, it leaped backward, desperately shielding the last pendant with both hands.


    But¡ª


    CRACK!


    Alex crushed the pendant in his grip.


    A wicked grin spread across his face.


    At that moment, he understood.


    Seeing the beast Lord healing, he knew exactly what the effect of the pendant he broke was.


    It was the pendant that enabled the beast Lord to put up a magic barrier that dismissed Alex''s ability.


    The Grim Lord''s body twitched as it healed.


    That was it.


    Its best defense was gone.


    And with that, it did the only thing it could.


    Run.


    The beast Lord turned and fled.


    But Alex wasn''t letting it go.


    His hand shot forward, and in an instant, the Explosive Disk transferred onto the Grim Lord''s back.


    A surge of energy ignited, locking onto its target.


    Sensing the incoming devastation, the Grim Lord instinctively tried to summon a shield.


    But nothing came.


    Its magic was gone.

 Chapter 177 Varkos vs Alexs

    Alex''s clones stood still, tense.


    Their gazes were locked on Varkos, who loomed over the lifeless body of their fallen clone.


    Rage.


    Caution.


    A mix of both burned inside them.


    Slowly, Varkos lifted his head.


    His dark eyes scanned the remaining clones, and then...


    He grinned.


    A mocking, twisted smirk.


    Then..


    WHOOSH!


    Varkos charged forward like a bullet, aiming to finish the job.


    The clones'' fury ignited.


    Stormforge reacted instantly, surging ahead, his hand outstretched.


    SNAP!


    A massive explosion erupted between them, aimed directly at Varkos before he could close the distance. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    But¡ª


    FZZZT!


    A shimmering barrier flickered into existence around Varkos.


    BOOM!


    The explosion detonated against the invisible shield, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.


    But as the smoke cleared¡ª


    Varkos emerged.


    Unharmed. Grinning.


    Stormforge Alex clicked his teeth.


    His blade gleamed in the dim light as he rushed forward, the air around him crackling with power.


    And before Stormforge Alex could react¡ª


    SWOOSH!


    Varkos''s sword came swinging down.


    Stormforged Alex gritted his teeth.


    The moment Varkos''s sword came down, he raised his axe to meet the attack.


    CLANG!


    A shockwave erupted from the collision.


    BOOM!


    The sheer force shattered the ground beneath them, cracks splintering outward.


    Sparks of lightning crackled between their weapons, jumping across their bodies like living veins of energy.


    Stormforged Alex''s arms trembled.


    Even with his enhanced armor, Varkos was stronger.


    His knees buckled slightly under the pressure.


    Gritting his teeth, he pushed back.


    But it was like pushing against a mountain.


    Varkos tilted his head, his eerie grin widening as he took a step forward, shoving Stormforged Alex back effortlessly.


    Then....


    WHOOSH!


    The remaining two clones descended from above, weapons raised to strike.


    Varkos''s grin vanished.


    No more games.


    With a flick of his wrist, he shoved Stormforged Alex backward and then..


    ZRRRK!


    A ball of lightning exploded from his mouth, slamming into Stormforged Alex''s chest.


    BOOM!


    The clone was sent tumbling across the battlefield, armor sizzling from the impact.


    "You ugly demon!"


    A voice roared.


    Eclipse Edge Alex.


    He lunged in, sword flashing, aiming for Varkos''s head.


    SWISH!


    Varkos sidestepped, effortlessly dodging.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Eclipse Edge Alex unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one precise and lethal.


    But, Varkos parried them all with ease.


    The clash of steel rang out in rapid succession.


    Sparks flew as Varkos deflected Alex''s sword upward, then knocked away the downward slash with a burst of lightning.


    The clones reacted instantly, leaping to the side as the electric blast scorched the ground where they had just stood.


    Gauntlet Alex dashed in from Varkos'' flank, his fist cocked back for a powerful strike.


    He aimed for the beast''s ribs, hoping to land a sneak attack.


    But Varkos moved with unnatural speed.


    Twisting its body, it dodged the punch and retaliated with a brutal kick.


    Gauntlet Alex barely had time to brace.


    He crossed his arms, absorbing the impact¡ªbut the force still sent him hurtling through the air, crashing into the dirt with a heavy thud.


    Before he could recover, Eclipse Edge Alex lunged forward, blade flashing.


    Varkos''s eyes gleamed.


    With a guttural snarl, it opened its maw and unleashed a crackling sphere of lightning straight at him.


    Alex reacted on instinct.


    He swung his sword up, intercepting the attack.


    But the sheer power behind the energy ball was overwhelming.


    The moment it made contact, a shockwave erupted, blasting Eclipse Edge Alex off his feet.


    He tumbled backward, rolling across the battlefield.


    Varkos didn''t hesitate.


    It locked onto the tumbling clone and lunged forward, massive claws tearing into the ground as it closed the distance.


    Gauntlet Alex, still recovering from the earlier kick, felt a surge of danger.


    His muscles tensed.


    Without thinking, he threw himself backward just as Varkos landed with a thunderous boom, shattering the ground where he had just stood.


    Dust and debris shot into the air.


    Varkos snarled and lunged at the clone, its attack relentless, ferocious and swift.


    Gauntlet Alex had no choice but to dodge.


    His mind locked onto evasion, his body moving purely on instinct as he sidestepped, ducked, and backpedaled.


    The beast''s strikes came like a storm, leaving him no room to counter.


    But then a sharp claw grazed his chest, tearing through flesh.


    Blood splattered.


    "Argh!"


    And Alex gritted his teeth, pain flaring through his body.


    Before he could react, Varkos'' foot came crashing down.


    BOOM!


    The stomp crushed into his chest, driving him into the ground.


    A sickening crack spread through the stone beneath him, dust rising from the impact.


    The archfiend loomed above, its cold gaze locked onto the fallen clone.


    Varkos raised its crackling blade, dark energy dancing along its length. Without hesitation, it plunged downward, aiming to end Gauntlet Alex for good.


    But just before the blade could pierce¡ª


    WHHOOOOO!


    A deafening sonic wave exploded across the battlefield, slamming into Varkos with raw force.


    The beast staggered, knocked off balance, its attack thrown off course.


    Gauntlet Alex gasped for breath.


    That was too close.


    Its savior was another clone¡ªShadow Fang Alex.


    The one who had gone to aid Freya and the others.


    Returning.


    Without hesitation, he stepped forward, gripping Gauntlet Alex by the arm and pulling him up.


    Gauntlet Alex clutched his bloodied chest, breathing heavily.


    The wound was healing¡ªbut too slowly. Pain still lingered, but he pushed through it.


    Meanwhile, Varkos steadied itself, shaking off the force of the sonic blast. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Its glowing eyes snapped upward, scanning the battlefield¡ªthen narrowed.


    Another clone had joined the fight.


    Then, it sensed it.


    A sharp, urgent pull in its mind¡ªits master was calling for help.


    Grim Lord was in trouble.


    Varkos snarled. There was no time to waste. It turned to leave¡ª


    But stopped.


    Two figures blocked its path.


    Stormforged Alex and Eclipse Edge Alex had recovered from the earlier attack.


    Now, they stood firm, blades drawn, their gazes locked onto the beast.


    Behind them, Gauntlet Alex and Shadow Fang Alex took position, ready for battle.


    The air grew tense.


    Sparks crackled from Varkos'' blade.


    The clones weren''t just stalling.


    They had received a mental order from Alex himself...


    Varkos wasn''t allowed to leave until he was finished with Grim Lord.

 Chapter 178 Clone Jumping

    No matter the cost.


    But they weren''t just going to hold back the archfiend.


    They were going to kill it.


    Without hesitation, the clones moved, closing in from all sides.


    Their formation tightened, cutting off every possible escape route.


    Then, as one, they spoke.


    "Titan''s Fury."


    A surge of power ignited within them, raw and overwhelming.


    Energy crackled through their veins, flooding their limbs with strength.


    A reddish aura burst from their bodies, leaking out like wildfire.


    The sheer force of it sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield.


    Varkos flinched.


    His eyes widened slightly¡ªnot in fear, but in realization.


    The clones had just gotten stronger.


    His window to escape was shrinking fast.


    Varkos'' gaze darted around, searching for an opening, but the clones had locked in.


    Their stances were solid, their grips tightening around their weapons, their movements sharp and controlled.


    They weren''t going to let him leave.


    And now, they had the power to back it up.


    They had 30 seconds.


    That was all the time the clones had before [Titan''s Fury] ran out.


    Varkos muscles tensed, its stance shifting. It could feel the raw power surging within the clones¡ªthis wouldn''t be an easy fight.


    The urgent call from Grim Lord pulsed through its mind, growing more desperate.


    But Varkos couldn''t leave.


    Not unless it defeated them first.


    Fine.


    It would end this now.


    Without hesitation, Varkos'' maw opened, crackling with violent energy.


    A ball of lightning began forming, crackling with deadly force.


    But the clones moved first.


    Faster than expected.


    And in perfect sync.


    Varkos'' eyes widened.


    The attack halted.


    Its sharp gaze darted between the approaching clones, trying to predict who would reach it first.


    But then...


    Slash!


    Varkos parried the first strike, but the attacks didn''t stop.


    Another slash came¡ªthen another.


    Relentless. Precise.


    Then...


    Slash!


    A blade cut across his back.


    Purple blood sprayed into the air.


    Varkos snarled in pain, twisting to counter¡ªonly to face two more ferocious attacks from the front.


    He barely managed to block, his arms straining against the force of two Alex clones striking at once.


    Then...


    BAM!


    A powerful punch slammed into his ribs from the side.


    Varkos let out a guttural growl, rage surging through him.


    With a roar, he spun his sword in a vicious arc, lightning crackling from the blade, surging outward.


    But the clones were faster.


    One darted past the deadly arc, weaving through the storm of energy and lunging straight for Varkos, forcing the beast back into defense.


    Then, a howl came from above. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Varkos''s eyes snapped upward. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Storm-Forged Alex was descending.


    Blade raised.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    The ground shattered beneath the impact.


    Dust and debris erupted into the air as Varkos was sent staggering backward.


    Then¡ªa blur.


    Slash.


    Slash.


    Slash!


    Three Alex clones blurred past Varkos in a flash, moving with frightening speed.


    The beast barely reacted in time¡ªbut it wasn''t enough.


    Blades tore through him.


    A deep gash opened on his ankle. A sharp cut sliced across his arm. And a brutal slash carved across his face.


    Purple blood splattered onto the ground.


    Varkos'' eyes widened.


    His body tensed.


    A low, frustrated growl rumbled from his throat.


    The clones were putting him at a disadvantage.


    "UUURAAA!"


    A battle cry erupted from above.


    Stormforged Alex descended¡ªblade flashing¡ªstriking down with immense force.


    Varkos barely managed to react, raising his sword just in time.


    CLANG!


    The impact sent tremors through his arms, his feet digging into the ground.


    Stormforged Alex pressed down harder, pouring raw strength into his weapon.


    Varkos groaned, muscles straining against the crushing force.


    Then, Stormforged Alex muttered one word¡ª


    "[Petrify.]"


    Varkos'' body froze.


    His eyes flickered with shock.


    His limbs stiffened against his will.


    [Petrify] worked best on those who were uneasy or afraid.


    And right now¡ªwhether he admitted it or not¡ªVarkos was both.


    The effect wouldn''t last long.


    A being of his strength would break free in moments.


    But a moment was all one of Alex needed.


    Shadow Fang Alex appeared behind Varkos in an instant.


    It saw the opening.


    And he pounced, his blades flashing.


    Stab.


    Stab.


    Stab!


    Each strike sank deep into Varkos'' neck, blood gushing from the wounds.


    "Uaargh! Uaargh! AAAARGH!"


    Varkos howled in pain, his body tensing before he finally broke free of [Petrify].


    A burst of electricity crackled around him¡ªthen¡ª


    BOOM!


    A shockwave of lightning exploded outward, blasting the two clones away.


    Shadow Fang Alex and Eclipse Edge Alex skidded back, their bodies crackling with residual electricity.


    Varkos staggered, breathing heavily, one hand clutching his bleeding neck.


    His healing ability kicked in, but it wasn''t fast enough. Not like the Grim Lord''s.


    Then there was a shift in the air.


    A presence.


    Eclipse Edge Alex had used [Stealth Walk] to get close while Varkos was distracted.


    Varkos''s eyes widened.


    Too late.


    SLASH!


    A blur of movement.


    A clone materialized from nowhere, its blade cutting clean through.


    Varkos''s arm hit the ground.


    For a moment, the archfiend just stared at it.


    Then, the pain hit.


    "GAAAH!"


    He staggered back, clutching the stump, his remaining hand sparking with electricity.


    But he had no time to react.


    Stormforged Alex, the first to recover, leaped high into the air¡ª


    Right over Eclipse Edge, Alex.


    His sword gleamed, surging with power¡ª


    And then...


    BOOOOM!


    The blade slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave that sent Varkos flying back, and then..


    WHAM!


    A devastating punch from the side.


    Fury Gauntlet Alex''s fist connected squarely with Varkos'' jaw.


    BOOM!


    The impact sent the archfiend flying, his massive body tumbling violently across the battlefield.


    Dust and debris scattered.


    Varkos groaned as he slowly pushed himself up, his body aching from the blow.


    He clenched his jaw, and there was a faint crack.


    His teeth clicked together.


    His eyes burned with rage as he turned¡ª


    But the clones were already surrounding him.


    He snarled and lunged at one.


    WHOOOOOOOOM!


    A Sonic Howl tore through the air, slamming into him like a shockwave.


    Varkos was sent skidding backward.


    His ears rang.


    His body staggered.


    And then...


    They attacked.


    Slash! A blade cut across his side.


    Cleave! A heavy sword struck his shoulder.


    Pierce! A dagger sank into his thigh.


    Stab! A second blade ripped through his side.


    THUD!


    A punch to the ribs cracked something inside.


    Varkos coughed up dark blood.


    But the clones didn''t let up.


    They were...

 Chapter 179 Tribute

    They were going to end this.


    Varkos dodged frantically, his body twisting and turning as he lashed out wildly with his remaining arm.


    Lightning crackled around him as he swung, trying desperately to fend off the relentless clones.


    But it was pointless.


    With one arm missing and facing a clone of one of the most broken humans to ever enter the nightmare, resistance was futile.


    The clones closed in from all sides.


    A coordinated attack. Precise. Ruthless.


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    A blade tore into his side.


    Cleave.


    A sword hacked into his shoulder.


    Pierce.


    A dagger buried itself deep into his leg.


    Varkos snarled, his frustration boiling over.


    But it didn''t matter.


    No matter how much he struggled, the onslaught wouldn''t stop.


    His movements slowed.


    His body, once proud and imposing, was now a bloodied mess, struggling to keep up.


    And then...


    SMACK!


    A sharp slap cracked across his face.


    His head jerked to the side, blood flying from his lips.


    Varkos froze.


    His chest heaved, his mind staggering from the sheer audacity of it.


    A slap? S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A slap?!


    His fury ignited like a storm.


    Lightning exploded around him, his rage boiling over as his body surged with power.


    With a guttural roar, he lunged at the nearest clone, his only remaining hand reaching out¡ª


    But then.


    A voice.


    Cold. Unshaken. Unforgiving.


    From behind him.


    "Petrify."


    Varkos''s body locked up instantly.


    His muscles froze, his breath hitched¡ª


    He was trapped.


    Completely.


    "You don''t seem to realize¡­"


    A clone, the one he had managed to grab, tilted its head slightly and spoke¡ªits voice as cold as steel.


    "There''s simply nothing you can do¡­ but die."


    Varkos''s eyes widened.


    A sharp chill ran through him¡ª


    And then¡ª


    SHNK!


    A blade plunged deep into his back.


    Varkos''s body jolted, his mouth gaping as dark blood gushed from his lips.


    The pain hadn''t even fully registered before¡ª


    WHAM!


    An axe came crashing down, a brutal arc of destruction.


    SLICE!


    His last arm was torn away, severed in one clean, merciless cut.


    Blood erupted, spraying through the air like a crimson fountain.


    Varkos staggered, trembling.


    He tried to breathe¡ª


    But only a wet, gurgling sound escaped his throat.


    Pain surged through every fiber of his being.


    His legs trembled, barely able to hold him up.


    His vision blurred, the world around him fading in and out like a distant dream.


    He tried to steady his breath, but it failed.


    His lungs hitched, his body refusing to take in air properly.


    Then...


    THUD.


    He collapsed to his knees.


    His head hung low, chin almost touching his bloodstained chest.


    His once pristine, sculpted body¡ªa symbol of power and might was now ruined.


    A tattered, bloodied mess of deep, dark purple.


    Agony.


    Disbelief.


    Fatigue.


    Every emotion was etched onto his face.


    Varkos spat out blood, thick and dark, his chest rising and falling heavily.


    But no matter how much he breathed¡ª


    The air around him felt thinner.


    Like the world itself was closing in.


    Varkos groaned, his voice raw with disbelief.


    "Me¡­ defeated by a human?"


    No.


    Unacceptable.


    He refused to believe it.


    But then¡ª


    A shift.


    Subtle, yet unmistakable.


    The air around him stirred, sending a chill through his battered body.


    Varkos felt it instantly¡ªsomething was wrong.


    His instincts screamed, and his body tensed.


    And then it was gone.


    A protective spell¡ªone that had shielded him all this time¡ªvanished.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    How?!


    His mind raced, trying to make sense of it.


    Then, realization struck like a hammer.


    The Grim Lord¡­ had lost another pendant.


    Which could only mean one thing¡ª


    The magic shield protecting him was gone.


    The shield¡ªhis one defense against magic¡ªwas gone.


    Varkos turned slowly, almost dreading what he''d see.


    And there it was.


    A clone stood ahead, a grin creeping onto its face, one hand raised slightly.


    The others stood at a distance, forming a loose circle around him.


    They weren''t attacking.


    Not yet.


    They were waiting.


    And then¡ªVarkos saw it.


    The realization in their eyes.


    They knew.


    They all knew.


    He was completely defenseless.


    A cold, eerie chill crawled up his spine.


    His breathing hitched.


    "No!" Varkos roared, panic gripping his chest like a vice.


    His mind screamed for a way out¡ªany way out.


    But there was none.


    And in the back of his mind, he heard it.


    The Grim Lord''s mental call for help.


    It was different now.


    Desperate. Frantic.


    His master was losing.


    And just like him¡ª


    Grim Lord was on the edge of death.


    Varkos stared at Alex in terror.


    His mind reeled, his body frozen with something he never thought he''d feel¡ªfear.


    Seriously, what is this human?


    Grim Lord''s call rang through his mind, more desperate than ever.


    But it was futile.


    There was nothing Varkos could do.


    Nothing.


    The clones stood still, watching him, their presence looming like executioners awaiting the final blow.


    Only five seconds left until [Titan Fury] ran out.


    Then¡ª


    Stormforged Alex stepped forward.


    A small, glowing disk of energy flickered into existence in his hand.


    Without a word, he placed it against Varkos''s forehead.


    A detonation mark.


    Varkos''s breath hitched.


    A strange, unnatural tingling sensation crawled across his skin.


    He couldn''t move.


    Couldn''t fight back.


    And could only wait for the inevitable.


    Then¡­


    The rest of the clones raised their hands.


    More glowing explosion disks flickered into existence, each one snapping into place across Varkos''s mangled body.


    His chest.His back.His legs.Even the stump where his arm used to be.


    A cold shudder ran through Varkos.


    The weight of his fate bore down on him like a crushing boulder.


    He was going to be blown apart.


    The eerie tingling across his skin intensified, sending his nerves into a frenzy.


    His instincts screamed at him to run.


    To fight back.


    To do something.


    But there was nothing he could do.


    The clones weren''t just attacking.


    This was a tribute.


    A final salute to the fallen clone.


    Even though the original Alex could always summon him again, this sacrifice¡­


    Would not be forgotten.


    Varkos''s breath came ragged.


    His teeth clenched.


    His body trembled.


    And then...


    SNAP.


    Every clone snapped their fingers in unison.

 Chapter 1 - 1: Elevator

    Alex Hunt truly believed that good things happened to bad people and bad things happened to overly good people, after his life had turned to hell, all because he decided to be generous.


    He had seen a man standing before a vending machine confused as to how it worked.


    Alex was in a good mood that day, after getting paid his salary, so he decided to get a drink for himself and another for the stranger.


    But when he handed it over, the stranger''s expression contorted in disgust, and swatted it to the ground.


    "You...are you looking down on me?" the man asked in an arrogant tone and Alex was confused.


    Alex would later find out the man was the new owner of the company, Ethan Hunt.


    The previous owner--the man who hired him, had fallen ill and Ethan his grandson was to be the new boss.


    The next day while Alex was leading a meeting, when Ethan appeared and publicly announced that Alex was to be demoted with immediate effect.


    His reason, Alex was a poor bastard who graduated from a lowly university and had no idea of his place.


    After that, things start to become worse.


    More work kept being handed to him, to the point where he was assigned menial tasks like making coffee, making photocopies, or going to a restaurant to get his co-worker''s orders. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The workload left him working late into the night, only to return early the next day, still drowning in unfinished tasks.


    Alex contemplated resigning, hoping to escape this ordeal.


    However, when he attempted to hand in his resignation letter, Ethan tore it to shreds, issuing a warning that he held the power to ensure Alex didn''t get a job anywhere else.


    Alex panicked, if he couldn''t work in an organization how was he going to pay the massive loan his drunk excuse for a father had left him?


    How could he keep up with his bills? Survival seemed possible only in a big corporation with a steady monthly income.


    Alex quickly apologized stating it was a mistake, but Ethan kicked him on his shin causing him to kneel--and said with a mocking grin:


    "If you''re going to beg don''t do it half-heartedly you bastard."


    Ethan then placed his shoes on Alex''s fingers twisting them.


    "Son of a bitch treating me like a beggar. Who''s on their kneel pleading now huh?"


    Alex''s knuckles were burning in pain but he didn''t so much as wince.


    He didn''t want to give Ethan the satisfaction of seeing him in pain.


    All this suffering because he showed kindness to the wrong person.


    In the present, Alex came early to work as usual, his eyes heavy from little sleep. As usual, he had so much work to do and he wasn''t able to finish the ones from the previous day.


    His manager had kept adding the task of his co-workers to his and when he complained it was too much, he received a slap on his face.


    Alex was tempted to fight back but he held back, if he acted out now, he was sure to lose his job.


    As much as it hurt him he would hold on. Getting ridiculed was better than losing all of your organs to loan sharks.


    But for how long?


    Alex didn''t know, his father''s debt was way too massive, and he hadn''t even paid up to half yet. He wondered if he could do this forever.


    Sometimes, he wished an apocalypse would happen.


    In that scenario, his debt would be meaningless and he could finally get his revenge on his rich boss.


    But it was all his imagination.


    He entered his office and began his work.


    Later Alex glanced at the time on his computer and realized it was already afternoon.


    He hadn''t even realized none of his co-workers were in the office and had gone for lunch break.


    They kept their distance from him afraid they''ll also be targeted if they got close. Besides, due to Alex getting most of the workload, their work life was lax, and they weren''t about to sacrifice that, by standing up for him


    Alex didn''t mind this, especially not today, because his girlfriend, Katie, finally wanted to have lunch with him.


    Katie was a receptionist in the building.


    Usually, she didn''t have lunch with Alex, but today she had invited him to the office cafeteria to eat with her.


    Alex had once suggested they had lunch together, but she had told him she wanted to keep their relationship a secret in the name of professionalism.


    So the sudden invitation now came as a pleasant surprise.


    Alex got ready and headed to the elevator with a hearty grin.


    Katie was one of the few sources of happiness in his life, along with movies, video games, and football.


    As Alex waited for the elevator he noticed his worn-out shoes and sighed, realizing he needed to set aside some money to get new ones.


    The elevator door then arrived and Alex walked in with a sigh.


    But as he looked up, he saw two people inside locked in a passionate kiss.


    ''Who in their right mind would dare to do this in public, at work at that?'' Alex thought with a frown.


    The elevator descended and Alex thought they would stop, but they going at it even more aggressively.


    Alex hurriedly faked a cough to get their attention, before they pulled a fifty shades of grey with him inside.


    Now that would just be wrong.


    The two of them separated and Leo shook his head.


    He then got curious and peeked to see who they were.


    No surprise the man was Ethan, his boss.


    ''Of course it is. Who else in their right mind.'' Alex frowned


    He then turned towards the flustered lady and was forced to take a double look.


    His eyes widened as he realized who it was.


    It was his...

 Chapter 2 - 2: Breakup

    It was his girlfriend Katie, the same lady he was on his way to meet.


    Alex stood there frozen unable to believe his own eyes.


    His girlfriend was cheating on him with his boss.


    Katie, catching sight of Alex, gasped in shock.


    "You...what are you doing here?"


    Ethan moved away from the two and leaned casually on the elevator wall, folding his arm with a sly grin on his face.


    Alex struggled to find words amid the whirlwind of emotions crashing over him.


    "You--why--what''s was going on here?" Alex sputtered his voice quivering from the shock.


    It was as if his whole world had been turned upside down.


    Katie had a guilty look on her face but she quickly brushed it off and looked right at Alex with confidence.


    All trace of shame on her expression was gone.


    ""That''s right, Alex. I cheated on you. I was only with you because I thought you had potential, that you''d achieve greatness. But you''ve disappointed me. Reduced to a mere coffee boy, you''re nothing but an embarrassment."


    Each word Katie uttered was like a dagger through Alex''s heart. It was the most excruciating pain he had ever felt.


    No amount of mistreatment or harsh insult he faced had hurt this much.


    Alex had attempted to conceal the extent of his mistreatment from Katie.


    He had thought since Katie worked on the top floor and him on the 13th, he would keep her in the dark about his plight.


    He had hoped she wouldn''t discover the truth until he had a chance to change his circumstances, but she ended up finding out.


    Alex''s gaze then turned to Ethan and he saw him grinning. He frowned figuring out that Ethan must have been the one behind his secret been revealed.


    Ethan then affirmed with a nod as if reading Leo''s mind.


    He had seen Alex and Katie on a dinner date wearing a Couple Shirt and felt resentment.


    He couldn''t understand why a beauty like Katie would date a poor useless bum like Alex.


    Then he thought she mustn''t have known Alex had been reduced to a pathetic slave. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So Ethan decided to expose him.


    Ethan had called her to the 13th floor and there she saw Alex mopping a coffee spill while his manager berated him.


    In a hurry to clean up the mess, he tripped and fell to the ground, causing the whole office to erupt into laughter.


    Katie covered her face in embarrassment, she couldn''t believe she was dating such a loser.


    Alex hadn''t even told her he had gotten demoted and wasn''t the manager anymore.


    Ethan seized the opportunity and asked her if she knew Alex.


    Katie denied it and Ethan proceeded to woo her, offering her riches and luxury. Katie couldn''t resist, seeing a chance to ascend the social ladder by dating the owner of the company.


    She accepted Ethan''s advances and had been waiting for the right moment to break up with Alex.


    That''s why she had invited him to lunch, to tell him it was over.


    But Ethan had called her earlier to give her a gift and offered to treat her to an expensive meal.


    She had immediately decided her meal with Alex would have to be postponed.


    On their way down the elevator stopped on the 13th floor, and as soon as the doors opened, Ethan suddenly started kissing her.


    Katie knew Ethan had done it on purpose because he knew she had a thing with Alex, but she didn''t care.


    The luxurious bag Ethan had just gotten for her was a dozen times the entire money Alex had ever given to her.


    "I''m breaking up with you Alex. I don''t want to date a loser who can''t even take care of me. I need to survive as well and you look like you''re barely hanging," Katie said coldly.


    Alex couldn''t deny the truth in her words, but the fact that she was cheating on him with the very person responsible for his suffering was a bitter pill to swallow.


    "I know I''m lacking," Alex painfully admitted, "and I can''t provide for you like he can. But you should''ve broken up with me before jumping into his arms."


    "Of all people why him?" Alex said pointing at Ethan.


    "Hey, watch where you point those hands. I think you''ve forgotten your place, you bastard." Ethan gave him a threatening look.


    But Alex refused to be intimidated.


    This was his breaking point.


    Things were never going to get easier, things would never get better.


    "Why would you date this bastard of all people!" Alex yelled unable to control his anger but Katie slapped him hard on the cheeks.


    "How dare you, talk to him like that!" Katie exclaimed.


    Alex''s cheek stung with pain and he felt humiliated.


    "Fine let''s break up. It seems I was so blinded by my feelings for you. I didn''t see you were just a shallow opportunist." Alex spat unable to control his anger.


    His insult earned him a kick to his stomach from Ethan, and he crumpled to the ground clutching his stomach in agony.


    "You son of a bitch. How dare you talk to my woman that way. You''re worth nothing and you don''t mean anything to her anymore. So know your place."


    Alex groaned feeling shitty that he said such awful words.


    He knew he couldn''t work here anymore that for sure.


    He couldn''t live like this any longer, one where he''d lose all his dignity, so Alex made his choice.


    "Hey, Ethan. Do you know the most painful thing you can do to a man?" Alex asked standing up with a wicked grin on his face.


    Ethan frowned wondering if Alex had gone insane, but then Alex suddenly moved, delivering a well-aimed kick to Ethan''s groin.


    Ethan yelps with a pained grunt as he collapses to the ground.


    His expression turned into an ugly visage of pain as he placed both hands on his crotch.


    Katie was shocked by Alex''s audacity, and rushed to Ethan''s side, cradling him as he groaned in pain.


    "Alex, have you mad? How dare you hurt him."


    Alex ignored her, he felt liberated.


    He flung off his glasses and loosened his tie, taking a heavy breath.


    He could finally breathe.


    Katie looked at Alex like he was a different person.


    She didn''t think he was someone capable of hitting someone.


    "You...you''ll pay for this. I''ll make sure you pay." Ethan managed to say but he was still in obvious pain.


    Alex didn''t reply and left with a snort.


    He didn''t care what would happen.


    Worst case scenario he gets thrown in jail for assault.


    At least that would spare him from the loan shark.


    As he walked towards the exit he ran into the manager, who seemed surprised to see him


    "You where are you going here? Don''t you have work to do?"


    "Work? What work? I quit just a few minutes ago."


    Mr Thompson blinked in disbelief.


    "Is this a joke?"


    "Do I look like I''m joking?"


    Alex said and walked past him but then a voice caused him to pause.


    It was of Ethan yelling for security to catch him


    Alex looked back and saw a pair of burly men hurry toward him.


    He clicked his teeth in frustration and turned to run, but then, a text suddenly appeared in his field vision, startling him.


    [Initiating connection to the new world: Earth...]


    [Connection successful]


    [Integrating System]

 Chapter 3 - 3: Anomaly

    "What is this?"


    Alex asked, staring at the words written on the screen in front of him, but since security was chasing after him, he ignored the message and ran.


    As he raced towards the exit, Alex saw everyone was staring into the air with amusement.


    Alex stopped and looked back to see the security men had stopped chasing him as well.


    Alex''s gaze then fell to the words hovering in front of him, he realized he wasn''t the only one seeing the strange words, but everyone else.


    The words then changed with a mechanical ding and the message read:


    [System Integration will begin soon. Those who survive will become denizens of the new world, and those who fail will become abominations. Brace Yourself]


    "Brace yourself?"


    Alex repeated, confused, but then he felt a sharp pain sear through his head.


    He winced and clutched his temples, shutting his eyes as he endured the torment, but then the pain slowly dissipated, and Alex felt relief.


    Alex cautiously opened his eyes, wondering what was really going on, but his confusion was interrupted by the agonizing screams of those around him, writhing in pain on the floor.


    "What in the world is happening?" Alex asked, and the text on the screen changed once again, delivering a new message.


    [Congratulations Alex Knight on becoming the first player of the planet Earth. The tutorial is now available. You will be transported to a special location for a brief introduction. Brace yourself]


    "Again?"


    Alex hurriedly shut his eyes, expecting a headache to hit him just like the first time, but then nothing happened.


    Upon reopening his eyes, Alex found himself in a different location entirely.


    It resembled a sterile white room, with a desk and chairs in the center, reminiscent of an interrogation room in a police station.


    The sheer peculiarity of the situation left Alex wondering if he had fallen into some bizarre dream or illusion.


    "I assure you, you''re not hallucinating," a voice broke the silence, startling Alex.


    He turned to see nothing but a white wall.


    "Over here," the voice urged from behind.


    Slowly turning, Alex finally laid eyes on the source of the voice--a short humanoid rabbit in a suit, with a hat on, was seated on the opposite side of the desk, staring at him.


    Alex paused for a second, wondering if he was in some sort of bizarre dream.


    "You''re not dreaming. I can assure you I''m real. " the rabbit said.


    "Can you read my mind?" Alex asked baffled.


    He was more intrigued by the situation than scared.


    The rabbit shook his head."No, I can''t, but your expression says everything."


    "Have a seat." the rabbit gestured.


    Alex hesitated for a while, before deciding to sit.


    He crossed his arms and then spoke, "So, who are you?"


    "I''m Oracle, the overseer of the first tutorial zone."


    Alex frowned at the vague explanation, but the rabbit continued.


    "The tutorial is a place where humans slay monsters to get stronger. It''s like a training ground for humanity, so they become strong enough to survive the new world. Your current world is among the lowest of the low, and magical deities have deemed it ready to join the great realm but to achieve that, your world needs to be upgraded."


    Alex took in the lengthy explanation before probing


    "So, who are these magical deities, and what is this great realm? "


    "I can''t answer that question at the moment. But the more you progress, the more information will be revealed."


    "So in summary," Alex said. "The world is about to be upgraded and for humans to survive it, we need to be trained by slaying monsters in the tutorial, is that what you''re saying?"


    "Yes." oracle nodded.


    Alex sighed and rubbed his temples.


    It all sounded like nonsense to him, but at the same time, it felt eerily real¡ªtoo real for a dream.


    "Okay, let''s say I believe this is all true, then what happens to the old world, does it remain the same?"


    "Absolutely not, everything changes and a new world order will be formed. One where the strong rule."


    "It''s that simple?" Alex asked with a brow raised, and Oracle nodded in reply.


    "You don''t have to believe me. My goal is not to convince you, but to provide you with access to my tutorial zone."


    "So you''re saying I don''t have a choice but to go to this tutorial place."


    "Yes," Oracle affirmed. "Your current world will undergo a transformation, and only those who adapt will survive. That''s the purpose of the tutorial."


    Alex contemplated his situation, a serious expression on his face.


    According to Oracle, the old world would perish, replaced by an evolved one.


    This meant he didn''t have to go back, to be arrested for almost making his boss impotent, nor deal with his father''s loan.


    Although he knew the tutorial would present its challenges, it promised a fair chance for everyone, unlike the unjust world he had known where the wealthy held all the power.


    As Alex pondered, one question lingered in his mind. "Before I left, I saw everyone else writhing in pain, clutching their heads¡­ Can you explain what that means?"


    Oracle hesitated, his brows furrowing as he gazed into the distance.


    Alex recognized the look¡ªit mirrored the confusion everyone had experienced when the strange text had first appeared.


    "Wait, you mean the integration hasn''t finished."


    "Integration?" Alex pressed.


    Ignoring Alex''s question, Oracle consulted a floating panel that was invisible to Alex''s eyes.


    As he reviewed the list of humans assigned to his zone, he noticed that all but one remained greyed out.


    That single exception shone with white light¡ªAlex himself.


    He refused to believe it, how could one assimilate with the system so fast? A human at that.


    "Hmm, oracle are you alright?"


    Alex asked seeing the confusion on its face.


    Oracle then leaned forward and said in a serious tone.


    "The rest of the humans, were in pain because they hadn''t finished integrating with the system, which is expected, but you¡­you managed to integrate with the system in seconds. "


    "Is that a bad thing?" Alex asked, furrowing his brow.


    "Yes it is," Oracle replied with widened eyes. "You''re an anomaly, and you shouldn''t exist."


    Alex''s heart raced, and he leaned backward, contemplating whether Oracle''s words were a discovery or a threat.


    The rabbit, noticing Alex''s unease, calmed himself and clarified. "It seems like you''ve misunderstood my intention. I don''t intend to get rid of you, even if I wanted to I couldn''t. As I''m not allowed to hurt the players."


    Alex frowned, what the oracle said didn''t ease his worries, it only made him more cautious.


    "But you will if you could?" Alex asked, but Oracle simply shrugged.


    Alex then sighed, there was no point in panicking over something he had no control over or understood.


    He didn''t even know how he appeared here, and just a few minutes ago he thought this was all a dream.


    "So what you''re saying is, I''m a freak because I''m the first to integrate with the system?"


    "No," Oracle shook his head. "You''re an anomaly because you''re the fastest to sync with the system. The fastest I''ve ever seen since I became an overseer, and that was a long time ago. As the fastest, you will probably be granted a privilege like a special title that enables you to power up faster than the norm.


    Then you get an ability, which you''ll find out more about as soon as you explore the tutorial."


    "I also get an ability? Does it have anything to do with me breaking a record?"


    "No, everyone gets abilities, unique to each individual. You''ll get yours once you start the tutorial,"


    "This special title. It wouldn''t attract the wrong attention like those deities you mentioned now, would it." Alex probed.


    "I can''t guarantee it will not. But you don''t need to worry, just like I can''t hurt you, no other higher being can touch you during the tutorial. After that, well, it''s up to whether you do something rash to get their attention."


    Alex sighed, feeling both relief and dread at the same time.


    "My luck is bull crap as always," Alex shook his head.


    "You will be beginning the tutorial alone¡­"


    "Wait, why am I going in alone?" Alex interrupted.


    Oracle sighed wearily before speaking:


    "Time in the tutorial runs slower than that of your world. To be exact, a week in the real world is one year in the tutorial. It''ll take a few minutes before the rest of the humans integrate with the system, which means you have a couple of days to yourself before humans start popping up.


    If anything you get a head start to level up before the others, and with the privilege, you will be given, rising to the top should be easy." Oracle explained.


    The thought of venturing into a dangerous world filled with monsters terrified Alex, but he was also excited as well.


    His old world was painful, and he suffered a lot, but the new world offered opportunity, a chance to begin anew and make something of himself.


    "Alright, when do I start?" Alex said, a determined expression on his face.


    Oracle nodded at this, then snapped his finger, causing a floating panel to appear in front of Alex.


    [You will be transported to the tutorial zone in 10 seconds] Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Brace Yourself]


    Alex''s chest began to thud.


    In ten seconds, he would be in a world filled with monsters, drastically different from his office work.


    "No pressure." Alex exhaled, placing his hand on his chest.


    "It''s good to be afraid, just don''t let it cripple you when your life is in danger," Oracle advised and Alex nodded.


    "It was nice meeting you, Alex," Oracle said as he stood on the chair. His height was like that of a toddler, very cute looking.


    "Likewise." Alex grinned before he blinked away from the white room.

 Chapter 4 - 4: Tutorial Danger

    A young man materialized in a green and lush forest, dressed in a white shirt, neatly paired with a black tie and tailored black pants, his attire starkly contrasting his surroundings.


    He looked around at his surroundings with curiosity and muttered in awe:


    "So this is the tutorial."


    This young man was Alex, and the tutorial was a far cry from the hellish landscape he had imagined.


    He had expected dark menacing woods, with creepy noises and roars, or a grim cave with weathered bones and skulls, where vicious bats jump at you from nowhere.


    But, Alex found himself surrounded by a sea of vibrant green foliage, where towering trees created a dense canopy, and dappled sunlight filtered through.


    The serene ambiance reminded Alex of a date he once had with Katie, but he shook his head wanting to erase the memory


    Ding!


    [System is now available]


    The holographic interface notified Alex.


    Finding a nearby tree, Alex settled down to explore the system and grasp its mechanics first, before he took any action.


    With a thought, Alex accessed the system, and the floating panel updated.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: E


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 1


    Hp: 100


    Mp: 10


    "Apocalypse Baby?" Alex frowned at the silly name.


    According to Oracle, this title was supposed to be a privilege and he wondered what its effect was, which prompted the description of it to pop up.


    [Apocalypse Baby: This is the title given to the first player to arrive in the tutorial]


    [Effect: Any reward gained will be doubled]


    Alex''s eyes widened at this, twice the reward of everything was an incredible advantage. He then scrolled down further and saw his stats.


    [Stats]


    Strength: 10


    Agility: 10


    Intelligence: 10


    Vitality: 10


    [Stats points: 10]


    It looked exactly like a video game interface, and since Alex played a lot of them, he understood the mechanics.


    Alex scrolled down even more and saw a section for skills but he only had one.


    [Ability: [ Exploding Touch (E)]]


    "This is my ability?" Alex muttered.


    The oracle had told him every human would get a unique ability as soon as they entered the tutorial.


    With a thought, Alex summoned the description.


    [Exploding Touch (Rank E): On using the ability, the area you touch would explode in 30 seconds.]


    [Cost: 5 mana]


    "Oh," Alex was stunned. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could turn anything he touched into a deadly explosion.


    And though he didn''t know how powerful the explosion would be, one thing was sure:


    It''ll do a lot of damage.


    "But how much damage?"


    To find out, he turned to a nearby tree, placed his hand on it, and activated the ability.


    A bluish circular light marked the spot he touched, displaying a countdown from thirty.


    Stepping back, Alex watched as the timer counted down and immediately it reached zero it exploded.


    Boom!


    The force of the blast sent Alex tumbling backward.


    Alex groaned and coughed up smoke, berating himself for not moving farther away before the countdown ended.


    He rose to his feet and then turned towards the tree, marveling at the damage he had caused.


    The tree now bore a burnt hole, barely holding on to life.


    And it seems like a single push should be enough to send it to the ground.


    Alex checked his HP and saw it had been reduced by half.


    "Eee...that''s a lot. "


    Alex winced, the force of the explosion had almost killed him, but he could see his HP was starting to regenerate along with the mana he had just used.


    Alex thought the ability was remarkable and he could already think of ways to use it to his favor.


    But the fact that he had to touch his target bothered him.


    It simply meant close combat was necessary, but with no weapon or armor, he thought it wouldn''t be a good idea.


    "System put all points in agility," Alex commanded, and immediately the system complied, raising his agility points to 20.


    He had decided the best place to put his free stat point was in his speed. His style of combat would be touch and flee to cover for his current lack of armor.


    ''You can''t hurt what you can''t catch''


    Alex nodded with a grin, feeling he made the right decision, but then a sudden noise caught his attention.


    Alex quickly rose to its knee and peeked to see what it was.


    It was a cat-like creature with horns on its head like a unicorn, walking towards the charred tree to investigate.


    [Felihorn: Rank-D]


    The name floated over its head.


    Alex figured the noise of the explosion must have attracted it, and once again scolded himself for not being cautious.


    Alex thought the Felihorn would probably find him if he stayed there, so he decided to move.


    Alex didn''t intend to fight against a monster he knew nothing about.


    He was about to take a step away when he saw something surprising happen.


    A chicken-like creature, the size of an ostrich with a scorpion-like tail, charged at the Felihorn.


    Its talons trapped the creature, and with a single strike of its eagle-like beak, the Felihorns life ended.


    Alex was left in shock, unable to move. The gruesome scene was hard to take in due to its realism of it all.


    He slowly turned towards the attacker and glanced at the name over its head.


    [Cockraice: Rank-D]


    The monstrous bird began feasting on the cat''s body, and Alex''s heart began to race as he watched.


    ''This place was dangerous.''


    The cockatrice ranking also got Alex''s attention, as it was a rank D monster, while he was Rank E, which he deduced meant the cockatrice was more powerful.


    ''Damn you oracle, you should have spawned me in an area with E-rank monsters.'' Alex cursed, glaring at the sky with a balled fist.


    The cockatrice suddenly stopped eating and turned his head towards Alex''s direction, and immediately, Alex drew back his head, his back leaning on the tree, and his heart was pounding like a drum.


    "It didn''t see me. it didn''t see me. it didn''t see me." Alex repeated to himself, his heartbeat racing so hard it hurt.


    He couldn''t hear any sound, not even that of the creature munching, which made him more tense.


    He slowly peeked out from the left side of the tree, only to see the monstrous bird was gone.


    Alex then sighed in relief, holding his chest, but then he saw the cockatrice''s beak slowly poke out from the right, and he froze.


    The cockatrice had approached from his blind spot which had prevented him from spotting it had gotten so close.


    Alex had thought the cockatrice was quite intimidating from a distance, but up close the creature was downright terrifying.


    Its purple feathers quivered as it exhaled, its beak stained with blood and entrails, and its eyes glimmered with the cold, predatory gaze of a serpent.


    Alex froze in fear, unable to move his body, only his arm, so he used it and pinched himself hard on his thighs, which loosened him a little.


    As he did that, the cockatrice drew downward and it noticed Alex.


    "Hi." Alex greeted the cockatrice awkwardly, but he was met with disrespect.


    The cockatrice''s sharp beak headed towards his head.


    Alex reacted immediately moving fast enough, to evade. He rolled away from the piercing attack and sprang up to his two feet. The points he had put into his agility showed its worth.


    The cockatrice''s beak smashed into the tree with great force, causing branches to shake and its beak to get stuck.


    The cockatrice''s body writhed, and its tail flailed about as it struggled to pull itself free.


    Alex, seeing this, thought it was a perfect opportunity to use his [Exploding Touch] before the cockatrice broke free, so he quickly drew closer and touched the bird''s legs, and then its slender neck.


    A bluish circular light appeared on the areas he had touched, and the countdown began.


    Alex wasted no time and executed a...

 Chapter 5 - 5: System Shop

    Alex wasted no time and executed a 180-degree turn, before sprinting off.


    As soon as the cockatrice felt Alex touch its neck, it wriggled with even more intensity and finally yanked its beak free.


    The cockatrice feeling wronged, screeched loudly and immediately gave chase, taking powerful strides, with each step kicking up a cloud of dust as it rapidly closed the distance to Alex.


    Alex could hear the cockatrice thundering footsteps and his eyes widened in shock. Even with the headstart and his agility being at 20, he still wasn''t fast enough to outrun the cockatrice. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He just needed thirty seconds. Thirty seconds and his ability would take effect.


    He was panting wildly and his chest burnt in exhaustion, but he kept pushing


    "You stop you die" he yelled to motivate himself, but he could feel the cockatrice''s presence loomed behind him.


    It would catch him before the timer ended. Unless he did something about it.


    Alex veered sharply towards a tree and the cockatrice followed kicking up the gear. Its beak snapping viciously inches away from the back of his head.


    Just as it was about to strike, Alex leaped to the side, rolling across the dirt as the cockatrice''s beak missed him by a hair''s breadth.


    The cockatrice raised its head, confused as to what had happened, and suddenly saw a gnarled tree looming in front of it, far too close to avoid. The beast screeched, talons digging deep into the ground as it desperately tried to slow down.


    But it was too late.


    With a thunderous crash, the cockatrice slammed headfirst into the tree, the impact sending a violent shudder through its body. Dust and leaves exploded into the air as the beast crumpled against the trunk.


    Alex, on the ground, quickly sat up, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.


    He turned his gaze toward the cockatrice, watching intently.


    The beast lay sprawled against the base of the tree, its body twitching as it tried to rise, but the aftershock of the collision was still rippling through its body.


    It staggered to its feet, wobbling as it stood tall again. Its scales quivered, and its wings flexed as if trying to shake off the daze.


    As soon as its bloodshot eyes caught Alex, it screeched in a hateful manner, pawing the ground.


    Alex''s heart pounded in his chest, but he didn''t flinch. Instead, he glanced at the countdown ticking away in the corner of his vision.


    A slow grin of satisfaction spread across his face as the timer for [Exploding Touch] hit zero.


    "It''s time."


    The cockatrice, still blinded by rage, was about to charge. But just as it lunged forward, its feet erupted in an explosion.


    A burst of blood and dust filled the air, and the beast let out a gut-wrenching screech as it collapsed, its body crashing to the ground in agony.


    Before the cockatrice could even comprehend its fate, the second detonation followed¡ªthis time along its neck.


    The blast was fierce and unforgiving. The cockatrice''s head shot off its body with brutal force, soaring through the air before landing with a dull thud in the dirt.


    Alex''s grin widened, his breath steady, as he whispered to himself:


    "Game over."


    He watched as the cockatrice''s charred body fell to the ground. Smokes oozing out of the seared flesh. The burnt skin giving off the smell of roasted chicken.


    Alex stood to his feet feeling a sense of victory.


    He hadn''t died, and his plan had worked perfectly.


    He knew it was a close call, as he would have lost his head if it wasn''t for the tree,


    The cockatrice''s body dissipated into the light, and then a familiar mechanical sound chimed.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated Cockatrice]


    [Level Up!]


    [You have been rewarded with: ]


    [+5 Stat points]


    [1 Power Stone]


    [+5 coin]


    [2 pieces of meat]


    [Scalewalk Boots]


    "Nice." Alex grinned, but then the system rang again.


    [Title: Apocalypse Baby is now taking effect]


    [Reward doubled]


    [You have received an additional +5 Stat Point, +1 Power Stone, +5 coin, 2 pieces of meat, and another pair of Scalewalk boots]


    "So this was the effect of the ''Apocalypse Baby''."


    Alex grinned heartily, his title was really a privilege, giving him double every reward one would normally get.


    [All rewards are available in your inventory.]


    Inventory? Alex asked, and the system brought up a wide box in response. This box was made up of an even smaller box, and in the first row, all his rewards were lined up.


    Alex first took out the Power Stone.


    It looked like a regular stone but this one had a deep crimson glow with a glassy feel.


    [Power Stone (D): Intelligence]


    [Break to raise intelligence by five points]


    Alex''s lips parted and he grinned. before he hurriedly used it. The power stone looked solid, but the moment he squeezed, it cracked like an egg.


    Alex watched as his previous ten mana points rose by twenty five.


    It seemed a single point in intelligence, equates five points to his mana point.


    Since his title gave him an additional power stone, he used the second one as well and watched as his MP rose and sat at sixty points.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: E


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 2


    Hp: 100


    Mp: 60


    [Stats]


    Strength: 10


    Agility: 20


    Intelligence: 20


    Vitality: 10


    [Stats points: 10]


    Next, Alex took a piece of meat and realized it was the cockatrice meat from the smell and It was already cooked too.


    He wondered whether the cockatrice explosion cooked the meal, or if the system handled it.


    He was hesitant to eat it, but his stomach grumbled urging him on


    In the real world, he hadn''t eaten that morning and didn''t get to eat lunch either because of his cheating girlfriend and the descent of the system.


    Alex bit into the meat, and his eyes widened as the rich, savory flavor flooded his senses. The tenderness of the meat melted in his mouth, carrying a perfectly balanced blend of spices that danced on his tongue. It was so delicious, he knew it had to be the system at work.


    He ate two more pieces of meat and left the last one for later even though the temptation to consume it now was strong.


    Alex then took out the golden coins and as usual, a description popped up.


    [Coins: Could be used to buy items, equipment, consumables, or weapons in the shop.]


    "Shop...there''s a shop?!"


    Alex exclaimed, and the shop panel opened.


    There was an option to buy or sell which Alex thought was pretty convenient as he had another boot to dispose of.


    He focused on [Buy] and saw there were five different categories of things he could get:


    Consumable, Clothing, Weapons, Equipment, and Items.


    Alex scanned through and saw different things like blankets, sweaters, a bowl of rice, soup, swords, and daggers, all in their own category.


    But when Alex''s eyes fell on the prices, his expression soured.


    [Buy]


    [Categories:]


    [Consumables: [?] Bowl of Rice ¨C 500 Coins[?] Hot Soup ¨C 600 Coins[?] Healing Potion ¨C 1500 Coins]


    [Clothing: [?] Wool Blanket ¨C 750 Coins[?] Sweater ¨C 1000 Coins[?] Leather Jacket ¨C 2500 Coins]


    [Weapons: [?] Iron Sword ¨C 8000 Coins[?] Steel Dagger ¨C 10000 Coins[?] Bow and Arrows ¨C 7000 Coins]


    [Equipment: [?] Steel Armor ¨C 20000 Coins[?] Wooden Shield ¨C 5000 Coins[?] Iron Helmet ¨C 4000 Coins]


    [Items: [?] Empty Backpack ¨C 2000 Coins[?] Camping Tent ¨C 3000 Coins[?] Cooking Set ¨C 1200 Coins]


    ''Bowl of Rice: 500 coins, Sweater: 1000 coins, Dagger: 10000 coins.''


    Alex shook his head in dissatisfaction. They were way just too expensive.


    The numbers felt unfairly steep, especially for something as basic as a bowl of rice.


    Killing a single cockatrice had earned him a mere ten coins and this was even because he had the special title.


    If he wanted to eat a single bowl of rice, he was going to have to kill fifty cockatrices to get the coins he needed.


    Was a bowl of rice worth going through all that danger?

 Chapter 6 - 6: Upgrade Stone

    Alex figured it only seemed hard because he was still a low-level player, but once he leveled up, killing so many cockatrices wouldn''t be that big of a deal.


    And with his special title, he would eventually reach a point where he would get enough coins to go on a shopping spree.


    Stronger monsters would drop more coins, so if he wanted to enjoy the comfort of the system, he had to power up quickly.


    "Guess oracle saying the strong will dominate wasn''t wrong," Alex muttered.


    For the time being, the cheapest item in the system shop was a simple bottle of water which cost ten coins, the exact number of coins Alex had.


    After consuming some meat earlier, his thirst had grown unbearable, and he also wanted to test if the shop was the real deal, so he decided to make a purchase.


    As soon as Alex''s ten coins disappeared from his wallet, a sparkling bottle of water appeared in his inventory.


    Alex casually took it out and examined it closely.


    The bottle of water looked just like a typical one from Earth, except for the label that read "Tutorial Water."


    Alex uncorked the bottle and eagerly tilted it back, gulping down the refreshing liquid in a couple of quick swallows.


    As he finished, he let out a satisfied sigh and squeezed the now-empty bottle.


    Despite water''s usual lack of flavor, this was the most refreshing drink he had ever tasted.


    His thoughts then shifted to the ten free stat points he had accumulated. The only stat he was focused on boosting was speed.


    He recalled how the cockatrice had outpaced him, even with his agility set at twenty. With ten additional points, bringing his total agility to thirty, he felt confident he could finally outrun one of those creatures.


    After adding the ten points to his agility, Alex set off through the forest, his eyes scanning the surroundings for potential prey.


    Within a few minutes, he spotted another cockatrice. However, this one was not alone.


    It had a companion, and together they were feasting on the carcass of a slain creature.


    Alex was confident he could take down one, but two cockatrices would pose a problem.


    From what he had observed, the cockatrices were intelligent creatures, and he couldn''t dismiss the possibility they might work together to take him down.


    Alex figured that would be the worst-case scenario for him, so he decided to play it safe.


    He had an idea that he had been itching to try since he tested his ability out with the tree, so he picked up a piece of rock and thought out loud:


    "Is there a limit to what he could be turning into a bomb?"


    According to his ability, anything he could touch could become a bomb so it was fair to say a rock was fair game.


    He gripped the rock firmly using [Exploding Touch] and a blue circular marking appeared on it.


    Alex grinned, excited that his ability had worked, but he overlooked one crucial detail: The timer.


    The countdown for the explosion had begun, indicating that the rock would detonate in just a couple of seconds.


    Alex noticing this, hastily threw the rock towards the pair of cockatrices and quickly sought cover. He knew the cockatrice had good detection sense and if he got too close they would discover him.


    The rock landed just in front of the cockatrices, and they paused, their alert eyes scanning the surroundings, wondering where the stone came from.


    Curiously, the two creatures approached the rock, with one cockatrice edging closer to poke at it with its beak.


    "Big mistake," Alex muttered as he watched the countdown reached zero.


    Boom!


    The rock exploded, taking off the cockatrice''s head, and the blast force hit the second one, knocking it to the ground, and leaving it disoriented.


    This is where Alex decided to make his move, with his thirty points in agility, he was super fast and had managed to reach the injured cockatrice in less than a second.


    The creature, still reeling from the explosion, could barely lift its head when it suddenly found a human standing directly in front of it.


    A moment of surprise hung in the air as they locked eyes, but Alex wasted no time.


    With a swift motion, he slapped the cockatrice across the face.


    Pah!


    Not once.


    Pah!


    Not twice.


    Pah!


    But three times.


    The consecutive slaps didn''t do much damage to the cockatrice physically, but it was enough to injure the cockatrice on a psychological level.


    The cockatrice screeched in a fury, its rage boiling over as it swung its tail in a desperate counterattack, however, Alex with swift grace evaded the blow, then executed a quick 180-degree turn before sprinting off.


    Fueled by anger and humiliation, the cockatrice gave chase, determined not to let its assailant escape.


    Not only had it lost its mate, but it had also been slapped in the face three times. Oh, the disrespect.


    There was no way it was going to let Alex live.


    But it didn''t matter what it wanted.


    No matter how fast the cockatrice ran, it couldn''t close the gap with Alex, whose speed had been significantly enhanced.


    But out of nowhere, Alex suddenly stopped and turned to face the cockatrice.


    The cockatrice seeing this, lunged forward with more vigor. It could almost taste the blood of the being in its front. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But before it could reach its target, it met its doom.


    [Exploding Touch] detonated on its face, not once or twice, but three times--the same number of times Alex had slapped his ability unto the cockatrice''s face.


    The explosion obliterated the cockatrice''s upper body, leaving only bloody remnants of its lower half behind.


    Grinning, Alex relished in his victory.


    He knew three explosions were overkill, but he wasn''t taking any chances.


    [You have killed 1 cockatrice]


    [You have killed 2 cockatrices]


    [Level Up]


    His rewards poured in: +5 stats point, a power stone, a cockatrice shirt, four pieces of meat, and ten coins.


    Then, [Apocalypse Baby] kicked in, doubling the rewards and causing Alex to grin with delight.


    "Totally worth it."


    Alex then ventured into the forest to find more cockatrice pairs to hunt them down.


    He had managed to find and hunt four more cockatrices earning him a [Level Up] before he decided to call it a night.


    However, as he searched for a place to take refuge, something golden caught his eye ¨C a treasure chest nestled at the base of a tree.


    Alex knelt before the golden box, placed his hand on it, and then a notification appeared.


    [Treasure Chest Found]


    [Would you like to open it?]


    "Yes, please," Alex eagerly replied, and with a click, the chest opened and revealed its contents, which promptly vanished into his inventory.


    Alex checked his storage and couldn''t help but gasp at the rewards:


    [You have received weapon: Eclipse Edge]


    [You have received Vitality Stone]


    [You have received an upgrade stone]


    [You have recieved a thousand gold coins.]


    "A weapon, yes!" Alex shouted as he took out the Eclipse edge, a sword with silver engraving that pulsated with a faint aura, and a blue leather hilt that made the sword convenient to grip.


    Before he could read the sword description, another notification flashed before him:


    [ Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have received another Eclipse Edge, vitality stone, upgrade stone, and 1000 coins]


    "Oh," Alex chuckled in surprise, he didn''t think it would work on the treasure chest too.


    He took out the second sword noting it was identical to the first and attempted to wield both, but the result was a somewhat awkward display.


    Alex was an office worker in real life, Alex had never handled a weapon before, so there was no way he would suddenly know how to use one.


    Acknowledging his inexperience, Alex put the swords away and turned his attention to the vitality stones.


    He used them and his vitality rose by four, causing his HP to rise by four hundred. Unlike intelligence stats which increase his MP by ten when one point is added, Vitality increases his health by a hundred points.


    Next, Alex took out the upgrade stone, and the description made his jaw drop:


    [Upgrade Stone: Raise one of your abilities to a higher rank]


    "What kind of luck is this?" he wondered aloud. He had gotten such amazing rewards from doing absolutely nothing.


    His [Exploding Touch] ability was currently E-rank, and with the upgrade stone, he could elevate it to D-rank.


    But here''s the thing: He had not one, but two upgrade stones.


    How much stronger would [Exploding Touch] become after he uses both?

 Chapter 7 - 7: Chaotic Brouhaha

    Alex''s anticipation bubbled as he clutched the upgrade stone in his hand. He hurriedly used it, unable to wait any longer to discover the effects it''d have.


    He squeezed, expecting the [Upgrade Stone] to crack like the [Stat Stone], but instead, a simple notification materialized before him.


    [Would you like to use the [Upgrade stone] on [Exploding Touch]?]


    "Hmm...Yes,"


    Alex mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed that he had enthusiastically tried to break it.


    Responding to his consent, the [Upgrade stone] in his hand disintegrated into a radiant light.


    [Exploding Touch is now upgrading]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank D]


    Alex didn''t check its effect though, as he swiftly took out the second [Upgrade Stone] he had gotten thanks to [Apocalypse Baby] and used it as well.


    [Exploding Touch is now upgrading]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank C]


    Alex then checked its description to see what effect his unique ability had gotten for jumping two ranks.


    And not surprisingly, the changes were remarkable.


    [Exploding Touch (Rank E): The area you touch would explode in 20 seconds [Cost: 6 Mana]


    [Amp: Damage output can be amplified (up to 3x) at a cost, increasing both the explosion''s power and the area of effect. [2 mana per increase]


    [Pause: The timer can now be paused and resumed delaying explosion [Cost: 1 mana]


    [Dismiss: The user can now remove [Exploding Touch] set on an object [Cost: 2 mana]


    The countdown had been reduced to twenty seconds, and the mana cost had increased since he could now cause more damage with it.


    The power-up had also promised better manipulation of the ability, and Alex grinned evilly, as thoughts of how to use the new perks to his advantage flooded his head.


    He picked up a small rock to experiment with and used [Exploding Touch].


    The usual bluish circular light appeared with the number twenty over it, and the countdown to explosion began.


    Alex then hurled the rock forward and crotch low hiding beside a tree. Though he could hold in his arm using [Pause] to stop it he didn''t want to risk anything.


    He''d learned his lesson the first time when he tested his ability with the tree, and wasn''t blindly trusting of the system.


    Once the timer reached one, Alex used [Pause] halting the countdown. Then approached the rock and picked it up, seeing the number one on it.


    He then used another upgrade perk [Dismiss] and the bluish light disappeared, leaving nothing but an ordinary rock.


    Alex''s lips curled into a broad grin as excitement coursed through him, causing him to sweat. He could wreak havoc with this upgrade he''s gotten.


    "Haha"


    The Oracle calling it a privilege didn''t make it sound like much, but on experiencing it, was nothing short of mind-boggling.


    "A super ability crazy cheat title haha." he uttered, looking upwards. Unable to contain the exhilaration he felt.


    The sky had darkened and Alex dismissed the idea of hunting at night. Though he wanted to test the amplification effect he knew a loud explosion would attract unwanted attention.


    He valued his life now more than ever, especially because for once in his life he was genuinely fortunate. If he died now, it would just be too wasteful.


    Alex then took refuge in a nearby tree, trying to get comfortable amid the branches and leaves.


    It felt strange sleeping somewhere that was not his home.


    The rustling leaves, the chirping of insects, and the distant, animalistic roars echoing through the underbrush made it hard to relax. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And the rough bark pressing against his back was anything but convenient.


    He checked the system [Shop] to see if they had a bed, but found they didn''t sell one, which made him sigh dissapointedly.


    Not that he could use a bed in the middle of the forest.


    It would simply be him presenting himself to the monsters on a platter.


    Alex observed his stats window and overall he was satisfied his growth.


    Tomorrow was another day to grind and thought of testing out his enhanced ability on the poor cockatrice made him excited.


    He would make use of this privilege he had gotten.


    Abuse it.


    So anyone--be it beasts, gods, or man--who tries to mess with him will regret it. But one thought lingered on his mind though


    The treasure chest.


    It was just laying there, almost too conveniently and had given Alex a massive boost for free. Alex hoped he could find more of the same treasure chest.


    If Oracle was there he would have coughed blood. There were only three golden chests throughout the entire tutorial and they were all concealed in secret locations.


    Alex was just lucky to find one lying in his path.


    *


    The next morning, Alex woke up with a loud yawn and then wiped the drool that had gathered on the corner of his mouth.


    He didn''t think he would sleep so deeply in an unfamiliar environment. And was grateful no danger came.


    It was like he woke up a second after he closed his eyes and it was morning.


    He ate a few pieces of cockatrice meat, savoring each bite as he washed it down with sips of bottled water.


    And though he had enough coins--thanks to the golden chest--to browse through some food, he figured he would save it for later, planning to use it as a reward for himself once he successfully took down a formidable monster.


    Feeling refreshed, Alex climbed down the tree, an evil grin on his face as he scoured for his first prey.


    But about an hour later, his grin turned into a frown.


    He had been walking for almost thirty minutes and hadn''t spotted any single beast.


    "Where did they all go?"


    Alex wondered, furrowing his brow as he scanned the empty woods. There was no trace of monsters anywhere.


    "Did they perhaps know I''ve upgraded my ability and have fleed in terror?"


    Alex questioned but then shook his head.


    He didn''t waste his free time though. As he walked, he picked up rocks and used his [Exploding Touch] on them, then he used [Amp] to increase explosion damage, before using [Pause] to halt the timer, storing them in his inventory.


    Once he ran out of mana he gathered more stones and stored them. And when his mana was refilled he repeated the process of turning rocks into grenades, which he was going to call: [Blastshards]


    As Alex walked a few more meters, his sharp ears caught an unusual commotion in the distance. There was no mistaking it, it was a shrill cry of a cockatrice.


    He grinned and sneaked close hearing a primal noise from most likely another creature mixed with it.


    It sounded like a chaotic brouhaha, and from what Alex could hear, it was getting closer to his location


    He took cover behind a tree to observe, feeling it was wise to see what he was up against, before jumping headfirst into action and putting himself in danger.


    The last thing he wanted was to lose his head--literally.


    As he watch from the cover, a group of greenish creatures burst out of the dense shrubbery, sprinting frantically as if pursued by something.


    Alex''s eyes widened in surprise on seeing these creatures, and he didn''t even need the system to help identify them as he recognized what they were:


    "Goblins!"

 Chapter 8 - 8: Speech

    [Goblin Troop: Rank D]


    The goblins were dressed in tattered rags, clutching wooden clubs with trembling arms, and only a single one holding a crude dagger.


    They had fearful expressions on their faces as they glanced back over their shoulder.


    In a few seconds, Alex found out what it was that was chasing them.


    A scorpion-like tail shot out from the shrub impaling the slowest goblin in the group.


    The creature effortlessly lifted the corpse and hurled it towards its companions ahead, causing them to tumble to the forest floor in disarray.


    The cockatrice stepped out and closed the distance with the goblin.


    The green creatures stood and gripped their weapons with trembling hands, showing their backs was suicide, they had no other option but to fight.


    Alex watching the show, took out a piece of meat from his inventory and began to eat. It just felt like the right thing to do at the moment.


    The goblins, driven by a primal instinct to survive, let out a collective battle cry and lunged at the cockatrice, brandishing their crude weapons.


    But the scary bird was fast, effortlessly evading their clumsy attacks.


    With its razor-sharp beak, the cockatrice ruthlessly impaled one of the goblins in the chest, and with a swift motion of its tail, it sent another hurtling into its comrade.


    With a flap of its wings, the cockatrice gracefully leaped onto one of the goblins, its talons slashing mercilessly at its writhing victim.


    The unfortunate goblin''s agonized screams pierced the air, and even Alex couldn''t help but wince at the gruesome sight.


    "Okay, now that''s just unnecessary violence."


    Alex shook his head, the cockatrice could have ended it in a move.


    While the cockatrice was busy with its blood-seeking assault.


    One of the goblins crept from behind, it''s beady eyes locked on the cockatrice.


    With a swift and merciless strike, the goblin swung its club towards the bird''s head, its malice evident in the grit of its teeth.


    The club found its mark, landing a clean blow on the back of the cockatrice''s skull.


    The cockatrice staggered forward, a yelp escaping its beak, disoriented by the unexpected attack.


    The goblin feeling emboldened by it''s success, charged at the cockatrice hoping to hit it once again, but it didn''t take account of it''s deadly tail.


    With a swift motion, the cockatrice took the goblin''s head off cleanly from its body.


    The goblin''s severed head went hurtling through the air, and it''s decapitated body crumpled to the ground.


    The cockatrice then began to shake its head vigorously, its eyes filled with pain.


    The goblin''s club had inflicted significant damage.


    Alex then noticed one of the goblins climb from under the corpse of another.


    One more goblin was still alive, and the bird didn''t seem to have noticed it.


    The goblin wasted no time, it picked up a wooden club and swung it with all its might, striking the back of the cockatrice''s head.


    The cockatrice, now in a drunken stupor, swayed and swung its tail wildly, but it found no target.


    The goblin, fueled by determination and perhaps a touch of madness, stepped forward once more, delivering a decisive blow that landed squarely on the bird''s face.


    With a thud, the cockatrice''s massive body collapsed to the side, twitching in its final moments.


    The goblin discarded the bloodied club and produced a crude dagger, a glint of savagery in its eyes.


    It stood over the cockatrice''s neck, and plunged the dagger into its skull.


    But it didn''t stop there, it began to struck the cockatrice head continuously.


    The air filled with the gruesome sound of flesh tearing, and blood spewing forth.


    The goblin''s assault continued until, finally, it severed the cockatrice''s head completely.


    It held the severed head to the sky and yelled in victory, it''s body drenched in blood.


    Alex shook his head at the barbaric scene. He hadn''t noticed it before, but this goblin had a different name.


    (Goblin Scout: Rank D) S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No wonder it had a dagger," Alex muttered.


    He contemplated whether or not he should cut the goblin celebration short, but decided against it.


    It''s was a victory poorly earned at the sacrifice of it''s allies.


    The goblins and cockatrice seemed to be enemies, and Alex guessed, it was more likely the birds fault as they were aggressively territorial.


    The goblin scout began to move, and Alex decided to follow it.


    The goblins will be an enemy in the future, and it was best to know their base of operation.


    Alex followed from a distance as he didn''t want to get close and alert it, but that made the goblin harder to track as it was small and nimble


    After a few minutes of running the goblin finally reached its destination.


    Alex stopped further away and watched as the little goblin approached what appeared to be the entrance of a cave, concealed beneath a canopy of trees.


    In the clearing before the cave''s mouth, gathered a lot of goblins.


    Some held clubs, others pitchforks and a few daggers.


    It looked like they were going to war, and Alex figured it against the cockatrices.


    The gathered goblin made way for the scout to pass.


    The small goblin heaving from exertion, walked towards a massive figure seated upon a wooden throne-like chair.


    This huge goblin was as tall as a human, with muscles that rippled beneath it''s greenish skin, and teeth that poked menacingly like that of a tiger.


    [Goblin Boss ( Rank D) ]


    The boss goblin sat lazily on the chair leisurely gnawing on a chunk of meat, relishing every bite.


    The scout goblin bowed deeply and gingerly laid the severed cockatrice head before the imposing leader.


    With a nod of acknowledgment, the goblin boss parted its gnarled lips, revealing a set of sharp, jagged teeth as it commanded:


    "Speak."


    Alex''s mouth dropped wide open.


    Among all the surprises he had gotten since beginning the tutorial this tops it all.


    ''The goblins could talk.''

 Chapter 9 - 9: Interspecies War

    "Goblin find chicken, chicken far over there, many chicken big and a big one but dangerous." The scout said dramatically to the goblin boss who nodded in response.


    Alex was baffled the scout could talk as well.


    The absurdity of it all left him speechless.


    He wondered if it was because the goblins being human-like in some ways, was why they were capable of speech. Which made sense as he hadn''t heard any intelligent speech come out of the cockatrice''s mouth. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed like the regular goblin troop couldn''t talk as well which meant only creatures with a title could speak.


    Suddenly, the boss goblin rose to his feet, its demeanor more serious as it announced with vigor:


    "Today we hunt down chicken. Territory is ours. And when we kill them. And after, we have feast!" he declared balling his feast and his words were met with enthusiastic cheers from his troops.


    ''Wow, what a motivating speech.''


    "You lead the way." The goblin boss commanded the scout and took its weapon--A crude oversized axe that fits its size.


    Alex decided to flee before he got spotted. As he sneaked away he couldn''t help but ponder how strange his life had suddenly gotten


    Just a day ago he was working in his office with computers now he was watching goblins fight over territories with cockatrices.


    It was a show he wouldn''t miss.


    And as for picking a side, he was rooting for the cockatrice. Though the goblins were the underdog, they didn''t stand any chance. Judging from the fight he saw earlier.


    Unless the goblin boss was strong enough to cause an upset.


    Either way, he wasn''t too concerned about the outcome, as he was simply thinking of how he could take advantage of the chaos that would ensue, and become the winner of it all.


    ''That''s right. I''m the ''upset'' hehe.''


    The scout goblin navigated, and the boss and the rest of the packs toward the cockatrice.


    While distancing himself from the goblins, Alex was suddenly assailed by the distinctive sounds of cockatrices in the distance.


    It seemed that the cockatrices, too, had decided to take the fight to the goblins.


    He hurriedly climbed a nearby tree to watch how the chaos would play out from above.


    The two groups, goblins, and cockatrices, met in a standoff, glaring menacingly at each other.


    In a provocative display, the goblin boss hurled the severed head of a cockatrice toward the herd, eliciting angry screeches that reverberated through the forest.


    Despite their visible agitation, the cockatrices remained cool, unwilling to be provoked.


    Amidst the flock of cockatrices, Alex spotted one that stood out ¨C larger, leaner, and exuding an air of undeniable authority.


    Its feathers gleamed like blades, its eyes radiated intelligence, and its every movement was regal.


    It was unmistakably the leader of the cockatrices, the reason the birds hadn''t made their move, and the system identification confirmed his suspicions:


    [Cockatrice Boss: Dread Feather (Rank D)]


    [Proceed with caution]


    Alex was surprised. This was the first time the system had issued a warning, which meant this cockatrice was the real deal.


    "Great, we don''t have to walk so far to find chicken. We kill the bird here and party here!" The goblin boss yelled.


    "Stupid goblin, you dare hunt one of our own in cockatrice territory. Today, you pay with your life." the cockatrice declared threateningly.


    Alex double blinked.


    "The cockatrice could speak as well?"


    His shock didn''t linger much as he had earlier deduced that monsters with titles were capable of speech.


    He had to admit, that hearing monsters talk was weird, but it wasn''t too bad, as it could make things more interesting.


    The goblins had killed one of their own, and the cockatrice was here for revenge. He got the plot and was ready for the action.


    "Chicken talk now, chicken in my belly later," The boss goblin chuckled, undeterred by the cockatrice''s warnings, and raised his axe defiantly. "Troops attack!"


    The boss charged forth and the rest of the goblins followed.


    If it were just the regular goblin troop, they would have been terrified by the cockatrice''s size, but their boss''s presence gave them confidence.


    They clashed with the cockatrice and began to fight.


    Weapons clanging against beak and talon.


    Tail stabbing into green toddlers.


    The skirmish erupted in a frenzy of chaos and fury.


    Alex sat cross-legged on the tree, as he watched the battle. It was going exactly as he had imagined.


    A single cockatrice was able to take out about three goblins, and when one of the cockatrices was about to be surrounded, another came to its rescue.


    They covered each other back and gave the goblin no chance to utilize their numbers--which was the only way the green creature would ever be able to defeat one.


    One after another, the goblins fell, including the scout from earlier, lying motionless with a fatal wound to its head.


    Like Alex had predicted, they didn''t stand a chance.


    Alex shook his head at the one-sided onslaught.


    He had to admit, the goblin fought bravely for some cockatrice meat, but it was foolish bravery.


    Only the boss goblin was able to hold its own, killing two cockatrice but it was now engaged in a fierce duel with the cockatrice leader.


    Dreadfeather was fast using its blade for feathers, and scorpion tail, to rain deadly assaults on the boss goblin.


    The goblin, battered and bloodied, continued to fight relentlessly, but it was only a matter of time before he too would succumb to his injuries. Enough time for Alex to carry out his plan.


    ''Hehe.''


    He opened his inventory, which was filled with [Blastshards] made of the stones he had collected earlier, in his search for cockatrices. He had stopped the timer all at one, so they would explode a second after he resumed them.


    One by one, he took them out and swiftly hurled them onto the battlefield


    Since the cockatrice and goblin were busy fighting, they didn''t notice the stones dropping.


    It one had even struck a goblin on its head, but it was too busy trying to survive, to take it seriously.


    Once Alex had tossed enough to the battlefield, he seized a fistful of [Blastshards] and aimed them at the battling bosses.


    Dreadfeather saw some projectiles hitting the ground, causing it to stop and glance around, wary of danger.


    But before it could make sense of the situation, the goblin boss charged at it, forcing the cockatrice to defend itself.


    With a swift move, Dreadfeather shoved the goblin backward, using the brief opening to glance upward.


    Something didn''t feel right.


    Its sharp eyes quickly locked onto Alex, who was casually perched on a tree branch above, and it squinted its eyes in suspicion.


    Alex, unfazed by the piercing gaze, simply waved at Dreadfeather with a mischievous grin on his face.


    Then, he snapped his fingers.


    And in an instant, the air erupted with the thunderous roar of explosions.


    The battlefield consumed in a storm of fiery blasts as the [Blastshards] detonated, sending shockwaves that shook the ground.

 Chapter 10 - 10: Beast Slap

    The whole battlefield erupted with a powerful explosion consuming both cockatrices and goblins alike.


    Alex covered his ears so he wouldn''t get deaf from the earsplitting sounds.


    With his eyes shut, he grinned heartily enjoying the sounds of system notification ringing in his head.


    The [Blastshards] had finished exploding.


    And Alex opened his eyes to see the damage he had caused.


    His mouth shot open, the whole place was like a scene from hell.


    Trees fell and burnt on the ground, bushes caught on fire, and the body parts of goblins and cockatrices were everywhere.


    The explosion had killed about 80% of the monster below. And the remaining were far too injured to be a threat.


    He turned towards, the cockatrice boss and goblin, and saw they were still alive.


    But they resumed fighting with each other despite the chaos.


    He noticed the cockatrice, Dreadfeather was stealing glances in his direction while defending the attacks from the goblin.


    The cockatrice boss knew he was the source of the explosion,


    But it couldn''t do anything about it as its opponent was a persistent brute who lacked reasoning skills.


    Alex made a mental note to keep an eye on the cockatrice boss.


    He did not to be caught off guard by any unexpected attacks from the avian beast, who seemed rather shrewd.


    The remaining cockatrices alive had either, died, lost their body parts, or were burnt to a crisp and barely hanging.


    Alex could only see two of the goblin alive and he could only consider them as lucky.


    "Yep, my abilities are quite amazing."


    Alex nodded proudly at the result.


    Though the scene was horrific, Alex didn''t care too much about it.


    These monsters exist to be hunted, to make players stronger. And they wouldn''t hesitate to kill him if they got the chance, so he had no remorse.


    At first, he contemplated finishing them up with more [Blastshards], but he itching to get some experience with his weapon.


    He had no one to train him, so he decided to start working on his sword skills.


    The injured beasts were like practice dummies roaming around the field.


    So the situation was perfect.


    With a wicked grin, Alex equipped [Eclipse edge]. And then put on [Scalewalk boot] which added five points to his agility.


    He leaped off the tree and landed on the ground with a heavy thud.


    "System add ten points to strength"


    He said as he charged towards the nearest cockatrice.


    The cockatrice could not even react, as Alex took the beast''s head clean off his body.


    With his strength boosted his sword went through the cockatrice''s neck like butter.


    He turned to the next:


    A goblin with half its body burnt. It grunted at him in defiance, but Alex responded with a kick to its chest, which propelled the goblin''s body into a tree with a fatal impact.


    Ding!


    [You have killed creature goblin]


    [Level up!]


    "Nice."


    With this he was now Level 7, adding the number of times he had leveled up from his [Blastshards] massacre.


    This noise caught the attention of the cockatrice nearby and they attacked Alex.


    But one by one they met their demise majorly due to their injuries.


    Meanwhile, the cockatrice and the goblin boss were still fighting.


    Dreadfeather with a worried expression on its face.


    It had taken glances and had noticed the human slaughtering his troop


    However, the goblin didn''t seem to have noticed this threat and that pissed it off.


    "You idiot stop! there''s a new enemy!"


    "No, this is all chicken''s fault! Chicken set trap, kill everyone. Goblin must have chicken and be victorious, make king proud!"


    The goblin began to attack in a frenzy.


    And the cockatrice shook his head realizing there was no getting through with the idiot.


    Its initial goal was to take down the goblin clan once and for all, so they wouldn''t come back to claim territory.


    But he couldn''t do that without his men so his only option was to kill their leader.


    And the human, and then return with new troops to face the goblin once again.


    With a sigh and a plan to follow.


    The cockatrice''s speed suddenly increased. Faster than what the goblin was used to.


    Dreadfeather overwhelmed the goblin with a flurry of attacks.


    Its wings, tail, beaks, and all its weapons dishing out relentless assault.


    The goblin bled unable to move.


    as he had taken most of the brunt from the bombs and was weakened, now he was suffering from assaults and wasn''t able to keep up with the cockatrice torrents of attacks.


    The cockatrice''s tail pierced into the goblin''s shoulder, and he was forced to jump back.


    The stab area began to change into purple indicating poison


    The goblin groaned and fell on its knees. Severely weakened and hurt.


    "This fight is over, surrender and I''ll make your death swift,"


    The goblin grinned.


    It wasn''t ready to tap out yet.


    With a thundering roar, it activated his special ability, [Bloodlust], which doubled the user''s strength for a few seconds.


    "If I''m going down. I''ll take you along with me."


    The goblin''s skin began to turn red as strength flushed through its body.


    But the cockatrice was familiar with the goblins'' skills and was prepared.


    It sucked in a deep breath energy bubbling in its throat, and fire out a wave of [Sonic Howl]. A move that stuns and damages the enemy using sound waves.


    The goblin skin that was turning red returned to normal. And it coughed out blood. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The [Sonic Howl] had interrupted the goblin [Bloodlust]. Nullifying the power.


    And that caused a backlash.


    The goblin boss fell to its knees coughing out blood. The last attack had sealed its fate.


    The cockatrice then appeared behind the goblin and took its head off.


    With a plop, the goblin''s head dropped to the ground.


    But it was still conscious so it said its last words before life left its eyes.


    "I, Baran, a loyal boss to king, will be back and I will have meat!"


    The cockatrice simply shook his head at this. Glad he was done with the goblin.


    "Hey, birdface."


    The cockatrice suddenly heard a voice and sharply turned scanning the battlefield for the threat.


    The human was nowhere to be seen and all of its troops were dead.


    "Over here," Alex said appearing behind it


    And as the cockatrice turned, it was met with a powerful slap that sent it sliding to the side.

 Chapter 11 - 11: Mocking Defeat

    ''Ahh so tough.''


    Alex winced as he flexed his wrist, pain shooting through it. The cockatrice''s beak was like solid steel and he had hit it with so much force his bone creaked.


    ''Yeah, maybe I shouldn''t have done that.'' Alex thought. But he had no regret.


    Especially now that the arrogant look on the cockatrice''s face had disappeared, utter shock replacing it.


    Dreadfeather, with its head turned to the side, slowly redirected its gaze toward Alex. Disbelief is etched on its avian features.


    It blinked, trying to process what had just happened, and when it finally spoke, its voice was laced with cold fury.


    "How dare a mere Rank-E lay a hand on the mighty...."


    "Shut up!" Alex interrupted."Shut up and let''s get this over with. I don''t want to waste too much time on you I''ve got things to do before the tutorial begins."


    Dreadfeather was taken aback, baffled by Alex''s audacity.


    The human was inferior, yet it dared speak as if it was the apex predator. The insolence.


    Dreadfeather gritted its teeth and dove toward Alex with terrifying speed. Hatred burning in its eyes.


    Alex extracted a couple [Blastshards] from his inventory and tossed them toward the fast-approaching cockatrice.


    The cockatrice boss seeing this, recalled that it was the same kind of rocks that had exploded while battling with the goblin.


    Dreadfeather came to a halt and leaped backwards before the rock exploded.


    But Alex activated the detonation of the [Blastshards] midair.


    *BOOM


    The force of it hit the cockatrice, sending it sprawling to the ground. A part of his feather burnt by the flames.


    The cockatrice screeched in pain, glaring at Alex, who stood casually, watching the creature writhe with a satisfied grin.


    "I amplified the force of the explosion three times. You should feel honored. You''re an opponent I take seriously."


    Dreadfeather despite being angry, cautiously distanced itself from Alex. It was now more wary of the foe it was facing.


    Making sure its next attacks were carefully planned.


    "You coward, you have to resort to such tricky means to battle," the cockatrice sneered.


    "If it works then it''s effective. And besides I didn''t trick anyone. When I threw down these bombs, I didn''t do any sneaking. You all were just too distracted to notice me." Alex responded with a shrug.


    "You took advantage of our battle with the goblin. Like a coward. But no matter. Eventually, you''ll run out of tricks, and then I''ll have your head."


    "I thought you were intelligent, but you''re just as dense as the goblin." Alex said but Dreadfeather wasn''t listening.


    "I''ll give you a chance to surrender. Let me kill you peacefully human or fight me and die a slow, painful death." Dreadfeather said, and


    Alex frowned in confusion:


    "Surrender? Why would I? I mean look at you. You''re the one on the verge of collapse here. If I were you, I''d be running for my life. But even if you healed up and came back, you still wouldn''t stand a chance.


    So I''ll show some mercy and end this in the next two minutes."


    The cockatrice feathers flared in fury, and it panted heavily, rage consuming it.


    "You bastard, I''ll make sure you suffer worse than the green idiot."


    Despite its injuries, despite the exhaustion wracking its body, the cockatrice was too blinded by hatred to retreat. So it lunged again, determined to fight until the bitter end.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head.


    "If that''s how you want to play it..." He pulled out another set of [Blastshards]. "Then here, have some more rocks."


    Alex hurled the [Blastshard] at the cockatrice, but Dreadfeather was quick, leaping back just as the explosion rocked the ground. Thick fumes filled the air, momentarily clouding the battlefield. The cockatrice darted backward, its sharp eyes scanning for movement through the haze.


    Suddenly, Alex burst from the smoke, his form a blur, which came along with a gleaming [Eclipse Edge] heading dangerously towards the cockatrice''s neck.


    The cockatrice avoided the attack and whipped out its tail in a fierce counterattack. But it struck empty air. And the next thing the Dreadfeather felt was a powerful punch to its chest, the air knocked from its lungs.


    Then another hit to its face which sent it reeling backward, its talons digging into the ground as its body skidded across the field.


    "Come on now, don''t disappoint me like this. Is this all you''ve got? After all that arrogant talk?" Alex taunted.


    Dreadfeather''s eyes flared with fury, humiliated by the mockery. With a sharp screech, it lunged forward, its razor-sharp blade-like talons slashing toward Alex. But Alex effortlessly darted backward in quick bursts, staying just out of reach.


    The cockatrice, enraged and desperate, attacked like a beast possessed, but Alex calmly deflected its furious attacks with [Eclipse Edge]. Sword clanging against blades.


    He had to admit he was enjoying himself, as the more he used the [Eclipse Edge], the more fluid and natural it felt in his hand.


    Meanwhile, Dreadfeather was starting to panic. Its stamina was rapidly depleting, and no matter how hard it attacked, it couldn''t gain any ground.


    The cockatrice had fought its way to the position of boss, completing every mission the cockatrice king had given it.


    Yet here it was, struggling against a mere E-rank human.


    Should the cockatrice king find out that Dreadfeather lost to a lesser being, it will never grant revival.


    Unlike other monsters, such as goblins, second chances for cockatrices were much harder to come by because of how highly they valued their pride. To them, defeat wasn''t just a setback but a permanent stain on their reputation.


    Dreadfeather was seriously considering the thought of fleeing but Alex''s mocking voice cut through its frustration like a blade.


    "Are you thinking of retreating? You''ll still end up dead if you do that."


    "Damn you!" Dreadfeather screeched, its pride too wounded to walk away. It couldn''t bear the idea of running from an E-rank human. No, it had to kill Alex at all costs, even if it meant its own death.


    "You¡­ you''ll pay for underestimating me," Dreadfeather hissed, its throat swelling ominously.


    Alex could sense something was wrong, but before he could react, Dreadfeather unleashed a deafening sonic blast.


    The sound ripped through the air, and Alex barely had time to shield himself with his arms before the force of it hit him.


    The blast sent him skidding backward, his boots digging into the ground. Though it hadn''t caused much physical harm, the wave of sound left his head spinning. His muscles felt drained, and his steps turned into a stagger as he struggled to stay upright.


    He wondered what was happening and checked his stats, only to see they had all been halved.


    "What?!" Alex exclaimed in shock. He didn''t think the cockatrice had an ability with such a crippling effect.


    "Scared now?" the cockatrice said with an evil grin. "You should be."


    The cockatrice moved to attack but Alex, immediately threw [Blastshards] at the boss, causing the cockatrice to halt.


    Dreadfeather leaped backwards expecting an explosion, but nothing came.


    "Shit, I''m out of mana," Alex exclaimed and Dreadfeather heard.


    It found it made sense that Alex''s mana had run out as he had caused so many explosions and damages.


    Dreadfeather watched Alex with its sharp eyes and noticed Alex slowly stepping away. This made it realize Alex had indeed run out of mana and was trying to flee. A coward''s move when faced with a dilemma.''


    "Typical of an E-rank to overestimate their strength and fail to monitor their energy consumption," Dreadfeather taunted, strutting forward with a smug look on its face. "Thinking you''re invincible, only to crumble before the end of the fight." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t come any closer!" Alex yelled in panic. "Stay away from me, unless you want to get blasted to smithereens!"


    Dreadfeather chuckled at how hollow and fear-filled the threat sounded.


    "This is how it''s supposed to be," Dreadfeather said, savoring the moment. "The prey, terrified of the predator."


    Drawing its feather blades, the cockatrice prepared to tear Alex apart, eager to repay the humiliation it had endured.


    But suddenly, Alex burst into laughter.


    Dreadfeather stopped and frowned.


    "Have you gone crazy knowing your death is imminent?"


    "Death?" Alex wiped the moisture from the corner of his eye. A grin still lingering. "The only one dying here is you."


    Dreadfeather frowned, wondering if Alex had truly gone mad.


    "When I said you''re just as dense as the goblin, you didn''t believe me. You were so blinded by the vision of your victory you lost all caution against a tricky foe."


    "What are you talking about?" Dreadfeather demanded.


    "I''m not the arrogant one here, you are," Alex said and then gestured for the cockatrice to look downwards.


    The cockatrice followed and saw beneath its talon were rocks.


    The same rocks that didn''t explode earlier.


    The [Blastshards] Alex had thrown, paused at one second.


    Dreadfeather heart stopped. Its eyes widened in horror as it came to the realization.


    "Yeah, it''s too late." Alex sighed about to flick his fingers. "And to think I warned you of this exact moment."

 Chapter 12 - 12: A Rooster Curse

    Alex activated his ability, and the stones exploded, swallowing the cockatrice.


    The creature didn''t even get the chance to scream as the explosion consumed it, causing instant death.


    Alex watched emotionlessly as the charred body of the cockatrice fall to the ground. He fell on his butt and wiped the sweat off his forehead, with the back of his hand.


    The battle had taken a lot out of him, especially his stamina. The debuff he had received from the cockatrice''s last attack had made him even weaker.


    But when he checked his stats he saw it had vanished when the cockatrice had died.


    He then read the notification flashing in front of him:


    [You have defeated the cockatrice boss; Dreadfeather]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    "Three times nice."


    With this Alex was now level ten.


    [You have been rewarded with 15 stats points, 5 Power Stones, 20 coins, and New skill: Sonic Howl]


    "Yes," Alex exclaimed, raising his balled fists to the sky in victory.


    He had taken advantage of the battle between the two different creatures and had reaped bountiful rewards.


    From leveling up, which netted him power points, to power stones, coins, weapons, and even a new skill, Alex was eager to check out the new ability.


    [Sonic Howl]: Unleash a powerful shockwave from your mouth, disorienting enemies and reducing their stats by 20%. The blast disrupts their balance, leaving them vulnerable for a short duration. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex gasped in shock.


    It was the skill Dreadfeather had used against him, to take half his stats, but this one was more downgraded. Nevertheless, it was useful.


    Not only did it stun and weaken the opponent, but It also decreased enemy stats by twenty percent.


    Alex wondered what would happen if he spammed it on an opponent. Would the reduction percentage increase? or would it not be effective?


    Maybe, maybe not.


    Alex decided to test his ability, and as usual, his test subject was the trees.


    He readied himself and activated the skill.


    Immediately he knew how to use it; energy bubbled in his stomach and then flowed to his mouth.


    Then he let out a scream, and shockwaves escaped his mouth, hitting the trees. When he was done, Alex took a deep breath and exhaled heavily, holding his chest that tickled slightly.


    "That was freaking cool."


    Alex imagined himself looking like a banshee when he had used the ability. It was like something out of a movie.


    Alex walked towards the tree, to observe the damage [Sonic Howl] had done. He could see the ability had caused only a small dent. The physical damage was not that high, but that wasn''t where its strength lay.


    The tree was a bad experimental target, so Alex didn''t test it anymore, knowing he would only get results against a living being.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t have used all my upgrade stones on [Exploding Touch]," Alex thought. If he had used an upgrade stone on [Sonic Howl], then he was sure the percentage of stats reduction would have risen.


    But there was no point in complaining or fretting about it. The skill he had used the upgrade stone one was already overpowered. And with it, he had decimated the battlefield single-handedly and cooked the cockatrice boss in such a dominating manner.


    Now that he was thinking about it Alex realized he had flexed hard on the cockatrice boss. Overconfidence might not be a good thing, as he hadn''t expected the cockatrice''s last attack.


    What this taught him was that he shouldn''t be a hundred percent sure of his victory until his opponent isn''t breathing.


    But it was not like he hadn''t prepared for any upset.


    With the first slap, he landed on the cockatrice he had plastered an [Exploding Touch] on its face.


    Meaning the fight could have ended almost immediately if he chose.


    But Grey didn''t want this, as he wanted to improve his sword skills.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have been rewarded with 15 Stat Points, 5 Power Stones, 20 coins, and a new skill: Slipstream]


    "Slipstream?"


    [Slipstream: You can easily escape a trap. Magical traps take time and may cost mana. The stronger the trap, the more time it will take]


    "Hmm."


    The skill certainly couldn''t be compared to [Sonic Howl] and [Exploding Touch], which were explosive abilities that would be useful in fighting against monsters. But Alex didn''t disregard it as it might show its use against humans.


    There was a chance he would get captured and in that scenario, the skill might prove extremely useful.


    The system notification then rang, and Alex read the new pop-up:


    [You have reached level 10]


    [You have earned the chance to choose an ability from three options:


    [Swiftstrike]


    [Arcane Aegis]


    [Titan''s Fury]


    "Whoa." That came as a surprise. Alex had not seen it coming. He just kept getting abilities.


    He first checked out the skill.


    [Swiftstrike]: Move at 2x speed for 5 meters, stunning any enemy in your path for 1 second. Your path is locked in a straight line, making it predictable to sharp opponents. Cooldown: 1 minute.


    [Arcane Aegis]: Blocks all attacks for 3 seconds, with a 30% chance to reflect damage back at the attacker, amplified by 50%. Great for defense and turning the tide of battle. The barrier slows your movement by 20%. Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    [Titan''s Fury]: Double your strength for 30 seconds, making attacks nearly unstoppable and allowing you to break through defenses. Ideal for short bursts of intense combat. After the effect ends, you suffer a 50% reduction in both strength and stamina for 15 minutes. Cooldown: 1 hour.


    These were all amazing abilities. But each came with its flaws.


    [Swiftstrike] was great for surprise attacks or quick escape but your movement was locked into a straight line meaning which would be predictable to a sharp opponent.


    With [Titan''s Fury] the 50 percent reduction will leave one in such a vulnerable state. Not useful when facing multiple enemies which Alex planned to do.


    The flaw of [Arcane Aegis] was the movement''s 20% speed reduction but it was great for defense and the 30% chance of reflection attack was a gamble that made things interesting.


    They were all great skills but Grey had made his decision, so he chose [Arcane Aegis]. There wasn''t much regret with this decision as he felt it was more of a risk not to have defensive skills when his close combat was so poor


    Again, Alex couldn''t help but wonder how strong the skill would get if he used an upgrade stone on it. The rate of reflection would increase, which would make enemies hesitate to attack him, afraid of the full counter that would proceed when they do.


    "Done with choosing an ability," Alex decided to assign points to his stats, but then a flickering dark purple light rose out of the Dreadfeathers body,


    This caught his attention and he watched.


    But then all of a sudden, it wrapped itself onto Alex''s arm, settling into a tattoo that had the disturbing image of the head of a cockatrice turned sideways.


    Ding!


    [For killing Dreadfeather, you have been marked with ''The Rooster Curse'']


    [Cockatrices will now seek out your tainted aura and as long as the curse exists, they will hunt you down]


    [Curse can only be removed when the cockatrice king dies]


    Alex froze for a few seconds, taking in what he just read.


    And he concluded that the only way to react to this info was to scream: ''What the hell!''


    So he did just that.

 Chapter 13 - 13: Goblin Cave

    Alex let out a scream of frustration, his voice echoing through the dense forest.


    His heart pounded, and he couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    It was mind-boggling that even after death the cockatrice refused to stop being a problem.


    Breathing heavily, Alex sighed and swiped away the notification hovering in the air.


    Though frustrated, he decided to accept the situation.


    There was no point fretting about it, and certainly nothing he could do about it.


    There was no way he would have known he would get cursed.


    And honestly, even if he had known, he doubted he would have made a different choice.


    Alex forced himself to think more clearly and decided to look at it from another angle.


    ''Instead of a curse I can just see it as a blessing?''


    His original plan was simple: get stronger, and gain an edge over the other players.


    But now he had another reason to push his limits, one with much higher stakes.


    He was literally standing in cockatrice territory and with the < Rooster curse> inflicted on him, once he was spotted by a cockatrice he would become an instant target that would immediately be hunted down without hesitation.


    Not wanting to risk an encounter just yet, Alex turned away and began walking down the familiar path leading to the goblin cave.


    His plan was clear: raid the goblin hideout, gain experience, and level up until he was strong enough to take on the cockatrices head-on.


    He recalled overhearing the goblin boss mention to Dreadfeather that it would return, meaning there was a good chance the goblins had respawned.


    Alex smirked.


    He needed a break from hunting bird-like monsters, and goblins would provide a nice change of pace. Soon, he''d be dealing with cockatrices nonstop, so why not take the opportunity to face a different foe for now?


    Standing in front of the cave he equipped [Eclipse Edge]


    The front was eerily quiet, compared to the rowdy scene he had seen about an hour ago.


    As he stepped closer, a notification flashed before his eyes.


    Ding!


    [Goblin Sub Dungeon]


    [Do you want to enter? Y/N]


    [Once you enter you can''t leave unless you defeat the boss]


    It turns out the cave was a dungeon like he had suspected.


    He knew the only explanation for what the goblin boss had said to the cockatrice was respawning. As long as the dungeon exists the goblin boss could always come back, like an undead.


    ''No wonder the cockatrice was pissed with them.''


    They were like annoying chicken-loving cockroaches that just wouldn''t die.


    Alex was quite confident he could handle whatever the dungeon would throw at him.


    He had leveled up a lot and gotten many power stones along with new abilities, so he was ready to unleash on the poor goblins.


    He accepted the prompt to enter and stepped into the dark cave.


    The air inside the cave was thick and damp, carrying the smell of decay and mold. Jagged rocks jutted from the uneven walls, casting shadows that flickered in the dim light of the bioluminescent fungi that clung onto the stones illuminating Alex''s path.


    Five minutes inside, and Alex was starting to get pissed, his frustration growing with every step.


    ''Seriously where the hell are the goblins?''


    He had been walking with his nose covered, as the smell of the place left a putrid taste in his mouth, and hadn''t found any single thing to kill but time.


    ''Seriously, I should send a complaint to the oracle for the lack of monsters to fight.''


    As if on cue, he heard a faint noise echo from behind him.


    He noticed it came from a distance, so he walked backward towards the noise.


    Peeking around a corner, he saw some goblins chattering gibberish, along with more appearing out of thin air, one by one.


    ''So that''s why I found no goblins.'' Alex nodded coming to a realization.


    The goblins had all died in their fight against the cockatrice, so the dungeon probably needed time and energy to respawn them back.


    He then saw the scout goblin from the forest. He too had been respawned.


    Alex wondered if the same applied to the cockatrice. Would they respawn after they died?


    He really wished they didn''t.


    If that were the case, he would not only have to deal with a curse but also an angrier Dreadfeather.


    Alex shuddered but he was snapped out of his thoughts by a low grunt behind him.


    Turning quickly, Alex saw a goblin that had spawned right behind him, and without hesitation, he swung his blade, [Eclipse Edge], cleanly slicing through the goblin''s neck.


    The decapitated head rolled into the open. And one of the goblins who spotted the rolling head let out a shrill scream, alerting the rest of the group. In an instant, the goblins were armed, ready for battle.


    "Well, at least now I''ve got something to fight," Alex thought, tightening his grip on his sword.


    He stepped out of his hiding and waved to the goblins, grinning "Hi."


    Two of the goblins charged at him immediately, as if provoked by the greeting, but Alex with a single fluid motion, swung [Eclipse Edge], slicing both of them in half at the waist.


    Their bodies drop to the ground with a chilling thud.


    And the rest of the goblins weren''t so eager to rush in.


    Instead, they moved cautiously, slowly forming a circle around Alex, their eyes glinting with malice. The goblin scout from amongst them stepped forward and a notification blinked into Alex''s vision.


    [Goblin Scout: Rusuk (Rank-D)]


    Rusuk raised its dagger and pointed it menacingly at Alex.:


    "Human drop weapon and all belonging. Human leave with head in one piece."


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Unlike the usual gibberish from the other goblins, he could actually understand Rusuk''s words. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That meant one thing: named monsters could speak human language, or at least he could understand them.


    The rest of the goblins grunted, howled, and banged their weapons against the cave floor and walls, trying to intimidate him. The noise reverberated around the cavern, but Alex wasn''t the least bit fazed. In fact, he found it all rather amusing.


    With a smirk, Alex addressed the scout.


    "Rusuk, huh? I''m Alex. I''ve been watching you since you killed the cockatrice in the forest. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have gotten so many treasures and skills. So, thanks for that."


    Rusuk paused, tilting its head as if processing the information. Then, completely catching Alex off guard, it asked, "Human have chicken?"


    "Eh."


    Alex blinked, stunned by the sudden question.


    Rusuk, seemingly serious, stretched out its hand, palm up. "Human have chicken. Hand it over."


    Alex chuckled finding the gesture comedic.


    It was crazy that they thought of cockatrice meat as treasures.


    And though Alex could spare some cockatrice meat, he had no intention of handing over anything to them. If anything, he was here to take.


    "I''m sorry Rusuk I can''t do that."


    Rusuk''s face twisted in annoyance.


    "Human surrounded, no escape, human die, hand it over?"


    From their viewpoint, they saw Alex as a fool, surrounded in their territory with little chance of escaping.


    But it was far from what they thought.


    Alex wasn''t the prey here; he was a predator.


    And they would come to know that very soon.

 Chapter 14 - 14: Entrapped

    Alex drew [Eclipse Edge], the sleek blade gleaming with a dark aura. The goblins grunted in alarm, but when they noticed his sword, their fear twisted into greed.


    Their grunts turned into excited snarls, and they looked eager to steal the powerful weapon.


    Alex shook his head, amused my their reaction.


    "Seriously, how dumb can these creatures be?"


    With a sigh, he suddenly vanished, moving so fast it seemed like he teleported.


    In the blink of an eye, he reappeared in the middle of a group of goblins, and before they could react, Alex swung his sword in a wide arc.


    The air whistled as [Eclipse Edge] cut through them like paper, slicing several goblins clean in half.


    The scout goblin, frozen in shock, snapped out of it and screamed for the rest to attack.


    In an instant, the rest of the goblins rushed at Alex, weapons raised, snarling in rage S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Energy gathered in Alex chest, swelling up until his mouth bulged. With a roar, he unleashed [Stun Howl], the soundwave tearing through the air with a deafening boom.


    The goblins caught in its path were blown backward, tumbling through the air like ragdolls.


    Those hit at close range froze mid-step, their bodies trembling.


    Blood oozed from their ears and mouths as they collapsed, dead on their feet.


    With a cold grin, Alex dashed toward the remaining goblins, his movements a blur.


    His sword swung with precise fury, each strike hitting its mark.


    Limbs flew, and goblin after goblin fell, unable to match Alex''s sheer speed and power.


    He fought like a wild beast, slashing and hacking through his enemies, unstoppable in his rampage.


    It was a one-sided massacre, with each swing of his sword sending limbs and goblin corpses flying.


    But no matter how many he killed, more kept coming. Like all the goblins in the dungeon had gathered to take him down.


    The green beasts charged without hesitation, showing no fear, no concern for their own lives.


    Alex frowned as he fought, his mind racing:


    ''Why aren''t they scared?''


    Unlike when he had fought the cockatrice boss, the monsters had shown some caution, some survival instinct.


    But these goblins? They attacked like mindless drones, rushing him in waves, as if they were being controlled.


    ''Is it because we''re in a dungeon?'' he wondered, as he swung his sword to meet two goblins leaping at him from above like wild monkeys


    . Their bodies hit the ground before they even knew what happened.


    A third goblin lunged at his legs, but Alex reacted quickly with a spin, kicking it into a nearby wall with a bone-cracking thud.


    Anothwd group of goblins rushed him next, but Alex barely flinched, as he opened his mouth, gathering energy, and unleashed a powerful [Stun Howl].


    The soundwave hit the goblins head-on, their bodies dropped to the ground, lifeless, as blood streamed from their ears.


    But while Alex was focused on the swarm, the goblin scout hung back, watching him with calculating eyes.


    It made a series of quick hand gestures, signaling some of the goblins to fetch nets.


    Without hesitation, the goblins obeyed, grabbing nets and preparing to spring the trap.


    Alex, too engrossed in fighting, didn''t notice the goblins above, quietly positioning themselves with the net ready.


    He only realized something was wrong when it was too late.


    The net dropped over him in an instant.


    Goblins on all sides grabbed the edges, pulling it tight and trapping him.


    Alex cursed under his breath, struggling against the tough, tangled net.


    His movements were slowed, his sword arm pinned down.


    Before he could break free, he felt a sharp pain in his back.


    A goblin had stabbed him with a pitchfork, the crude weapon digging into his flesh.


    Snarling in pain, Alex gritted his teeth. With a pained yell, he swung his arm and backhanded the goblin behind him.


    The creature flew through the air like a ragdoll, slamming into the cave wall with a sickening thud.


    But the sharp pain in his back made Alex groan, his hand instinctively clutching the bleeding wound.


    "Argh, that hurts," he muttered through clenched teeth. Just as he tried to catch his breath, a dagger came out of nowhere, burying itself deep into his thigh.


    "Gah!" Alex gasped, the sharp pain shooting up his leg. Before he could even react, another dagger was already flying toward him.


    Reflexively, Alex activated his [Aegis Arcane], the invisible barrier flaring up just in time to block the deadly blade. It clanged off the shield and fell to the ground.


    His eyes shot up, narrowing in on the culprit:


    Rusuk, the goblin scout.


    The crafty goblin stood in the distance, a cold smirk on its face as it drew more daggers from its belt, aiming with sniper-like precision. Without missing a beat, Rusuk unleashed a flurry of daggers, each one zipping through the air toward Alex.


    [Aegis Arcane] held firm, but Alex felt the pressure building. Every dagger that struck the shield drained more of his energy.


    Worse, he was still stuck under the iron net, its weight pressing down on him like a vice.


    More goblins piled onto the net, pulling it tighter, keeping him pinned.


    ''This is bad,'' he thought, panic creeping in.


    He could feel his energy reserves depleting. The shield wouldn''t hold much longer, and when it dropped, he''d be defenseless against the scout''s relentless attacks.


    He needed a way out¡ªfast.


    And he found he had one.


    [Slipstream: You can easily escape an entrapment. Magical traps take time and may cost Mana. The stronger the trap, the more time it will take.]


    It was the passive skill he had gotten as a reward for killing the cockatrice boss, Dreadfeather.


    Gritting his teeth, he deactivated [Aegis Arcane], letting the protective barrier disappear and the net landed directly on his skin.


    His muscles strained as he fought to stay upright, but his legs began to buckle. He was slowly being forced to his knees.


    He activated [Slipstream] and immediately felt the restriction ease giving him enough time to raise [Eclipse Edge], using the side of the blade to parry the daggers flying at him.


    Using his sword to block wasn''t ideal as his limited movement caused some of the daggers to graze his arms and legs, cutting him multiple times.


    But this was the only was he could escaped the entrapment.


    Alex clenched his jaw and with his free hand, he...

 Chapter 15 - 15: Shadow Goblin

    Alex clenched his jaw and with his free hand, he gripped the iron net, wrapping his fingers around it. Then pulled hard, dragging the goblins holding the net closer to him.


    His plan was simple:


    Pull the net in, get closer to the edge, and then break free in one powerful move.


    But the goblins weren''t going to make it easy. More of them piled on, tightening their hold, their weight pulling Alex down even lower.


    His muscles burned, and he found himself struggling to stay upright as the net pressed him further into the ground.


    The sudden shift in weight made him lose balance for a split second¡ªjust enough time for a dagger to fly straight for his neck.


    His eyes widened. And at the last moment, Alex jerked his head to the side, but the blade still grazed him, slicing the back of his neck. Pain shot through him, and his vision blurred for a moment.


    Anger flared inside him. His blood pounded in his ears, and with a furious and desperate shout, Alex unleashed [Stun Howl], aimed directly at the goblin scout.


    The force of the blast shook the air, sending debris flying in all directions.


    Rusuk, the goblin scout, tried to leap away from the attack, but the edge of the blast caught its arm, sending the creature tumbling to the ground.


    Its arm hung limp, useless, leaving the scout temporarily out of the fight.


    Alex took a deep breath, feeling the burning pain in his body. But he wasn''t done yet.


    Using the chance he had created, he dropped [Eclipse Edge] and used both hands to grip the iron net firmly.


    And with a fierce yank, he pulled the goblins closer, dragging them along as he inched toward the edge of the trap.


    His muscles strained, but he kept pulling the net and its captors along towards him.


    As he got closer to the edge, Alex reached into his inventory and pulled out a [Blastshard].


    A quick glance around the cave reminded him of his biggest fear¡ªthat a powerful blast could bring the entire cavern down on him. But he weighed his options and made a decision:


    "One ''Blastshard'' should be fine." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without hesitation, he threw the [Blastshard] into the midst of the goblin troop and triggered the explosion immediately.


    The cave shook, and multiple goblins were hurled through the air, their bodies flailing like ragdolls.


    The explosion cleared an entire side of the net, leaving an open path for Alex to escape.


    Without wasting a second, Alex grabbed [Eclipse Edge] and dove out of the net, rolling back to his feet.


    As soon as he was free, a few goblins tried to rushed in to replace the fallen ones.


    But Alex was ready.


    With a furious swing of his sword, he cut them down, his blade flashing in the dim light as he hacked through the remaining goblins.


    Breathing heavily, Alex glared at the goblins troop and then at the scout, Rusuk.


    He had to admit he had underestimated them¡ªespecially the goblin scout. He hadn''t seen the trap coming as he was less focused on his environment.


    "You..." Alex muttered, his eyes narrowing:


    "I should''ve taken you out first."


    He raised [Eclipse Edge], pointing it directly at Rusuk. Determined to finish the fight, Alex surged forward with terrifying speed, his body blurring as he dove toward the goblin scout.


    But just as he was about to strike, Rusuk disappeared into thin air.


    Alex skidded to a halt, eyes wide in shock:


    "What...?"


    The goblin had vanished, blending seamlessly into the shadows.


    Alex scanned the area, realizing that Rusuk must possess rogue-like abilities¡ªstealth and shadow manipulation.


    This explained why the goblin was a named monster, as only monsters with abilities had names.


    Alex clenched his sword tighter his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of the scout.


    But his attention snapped to the goblins trying to utilize the iron net once again.


    "Yeah...not going to happen."


    With a furious roar, he unleashed a [Sonic Howl] that tore through the goblins holding the net, instantly killing them.


    His rage boiled over, and without hesitation, he turned his wrath on the rest of the goblin troop.


    His sword became a whirlwind of death as he hacked and slashed through the creatures, the sharp blade of [Eclipse Edge] cutting through their bodies like butter.


    The goblins screamed in agony, their cries filling the cave, turning the space into a chaotic, blood-soaked nightmare.


    Minutes later, Alex stood alone, panting heavily, covered in the blood of the fallen goblins.


    His muscles ached, and his energy was nearly depleted.


    The toll of his frenzied attack had left him exhausted, and as he caught his breath, he couldn''t shake the lingering sense of fear.


    He had to admit it to himself: he''d been scared. The moment the goblins trapped him, panic had crept in.


    He had gotten too confident after wiping out enemies with [Exploding Touch] in previous battles. And that overconfidence had almost cost him his life this time.


    Alex shook his head, realizing how reckless he''d been. Walking into enemy territory without a plan had been a mistake.


    And now, his wounded thigh was a painful reminder that this could have gone very wrong.


    "I need to be smarter," Alex muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.


    This wasn''t just about strength¡ªit was about thinking things through. He couldn''t let his guard down again.


    Determined to proceed with caution, Alex stayed on high alert. He knew there was still one enemy left.


    Suddenly, a sharp noise echoed from above.


    Instinct kicked in, and Alex dove into a barrel roll just as a volley of daggers rained down from the shadows.


    He looked up and saw the goblin scout, Rusuk, emerging from the shadows, grinning with rotten teeth.


    In a place where lights was quite dim and darkness was all over this was his domain. Winning without [Exploding Touch] will not be easy but it was certainly not impossible.

 Chapter 16 - 16: Im No Cockatrice

    Alex knew he had to stay sharp to take down the goblin scout.


    He didn''t know where the next attack would come from, so every sense was on high alert.


    He felt the weight of exhaustion pull at his muscles as he had used up so much energy just escaping the earlier trap, and now he was paying the price.


    He would have felt confident about facing this goblin one-on-one if he hadn''t used so much energy earlier. Now, he had to be careful.


    As Alex scanned the dimly lit cave, he couldn''t help but wonder if the goblin had planned this all along.


    It had sent its troops to exhaust him, forcing him to burn through his strength before this showdown.


    The goblin scout was more than just a mindless monster. It was smart, strategic, maybe even as cunning as the cockatrice he had faced earlier.


    If these tutorial monsters were this intelligent, humanity was in more danger than they had realized.


    A distinct noise came from behind like a burst bubble. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And the goblin scout darted out from the shadows behind him, with quick movement and with a flick of its wrist, the goblin launched a volley of daggers, each one aimed right at Alex''s back.


    He reacted instantly, twisting his body to the side, dodging the blades by mere inches.


    Using his momentum, Alex dashed forward, aiming straight for the goblin, hoping to catch it off-guard.


    But just as he was about to strike, the scout melted back into the shadows as if it had never been there.


    "Tcch!"


    Alex clicked his tongue, his eyes darting around, searching for any sign of movement.


    Suddenly, the goblin scout dropped from above like a shadow, its dagger aimed right at the back of Alex''s neck.


    With a quick step backward, Alex dodged the deadly strike, feeling the breeze of the blade pass just inches from his skin. He watched the goblin land lightly before him, its yellow eyes gleaming with a taunting challenge.


    Without hesitation, Alex lunged forward, hands outstretched to make contact. One touch was all he needed to use his [Exploding Touch].


    But the goblin was ready.


    It twisted its body with surprising agility, spinning out of Alex''s reach, and bolted toward the nearest shadow.


    "Whoa," Alex thought, his heart racing. The goblin moved faster than he expected, almost like it was dancing on air.


    Gritting his teeth, he chased after it, refusing to let the creature slip away.


    But then, the goblin whirled around mid-sprint, launching a pair of daggers at him.


    Alex managed to duck and weave, the blades whizzing past his head and he saw the goblin was about to vanish into the shadows again.


    Desperately, he grabbed the hilt of [Eclipse Edge], his trusted blade, and threw it like a javelin, aiming right at the retreating goblin.


    But Rusuk was too quick.


    It melted into the shadows at the very last second, and [Eclipse Edge] plunged harmlessly into the dirt.


    "Damn it!"


    Alex''s frustration boiled over as he clenched his fists.


    He had been so close. A few more inches and the goblin would have been caught in his [Exploding Touch].


    He hurried over to retrieve [Eclipse Edge], yanking the blade free from the ground. But at that instant, a flicker of motion caught his eye.


    The goblin scout had already taken advantage of his distraction, launching another dagger.


    A glint of metal was headed straight at him.


    Alex''s body froze, his eyes widening as he watched the blade cut through the air.


    At the last possible second, he activated [Aegis Arcane], and the shimmering magical shield, deflected the attack. The impact drained the last of his mana, and the shield shattered in a burst of light.


    "There goes the last of my mana," Alex muttered, his breath ragged.


    He had reacted just in time, but now he was out of energy.


    The goblin''s hit-and-run strategy was wearing him down, and he knew if this kept up, it was only a matter of time before the goblin landed a real hit.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he analyzed the situation. The goblin''s tactics were clever using speed and stealth to chip away at him.


    It was no wonder it had taken down the cockatrice earlier in the woods.


    But he wasn''t about to go down like that.


    He was no cockatrice, and he certainly wasn''t helpless.


    He had noticed an opening he could exploit.


    The goblin''s shadow ability had a clear limitation:


    It could only attack once it fully emerged from the shadows, and every time it did, there was a distinct bubble-like sound.


    If he timed it right, he could strike before the goblin scout even have a chance to react.


    With a deep breath, Alex steeled himself, his mind racing with a plan.


    He wasn''t going to let the goblin slip away. Not this time.


    The faint bubbly sound echoed from behind him, and Alex immediately spun, bolting in the direction of the noise.


    As he ran, he pulled a [Blastshard] from his inventory and hurled it high into the air, above where he expected the goblin to appear.


    As Rusuk, the goblin scout, was caught off guard as Alex charged.


    Its eyes widened in shock, and it tried to retreat back into the shadow, but it was too late¡ªthe blastshard detonated overhead with a blinding flash and a deafening boom. The explosion lit up the darkness, forcing the shadows to scatter and exposing the goblin''s hiding spots.


    Panic flashed across the goblin''s face as it scrambled to flee to a darker area. But Alex was ready. He activated [Stun Howl], unleashing a sonic wave that rippled through the air.


    The sound wave hit the goblin from behind, and it stumbled, crashing to the ground in a daze. It lay there, disoriented and vulnerable.


    Seizing his chance, Alex rushed forward, [Eclipse Edge] raised high above his head, ready to deliver the final blow.


    The goblin desperately lifted its dagger to block, but...

 Chapter 17 - 17: Goblin Boss

    The goblin desperately lifted its dagger to block, but Alex''s strength was overwhelming.


    The sword struck the dagger with a powerful crack, shattering the flimsy blade and continuing through to slice off the goblin''s arm.


    Rusuk howled in agony, clutching the stump of its arm as blood spilled onto the forest floor. It tried to crawl away, but Alex didn''t give it a chance.


    With a fierce glare, he lunged forward and swung his sword in a swift, merciless arc, cleanly severing the goblin''s head from its body.


    The scout''s head hit the ground with a dull thud, its eyes still wide with shock. Alex stood there, breathing heavily, the tension in his muscles finally relaxing. He exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of relief settle over him.


    The fight was over.


    Ding!


    [You have killed a Goblin Scout.]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have been rewarded with 5 stat points, 1 power stone, 5 coins, weapon Shadowfangs, and a new ability: Stealth Walk]


    [Stealth Walk: Erase your presence from the senses of your enemy blending seamlessly into the air and evading detection for 20 seconds. Ineffective against beings of higher rank or with those with advanced detection skills.]


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have been rewarded with 5 stat points, 1 power stone, 5 coins, weapon shadowfangs, and a new ability: Blade Barrage]


    [Blade Barrage: Hurl daggers with heightened accuracy and speed. Channeling a burst of energy into the throw which gives the dagger extra momentum to pierce through armor or hit fast-moving targets.]


    Alex allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction as he read the notifications.


    He was still panting from the fight, but he couldn''t help but feel a surge of accomplishment.


    The goblin scout''s strengths weren''t in raw power but in speed, precision, and stealth.


    It had been a tricky opponent, especially in a dark environment where shadows gave it the upper hand. And its ability to command other goblins had made the earlier skirmishes a real headache.


    Alex lowered himself to the ground to catch his breath.


    The fight had taken everything he had, and he needed to rest.


    The new ability, Stealth Walk, sounded promising.


    Unlike the goblin scout''s method, he didn''t have to jump into a shadow.


    Instead, he could cloak himself and become nearly invisible to weaker foes. But it came at a price, using it would drain a huge chunk of his mana, so he''d have to be careful when and how he used it.


    There was also [Blade Barrage] which would only be effective using blades. He had two dual blades which he had gotten for killing the goblin scout but Alex doubted he would be using it much as he preferred using swords rather than daggers.


    But he didn''t dismiss it as the skill could end up being what saves his life depending on the situation.


    Alex sat there, letting his energy replenish.


    He closed his eyes, listening to the silence of the cavern.


    His health and mana were slowly creeping back up.


    He knew what was coming next, and it wasn''t going to be an easy battle.


    The goblin boss was ahead, and it was bound to be tougher¡ªstronger, probably with more brute force, and possibly less cunning.


    But if there was one thing Alex had learned, it was not to underestimate any of these tutorial monsters.


    They were more than they seemed, and each one carried its own set of deadly surprises.


    When he felt his strength return, Alex pushed himself off the ground, taking one final deep breath. His muscles ached, but he was ready.


    ''Time to move.''


    He approached the massive stone door that marked the entrance to the boss''s lair. It towered over him, a solid barrier of rock with strange carvings etched into its surface. Gripping the rough edges, he heaved with all his might.


    The door groaned in protest, but finally, it slid open, revealing a vast chamber beyond.


    Inside, the space opened up into a wide arena-like room, the ceiling jagged and rocky, towering impossibly high above him.


    Faint torchlight flickered from the walls, casting long, shifting shadows across the ground. The air was thick with a strange, musty smell, and a low, ominous rumbling echoed from the far end of the chamber.


    Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him¡ªthis arena gave him enough space to use his [Exploding Touch] rather freely. Here, he could go all out.


    He took a deep breath and moved deeper into the chamber, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls.


    At the far end of the room, he spotted the Goblin Boss, Baran.


    It was standing on a crumbling altar, gripping a glowing orb tightly in its clawed hand, a deep scowl of concentration etched on its green face.


    It was taller and bulkier than any goblin he had faced so far, its muscular form draped in ragged armor. The creature radiated a sense of raw power and danger, but Alex didn''t let it intimidate him.


    Instead, he casually started stretching. Rolling his shoulders, bending down to touch his toes, and shaking out his arms.


    He wasn''t too concerned about whatever ritual the Goblin Boss was performing with the orb.


    All he cared about was finishing this fight and getting out of the dank, suffocating cave.


    This action caught the attention of the goblin boss who glanced at Alex and took a double look when it saw Alex doing jumping jacks.


    His nonchalant attitude seemed to throw the Goblin Boss off.


    Alex stopped mid-jump and waved casually, grinning as if he were greeting an old friend:


    "Yo!"


    But the Goblin Boss didn''t seem to share his sense of humor.


    With a guttural roar, it flung its arm forward. And in a blur of motion, a massive, spinning axe shot out from the altar, hurtling directly at Alex''s face. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 18 - 18: Lets Dance

    Alex arched his back, bending like a bow just in time to let the axe whistle inches above his nose.


    The weapon sailed past him, its sharp edge close enough to feel the rush of air on his face, and slammed into the stone wall behind him, shattering rock with a thunderous crack.


    Alex''s eyes widened, his heart beating like a drum.


    That attack had power¡ªreal power. If he had reacted even a second slower, he would''ve been done for.


    He pushed himself back upright, breathing hard, his muscles tensed and ready.


    The Goblin Boss''s roar echoed through the cavern, its red eyes glowing with fury as it growled:


    "You miserable worm. Do you know how much energy I wasted because of you?!"


    "I don''t know. How much was it again?"


    The goblin''s fury burned in its eyes as it glared at him, but instead of another axe, it reached down and pulled out a massive greatsword, the blade nearly as tall as the goblin itself.


    "Human...You''re dead!"


    With a deafening roar, the Goblin Boss charged, covering the distance between them in a flash.


    Alex barely had time to react as the goblin brought the greatsword down with brutal force.


    For a split...dumb second, he thought about blocking it with [Eclipse Edge], but he quickly changed his mind.


    Not doubting that the sheer power in the swing was enough to shatter his weapon¡ªand probably him along with it.


    At the last moment, he leapt to the side, the blade crashing into the ground where he''d just been standing, sending a shower of dirt and rock flying.


    The goblin snarled, lifting the greatsword for another strike and yelled:


    "Stay still, you coward!"


    But Alex was already in motion.


    His body became a blur as he shot forward with lightning speed and aimed for the goblin''s neck¡ªhoping to end the fight with a single, decisive strike. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Goblin Boss, however, reacted with shocking speed, tilting its head just in time.


    Alex''s blade whizzed past its neck, and instead, he adjusted his aim mid-strike, bringing his sword down hard on the goblin''s wrist.


    There was a sickening *crunch* as the blade cut deep, severing muscle and bone. Blood sprayed into the air as the goblin''s wrist was torn open, and the greatsword tumbled from its grip.


    The Goblin Boss roared in agony, clutching its injured arm, blood pouring from the ragged wound. Alex landed a few feet away, his breathing steady and his eyes focused.


    He knew this creature was different¡ªstronger, faster, smarter, and he should finish it off quick, but he couldn''t resist the temptation of facing such a terrifying creature head on.


    Alex muttered, wiping the blood from his cheek with the back of his hand and teased with a grin:


    "You''re tougher than you look."


    "Fucking human!"


    The goblin snarled, rage dripping from every word.


    "Wow, you''ve got quite the potty mouth for a goblin. Where''d you learn to talk like that, anyway?"


    "Silence!" the goblin growled and picked it''s weapon with its second arm, charging forward.


    It swunh the greatsword in a deadly arc, but Alex jump back just in time to avoid the blade.


    "C''mon, what did I do to make you so angry? I thought we could have a civil conversation, but you''re giving me the silent treatment."


    "You bastard! Son of a bitch!" the goblin spat, his words more vulgar Alex couldn''t resist chuckling.


    "You have no idea, human! Do you know how much energy I wasted resurrecting my fallen soldiers because of you? Now they''re all dead. Again. And I can''t bring them back this time!"


    "Why not"


    "Baran can''t! Baran failed king once by letting them die. Can''t fail him again!"


    Alex''s eyebrows shot up in surprise:


    "Wait, you have a king? Like, a Goblin King?"


    "Don''t you dare speak of Baran king!"


    The goblin yelled, charging again with fury.


    Alex barely managed to block the attack, their blades clashing violently. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward until his back slammed into a rocky outcrop.


    He was pinned.


    "Crap."


    The goblin raised his greatsword high above his head, ready to finish Alex off.


    But Alex''s used [Aegis Arcane] and an invisible barrier shimmered above him, stopping the blade just inches from his face. The barrier cracked under the pressure, sending spiderweb-like fractures through the air.


    Alex''s eyes widened as he wondered how much strength was behing that swing for [Aegis Arcane] to begin to crack.


    Not wasting time he leaped out of danger just as the barrier shattered.


    But the goblin charged again, but Alex reacted fast, thrusting face forward and releasing a [Sonic Howl].


    The shockwave hit the goblin square in the chest, sending him slidding backward across the rocky ground.


    The goblin''s eyes narrowed: "*You... you have the same power as chicken! You one of them?!"


    "What? Do I look like a giant chicken to you?"


    "You might be chicken in disguise. Me no know?"


    Alex placed his palm on his forehead shaking his head:


    "I hate to break it to you, but I''m just a regular human."


    "No matter¡ªCockatrice, human, it doesn''t matter! You''ll all pay with your lives!" The goblin''s voice was a furious snarl. "Your essence will revive my army, and we will hunt the Cockatrice King! I''ll bring its head to my lord, and then, *finally*, I''ll earn the rank of Commander and escape this cursed cave!"


    "Yeah, that''s not happening," Alex said, shaking his head. "You really think you have a shot against the Cockatrice? You''re out of your mind."


    "You talk too much, human!"


    The goblin raised his sword, the air around him growing thick and heavy with power. His body began to glow with a sinister red light, his skin steaming and boiling as dark energy poured off him like smoke.


    The he growled, his voice twisted with raw fury.


    [Bloodlust]


    Alex''s eyes went wide as the goblin''s power skyrocketed.


    He could feel the heat rolling off the goblin''s boiling skin.


    With a mental shout, he activated his system, dumping all of his free stat points into Strength.


    He barely had time to react before the goblin was suddenly right in front of him¡ªmoving almost as fast as him.


    The goblin''s blade came crashing down, and Alex managed to block it with [Eclipse Edge], but the sheer force of the blow sent him flying.


    His feet left the ground, his body rocketing through the air until he slammed into the cave wall with a bone-rattling thud.


    Stars danced in his vision, and the impact knocked the breath from his lungs.


    "What the hell was that?"


    Alex gasped, blood dripping from his mouth.


    His whole body ached, and his chest burned from the impact, but he didn''t have a second to catch his breath as....

 Chapter 19 - 19: Now You See Me Now You Dont

    Alex''s whole body ached, and his chest felt like it was on fire from the goblin''s last attack. There was no time to catch his breath; the goblin was already charging at him again, eyes burning with rage.


    "Move!''


    His instincts screamed, and he dove to the side just in time.


    The goblin''s axe whistled past, missing him by inches. It crashed into the cave wall behind, sending a shower of stone fragments into the air as deep cracks split the rock.


    "Okay," he muttered under his breath, heart pounding, "definitely not blocking any more of those."


    He darted away, catching a glimpse of the destruction the goblin had caused.


    His arms throbbed with a dull, relentless pain from the strain of defending against earlier attacks. Every step made his muscles screamed


    ''One good hit from that goblin and it''s over.''


    For a brief moment, he regretted not using [Exploding Touch] when he had the chance. He''d been close enough to lay a hand on the goblin multiple times, but he had decided against it.


    Somehow during the fight, he''d unknowingly placed restrictions on its use.


    He wondered why he held back as dodged another blow. His mind searching for an answer.


    He had told himself it was about practice about getting used to the pressure of real danger. But as he narrowly ducked a wild swing, he realized the truth:


    He was doing this because he liked the feeling.


    The thrill of the fight, the adrenaline of being on the edge, the satisfaction of outsmarting and overpowering an enemy. He enjoyed it.


    The thought hit him like a punch to the gut.


    ''Am I... a maniac?''


    Maybe he was.


    Maybe something about being in this brutal, unforgiving world, fighting monsters alone, had changed him¡ªhad brought out this fierce, almost feral side.


    But he couldn''t deny the rush that surged through him whenever he was in a life-or-death struggle, facing an enemy that could kill him with a single mistake.


    The goblin swung again, faster this time, but Alex''s instincts took over. He sidestepped and countered with a quick slash, the blade biting into the goblin''s shoulder. It roared in pain, staggering back, and Alex''s grin widened. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He knew he was playing a dangerous game.


    If it were anyone else, they would have blown the goblin boss to bits by now ended the fight, and saved themselves.


    But he couldn''t stop himself.


    There was something about the danger, the thrill of risking his life, that brought a twisted kind of joy. It was almost like he was rediscovering a part of himself he''d buried long ago.


    He remembered being a teenager, prowling the hallways of his high school, hunting down bullies like some kind of self-appointed vigilante. He had told himself back then that he was fighting for justice, but even he knew that was a lie.


    He fought because he loved it.


    One day, he went too far. He had picked a fight with a whole group¡ªtwenty guys from a rival school, all armed with metal pipes, ready to turn him into a bloody mess. But instead of fear, he felt a thrill, an electric excitement coursing through him.


    He remembered grinning at them, practically daring them to come at him.


    He didn''t care about the injuries he left with. Cracked rib and bruises that took weeks to heal.


    What stuck with him was the look of terror on the faces of those twenty guys. One of them had lost an ear, and Alex''s own teeth had been the culprit.


    He was more beast than boy back then, a wild animal who couldn''t be tamed.


    But the thrill came at a cost.


    His constant brawling brought trouble down on his family, and his parents were always bailing him out.


    One night, when they got a call from the police station about another one of his fights, and they rushed out to get him.


    But they never made it home. A car accident took them both, and the guilt settled like a stone in his chest.


    After that, Alex swore off fighting.


    He went from being the feared rebel to the quiet loser, letting people walk all over him till adulthood. He was treated like thrash in his workplace and his girlfriend had cheated on him.


    He truly had become a shell of the person he used to be, drowning in guilt and regret.


    But right now, none of that mattered.


    As he stared down the goblin, a spark of the old fire flared in his eyes.


    He could feel it. The rush. The thrill.


    The excitement of a real fight.


    For the first time in years, he felt alive.


    "System add 10 points to all stats."


    Alex had been hoarding his stats points and hadn''t used any in a while. He had 80 free stats points which was reduced by half when he added ten to all his attributes.


    Alex felt rejuvenated. Like he had been reborn.


    A small, determined smile tugged at his lips, and he rolled his shoulders, feeling the tension leave his body.


    The goblin roared, charging at him with a wild fury.


    But Alex didn''t flinch. He stood his ground, eyes locked onto his opponent.


    He wasn''t the prey here.


    He wasn''t some weakling waiting to be crushed.


    He''d lost everything once because of his love for fighting, but now, he was going to use that same hunger to take back his life. And he was going to do it without his trump card.


    Why?


    Cause he was a maniac.


    The goblin charged, its eyes wild and frenzied, moving faster than ever. Its berserk state had pushed it past its limits, and in seconds, it was in front of Alex, raising its massive greatsword high above its head. The blade seemed to shimmer with deadly intent as it whistled downwards.


    Alex stood firm, his gaze unblinking, waiting for the perfect moment. As the goblin''s blade came down, he sprung into action.


    With a swift, fluid motion, he flipped forward, palms hitting the ground.


    He used the momentum to kick upward with both legs, his boots slamming into the goblin''s jaw.


    The goblin stumbled back, momentarily stunned.


    The kick didn''t do much damage, but it gave Alex the opening he needed. The instant his feet touched the ground, he moved his head and used [Stun Howl]


    A sonic wave shot out from his mouth, hitting the goblin square in the chest. The creature jerked back, stunned.


    And without hesitation, Alex fired again.


    And again.


    The blasts kept coming¡ªone after another, relentless.


    Each howl rippled through the air, slamming into the goblin''s chest with brutal force, forcing it back with every hit.


    Dust and debris exploded from the cave walls as the shockwaves carved into the rock, filling the air with a cloud of grit.


    Alex could feel his mana draining with each attack, but he didn''t care.


    He could see the effects now¡ªthe goblin''s powerful movements were slowing, its once-frantic roars turning into pained grunts.


    The goblin howled, fury and pain twisting its face. It rushed forward, swinging wildly in a blind rage, but Alex was no longer there.


    The goblin bellowed, its voice booming and desperate:


    "Where did you go?!"


    It swung its greatsword in wide, sweeping arcs, hoping to hit anything that moved. But the only answer it got was the sound of its own frantic breaths.


    Suddenly, a blur appeared inches from the goblin''s face, and the creature barely had time to register the movement before there was a flash of silver.


    A searing pain tore through the goblin''s skull, and it staggered back, a scream of agony ripping from its throat as blood poured down its face.


    Its hands flew to its ruined eyes, now nothing but bloody pits. Blinded, the goblin wailed stumbling wildly as it clutched its face.


    Alex landed lightly, his feet barely making a sound on the rocky floor.


    In his hand, the dark blade of the goblin scout''s dagger [Shadow Bites] dripped with blood. He''d used [Stealth Walk] to disappear and his agility to close the gap in an instant, driving both daggers straight into the goblin''s eye sockets.


    The goblin''s shrieks echoed off the walls, filling the cavern with its desperate, agonized roars.


    Alex with a cold, confident grin on his face, strode forward.


    His voice low and taunting as he toyed with his daggers:


    "Now, let''s see how you kill something you can''t see, you piece of shit."

 Chapter 20 - 20: Another Curse?

    Slice.


    Slice.


    Slice.


    Each cut tore through the goblin boss, its pain-filled grunts echoing off the cave walls.


    Alex darted around his blind opponent, slashing and striking with precision.


    The goblin swung its massive arms wildly, its movements frantic, like a cornered beast that had lost all sense.


    Even with the goblin boss thrashing in its berserk state, Alex kept his distance, carefully staying out of reach of its deadly, random swipes.


    Every time he got close, he dodged away, making sure it couldn''t grab or hit him.


    He knew that getting too close while it was berserk would be a mistake.


    Instead, Alex relied on his speed and agility, darting in and out with his sword in hand, landing quick, shallow cuts that weren''t fatal but were enough to cause pain.


    Not because he wanted to torment the creature, but because the goblin still had enough strength to react quickly to any direct attack.


    If he tried going for a finishing blow, the goblin might catch him off guard.


    So, he attacked unpredictably.


    Sometimes he struck from the left, sometimes from the right, and sometimes he feinted, letting the goblin''s swings miss wide.


    The goblin couldn''t see him, couldn''t land a hit, and couldn''t even guess when the next strike would come.


    The creature''s mind was breaking under the pressure.


    Every missed swing and every unexpected cut made it scream and lunge blindly, more desperate each time. Its rage and confusion pushed it to the edge of madness.


    With a sudden, precise strike, Alex targeted its shin, slicing deep. The goblin howled, its leg buckling as it crashed down onto one knee.


    Not wasting a moment, Alex followed up with a brutal swipe to the side of its neck.


    Blood poured from the wound, thick and dark, and the goblin''s second knee hit the ground with a dull thud. Its roars faded to weak groans, the berserk fury dying out as its skin turned from fiery red back to its natural green.


    The creature''s huge frame shrank, its body now looking frail and broken.


    The goblin boss slumped forward, covered in cuts and bruises, its body trembling as it clung to the last shreds of life.


    With so many wounds, it looked more like a corpse than the fearsome beast it had been just moments before.


    Alex stepped forward slowly, crouching before the defeated goblin boss.


    The goblin''s empty eyes stared blindly forward, its breaths ragged.


    "Just kill me already."


    "So you can resurrect and get another chance? Alright. But just so you know, even if you came back, you''d die again. Better you stay dead."


    With that, Alex raised his blade, [Eclipse Edge], and, with a swift stroke, sliced through the goblin''s neck.


    The goblin''s head fell, and its body crumpled to the ground, bursting into a flash of light that scattered into particles.


    A cheerful chime sounded as Alex''s inventory filled with his reward.


    [You have leveled up!]


    He grinned and opened his window to check out the loot:


    [+5 stat points]


    [Power Stone: Strength]


    [Fury Gauntlet: Gauntlet that boosts strength and physical defense by 10 percent. With one chance to triple the power of a blow every ten minutes.]


    Alex gasped. This meant he could unleash a blow backed by two times his normal strength, which would make his attacks significantly more powerful. The best part? He could use this ability every ten minutes.


    It was quite impressive.


    And¡ªbest of all¡ªthe final reward: a skill similar to the goblin''s own [Bloodlust].


    [Titan''s Fury]: Double your strength for 30 seconds, making your attacks nearly unstoppable and allowing you to break through defenses. After the effect ends, strength and stamina are reduced by 50% for 15 minutes.


    It was one of the skills he''d initially passed on when he chose [Aegis Arcane]. As powerful as [Titan''s Fury] was, the drawback was intense. But now, as a backup skill, it wasn''t bad at all.


    He smirked, tucking the new skill into his mental arsenal.


    "[Titan''s Fury]... not bad for a last resort. Guess I''ll save it for when things get really intense."


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby taking effect]


    [You have been rewarded with +5 stat points, a Vitality Power Stone, another Fury Gauntlet, and a new skill ''Vigor Drive.'']


    [Vigor Drive: Stamina passively increases during drawn-out battles, allowing the user to engage in combat for a long period without succumbing to fatigue.]


    The thought of being able to fight longer filled Alex with confidence.


    Even if he ran out of mana to use his skills, he could always resort to physical attacks and outlast opponents.


    Alex felt like he was a walking cheat with the skills he had obtained. Literally, all his skills would be useful going forward.


    He truly was privileged.


    But he was still greedy for more.


    Alex began to search the boss''s room, scanning every corner for hidden loot.


    Then his eyes landed on something tucked beneath the massive goblin throne¡ªa small, shimmering orb.


    It was the same one he''d seen the goblin holding when he first entered the cavern.


    Curious, he picked it up, and a system notification appeared.


    Ding!


    [Evolution Orb: Creature]


    [Use to raise the rank of any lower creature to the next tier.]


    Alex''s brow shot up.


    "Creature¡­ does that include humans?"


    With a spark of excitement, he pressed the orb against his chest, hoping he could use it to evolve himself.


    Ding!


    [Would you like to use the orb on a creature?]


    Alex replied, barely able to contain his eagerness.


    "Yes!"


    [No creature found. Orb can only be used on monsters.]


    ''Worth a shot,''


    Alex sighed, a little deflated.


    He figured the goblin must have been using it to try to rank up, but he had interrupted, halting the process.


    With nothing left for him here, he stuffed the orb in his bag and decided to leave the damned cave.


    But before he could turn away, a flicker of light filled the room.


    His gaze snapped back to the center of the cavern.


    Out of nowhere, Baran, the goblin boss, was reassembling, pieces of its body forming together like a horrifying jigsaw puzzle.


    Muscles stretched over bone, skin knitted over muscles, and soon the goblin was whole again.


    Alex grinned.


    He didn''t give Baran a chance to blink. As soon as the goblin was fully formed, he drove his blade straight through its chest.


    The goblin gurgled in shock, and its eyes went wide as it slumped back, collapsing to the ground once more.


    Minutes later, the goblin reappeared¡ªonly to fall yet again as Alex stabbed him in the chest without hesitation.


    This became a rhythm:


    Baran would reappear, only for Alex to end him in one swift, practiced motion, over and over.


    The goblin''s spirit was breaking. The next time he resurrected, Baran''s hand was raised as if to beg for mercy. Alex didn''t even flinch, driving his blade into the creature''s heart.


    Eventually, Baran appeared again, looking exhausted and defeated.


    He croaked, eyes pleading.


    "Wait! If a human kills me¡­ I really die this time."


    Alex tilted his head, a playful smile on his face.


    "Not my problem."


    Kill.


    Baran resurrected once more, his form weaker, more desperate.


    "Baran¡­ Baran can''t keep coming back. Essence runs out."


    "Still not my problem."


    Kill.


    The goblin appeared, frantic. "Human, Goblin¡­ let''s deal!" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No, thanks."


    Kill.


    Baran''s voice cracked as he reappeared.


    "You bastard, I''ll fucking¡ª"


    Kill.


    Finally, Baran dropped to his knees.


    "Please! Wait, please hear me out¡­ just one second. No more resurrection after this."


    Alex paused, intrigued.


    The goblin''s strength had noticeably weakened with each death, barely resembling the boss that had once been a challenge. Now, he felt like dealing with a regular goblin.


    Figuring it couldn''t hurt to hear him out, Alex crossed his arms.


    "Alright, one chance. But make it good."


    The goblin raised his head, a glint of hope flickering in his eyes. "Deal. Baran will not hunt humans after this. Let the human go. Truce."


    He shook his head, unimpressed. "You don''t get it, do you?"


    The goblin flinched as Alex lifted [Eclipse Edge], eyes wide with fear.


    "Wait! This time, I won''t come back. Baran wants to come back¡­ please."


    Alex chuckled darkly.


    "If you''d challenged me to one last fight, despite knowing this would be your last life, I might''ve prolonged your death. But instead, you cower and beg. You''re a terrible leader. Rusuk was more of a threat than you."


    The goblin whimpered, its body trembling.


    It tried to speak, but Alex shushed it with a finger to his lips.


    And with one clean strike, he ended it.


    This time, he was sure it was over.


    A burst of light filled the room, swirling around him and settling on his skin. A faint glow wrapped around him, pulsing with energy.


    As the radiant light circled him, Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "This glow... it looks familiar."


    His mind flashed back to the fight with Dreadfeather, that cockatrice boss, and how it had left him with a lingering curse that gave him a tiny panic attack whenever he thought about it.


    "Seriously¡­not another curse!"

 Chapter 21 - 21: 1 vs An Army

    "Seriously, not another curse!"


    Alex blurted, expecting the worst. The tense feeling whenever he remembered he still had a lingering bother. But now he has to deal with another.


    ''No please.''


    But then, the system chimed, revealing a notification that made him breathe out a sigh of relief. It wasn''t a curse this time but rather it was a blessing.


    A tattoo began to appear on his wrist, spiraling into intricate, dark patterns.


    Ding!


    [You have received Goblinoid Tattoos: Status increases by 20% every time you face a creature from the goblin family.]


    ''Goblin family?''


    Alex recalled what he knew about similar creatures from games he''d played. The goblin family were called goblinoid and they included hobgoblins, bugbears, kobolds, orcs, and even ogres.


    A grin stretched across his face as he realized what this meant.


    From now on, every time he faced one of these creatures, his stats would increase by 20% which was a massive advantage that would make him more powerful in fights with them.


    He guessed that the system had awarded him this skill because he''d defeated so many goblins in such a short time, especially the goblin boss he had killed repeatedly.


    Suddenly, a low rumble shook the ground.


    Alex glanced at the walls as cracks snaked up, dust trickling down in small streams.


    The cave was starting to crumble as the dungeon couldn''t sustain itself without its boss.


    Then, a small crystal appeared in front of him, glowing faintly.


    Curious, Alex reached out placing his hand on it and a notification popped up.


    Ding!


    [Do you want to leave the dungeon?]


    [Yes/No]


    Alex muttered with a smirk:


    "How convenient."


    He''d been wondering if he''d have to sprint out of here, dodging falling rocks and collapsing ceilings, but the crystal had offered a shortcut.


    "Yes, I''d like to leave," he said in response and the crystal glowed brighter.


    A burst of light enveloped him, so intense he had to shut his eyes.


    When the brightness faded, Alex opened his eyes¡ªand found himself standing outside at the cave''s entrance, greeted by the cool breeze of the open air.


    The full moon cast its silver glow over everything, lighting up the night like a scene straight out of a movie. The dark blue sky, scattered with clouds, gave the whole area an eerie, otherworldly feel.


    Alex heard a rumbling sound and turned to see the cave entrance collapse, crumbling into a heap of dust and rock. Seeing it fall gave him an odd, hollow feeling.


    His adrenaline had faded, and he felt the weight of what he''d just done.


    He''d invaded the goblins'' home, crushed their leader''s dream of rising to power, and brought their whole world crashing down.


    To the goblins, he was the monster¡ªa force that came out of nowhere and destroyed everything they knew.


    This so-called tutorial world was brutal, a place that didn''t care if he lived or died. Waiting around would only get him killed. He had to be smart and had to use every advantage he could to survive.


    Taking the fight to them meant he''d be the one to make it out alive. And in this strange world, he''d been dragged into, surviving was the only thing that mattered.


    Alex shook off his thoughts, snapping his focus back to the present, and opened his stats window. His eyes widened a bit, seeing the improvements since his last check.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: E


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 12


    HP: 200


    MP: 150


    [Stats]


    Strength: 30


    Agility: 30 [+5]


    Intelligence: 30


    Vitality: 20


    [Stat Points Available: 50]


    [Powerstones: 20]


    [Skills:]


    [Exploding Touch] [Sonic Howl] [Aegis Arcane] [SlipStream] [Stealth Walk] [Titan Fury] [Vigor Strike]


    [Weapons/Items/Accessories]


    [Eclipse Edge] [Scalewalk Boots] [Shadow Bites]


    Alex grinned, taking in the changes.


    His level had shot up to twelve, and he''d earned some new skills to boot.


    Best of all, he now had a whole 50 free stat points waiting to be used.


    ''Time to put these to work.''


    He quickly allocated the points, spreading them across his stats but giving agility a boost.


    With ten points each to strength, intelligence, and vitality, and a solid twenty points to agility, his stats now looked like this:


    [Stats]


    Strength: 40


    Agility: 50 [+5]


    Intelligence: 40


    Vitality: 30


    [Stat Points]: 0


    [Powerstones]: 20


    Satisfied, he closed the stat window, feeling a noticeable shift in his energy and movement.


    He still had power stones left to use, but he postponed the usage for later. His priority now was to figure out where to rest and recover.


    But then a rustling noise caught his attention.


    He spun towards the sound, only to find two cockatrices stepping out of the forest shadows. Their eyes glowed red in the moonlight, fixated on him with a menacing intensity.


    ''Seriously?!''


    Alex clenched his fists in frustration. All he wanted was a break, but two cockatrices had appeared out of nowhere.


    He took a deep breath:


    "Okay, just two more cockatrices, and I can finally rest."


    But as he took a step forward, another cockatrice emerged from the shadows.


    And then another.


    And another.


    Within seconds, a dozen pairs of blood-red eyes stared at him under the moonlight, and within minutes, the number multiplied to nearly a hundred.


    Alex''s pulse raced as he took in the sight¡ªa crowd of cockatrices all fixated on him, their eyes blazing with hatred.


    "What the hell is happening?"


    It was almost surreal, the way they gathered around him, like a nightmarish festival of feathers and fury.


    The way the moonlight hit them, illuminating the sea of scales and wings, was strangely beautiful... if only he weren''t glaring at him with murder in their eyes.


    Alex''s mind raced as he tried to piece together what was going on. And then, a horrible thought crossed his mind.


    He quickly opened his status window, eyes scanning for the description of that dreadful curse he''d earned after defeating the Dreadfeather.


    ''Yep, this was the reason.''


    There was no other explanation:


    [Roosters Curse: Cockatrices will now seek out your tainted aura and as long as the curse exists, they will hunt you down. The curse can only be removed when the cockatrice king dies]


    Alex sucked in a shaky breath:


    "So¡­ that''s what this is about."


    The curse had drawn every cockatrice in the area to him, and now their numbers were overwhelming.


    Each one glared at him, their collective hatred almost palpable in the cold night air.


    But then he spotted a cockatrice that stood out from amongst the crowd.


    This one was larger than the rest, its feathers an iridescent blend of blue and green, shimmering under the moonlight like a peacock''s tail.


    But its feathers weren''t just decorative; they looked razor-sharp, humming with an energy that made Alex''s skin crawl.


    The creature stepped forward, its piercing gaze locked onto him. And then, impossibly, its beak twisted into a sinister smile and it screeched, its voice hoarse and commanding:


    "Kill the cursed one!"


    The screeches of the cockatrices filled the night as they charged forward, talons pounding against the ground in a deafening rhythm. The earth trembled beneath their sheer numbers, a stampede of feathers and fury hurtling toward one single target.


    His chest tightened as he faced the onslaught. Their blood-red eyes gleamed with one singular purpose to tear him apart.


    But he steadied himself, fingers closing around a fistful of [Blastshards] he had prepared earlier. A grim smile touched his face. This felt like something straight out of an apocalypse.


    Hundreds of cockatrices, all converging on him, their intense gaze making him feel like prey. It wasn''t fair¡ªbut then again, in this world, fair didn''t matter. This was survival.


    Any slight guilt he''d felt for decimating the goblin vanished in an instant.


    These creatures would have done the same to him without hesitation. They were the ones who ruled this forest, who had preyed on weaker creatures for ages. It was his turn to be on top.


    With a grin, he clenched the [Blastshards] tight and hurled them into the charging horde. And in the next second, he vanished, activating [Stealth Walk].


    The skill made him nearly invisible, slipping him out of sight just as the [Blastshards] hit the ground.


    A massive explosion ripped through the front line of cockatrices.


    Bodies flailed and feathers flew as the shards detonated, scattering them with deadly force.


    Alex didn''t wait for the smoke to clear as he darted from his hidden position, [Eclipse Edge] drawn and gleaming, his mind sharp and focused.


    He charged forward, swinging the blade in a powerful arc.


    The first cockatrice he met let out a shrill squawk as it fell, felled with one clean strike. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Landing amid the chaos, he raised his voice over the clamor, grinning wickedly:


    "Just so you know. I eat your kind for breakfast. How''d you think I''d react when food shows up on my doorstep?"


    With a roar, he unleashed [Sonic Howl] from deep within his chest.


    The blast of sound tore through the night, sending shockwaves through the remaining cockatrices, many of them stumbling back from the sheer force.

 Chapter 22 - 22: Hit and Run

    Strike and run. That''s all Alex could do.


    He darted through the trees, setting explosions and tossing [Blastshards] whenever he had the chance.


    Cockatrice claws thundered behind him, their screeches piercing through the air.


    As one got too close, he swung his [Eclipse Edge], slicing through its feathers before lobbing another [Blastshard] into the horde.


    Another explosion erupted, and several cockatrices were blown back, screeching as they fell.


    But there were always more.


    Alex didn''t let himself slow down.


    The plan was simple: strike, run, and repeat. He threw [Blastshards] and set traps with [Explosion Touch] as he sprinted, blowing up trees to slow down the ones hot on his heels.


    Each time he paused to swing or set a trap, he dashed off again, never giving them a clear shot at him.


    Six hours had passed, and still, the wave of cockatrices surged after him, relentless.


    His mind spun, struggling to predict where they''d come from next, but they seemed to swarm in from every direction like a nightmare. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The curse wasn''t helping either.


    No matter how far he sprinted, the curse acted like a beacon, drawing them to him the moment he thought he had a break.


    The more cockatrice blood he spilled, the stronger the curse seemed to get, luring in any cockatrice nearby with an almost magnetic pull.


    His legs felt like lead, and his sword arm ached from the constant swings, yet he couldn''t stop.


    He leaped onto a branch, trying to catch a second''s rest, but a cockatrice sprang up from below, flapping its wings furiously.


    Normally, they didn''t fly or jump high, but the hatred and curse had driven them to desperate, unnatural feats.


    Alex reacted instantly, flipping over the cockatrice and severing its wing mid-air, sending it crashing below. Before it even hit the ground, he tossed a [Blastshard] behind him.


    The explosion scattered feathers and talons, but that was the last of his [Blastshards]. He was out.


    [You have leveled up!]


    [+5 stat points]


    [Power Stone: Strength]


    Alex shouted, grabbing the power stone he had gotten and using it as well:


    "Add the 5 points to vitality!"


    He had used up all the stats points he had stockpiled including his power stones.


    The stat points and powerstones he earned each level were his lifeline, keeping him going as he fought wave after wave of cockatrices.


    With each level-up, his energy renewed, if only for a short time. This time, he poured the points into vitality, boosting his health and stamina to hold off the mounting exhaustion.


    His heartbeat steadied, and his muscles loosened. And he continued.


    As he ran, he noticed the swarm around him had thinned.


    Dozens of cockatrices lay fallen in his wake; he hadn''t kept count, but he was sure he''d slain close to fifty.


    He spotted a group ahead, blocking his path.


    Without hesitation, he picked up speed, gripping [Eclipse Edge] tightly.


    His momentum powered the swing as he cut through the first cockatrice''s neck, sending feathers flying.


    [Eclipse Edge] had tasted a lot of blood tonight, but Alex didn''t slow down.


    Four more cockatrices rushed him, their screeches almost deafening.


    He met their charge, one precise swing after another.


    His swordsmanship had evolved since he''d first wielded the blade, every swing smoother, more controlled.


    His boosted agility made the creatures look sluggish, every move was easy to dodge.


    With his increased strength, each strike cut deep, slicing through them as if they were made of paper.


    As the last of the group fell, Alex leaned on his sword, panting.


    His lungs burned, his muscles ached.


    Part of him wanted to collapse, to let it all end, but he knew he couldn''t.


    Then he heard a bone-chilling screech.


    He looked up and froze.


    Descending from the shadows was a cockatrice larger than the others, its feathers reddish as crimson and eyes blazing with hate.


    It was a cockatrice boss similar to Dreadfeather.


    The Cockatrice looked different from the others, its feathers marked with streaks of orange and red around its neck like a fiery mane.


    Its throat bulged, a sign it was about to attack.


    From experience, Alex knew that meant it would use [Sonic Blast].


    But then a notification flashed:


    [Flame Blessed Cockatrice Infernia - Rank D]


    Alex whispered: "Flame¡­?"


    Before he could react, the cockatrice opened its beak, unleashing a torrent of fire.


    He threw himself to the side just in time, feeling a burning sting as the flames grazed his arm.


    His heart hammered as the Flame Cockatrice swept its head to follow him, keeping the fire aimed right at him.


    Desperate, Alex dodged¡ªonly to stumble right into the path of a regular cockatrice. And before he could raise his guard, it clamped its beak into his shoulder, fangs sinking in deep.


    "Argh!" Alex gritted his teeth as hot pain surged through his shoulder. Blood poured from the wound, and his arm quickly went numb.


    Gritting his teeth, he raised [Eclipse Edge] and stabbed the creature''s skull, shoving it back.


    They crashed into a nearby tree, sending a tremor through his aching body.


    Alex pried his arm free, but blood kept flowing from the wound, each heartbeat making him feel weaker. And then¡ªhis senses flared with danger.


    Another stream of fire roared toward him. With no other choice, he summoned [Aegis Shield].


    The barrier of light flickered to life just in time, blocking the flames. Alex could feel the shield trembling against the power of the blast.


    Finally, the cockatrice ran out of fuel and stopped.


    Alex took his chance. He let out a shout and used [Sonic Howl], the shockwave hitting the Flame Cockatrice and sending it stumbling backward.


    Panting, he knew he had no time to lose.


    Summoning the [Shop], he quickly bought four health potions, ignoring the price.


    He gulped down two of them, letting their healing warmth seep through his body, easing the pain and restoring his strength.


    He stashed the remaining two for later, feeling ready for round two.


    The Flame Cockatrice had already recovered, glaring at him with renewed hatred. But before Alex could charge, a sinister voice came from behind him.


    "A creature who can use a cockatrice''s [Sonic Blast]... how interesting," it sneered.


    Alex spun around, eyes narrowing. It was the same creepy cockatrice that had led the horde straight to him. Its cold, calculating gaze unsettled him.


    And then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted another cockatrice approaching¡ªthis one was leaner, with powerful legs built for speed.


    Now he was surrounded, each cockatrice boss forming a deadly triangle around him.


    His mind raced. The speed-based cockatrice could probably strike and retreat faster than he could keep up, and the Flame Cockatrice could engulf him in fire at any moment.


    But the sinister one... he couldn''t read it.


    Its presence alone was enough to send a chill down his spine.


    Alex used [Identify], and a notification popped up:


    [Cockatrice General Azurnyx- Rank D]


    "A general?" he muttered, eyes narrowing. Now he was dealing with two bosses and a general.


    Injured as he was, facing three powerful cockatrices was going to be a nightmare.


    This general might not have flashy abilities, but there was something about its calm stare that made Alex''s skin crawl.


    Then, to his surprise, the cockatrice general spoke in a raspy voice, "Did you kill Dreadfeather?"


    The name made Alex grit his teeth.


    Dreadfeather¡ªthe cockatrice that had set him up with this curse in the first place.


    He replied coolly: "I did. Are you here for vengeance?"


    The general tilted its head, studying him:


    "Not really. Tradition demands we take out anyone who kills a leader. But Dreadfeather''s not the reason I''m here. You¡ªhow did you steal his ability?"


    Alex shrugged, playing it off:


    "I don''t know magic."


    The cockatrice''s eyes narrowed with clear annoyance. It sighed, its face turning cold and serious:


    "I''ll make this simple, human. Surrender. If you present your head to me, I''ll make sure the rest of you is offered to our king."


    Alex''s brows rose:


    "King? You have contact with your king?"


    The general lifted its head proudly:


    "Yes. I''m one of his generals, after all."


    A glimmer of realization dawned in Alex''s eyes, followed by a grin.


    ''Finding the Cockatrice King... that could be my way out of this curse.''


    He held up [Eclipse Edge], pointing it directly at the general:


    "I''ll make you a better offer, bird. How about you tell me where your king is, and I''ll spare you the pain of ripping the information out of your beak myself?"


    For a split second, the three cockatrices glanced at each other as if Alex had lost his mind. In a way, maybe he had.


    The general sneered, a dangerous glint in its eye: "You don''t understand your position, human. It''s three against one."


    Alex smirked, unfazed:


    "Three?"


    He gave the general a mocking look, then vanished into the darkness, his voice echoing around them:


    "All I see are two corpses and a general begging for mercy. You want to hunt? Fine. Let''s play your little game. But mark my words¡ªI''ll wipe out every trace of cockatrice in this forest."

 Chapter 23 - 23: Two Left

    The three cockatrices stood in tense silence, their eyes darting around as they searched for any trace of Alex. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, out of nowhere, a tree erupted in a thunderous explosion, sending shards of wood and dust flying.


    The force of it shook the ground and caught the cockatrices completely off guard.


    In the split-second of confusion, Alex emerged from the smoke, his eyes locked on the cockatrice general.


    He lunged forward, his hand outstretched to make contact with the general''s leathery skin and use his skill, [Exploding Touch].


    His plan was clear: take down the biggest threat first.


    But just as his fingers brushed its feathers, the cockatrice general whipped its head around like it had eyes in the back of its head, and darted out of range with lightning speed.


    The general''s eyes narrowed, and with a powerful swipe of its wings, it launched a flurry of shimmering, razor-sharp feather blades directly at him.


    Alex barely had a second to react, diving to the side as the deadly projectiles tore through the air where he had just been standing, slicing through branches and embedding themselves in the ground like knives.


    Alex raised his hand, summoning [Aegis Arcane] just in time as the feather blades hurtled toward him.


    The shimmering shield of energy materialized in front of him, absorbing the impact and deflecting the projectiles harmlessly into the ground, and before the cockatrice could react, he vanished into the shadows again.


    The cockatrice general, now tense and frustrated, scanned the area.


    "Be on guard," it warned in a grating voice:


    "This human can vanish whenever he likes."


    The general''s narrowed eyes reflected its irritation; Alex was more resourceful than it had imagined.


    But as it remembered that he''d managed to take down Dreadfeather, the general''s resolve hardened.


    Suddenly, a series of explosions tore through the ground and the trees, echoing across the battlefield.


    Each blast separated the cockatrices further from one another.


    The force of the detonations sent dirt and splinters flying, creating a dense fog of smoke that obscured everything around them.


    Alex had set up these traps while he was fleeing earlier and he was using them to scatter the three bosses as they were more dangerous together,


    He scanned the chaotic battlefield, he noticed the flame cockatrice lingering a bit farther from the others, and a smirk appeared on his face.


    Using [Stealth Walk], he moved in, picking up speed and keeping his footsteps light. In one swift movement, he closed the distance, ready to take down his first target.


    Alex appeared right behind the Flame Cockatrice, his blade flashing as he slashed down, landing a cut across its back.


    The creature reacted quickly, darting forward, but Alex pressed on relentlessly, swinging his sword in quick, precise arcs, pushing it on the defensive.


    Each strike forced the bird to dodge, its movements growing more frantic as Alex gave it no space to counter.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Alex saw the Speed Cockatrice charging in to protect its ally.


    Anticipating the ambush, Alex roared, activating [Sonic Howl]. And the powerful sound wave erupted from him, striking the Flame Cockatrice and sending it stumbling back.


    Then he detonated another trap¡ªand an explosion burst right in front of the charging Speed Cockatrice, stopping it in its tracks as it skidded back.


    The Flame Cockatrice tried to shake off the effects of the howl, but before it could recover, it caught sight of Alex charging straight at it with his sword glistening dangerously and his eyes blazing crimson.


    The Flame Cockatrice knew it was seconds from losing its head.


    But then¡ªa faint whistle.


    Alex''s instincts screamed danger as feather blades, deadly and precise, sliced through the air toward him from behind.


    He spotted them in time, sidestepping, but the projectiles homed in like heat-seeking missiles.


    He then used [Aegis Shield] to receive the attack which absorbed the impact in a burst of sparks and feathers.


    The Cockatrice General then suddenly appeared beside Alex, its feathered blades flashing in a powerful swing.


    Alex raised [Eclipse Edge] to block, but the force of the strike sent him skidding back, his palm scraping painfully against the ground.


    He quickly steadied himself, feeling a jolt of surprise¡ªthis creature was not only fast but exceptionally strong.


    Without warning, the Cockatrice General unleashed a barrage of feathered blades.


    Each one whizzed through the air, sharp and deadly, homing in on him with eerie precision.


    Alex immediately activated [Stealth Walk], disappearing from view. The feather blades slammed into the ground where he had been, scattering dirt and debris in their wake.


    Hidden and watching, Alex noticed something crucial: while in stealth, the blades couldn''t track him. This discovery made a smirk creep onto his face.


    The Cockatrice General, visibly frustrated, clicked its beak in irritation.


    Turning to the other two cockatrices, it growled:


    "We need to stay close. When he appears, we strike together."


    The Flame Cockatrice and Speed Cockatrice nodded, each of their eyes gleaming with lethal intent.


    Then the Speed Cockatrice asked, its voice sharp with suspicion:


    "What if he tries to run?"


    Alex''s voice cut through the air, steady and menacing:


    "Don''t worry. I won''t. You''re all going down."


    With that, he detonated an explosion right in the middle of the three cockatrices, the blast rippling outward with a roar.


    He''d planted it earlier while sliding across the ground, and now it paid off perfectly.


    The force of the explosion flung all three birds backward, their screeches cutting through the smoke.


    The Flame Cockatrice staggered, feathers singed from the blast, its eyes blazing with fury.


    But before it could recover, Alex descended from above with [Eclipse Edge] gleaming.


    At the last second, the Flame Cockatrice darted forward, narrowly avoiding his strike.


    It whirled around, beak open in a furious screech¡ªonly to find that Alex had vanished, a cocky grin on his face as he disappeared into the shadows once more.


    It shrieked, rage building with every missed attack, and then it spotted something on the ground: a small, splintered piece of wood that hadn''t been there before.


    Its instincts flared in warning, but just as it leaped away, the piece of wood exploded into splinters, right where it had been standing.


    Alex was keeping them on edge, forcing them into his rhythm. Now it was time to start taking them down.


    The Flame Cockatrice, sensing the General was in trouble, rushed to its side. But just as it got close, Alex appeared right next to it, casually reaching out to tap its feathers as if petting it.


    The Flame Cockatrice recoiled in shock, screeching as it swiped its feather-blade at him, aiming to slice him in two.


    But Alex''s [Aegis Shield] flared to life, blocking the attack and only slightly nudging him back. He had to admit the skill was really useful.


    Unfazed, he met the Flame Cockatrice''s strikes head-on, his [Eclipse Edge] deflecting blow after blow with practiced precision.


    Each swing from the cockatrice was powerful, but Alex parried each one, his blade a blur as he held his ground.


    Frustrated, the Flame Cockatrice reared back and unleashed a blast of fire but Alex raised [Aegis Shield] just in time, the shield absorbing the flames as they wrapped around him in a fiery whirlwind.


    When the flames died down, Alex stood unscathed, his gaze unyielding.


    Suddenly, the Speed Cockatrice darted toward him from behind, feathers ready to strike. But in a flash, Alex vanished, leaving behind a small piece of wood in his place.


    The cockatrices barely registered the trick before the wood exploded, blasting both backward with a shockwave.


    The General was panting, its breaths labored as it watched.


    It had started to piece together how Alex''s abilities worked, realizing he could vanish at will, plant traps, and reappear out of nowhere.


    But understanding the trick wouldn''t make Alex any less dangerous.


    The General scanned the battlefield, wary of any hidden explosives.


    Alex''s unpredictability and his knack for slipping out of reach made him a deadly opponent.


    Alex leaped into a nearby tree, perching himself on a thick branch as he watched the three cockatrices below with a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    A grin spread across his face as he called out:


    "I promised you three would die. It''s time to fulfill that promise."


    He pointed a finger at the Flame Cockatrice, his gaze locked on it:


    "Starting with you."


    The Flame Cockatrice, enraged, opened its beak and prepared to unleash a searing torrent of flames.


    But Alex just smirked, twisting his fingers slightly and in an instant, the Flame Cockatrice ignited with a hidden explosive he had set earlier.


    Its body was blown apart, feathers and embers scattering in every direction as the remnants fell to the ground in a smoking heap.


    The Cockatrice General''s eyes widened as it spotted the faint, glowing mark on what remained of the Flame Cockatrice¡ªnow just scorched fragments.


    Alex appeared behind the General in a flash, his palm aimed directly at the creature''s chest.


    But the General''s reflexes were fast; it screeched, lunging backward and releasing a furious spray of feather blades in Alex''s direction.


    Alex activated [Aegis Shield], the transparent barrier shimmering as the razor-sharp feathers collided with it.


    But instead of stopping the feathers deflected in all directions, one of them skimming past the General''s chin, leaving a thin, bloody scratch.


    [Aegis Arcane] had a 30% chance of deflecting an attack and for the first time, it showed that effect.


    The General''s eyes narrowed, its anger boiling over.


    But Alex just grinned wider, clearly enjoying the thrill of the hunt.


    "Don''t let the human touch you, no matter what," the Cockatrice General warned, eyeing Alex with caution.


    Alex only grinned, cracking his knuckles:


    "I don''t need to."


    The Speed Cockatrice lunged toward him with incredible speed, but Alex twisted his fingers, triggering another hidden bomb.


    The ground erupted in a fiery explosion that sent shockwaves through the battlefield, catching the Speed Cockatrice off guard.


    The blast tore into its leg, throwing it off balance.


    The Cockatrice''s momentum sent it hurtling toward Alex, and he equipped [Fury gauntlet] the weapon he had gotten from defeating the goblin boss.


    On wearing it he felt his strength surge and he threw a powerful punch straight at the oncoming creature.


    His fist connected with a thunderous impact, knocking the cockatrice backward.


    The Speed Cockatrice, now injured and struggling, hopped on one leg, trying to shake off the shock of Alex''s blow.


    But Alex didn''t give it a moment to breathe.


    He charged forward, unleashing a relentless barrage of quick punches and strikes, each one harder than the last.


    The sheer intensity of his attacks showed he was channeling every ounce of his strength and frustration into each blow.


    Yelling: "Ora Ora Ora Ora Ora!"


    As he pummeled the poor cockatrice.


    Then...he activated the gauntlet special skill, which tripled the power of a blow


    And with a final heavy swing, Alex landed a brutal strike that sent a sickening crunch through the air.


    The cockatrice''s neck twisted, and it collapsed to the ground with an eerie, final thud.


    [You have leveled up]


    Alex exhaled and then stepped back, catching his breath as he looked at the fallen creature.


    Then he turned towards the general who trembled on seeing Alex''s gaze.


    "Two down... one more to go."

 Chapter 24 - 24: You Can Run But You Cant Hide

    The Cockatrice General froze, feathers ruffled with a chill of fear as he watched Alex mercilessly take down the Speed Cockatrice.


    The brutal ending¡ªthe crunch, the thud¡ªleft no question:


    This human was no prey; they were.


    With heavy breaths, Alex turned toward him, eyes fierce, almost feral. "Two down. One more to go."


    The Cockatrice''s heart raced. He was outmatched, and worse, he had no idea where Alex''s next bomb lay hidden.


    Any step could set off another explosion.


    Just the thought made his skin prickle as he felt something unfamiliar.


    ''Sweat.''


    The Cockatrice muttered:


    "Am...am I sweating?"


    It was stunned that a mere human had him this shaken.


    Alex''s gaze was locked on him, and the Cockatrice could feel his own heart pounding faster than he''d ever felt in battle.


    Every step Alex took forward felt like the ticking of a bomb about to go off.


    First one step, then another.


    By the third, the tension snapped.


    The Cockatrice General''s instincts screamed:


    It was fight or flight and the cockatrice general chose flight, leaving all thoughts of pride behind.


    Alex couldn''t help but grin, amused by the sight.


    He called out, his voice taunting:


    "What happened to all that confidence you displayed earlier?"


    "What did you say...''I''ll do you a favor¡ªsubmit your head'' is that accurate? You said that and now you''re running."


    Alex expression went cold and he launched into a sprint after the beast:


    "I don''t think so."


    Realizing Alex was chasing him, the Cockatrice fired feather blades without looking back, hoping to slow him down, but Alex used [Aegis Arcane] deflecting each blade with ease.


    He laughed as he ran, his cackling echoing through the trees, amplifying the Cockatrice''s fear.


    In a desperate burst of speed, the Cockatrice surged forward, putting more distance between them.


    Alex, though, wasn''t worried.


    A notification flickered in his vision, a reminder of the new power he''d gained:


    [You have killed Speed Cockatrice.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have acquired skill: Fast and Furious.]


    With a smirk, he activated his new skill. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In an instant, his legs seemed to pulse with energy, propelling him forward with blazing speed.


    The world around him blurred as he caught up to the Cockatrice in moments, closing the gap with startling ease.


    The Cockatrice looked back, its eyes widening in terror.


    Alex''s grin widened as he called out, feigning disappointment:


    "Hey, don''t run! You''re making me look like the bad guy here!"


    The Cockatrice squawked back, its voice dripping with fear and irritation:


    "You are the bad guy!"


    Without missing a beat, it unleashed a barrage of feather blades at him.


    Alex raised [Aegis Shield] just in time, the feathers clashing against it and scattering harmlessly away. Undeterred, he closed in again, noting the path of one of his traps up ahead.


    With a snap of his fingers, an explosion erupted right next to the Cockatrice, sending it tumbling across the ground before slamming into a tree.


    For a moment, it lay there, battered and burnt, its body damaged from the blast.


    But then, to Alex''s surprise, the creature''s wounds began to knit themselves back together, closing up as it shakily got back on its feet.


    Alex on a tree muttered, on seeing this:


    "Oh, that''s quite surprising?"


    The cockatrice had some kind of regenerative power.


    However, Alex wasn''t intimidated. In fact, he was confident he could outlast it, and wear it down with enough damage, as he was sure the cockatrice''s healing ability had a limit.


    If the cockatrice was truly immortal then it would have taken riskier attacks and wouldn''t be running the way it was.


    Its healing ability would only delay the inevitable.


    Alex then leaped into the air, bringing his sword down in a powerful overhead strike. The blade bit into the earth with a heavy thud as the Cockatrice narrowly rolled away.


    The Cockatrice general, still wounded but healing, darted off again.


    It had no desire to continue fighting as it knew its regenerative powers wouldn''t save it if Alex kept riddling him up with injuries.


    It wasn''t strong enough to recover from repeated, severe wounds, and if it ended up with its body blowing up like the flame Cockatrice, then it would truly be finished.


    Alex wasn''t about to let it escape though.


    He chased it with relentless determination, closing the gap with an intense burst of speed from his newly acquired skill, [Fast and Furious].


    In a swift, calculated move, Alex feigned a grab for the Cockatrice''s wing, causing it to flinch and react defensively.


    The instant it shifted to protect itself, Alex changed tactics, drawing his sword instead.


    In one fluid motion, he sliced clean through the creature''s leg.


    The Cockatrice let out a sharp, pained screech and, desperate, retaliated with a flurry of feather blades aimed directly at Alex.


    He sidestepped the deadly projectiles, dancing out of their path.


    Just as the last feather whizzed by, he vanished, leaving the blades to embed themselves uselessly in the ground.


    The Cockatrice staggered, its eyes wide with terror as it looked around, searching for Alex.


    The Cockatrice general groaned in pain from his injured leg. Though his wound was starting to heal, the process was slow, and his biggest problem now was the unknown¡ªthe fact he couldn''t spot Alex anywhere. This was a nightmare scenario.


    Panicking, the Cockatrice unleashed a massive number of feather blades, arranging them in a protective ring around himself, hoping to prevent Alex from getting close.


    "Oh, that *would* have been clever¡­"


    Alex''s voice echoed around him. The Cockatrice immediately launched a volley of feather blades toward the source, but they hit nothing but air.


    "¡­if I wasn''t your opponent."


    Suddenly, a rock appeared, falling from above right through the opening in the feather barrier and landing next to the Cockatrice.


    "You messed up."


    Boom!


    The explosion shook the ground, sending the Cockatrice flying to the side.


    But as the smoke cleared, Alex noticed that the Cockatrice had used its feathers to form a makeshift shield, absorbing most of the blast.


    The Cockatrice''s defensive reflexes had...

 Chapter 25 - 25: Its Too Much

    The Cockatrice''s defensive reflexes had saved it from the worst of the attack¡ªthis time.


    "Here, have another!"


    Alex tossed another [Blastshard] toward the Cockatrice, but the it leaped back, quickly shielding itself with a fan of its feathers.


    Alex smirked:


    "You keep burning through those feathers. Aren''t you worried you''ll lose your beautiful quill?"


    The Cockatrice snarled, feathers bristling in anger:


    "Enough with the taunting coward! Show yourself!"


    "I will! Just don''t rush me...I''m shy."


    The Cockatrice''s face contorted in fury, but it forced itself to stay focused on escaping.


    It made a break for the nearest opening, but the ground exploded, sending it stumbling back.


    Desperate, it pivoted in the opposite direction, only to be forced to shield itself again as another trap detonated nearby.


    Realization dawned on the Cockatrice general:


    Alex had created a minefield around him, each direction rigged to explode on his command.


    Every move was a step closer to getting blown apart. He was completely trapped, with no way to escape this deadly maze of traps.


    But if this was the end, the Cockatrice was determined to make Alex go down with him.


    The Cockatrice general lifted its beak to the sky and let out a piercing, ear-splitting screech, its throat vibrating with an unnatural, grating sound.


    Alex winced, covering his ears as the sound made his head throb.


    But he noticed something strange¡ªthe Cockatrice''s feather blades had stopped mid-air, frozen in place.


    Seeing his chance, Alex darted forward, equipping the Goblin Blade.


    In a swift, powerful strike, he slashed across the Cockatrice''s neck, silencing its scream.


    "Ughh¡ª!"


    The Cockatrice staggered back, blood oozing from the wound on its neck, its once-commanding presence faltering.


    With a feeble attempt to regain control, it commanded its feather blades toward Alex, but they drifted slowly and haphazardly.


    Alex dodged and parried them effortlessly, inching closer with each step.


    The Cockatrice swung a desperate swipe of its feathers, but Alex sidestepped and slapped an explosive charge onto its back, the force knocking it off balance.


    He didn''t let up, driving his blade into its side, only to be met with another frantic swing.


    Alex evaded, landing another explosive tap and stab, then another, and another.


    Each strike left deep, unhealing wounds, overwhelming the Cockatrice''s regeneration. It was no longer healing¡ªits strength drained with every relentless blow.


    The Cockatrice sagged, feathers dulling, its powerful screeches reduced to ragged breaths.


    The Cockatrice groaned weakly, stumbling backward, but Alex closed in and grabbed the beast by the back of its head, pulling its face close to his.


    With a low voice, he whispered:


    "Tell me¡­ how does it feel to be the hunted?"


    The Cockatrice''s only response was a feeble moan of pain, too weak to answer.


    Alex released his grip and took a few steps back, eyeing the creature covered in bombs he''d attached earlier:


    "One last question. Would you rather go in a single hit or¡­ in multiple, slow blows?"


    The cockatrice gave a strained groan, too beaten to even understand, but Alex raised an eyebrow mockingly:


    "What''s that? I think you said¡­ multiple blows."


    It managed a hoarse, broken:


    "You¡­ bastard¡­"


    Alex grinned, snapped his fingers, and set off one of the bombs.


    A massive explosion rocked the clearing, ripping a chunk of flesh from the Cockatrice.


    It collapsed to the ground, its body torn and struggling, but it was still alive.


    Its regenerative powers worked sluggishly, trying to heal the wounds.


    Alex waited, watching as the Cockatrice''s wounds slowly stitched back together.


    The moment it was almost fully healed, he snapped his fingers and another explosion erupted, shredding its flesh all over again.


    The Cockatrice writhed in agony, only for its healing to kick in once more.


    When it had almost fully recovered, Alex snapped his fingers again, triggering another blast.


    This brutal pattern repeated, each explosion tearing the Cockatrice apart just as it was beginning to regenerate.


    Finally, the sun began to rise, casting its first light on the battlefield.


    Alex stood with his hands in his pockets, shadows of the long night retreating behind him.


    He looked down at the Cockatrice with an unreadable expression:


    "I guess it''s time I finished this."


    The Cockatrice general lay on the ground, barely recognizable.


    Its wings were nothing more than tattered stumps, its legs blown off, and its once-proud face was charred and cracked.


    Alex''s repeated blasts had reduced it to a grotesque shadow of its former self, but its cursed regeneration still forced it to cling to life.


    The Cockatrice let out a weak, hoarse groan, its voice barely audible:


    "This... this isn''t over¡­"


    Alex raised his hand, fingers poised to snap one last time. His voice was cold, steely:


    "But for you, it is." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    *Snap.*


    A final explosion detonated, and the Cockatrice''s head shattered in a blast, ending it in a violent flash.


    Alex stared at the smoking remains, his eyes emotionless, as the system notifications rang in his mind:


    [You have killed a Cockatrice General.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have received 10 stat points]


    [You have received +10 Powerstones.]


    [You have received Skill: Minor Regeneration.]


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby Taking Effect]


    [You have received 10 stat points]


    [You have received +10 Powerstones.]


    [You have received Accessory: Glider Cloak.]


    Alex exhaled in relief, letting the first rays of the morning sun wash over him.


    The once-dark forest around him was scorched from his relentless explosions, charred trees smoldering and ash drifting in the dawn air.


    Yet, as he stood catching his breath, he noticed something strange¡ªthe forest seemed to be slowly restoring itself, as though it were alive, healing in response to the battle''s destruction.


    Watching was rather therapeutic, easing his mind.


    But Alex couldn''t help but worry about one thing though:


    The cockatrice''s ear-grating scream.


    The creature had been able to continue fighting, yet it had stopped, throwing its defenses aside to let out that screech.


    Alex rubbed his chin thoughtfully wondering aloud:


    "Why would it do that?"


    Suddenly, he got his answer.


    A deep, rhythmic thumping filled the air, like something huge flapping its wings overhead.


    Alex''s eyes darted upward, feeling an unmistakable sense that something was coming. And it was heading straight for him.


    His instincts screamed for him to move, to run¡ªbut his legs refused to respond.


    His body felt like it was shackled in invisible weights, each muscle locked in place.


    A cold sensation ran down his spine as a notification flashed across his view:


    [You have been hit with a movement restriction skill by an enemy.]


    [You cannot move for 10 seconds.]


    Alex''s eyes widened in disbelief:


    "You''ve got to be kidding me¡­"


    He could feel the approaching presence closing in, heavy and powerful.


    Whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªwas coming wasn''t here to talk.


    Alex forced himself to look up, heart pounding in his chest. What he saw made his blood run cold.


    ''Who said cockatrices couldn''t fly?''


    Boom!


    The massive cockatrice descended from the sky, landing in front of Alex with a thunderous thud.


    The force of the impact shook the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked Alex off balance.


    As the beast screeched, a chilling sound that echoed through the forest, Alex felt a jolt of fear shoot through him.


    Sweat dripped down his forehead as he quaked, his body trembling from a mix of adrenaline and dread.


    He gritted his teeth, frustration boiling over:


    "Seriously¡­ this is too much. You stupid overseer! How am I supposed to defeat this?"


    Just then, a notification flashed before his eyes, cutting through his panic:


    Ding!


    [Tyrant Of Talons]


    [Cockatrice King ''Morvok'' - Rank C]

 Chapter 26 - 26: The End?

    [Tyrant of Talons]


    [Cockatrice King ''Murvok'' Rank C]


    The Cockatrice King, Murvok, loomed above Alex, casting a dark, suffocating shadow.


    Its scales glistened with a metallic sheen, segmented like a giant, armored centipede.


    Unlike the other cockatrices Alex had fought, this one looked more like a dragon¡ªits wings spread wide, spiked with jagged edges that caught the light of the smoldering forest.


    The beast''s eyes, gleaming with predatory focus, locked onto Alex.


    Alex''s breath caught in his throat.


    He could feel the heat radiating from Murvok''s nostrils, each breath sounding like the rumble of a powerful engine revving up.


    The Cockatrice King craned its neck, scales clinking like shifting metal plates, and let out a deep, guttural growl that vibrated in Alex''s chest.


    His heartbeat raced so fast it felt like it might burst out of his ribcage.


    Murvok took a step forward, each massive clawed foot thudding against the charred ground, sending tiny tremors through the earth. As it advanced, it examined the devastation in the forest with a quick, dismissive glance.


    The remnants of Alex''s explosion were still smoldering, evidence of the fierce battle that had just taken place.


    Murvok''s gaze shifted to the lifeless body of the Cockatrice general, torn apart and barely recognizable amidst the scorched earth.


    Alex''s body tensed, fear washing over him in a cold wave. He felt if the cockatrice was angry, he''d be dead in seconds.


    So he watched, half-expecting Murvok to roar in fury at the sight of its fallen kin and charge him without mercy.


    But the cockatrice king lifted its head and snorted dismissively as if the general''s death was beneath its concern.


    The Cockatrice King''s gaze remained fixed on Alex, unbothered and unwavering.


    The Cockatrice King then opened his beak, and to Alex''s surprise, a deep, resonant voice emerged. It sounded both ancient and menacing, vibrating the air around them:


    "Human. Since you managed to defeat so many of my kin, I will grant you the respect you''ve earned. Your end will come in a single, merciful strike."


    Alex''s heart pounded, and a bitter smirk crossed his face.


    ''Always the arrogant talk.''


    This time, the pride in Murvok''s words was justified as one skill from this creature had locked Alex in place, rendering him helpless.


    And he had no doubt the cockatrice King had even more devastating tricks up its sleeve.


    But he was going to die that easily. His eyes darted to the fallen cockatrice general right behind the cockatrice king


    One of his explosion traps was still attached there that he had denoted.


    So without hesitation, Alex activated it:


    Boom!


    Alex didn''t actually need to snap his fingers to set off his explosions¡ªhe just enjoyed the dramatic flair it added.


    The explosion rocked the clearing, sending a wave of heat and force that lifted the restriction off Alex.


    He felt the invisible shackles shatter and wasting no time he turned and ran.


    It was like day one all over again with the first cocktrice he had defeated.


    His legs launched him forward with raw, desperate energy, grass, and dirt flying up behind him as he bolted through the forest.


    Trees blurred past as he sprinted, each step pounding the earth like a drum. The wind roared in his ears, his breath coming fast. Alex''s mind raced.


    He loved challenges that was true, but this wasn''t a challenge¡ªit was a death sentence. Murvok was way beyond anything he''d faced before.


    With practiced speed, Alex reached into his inventory and activated [Glider Cloak] the cloak he had gotten from defeating the cockatrice general.


    He had glance at the description earlier and had saw that the cloak added an extra 10 points to his agility.


    The fabric fluttered around his shoulders, and he felt the power surge through his legs, his pace increasing in an instant.


    He followed up with one of his special skills:


    [Fast and Fury], doubling his speed.


    The forest around him dissolved into streaks of green and brown.


    The world turned into a chaotic blur, and Alex felt like he had become pure motion, the god of speed at that moment.


    "Flash has nothing on me."


    He darted through narrow gaps between trees, leaping over fallen logs and roots without breaking stride.


    But even with his newfound speed, a sinking feeling crept up his spine.


    Traveling at such high speed, he thought the cockatrice shouldn''t be able to catch up.


    He was wrong.


    A dark shadow swept over Alex, and before he could fully react, a searing pain sliced across his back. It felt like a hot blade had been dragged down his spine.


    "Aah!"


    The sound strained and raw as his body crumpled to the forest floor.


    His speed betrayed him, turning his fall into a brutal tumble.


    He rolled over rocks and roots, dirt and ash grinding into his skin, every bump and twist amplifying the agony he felt.


    When he finally came to a stop, Alex lay on the ground, gasping for air, his body screaming in pain. The sharp sting of the wound burned fiercely, and he could feel warm blood trickling down to his waist, soaking the back of his clothes.


    He tried to move, but the pain made every shift unbearable.


    He had activated [Aegis Arcane] the moment he sensed Murvok above him¡ªa shield spell that had always protected him before. But this time, the Cockatrice King''s attack had shattered it like glass, its talon slicing clean through and leaving him vulnerable.


    Alex clenched his jaw, as he rose to his feet.


    And a mocking voice resonated:


    "Oh, you''re quite fast..."


    Murvok stood a few yards away, its eyes gleaming with satisfaction as if savoring its prey''s struggle.


    Alex gritted his teeth, took out a [Blast shard] and without a second''s hesitation, he hurled it at the Cockatrice King.


    Boom!


    The explosion engulfed Murvok in a cloud of fire and smoke. The shockwave pushed Alex back, and he winced as it jolted his wounded back.


    But when the smoke cleared, Murvok emerged, scales gleaming, completely unharmed. A thin, translucent barrier shimmered around it before fading away.


    *It has a defense skill,* Alex realized, dread sinking in his gut.


    He took a step back, reaching behind him.


    He was out of [Blastshards] and his options were limited.


    But his mind still raced for a plan.


    His fingers closed around a bottle of water he had bought from the system shop. I


    Channeling his skill, he infused [Exploding Touch] on it, and used [Amp] which tripled the explosive force within, turning an ordinary item into a dangerous weapon.


    Now he just had to stall for 20 seconds.


    Alex tried to buy time:


    "Tell me¡­ what prompted a whole king to come down from his throne just to defeat an insignificant human?".


    Murvok chuckled darkly, the sound echoing like thunder in the clearing:


    "Believe it or not, I would have preferred to blow this entire place to pieces and end you right here. But I received a direct message from the gods. They say you are¡­ special."


    "What?" Alex''s eyes widened in shock. The mention of gods sent a jolt of confusion through him. He recalled the overseer''s cryptic warnings about the existence of highed beings.


    And wondered if his actions caught their attention.


    The thought sent shivers down his spine and he couldn''t help but feel overwhelmed.


    ''It''s too soon for this.''


    He tried to keep his voice steady despite the rising dread within him and said:


    "I thought you were supposed to be a king, but here you are, taking orders instead. Why is that?"


    Murvok''s gaze narrowed, sharp and calculating as he spoke:


    "I see what you''re doing, human. Stalling to buy time while you prepare whatever you''re hiding behind you. It won''t work."


    In an instant, Alex was struck by the movement restriction skill once more. He tried to fight against it, but his muscles felt heavy and unresponsive.


    Murvok''s throat began to gurgle ominously, and Alex''s instincts screamed at him. He had seen this before, and he knew what was coming.


    "Shit¡­" Alex whispered, panic rising.


    He activated [Aegis Arcane] focusing all his energy on forming a protective barrier around himself, even knowing it wouldn''t be enough.


    The Cockatrice King unleashed a terrifying roar, the sound erupting from its beak like a shockwave:


    "RRRAAAAHHHHH!"


    The powerful sonic attack blasted toward Alex, a wall of destructive sound that shattered trees and rocks in its path. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The barrier Alex conjured was no match for Murvok''s ferocity as it exploded on impact, sending a violent wave crashing into him.


    "Ugh!"


    He gasped as the force slammed into him, shaking his body violently.


    The sheer power of the sound was deafening; his ears rang painfully, and he felt a sharp pain pierce through his skull.


    Blood seeped from his ears and nose as the wave battered him, his vision blurring from the impact.


    His body crumpled to the ground, the world spinning around him as he gasped for breath.


    Everything felt fuzzy like he was swimming in a haze.


    But even through the fog, he could sense the massive figure of the Cockatrice King stalking toward him, each step heavy and deliberate.


    ''So this is how I die''


    Alex thought, a sense of bitter disappointment washing over him.


    He hadn''t even achieved anything.


    Heck, the real tutorial hadn''t even begun.


    But he was going to die due to his shitty luck.


    Alex coughed out blood as he cursed:


    ''Dammit! This was all because of that stupid curse.''


    But thinking about it, Alex knew that if he could go back in time and choose whether he should spare or kill Dreadfeather.


    He would have chosen the latter without hesitation.


    He had killed close to a hundred cockatrices and three bosses.


    That was no easy feat.


    And Alex consoled himself finding solace in the belief that it was enough achievement to die proudly.


    He had done all he could.


    He was just unfortunate.


    Alex recalled the bottle he had prepped to explode, its countdown ticking away


    The explosion he had set on the bottle only had five seconds left, and Alex decided not to dismiss it.


    If he was going to die then he was going to go out with a bang.


    Hopefully taking the cockatrice king along with him


    The cockatrice king stood before Alex eyeing him intently, then he noticed Alex grin with his bloodied lips.


    And there was a rocking explosion.

 Chapter 27 - 27: Deal or no Deal

    As Alex hovered between consciousness and oblivion, he felt a cold rush of air hit his face, sharp and biting against his bloodied skin.


    His whole body throbbed with pain, every nerve screaming.


    He forced his eyes open, but his vision was hazy, blurred by exhaustion and injuries.


    His gaze fell on something that made his heart jolt: he was high above the ground, soaring through the air.


    He blinked, struggling to focus, and that''s when he noticed the massive, scaled claws wrapped around him. They were gripping his body tightly, each talon digging painfully into his sides.


    He realized at that moment that the Cockatrice King was carrying him, its powerful wings flapping as they cut through the air, each stroke of the creature''s wings sending a gust of wind rushing past him.


    The world beneath him was a dizzying blur of trees, rivers, and distant mountains.


    He felt utterly helpless, dangling in the air like a broken doll.


    Even if he wanted to fight back, he was too injured to even lift his arms.


    His head lolled forward as exhaustion overtook him.


    His strength was gone, his vision darkening again.


    The next time Alex woke up, he found himself lying on solid ground.


    His head was pounding, and every inch of his body ached as if he''d been hit by a truck.


    Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinking against the faint light coming from above. Sunlight filtered down through a high, grated skylight, casting thin rays across the floor.


    With a groan, he forced himself to sit up, his joints cracking as he moved.


    The pain was intense, sharp, and unforgiving, and a high-pitched ringing echoed in his ears like he''d just stood too close to a blast.


    He remembered those last chaotic moments: setting off the explosive he''d rigged.


    The explosion swallowed both him and the cockatrice.


    But it seemed like he hadn''t taken the monster down.


    Leaning back, he felt the rough stone wall behind him and took a slow, shaky breath.


    The space around him was strange; when he looked out, he saw the vast, open sky stretching beyond the edge of what seemed like a narrow cliff ledge.


    He tried to figure out how much time had passed, but he had no idea.


    Only his [Minor Regen] skill was keeping him from passing out again.


    Once the healing had done enough to make the pain dull, he pushed himself up, wobbling as he found his footing.


    A rail ran along the edge of the cliff.


    He reached out to grip it for balance, but the second his hand touched it, a jolt of electricity surged through his fingers, forcing him to yank his hand back.


    Looking around warily he muttered:


    "What is this place?"


    It was like he''d ended up in some strange prison on the edge of nowhere.


    Alex drew his weapon, [Eclipse Edge], and slashed at the iron gate in front of him. The blade struck with a loud *clang*, but to his frustration, the gate just pushed back, repelling his sword as if it were coated in some kind of invisible shield.


    "What kind of barrier is this?" he said eyeing the gate suspiciously.


    As he glanced around the area, he noticed the ground was littered with stones of all shapes and sizes.


    A slow grin crept across his face.


    This place has all he needed to make as many [Blastshards] as possible.


    He picked up a rock and made a [Blastshard], thinking about using one to blow the gate open.


    But in this narrow space, he''d probably catch himself in an explosion¡ªagain. The last blast had nearly finished him off, and he wasn''t eager for a repeat while he was still aching from head to toe.


    So he began gathering the stones, preparing a fresh round of makeshift explosives.


    One by one, he set up small bombs around the prison wall using [Exploding Touch]


    He didn''t intend to use them just yet, but they''d be there in case he needed a quick exit.


    As he worked, a familiar sound reached his ears¡ªa flapping, like wings slicing through the air. He looked up and squinted into the distance, spotting a shadowy figure against the sky.


    It grew larger as it drew closer, its outline becoming more distinct.


    "Another cockatrice,'' he frowned with a mix of irritation and relief.


    "Perfect timing," he muttered.


    At least now he might get some answers as to why was he thrown in here instead of being killed on the spot.


    Not that he was complaining. He was grateful to be alive.


    A massive shadow loomed as the cockatrice landed before Alex, its claws clicking against the stone floor.


    Instantly, Alex recognized it wasn''t the Cockatrice King who had overwhelmed him with terrifying strength and nearly broken him within minutes.


    A part of him still shuddered at the memory, but he steeled himself, focusing on the creature before him.


    This one wasn''t nearly as powerful; it had to be a general, a subordinate.


    The cockatrice eyed him, its sharp gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and judgment.


    Alex locked eyes with it, refusing to back down.


    Whatever intimidation it attempted was nothing compared to the suffocating aura of the king.


    A title shimmered briefly in his vision, confirming his suspicion:


    [Cockatrice General Talvok]


    The cockatrice narrowed its eyes, and to Alex''s surprise, it spoke, its voice raspy and laced with disdain:


    "So, you''re the creature that took down three high-ranking cockatrices and a general? Impressive."


    Alex didn''t flinch, and he certainly wasn''t interested in small talk. He straightened, his expression cool:


    "Where''s Murzok? I have business with him."


    The cockatrice''s eyes flashed, and it hissed:


    "You dare speak of the king in such a manner?"


    Yet, its tone lacked true anger, sounding more like an empty threat than genuine outrage.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, noticing the strange detachment in its voice.


    He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes as he studied the creature.


    There was something strange in the way the cockatrice spoke.


    It lacked the reverence that every other cockatrice seemed to have when they mentioned their king. Instead, the general''s words were sharp and dismissive.


    The cockatrice sneered:


    "A weakling like you shouldn''t even mention the one who left you in this pitiful state. It''s distasteful."


    Alex smirked, picking up on the subtle hint of contempt in the creature''s voice. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with realization.


    "You...you have ill intent for your king don''t you?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cockatrice''s face twitched, its pupils narrowing as it shot him a deadly glare. For a moment, its mask slipped, revealing a spark of something darker¡ªresentment, perhaps?


    Alex''s grin widened, his suspicions now confirmed.


    He had found something he could exploit.


    Alex said coolly:


    "Look, I don''t care why you hate him and I don''t need to know. But... I have a proposal."


    The cockatrice tilted its head, curiosity evident as it remained silent, waiting for him to continue. It hadn''t shut him down, which was a good sign.


    "Let''s make a deal," Alex offered, pulling a small, glowing object from his pocket. It was an [Evolution Orb] shimmering with a faint green light¡ªthe powerful item he''d acquired after defeating the goblin boss.


    [Evolution Orb: Creature]


    [Use to raise the rank of any lower creature to the next tier.]


    The cockatrice''s eyes widened, its pupils dilating as greed overtook its gaze.


    It took an involuntary step forward, unable to hide its desire.


    The creature''s eyes never left the orb, its beak twitching with need.


    "Interested?"


    Alex taunted, fiddling with the orb as he waited for the general''s response.


    The cockatrice''s eyes widened, pupils, flaring with greed as it took an uncontrollable step closer to Alex, its gaze fixed on the shimmering Orb.


    Alex grinned as he said smoothly:


    "Here''s the deal. You open these gates, and this is yours. With it, you could evolve and become as powerful as your king. Imagine that¡ªno more orders, no more bowing. So, what do you say?"


    The cockatrice''s expression shifted, its eyes narrowing as it mulled over the offer.


    Then, in a flash, its beak twisted into a dark smile, and it let out a sudden, ear-splitting howl.


    A wave of sonic energy blasted forward, intending to knock Alex off his feet.


    But Alex remained rooted in place, unfazed.


    A glowing barrier, [Aegis Arcane], flickered to life around him, absorbing the impact of the sonic blast with ease.


    When the attack dissipated, Alex shook his head with a disappointed sigh.


    He had expected the cockatrice to try something.


    With a flick of his wrist, the orb disappeared, vanishing back into his inventory.


    Alex shook his head, slipping the orb back into his inventory with a smirk. "Guess you don''t want this after all."


    The cockatrice hissed, its eyes narrowing dangerously:


    "Hand it over, and I won''t have to torture you to get it."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, feigning interest:


    "Oh, torture me, huh? Sounds thrilling. What''s your plan, exactly?"


    "Don''t test me, human," the cockatrice growled, stepping closer.


    Alex''s gaze hardened, his voice dropping to a deadly calm:


    "I wouldn''t try me, either. The second you open that gate with any ill intent, you''re as good as dead. And that''s not a threat¡ªit''s a promise."


    The cockatrice froze, visibly shaken by Alex''s chilling words. It took a step back, studying Alex with newfound caution, sensing a danger it hadn''t noticed before.


    Somehow, it almost felt as if he was the one imprisoned and being watched.


    The cockatrice shook its head, torn.


    The allure of the orb was undeniable¡ªwith it, it could evolve, challenge the king, maybe even take the throne. It weighed its options, then slowly said:


    "Alright, then... let''s make a deal."

 Chapter 28 - 28: Escape

    The cockatrice finally agreed, and Alex grinned, satisfied to have hooked it.


    "Alright, then. Let''s make a deal."


    "Like I said, I''ll hand over the orb, and you let me go free."


    The cockatrice narrowed its eyes, studying him:


    "Even if I help you escape, your chances of getting off this cliff are slim. You''ll have other cockatrices on your trail¡ªit''s suicide, human. Just accept your fate and hand over the orb."


    Alex smirked, unfazed:


    "How about you stop flapping your beak and open the cell? I''ll handle the rest."


    The cockatrice clicked its sharp teeth in annoyance but then moved toward the gate''s edge, pressing a claw against a small rune.


    Alex heard a hum as the barrier that had shocked and deflected his blows flickered and vanished.


    He grinned.


    Now he could use his powers¡­ but not yet.


    The cockatrice strutted inside the cell, posture tense, eyes fixed on him, clearly expecting a double-cross:


    "Alright, human. Hand over the orb."


    Alex tilted his head, a playful smirk dancing across his face:


    "You know what? I don''t feel like it."


    A vein pulsed on the cockatrice''s head, its feathers ruffling in anger. It turned, about to back out of the cell, but Alex raised a hand, halting it.


    "Wait... how about you let me pat you three times on the head, and then I''ll consider giving you the orb."


    The cockatrice''s eyes narrowed, its feathers bristling:


    "Do you think I''m a joke?"


    "No, not at all," Alex replied with a smirk. "But your king probably does. Why else would he have put you here to guard me? Am I right?"


    The cockatrice stiffened, its gaze darkening:


    "What do you know, human?"


    Alex shrugged, his tone casual. "I''ve been treated like that too¡ªoverlooked, underestimated. I get it."


    The cockatrice''s face twitched with frustration, and Alex knew he''d struck a nerve.


    Keeping his expression calm, he slowly pulled out the orb, letting its glow catch the creature''s attention.


    He tilted it back and forth, the light reflecting in the cockatrice''s hungry eyes.


    "This," Alex said, holding the orb out just far enough to tempt the creature, "could change everything for you. With this, you could challenge Murzok and take his place. I genuinely want to help you get what you deserve. But here''s the thing¡­ you won''t get it unless you grant my request. And if you kill me? This orb disappears, and so does your chance."


    The cockatrice''s eyes flickered as it considered his words.


    Finally, it muttered:


    "Human, what makes you so confident? What stops me from killing you once I get the orb?"


    "I''m trusting you won''t," Alex replied, meeting its gaze, calm but unwavering.


    After a long, tense pause, the cockatrice let out a grudging sigh. It seemed Alex had left it with no other option:


    "Fine."


    Reluctantly, it leaned its head down toward Alex, who flashed a sly, almost wicked grin. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''What an idiot.''


    "Just three pats, nothing else," the cockatrice warned.


    Alex nodded with a straight face, masking his excitement.


    Talvok, the cockatrice, had no idea these weren''t just any pats¡ªthey were a death trap in disguise.


    Alex raised his hand, and Talvok flinched slightly but pushed its head forward, trying to remain still.


    Alex reached out, placing his hand gently on the side of its head.


    "There, there," he muttered, patting it once.


    ''First explosion set.''


    He patted it again, making sure his touch lingered just long enough.


    ''Second explosion set.''


    And finally, a third pat.


    ''Done.''


    Alex fought the urge to pat it a fourth time just to test his luck, but Talvok jerked its head back and fixed him with a demanding glare:


    "Now the orb."


    Alex forced a friendly smile:


    "Alright. You''ve earned it."


    He took out the orb, holding it out as Talvok grabbed it eagerly with its clawed wing, a greedy gleam in its eyes.


    Without wasting a second, the cockatrice began absorbing the orb''s power, its feathers glowing as the orb''s light swirled around it.


    A faint hum filled the air as energy surged into Talvok, enhancing its strength and lifting it to the next rank. It groaned in satisfaction as its body expanded, absorbing every bit of the orb''s essence.


    Alex, momentarily awed by the display, quickly snapped back to focus.


    This was his chance.


    He activated [Stealth Walk] and slipped out of the cell, moving past the glowing cockatrice without a sound.


    As soon as he was through the gate, he quietly pulled it shut and locked it, trapping Talvok inside.


    As the transformation neared its end, the cockatrice''s feathers shimmered with new brilliance, each quill now strikingly vibrant. Its talons gleamed sharper, its beak looked deadly, and its eyes burned with a fierce confidence.


    It flexed its claws, feeling a surge of power through its body.


    "Now...now I can face the king. "


    But first, the human.


    He could hardly believe what he''d stooped to¡ªletting a mere human touch him for the orb.


    The memory filled him with disgust, but the power he now held made it worth the humiliation.


    Lifting his head, he prepared to end this farce.


    But his gaze fell on the empty cell. He blinked, momentarily confused, scanning the area. Where had the human gone?


    Then he spotted Alex just outside the gate, a smug grin on his face as he gave a mocking wave:


    "Hey there."


    "You¡­ how did you get out?"


    The cockatrice''s mind raced, baffled by how Alex had escaped without him noticing. But he quickly brushed it off¡ªhe''d just finish him from outside.


    With a furious shriek, he lunged at the gate, intending to pry it open.


    But the moment he made contact, a powerful electric shock blasted through him, sending jolts of pain through his body. He staggered back, his feathers singed and smoking.


    "How does it feel to be the one locked up?" Alex taunted, his voice filled with satisfaction.


    The cockatrice shook off the lingering pain, glaring at Alex:


    "You think a cage like this can hold someone of my rank?" he growled, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice as he was sure the prison most likely could. As it was built to hold powerful prisoners.


    The cockatrice''s throat rumbled as energy swirled around its body, its eyes flashing with rage.


    It was preparing to unleash a devastating attack¡ªits fury was palpable.


    Alex wasn''t intimidated.


    He simply shook his head with a smirk and snapped his fingers.


    *Boom!*


    An explosion ripped through the air, slamming into the cockatrice with a force that shook the entire cell.


    The blast sent shockwaves through the narrow space, and the barrier around the entrance absorbed the impact before repelling it back toward the cockatrice.


    The full force of the explosion slammed directly into him, concentrating all the damage on his body.


    The cockatrice staggered back, furiously shaking off the effects of the blast. It barely seemed harmed, but the fire in its eyes only grew stronger.


    "You bastard!" the cockatrice roared, its voice filled with venom.


    It began to summon more energy, ready to strike back.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    He snapped his fingers again. And again. And again.


    *Boom!*


    Another explosion tore into the cockatrice, rocking the cage even harder.


    Dust and debris filled the air, the walls of the cell groaning under the pressure.


    Still, the cockatrice stood tall, its injuries mounting but not enough to bring it down.


    *Boom!*


    Another explosion went off, sending a shockwave that rattled everything.


    But again, the cockatrice only staggered, its body battered but its rage unwavering.


    Alex watched the creature carefully, his face unreadable.


    The cockatrice was bruised and bloody, its feathers charred and ragged, but it was still alive.


    The energy swirling around it wasn''t gone¡ªits anger was fueling it, keeping it on its feet.


    Alex''s voice was calm, almost casual:


    "Are you ready to talk now? I''ve got plenty more explosions where that came from."

 Chapter 29 - 29: Info Gathering

    The cockatrice general slumped to the ground, panting heavily.


    Smoke curled off its singed feathers, and its once-proud stance was reduced to a trembling mess.


    "Alright... What do you want to know?" it finally croaked, its voice weak but laced with reluctant defiance.


    Alex stood tall just outside the cage, his expression cool and calm.


    His hand rested casually by his side, ready to snap again at a moment''s notice. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How many cockatrices are in the area?" Alex asked, his tone sharp and commanding.


    The cockatrice general hesitated, glancing at the glowing ruins of its once-impressive cell.


    After a long pause, it grumbled, "About fifty."


    Fifty.


    Alex''s mind raced.


    That was fifty more cockatrices standing between him and freedom¡ªfifty more reasons to take this grudge to its bitter end.


    He couldn''t help the smirk that tugged at his lips.


    These birds had caused him too much trouble already.


    Sparing them wasn''t an option.


    "And the cockatrice king," Alex continued, stepping closer to the cage. "You''ve been plotting to overthrow him, haven''t you? Any idea what his weaknesses are?"


    The cockatrice''s eyes flickered with a spark of resistance.


    Even beaten and battered, its pride refused to let it submit completely.


    "Why should I tell you?" it spat, glaring up at Alex with all the defiance it could muster.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head like a disappointed teacher.


    He raised his hand, his fingers poised to snap.


    "I don''t think you understand who''s in charge here," Alex said coolly. "Let me remind you."


    Snap.


    An ear-splitting explosion roared through the air, slamming into the cockatrice with brutal force.


    The creature screeched as it was hurled violently to the side, crashing into the charred remains of the cell walls.


    The blast ripped into its side, leaving a charred chunk of flesh missing.


    It staggered, screeching in agony.


    Blood dripped to the ground, sizzling against the scorched dirt.


    Dust and debris rained down as the echoes of the blast faded.


    Gasping for air, the cockatrice finally realized there was no escape.


    If it wanted to survive, it had to play Alex''s game.


    "Alright!" it hissed through gritted teeth, each word laced with pain. "You win! What do you want to know?"


    Alex tilted his head, arms crossed, but his fingers were still itching to snap again.


    "Let''s start with the cockatrice king," Alex said calmly. "You''ve got nothing to lose, so spill it. What''s his weakness?"


    The general snarled, reluctant but too broken to resist. "Weakness in combat? None that I''ve seen," it spat bitterly. "But¡­"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he leaned in closer.


    The cockatrice continued, its voice a rasping whisper, "He''s been looking for an heir. And he''s finally got one. An egg. He treasures it like a jewel, won''t let anyone near his lair where he feeds it energy daily."


    Alex raised an eyebrow:


    "The egg, huh? So it''s his soft spot."


    The cockatrice nodded begrudgingly:


    "Destroy the egg, and you destroy him. That''s the only weakness I know."


    "And where''s this lair of his?"


    Alex pressed, his tone steady but unrelenting.


    The cockatrice glared at Alex, struggling.


    "The highest cliff," it growled. "It''s heavily guarded¡ªtwo cockatrices of my rank patrol the entrance. You''ll never make it."


    Alex smirked:


    "We''ll see about that. Thanks for the info."


    The cockatrice general ground its beak, its fury bubbling beneath the surface.


    Even in its weakened state, it refused to bow completely:


    "You¡­ you won''t make it out of here alive," it hissed, trembling with rage. "I''m sure of it."


    Alex took a step back, his shadow falling over the broken creature.


    His expression turned colder, the smirk fading into something sharper and more dangerous.


    "You''re right," he said, voice low and ominous. "I probably won''t. But killing you will give me a better chance."


    The cockatrice froze, its eyes widening in confusion and growing dread.


    "W-what?" it stammered, its bravado crumbling. "What do you mean by that?"


    Alex''s lips curled into a smug grin as he locked eyes with the cockatrice general. "It''s simple," he said coolly. "The EXP I get from killing you will level me up multiple times. Boosting my odds of survival."


    The cockatrice general''s eyes flared with fury. Its massive wings rustled as it let out a growl of defiance.


    "You can''t kill me with your puny explosions!" it roared, its voice cracking with rage. "I''ll heal in seconds, you pathetic human!"


    Alex didn''t flinch. He raised his hands slowly, fingers curling as if preparing to snap. "Now you''re asking for it."


    The cockatrice''s beak snapped open, continuing its angry rant:


    "Cut with the arrogant attitude, human! Once I get out of here, I''ll rip your throat out! I''ll¡ª"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The third explosion hit, and the cockatrice general''s head shattered into a bloody mess, chunks of flesh and bone flying in every direction.


    Blood splattered across the charred wall, the force of the explosion violently knocking the body to the ground.


    It was dead before it even hit the floor.


    Alex stood motionless, his hand still held up in the air, the remnants of the cockatrice general scattered in front of him.


    His smirk remained, unfazed by the destruction.


    It didn''t matter that the cockatrice general was ranked higher than Grey.


    No matter how fast it healed, an explosion to the head was always a fatal blow.


    Alex casually dropped his hand to his side, his gaze lingering on the smoldering remains of the creature:


    "Guess you won''t be ripping anyone''s throat out now."


    Ding!


    You have killed Cockatrice General


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    Five times. Wonderful.


    Alex''s lips curled into a wide grin as the notifications filled his vision, one after another.


    He could almost hear the sweet sound of power flooding into his body with each level-up.


    The adrenaline from the battle mixed with the thrill of advancement.


    [You have received 25 stat points]


    [You have received 5 power stones]


    [You have received skill: [Flame Immunity]


    Ding!


    Apocalypse Baby kicking in


    [You have received 25 stat points]


    [You have received 5 power stones]


    [You have received Accessories: [Amulet of Resistance]


    "Alright." Alex''s voice was low and satisfied, the taste of victory on his tongue.


    His fist tightened as he reveled in the feeling of newfound strength.


    But he didn''t have time to bask in it.


    Not yet.


    His ears twitched at the sound¡ªflapping wings.


    Loud and fast.


    Backup was on the way.


    The cockatrice that landed on the cliff scanned the area, its eyes sharp and alert.


    It saw only a shadowy figure in the distance¡ªtoo far to make out details.


    It flapped its wings and dove toward the silhouette, ready to strike.


    But the figure vanished before it could land.


    The cockatrice screeched in confusion, its talons barely missing the spot where the figure had stood.


    It flapped wildly, spinning around, its eyes darting in every direction, but the figure was nowhere to be found.


    The bird''s heart raced.


    There was no sign of the human... but there was something off about this place.


    More cockatrices arrived, their wings cutting through the air with thunderous beats.


    They saw the disturbance, the strange noise, and circled the area, chattering amongst themselves.


    One cockatrice, seeing the dark figure of Talvok, lying lifeless in the prison cell, squawked in alarm.


    "It''s Talvok! He''s dead!"


    Another cockatrice, scanning the area, narrowed its eyes:


    "Where''s the human prisoner? He must have done this¡­"


    The first cockatrice to arrive was about to respond when it suddenly felt a tap on its back.


    It spun around warily but found nothing and frowned in confusion.


    Eyeing the cockatrice behind him in suspicion before saying in an irritated tone:


    "Watch where you''re..."


    Before it could finish its sentence, something brushed across its face.


    Its body stiffened in shock, and with a loud squawk, it jumped back, wings flapping in alarm.


    "What was that?" the cockatrice muttered, its voice a mix of confusion and fear.


    It looked around, eyes wide, but still... there was nothing to see.


    Something had touched its face.


    But whatever it was, it wasn''t visible.


    "Ohh!"


    Another cockatrice leaped into the air, flapping wildly, its sharp talons slashing the air as it recoiled in fright.


    Then another cockatrice joined in, its eyes wide with panic, its wings snapping open as it searched for the source of the unseen threat.


    "There''s someone else here!" one of them squawked, its voice full of wariness.


    The cockatrices huddled together, glancing around, trying to pinpoint the source of the unease.


    "It''s the prisoner," the first cockatrice said, its voice trembling with realization.


    "I saw him briefly. He must have an ability that makes him invisible."


    The other cockatrices stiffened, unease settling deep into their bones.


    "Bingo."


    Alex''s voice suddenly rang out, calm and confident.


    And he appeared at the edge of the cliff, his silhouette outlined by the bright sky.


    The cockatrice immediately moved to attack on seeing him, but before they could take a step.


    He leaped off the edge of the cliff.

 Chapter 30 - 30: Airborne Slayer

    Alex grinned as he leaped off the edge of the cliff, the cockatrices screeching in surprise as they watched him fall.


    The creatures scrambled to the edge, expecting to see his body plummet toward the rocky abyss below.


    But what greeted them wasn''t a helpless descent.


    Alex''s back arched, and from his shoulders, a sleek, shimmering cloak unfolded on activation.


    The air around him shifted, and in an instant, he wasn''t falling anymore.


    He was soaring.


    The human with no physical features that could possible enable him fly was soaring through the air.


    The cockatrices froze in stunned silence, their talons scraping against the rocky edge of the cliff as they wondered how Grey got wings all of a sudden.


    The answer was the [Glider''s Cloak], an accessory Alex had equipped.


    The wind whipped around him as a pair of shimmering, wings extended from his back.


    [Gliders Cloak] didn''t just for boost speed¡ªit came with a unique ability to generate wings that allowed him to glide through the air with grace.


    Wings large, translucent, and aerodynamic, stretching out like a bird''s, catching the wind as they unfurled.


    Alex shot upwards, rising with a graceful, controlled motion.


    With the cloak, Alex could ascend and descend as he pleased, though it had one critical flaw: its lack of speed.


    Realizing their prey wasn''t falling to his death, the cockatrices erupted into a frenzy.


    Furious screeches echoed from the flock as they took to the skies.


    Alex glanced over his shoulder on seeing the cockaatrice and simply smirked.


    More cockatrices perched on nearby cliffs spotted the commotion and joined the chase on seeing Alex, screeching loudly as they spread their massive wings.


    Soon, dozens of the beasts were in the air, their sharp eyes locked on Alex as they moved to cut off his escape.


    The sky above the canyon filled with the beating of wings as the flock organized, encircling Alex from all directions.


    Their agility in the air was unmatched as weaved through the currents with ease, quickly closing the distance between them and their target.


    But Alex wasn''t worried. In fact, his grin widened as the chaos unfolded around him.


    With a bold yell that echoed across the canyon, he shouted:


    "Let the chaos begin!"


    In that instant, he snapped his finger activating the hidden bomb he had secretly planted on one of the cockatrices with [Exploding Touch] during their earlier skirmish.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion erupted in mid-air, turning the unfortunate cockatrice into a shower of blood and jagged pieces of bone.


    The force of the blast sent shockwaves rippling through the flock, throwing them into disarray.


    One cockatrice, caught completely off guard, was struck square in the face by a sharp fragment of bone. It screeched in pain, swerving wildly to the side and nearly colliding with another bird.


    Another cockatrice flying too close to the explosion was also hit by the shockwave.


    The blast stunned the creature mid-flight, its wings faltering as it spiraled helplessly toward the canyon floor, disappearing into the depths below.


    But Alex wasn''t finished.


    Not even close.


    He smirked and activated another explosion.


    Snapping his finger three times.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    More explosions rippled through the air as the bombs he had managed to plant on other cockatrices detonated in rapid succession.


    Feathers, smoke, and debris filled the skies as the carnage spread.


    Each blast took out not only its target but also the cockatrices unlucky enough to be flying too close.


    Suddenly, one of the cockatrices ahead of Alex screeched furiously and charged straight at him, its sharp beak gleaming and talons poised to strike.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    His grin only grew more feral as he took a deep breath, his chest expanding.


    Then, with explosive force, Alex unleashed a [Sonic Blast].


    The sound wave roared from his mouth, visible as ripples of vibrating energy.


    The cockatrice charging at him was hit point-blank, the force of the blast slamming into it like a wrecking ball.


    Its screech was cut short as it was hurled backward with brutal force, crashing into the rocky side of the cliff with a sickening crunch.


    The shockwave from the [Sonic Blast] didn''t stop there.


    It rippled outward, catching several other cockatrices in its path.


    Those closest to the blast were flung backward like ragdolls, wings flapping uselessly as they tumbled through the air.


    One crashed into another cliffside, while others were thrown into chaotic spirals as they fought to regain control.


    Alex wasn''t slowing down.


    With a wicked grin, he activated another explosion.


    And then the last.


    Explosion tearing through the air, sending shockwaves rippling across the sky.


    The cockatrices began to fall one after another, spiraling down like shattered comets.


    The sky erupted into chaos as screeches of pain and panic echoed through the canyon.


    Those unlucky enough to fly too close to the cockatrices carrying bombs didn''t fare much better.


    The concussive force of the explosions stunned them mid-flight, their wings faltering as they plummeted helplessly.


    Others were struck by chunks of flesh and bone, sharp fragments ripping through their feathers.


    Some wounds proved fatal, and the lifeless bodies of the birds rained down to the ground below.


    Amid the chaos, one cockatrice locked its blood-red eyes on Alex.


    Fueled by rage, it dove at him with incredible speed, its sharp, blade-like feathers glinting ominously in the sunlight.


    With a shrill screech, it reared back mid-air, preparing to slice him apart.


    But Alex saw it coming and didn''t panic.


    Instead, he smirked and did the unexpected.


    He temporarily deactivated his [Glider''s Cloak], allowing himself to drop like a stone. The cockatrice''s attack sliced through empty air where he''d been moments before.


    As Alex descended, he twisted his body mid-fall, pulling his blade free.


    With precise timing, he slashed at the cockatrice''s exposed back as he passed by.


    Blood sprayed into the air as his strike found its mark, the creature shrieking in pain as it tumbled downward, out of the fight.


    Another cockatrice took the opportunity to strike, seeing Alex as vulnerable without his gliding cloak.


    Its sharp talons flashed as it closed in.


    But...


    CLANG!


    The sound of metal meeting an invisible barrier echoed as Alex activated [Aegis Arcane], the protective aura shimmering in front.


    The cockatrice''s talons glanced off harmlessly, its momentum throwing it off balance.


    And Alex didn''t waste a second.


    With a swift swing of his sword, his blade cut cleanly through the creature''s neck.


    And the cockatrice gave a gurgling cry before its body went limp, falling to the earth below.


    Alex reactivated the [Glider''s Cloak], wings flaring out as he met an approaching cockatrice head-on.


    Without hesitation, he unleashed a [Sonic Blast], the powerful soundwave ripping through the air.


    The cockatrice screeched in agony as the force slammed into its body, sending it careening into a nearby cliff.


    More cockatrices began to converge on him, their cries echoing like a war chant.


    Alex''s sharp eyes narrowed as he reached into his inventory and pulled out a handful of [Blastshards]¡ªsmall, grenade-like stones pulsing with raw energy, hurling the shards toward the flock.


    And with a snap and flick of his wrist, he activated the bombs mid-air.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The explosions lit up the sky like fireworks, engulfing the cockatrices in fiery blasts.


    Feathers, flesh, and blood rained down like a crimson storm, painting the rocky cliffs below.


    The smell of scorched feathers filled the air as the wounded creatures spiraled downward, their wings too damaged to keep them aloft.


    As Alex darted through the chaos, [Eclipse Edge] gleamed in the sunlight, slashing through any cockatrice foolish enough to get too close and killing the injured ones.


    Every swing of his sword was precise and deadly.


    And paired with his quick reflexes and the agility granted by the [Glider''s Cloak], Alex was a force of nature in the air.


    To the onlookers he looked like a raging bat in the midst of his enemies, dominating an airborne battle against creatures born to rule the skies.


    His movements were a perfect balance of grace and brutality, weaving between attacks, striking down his foes, and dodging their desperate retaliations.


    Soon there were no more cockatrice in this sky and Alex grinned rather satisfactorily.


    Despite the intense fight, Alex found himself smirking as the mid-air battles against the oversized chickens was easier than he thought.


    He hadn''t even needed to enhance his attributes yet with his stats point.


    The battle was exhilarating, but it didn''t pushing him to his limits.


    However, Alex knew the real challenge was yet to come.


    The two cockatrice generals guarding the king''s lair would be a completely different story as they would both have special abilities. And the cockatrtice king himself.


    He quickly opened his system interface while evading another attack, glancing at the fifty stat points he had yet to allocate.


    On top of that, there were even more points he hadn''t spent from defeating the three generals earlier.


    Alex opened his system window, the glowing holographic display floating before him as he...


    =================


    Quick heads-up, readers!


    I realized I left out an important detail about creature rankings. While two creatures might share the same rank, their strength can vary significantly. Why? Because ranks are divided into three levels:


    - High (R)


    - Medium (Y)


    - Low (G)


    From now on, every introduced creature will have its rank level clearly specified. So don''t be surprised on seeing this symbols.


    I''ll also go back and update earlier chapters to include this detail where it was missing.


    Thanks for your support and for sticking with the story!

 Chapter 31 - 31: Devils Descent

    Alex opened his system window, the glowing holographic display floating before him as he scanned his current stats :


    [Stats]


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 50 [+5] [+10]


    Intelligence: 40


    Vitality: 45


    [Stat Points Available: 60]


    [Powerstones: 9]


    He smirked, his finger hovering over the agility stat:


    "If I''m going to outmaneuver that oversized turkey king, I''ll need to be faster than ever."


    With a decisive tap, he allocated 40 stat points into agility, effectively doubling it.


    Instantly, a surge of energy rippled through his body. His muscles tightened and refined, their density shifting.


    They didn''t grow bulkier¡ªif anything, his frame seemed leaner, more streamlined, like a runner honed for speed.


    He flexed his fingers, feeling the new power coursing through him.


    It wasn''t just strength¡ªhis entire body felt lighter, almost weightless.


    Even mid-air, as the wind rushed past him, he noticed the difference.


    Subtle adjustments to his glider''s wings became smoother and sharper.


    He tilted his body slightly, testing his maneuverability.


    To his delight, he turned effortlessly, slicing through the air with precision.


    "Not bad," Alex murmured, a grin tugging at his lips.


    He dipped low, then ascended sharply, executing a barrel roll just to test his newfound speed and control.


    The shift wasn''t dramatic enough to disrupt his glide, but it gave him an edge that felt almost unfair.


    He thought back to the cockatrice king¡ªit had been unnervingly fast, way too fast to keep up with, and that was a problem which was why he had put so many points into his Agility stat.


    As he felt the decision settle in, Alex couldn''t help but smirk, remembering something he''d told himself when he first started experimenting with the system:


    "You can harm what you can''t touch."


    He still believed that.


    If he could just stay out of reach, he could pick apart his enemies without ever giving them the chance to strike back.


    But there was more to do. Alex had to prepare for the intense battle ahead.


    So, he quickly allocated 20 points to Intelligence, making sure his mana reserves would be more than enough for the fight.


    The remaining points went to Strength¡ªhe needed more power to deal with any heavy hitters-- and he felt his body grow even sturdier and more powerful.


    Satisfied with his upgrades, Alex was about to close the stats window when a glowing notification blinked at the corner of his vision.


    He hadn''t had time to read it earlier because of the chaos with the cockatrice arriving.


    Ding!


    [You have reached Level 20]


    [You are now a D rank]


    [+5 to all stats]


    "Oh nice"


    [You have reached Level 20]


    [You have earned the chance to choose an ability from three options]


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    It seemed the system gave him an ability every time he hit a new milestone level.


    The system rewarded him with a special ability every ten levels, meaning when he hit Level 30 or 40, he''d get another shot at choosing out of three abilities.


    He read through the options, his curiosity piqued:


    [Ability Options]: sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Foresight] [Shockwave Slash] [Ethereal Dodge]


    [Foresight: You can see 3 seconds into the future. Cost 1 Mana point per minute.]


    ...


    Alex''s eyes widened as he read the first skill, a rush of excitement flooding through him.


    He didn''t even need to look at the other options.


    The geeky side of Aex had kicked in full force after reading the description.


    "A Sharingan? No way I''m passing that up," he thought, grinning like a kid who just got his hands on a rare treasure.


    Without a second thought, he tapped the first one [Foresight] without bothering to read the description of the rest, and the choice was made.


    No hesitation.


    No need to check the others.


    It may be reckless, maybe even foolish, but Alex wasn''t worried.


    With this ability coupled with the insane speed he''d just gained, he could be a deadly force.


    With this boost in strength and his new ability, Alex felt more confident in the rematch with the cockatrice king.


    This fight was no longer going to be one-sided like the last one.


    He wasn''t the underdog anymore¡ªhe was the hunter, and the cockatrice king was his prey.


    Alex soared into the sky with newfound vigor and muttered to himself:


    "I''m coming for you, bird king."


    As he approached the cockatrice king''s lair, he spotted about a dozen of the feathered monsters diving down toward him.


    But Alex wasn''t fazed.


    He tightened his grip around [Eclipse Edge] the blade humming with power.


    At his level, these cockatrice were nothing more than mobs, just obstacles in his path.


    Meanwhile, the two generals, stationed outside the cockatrice king''s lair, heard the commotion below.


    The air was filled with strange sounds¡ªexplosions, the screeching of their kin, the chaotic flurry of battle.


    They exchanged wary glances as they wondered what was going on below and if the cockatrices were being attacked.


    But as much as they were curious, they couldn''t leave their post.


    They had been ordered to guard the lair, and nothing else, not even the most tempting chaos, could distract them from that duty.


    Behind them, the cockatrice king''s heir¡ªa tiny, precious egg¡ªlay nestled in the protection of the lair.


    The king had made it clear with his instruction:


    Guard the egg with your lives. Nothing else mattered.


    The cockatrice king didn''t even seem to mind the massive losses they''d sustained¡ªthree generals and nearly a hundred of their kin had fallen in battle.


    But the king had captured the one responsible, the human who''d done all this damage.


    And instead of executing him on the spot, he''d done something... unexpected.


    He had thrown the human into a prison, all to appease their god, hoping that some treasure or boon would be granted to make the king''s heir stronger.


    It was selfish, it was cowardly, and frankly, it wasn''t kingly at all¡ªbut who were they to question the decisions of the king?


    Strength ruled, and they were weak compared to their untouchable king.


    Suddenly, a gust of wind tore through the air, sharp and furious, yanking the generals from their thoughts.


    Their heads snapped up instinctively, searching the sky.


    But there was nothing.


    Then, without warning, a heavy thud echoed from behind them.


    They turned around, hearts racing, as they readied their feather blades.


    Then they saw his figure slowly solidified.


    His clothes were drenched in cockatrice blood, painting him in gruesome shades of red that made him look more beast than man.


    With a feral grin on his face that radiated a menace that rivaled the devil himself.

 Chapter 32 - 32: Fly Swatting

    The two cockatrice generals froze when they realized who was standing before them.


    It was the human who the one was supposed to be in the fortified cell rumored capable of holding monsters of B ranks.


    Their wide, shocked eyes darted to each other as they tried to process what they were seeing.


    That prison wasn''t just a cage. It was laced with powerful magical barriers, designed to be impenetrable.


    To escape, one would have to overcome both the barriers and Talvok, the general assigned to guard it.


    And Talvok wasn''t just any general; he was a seasoned warrior on the verge of breaking through to a C-rank.


    If Alex was here then it only meant one thing:


    Talvok must be dead.


    Their expressions darkened as the weight of that conclusion sank in.


    If this human had managed to defeat Talvok, then he was no ordinary foe.


    He had to be incredibly strong, perhaps stronger than either of them individually.


    The cockatrices tensed, feathers bristling, as they prepared for a fight they weren''t sure they could win.


    Alex stood there, completely unfazed.


    Cockatrice''s blood dripped from his face and clothes, a stark reminder of the chaos he''d left behind.


    His piercing gaze locked onto the two generals, calm and unwavering.


    To him, they were nothing more than another obstacle in his path.


    His demeanor wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was confidence earned through battle.


    Alex had fought and defeated three cockatrice generals before, and that was before he reached D-rank. Compared to the challenges he''d already overcome, these two weren''t a threat; they were just a warm-up.


    Even though the two cockatrice generals in front of Alex were high-level C-ranks, he didn''t feel the slightest concern.


    His strength had skyrocketed, and he doubted their ranks would make any difference in the fight to come.


    Alex took a single step forward, [Eclipse Edge] gleaming faintly under the light. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The motion was subtle, but the effect was immediate, as both cockatrices flinched, their talons scraping against the rocky ground as they instinctively stepped back.


    Fear flickered in their glowing eyes.


    They were wary.


    Alex was an anomaly¡ªhis strength, his tactics, everything about him was unpredictable.


    Rushing in recklessly would only lead to their deaths, and they knew it.


    Their bodies were tense, feathers puffed as they tried to size him up.


    Alex, on the other hand, was calm and collected.


    His stance was firm, his eyes steady, and he showed no intention of making the first move. He waited, his blade pointed downward but ready.


    The tension was unbearable as neither side moved.


    But finally, one of the cockatrices snapped under the pressure and stepped forward, talons raised, preparing to strike.


    And that was all Alex needed.


    In a blur of motion, [Eclipse Edge] struck true, tearing into the beast''s fur and flesh with a sickening crunch.


    Blood sprayed as the cockatrice let out a guttural screech.


    "Gaah!"


    Its massive body crumbled to the ground in a heap, lifeless.


    The second cockatrice froze, its glowing eyes wide in utter shock. It stared at its fallen companion, trying to comprehend what had just happened.


    "Just like that?!"


    He didn''t even see the human move.


    "Dammit!" the cockatrice cursed internally, leaping backward as its throat began to glow, preparing to unleash a deadly [Sonic Howl].


    But before it could release the attack, Alex vanished from its sight.


    In the next instant, he appeared directly in front of the beast.


    His movement was so blindingly fast that the cockatrice hadn''t even registered it.


    Panic surged through the creature as it instinctively swung its feathered blades in a wild slash.


    The attack connected, but instead of piercing flesh, it rebounded.


    Alex had activated [Aegis Arcane], his magical barrier absorbing the strike without a scratch.


    The cockatrice''s glowing eyes widened in alarm. It immediately realized it was completely outmatched.


    This human¡­ he''s beyond me!


    Without hesitation, it tried to escape, flapping its powerful wings and turning to flee.


    But Alex wasn''t about to let it go.


    He shot forward like a missile, his hand wrapping around the cockatrice''s neck in an iron grip.


    With brutal strength, he yanked the bird toward him, slamming it to the ground with a deafening crack.


    The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the earth, creating a web of cracks beneath the beast.


    Feathers exploded into the air like a burst of fireworks.


    The cockatrice thrashed violently, screeching and flailing in an attempt to retaliate. It flapped its wings desperately, but Alex''s grip didn''t falter.


    He pressed it harder into the ground, pinning it with an almost inhuman force.


    Then, without warning, the feathers that had scattered into the air froze mid-flight.


    They twisted unnaturally and pointed downward, gleaming with deadly intent.


    The feathers rained down like razor-sharp darts, forcing Alex to release his grip and leap backward to avoid being skewered.


    The cockatrice didn''t waste a second.


    As soon as Alex moved, the beast scrambled to its feet and launched itself into the sky, wings flapping frantically.


    It thought it had escaped.


    For a brief moment, it felt relief as the ground grew distant beneath its talons.


    But before it could fly far, the cockatrice''s neck erupted in a gruesome spray of feathers and blood, its head separating cleanly from its body in a spiraling motion.


    The decapitated corpse fell off the sky and Alex got a notification:


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have received +5 Stat Points!]


    [You have received 1 Powerstone!]


    No skill this time?


    Alex thought to himself every time he had killed a high-rank cockatrice he had gotten a new skill.


    But this time...Alex figured it was because he had ranked up.


    It sucked but it didn''t matter as he still had his title to make him happy.


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received an additional +5 Stat Points!]


    [You have received an additional 1 Powerstone!]


    Alex exhaled deeply, his breath misting in the cool air as he dismissed [Eclipse Edge] into his inventory.


    In less than a minute, he had taken down two cockatrice generals¡ªan accomplishment that would''ve seemed impossible not long ago.


    He turned his gaze toward the cave entrance that the generals had fiercely guarded.


    The massive stone opening loomed before him, shadowed and mysterious, like a doorway into another world.


    Alex muttered, his tone calm but laced with anticipation:


    "So this is the king''s abode."


    The cockatrice king wasn''t here¡ªAlex was certain of it.


    If the king had been inside, the chaotic battle outside would have drawn it out by now.


    But that only heightened Alex''s curiosity.


    With steady steps, Alex approached the cave, his boots crunching against the gravel.


    The air grew noticeably cooler as he entered, carrying a faint metallic tang.


    He couldn''t help but think back to the goblin cave he had cleared earlier.


    That place had been a nightmare: dark, cramped, and reeking of decay and filth.


    It was a testament to the chaotic, mindless nature of the goblins.


    This cave, however, was something else entirely.


    The walls were smooth and clean, etched with glowing runic symbols that pulsed with a faint, rhythmic light.


    Each rune seemed alive, humming softly with energy.


    The interior was spacious and organized, exuding a strange sense of refinement.


    It was the difference between a luxury mansion and a rundown shack in the slums.


    Alex ran his fingers along the smooth surface of the cave wall and mused aloud:


    "Not bad for a beast."


    He stopped placing his palm firmly against the wall using [Exploding Touch]:


    "But it''s too bad...I''m going to turn this neat little palace into a mess."

 Chapter 33 - 33: The Kings Abode

    "But it''s too bad...I''m going to turn this neat little palace into a mess."


    Alex moved methodically through the cave, planting small explosive charges along the walls and ceiling.


    As he continued deeper, the narrow passage suddenly widened into an enormous chamber.


    And the moment Alex stepped into the room, his jaw dropped in sheer disbelief.


    The entire space glowed with a radiant golden light, and it wasn''t coming from lamps or magical runes.


    The source of the glow was the massive piles of gold coins scattered across the floor, shimmering like liquid sunlight.


    Heaps of treasure were stacked as far as his eyes could see, sparkling with an almost hypnotic allure.


    Alex whispered, his voice barely audible as he stepped closer, eyes fixed on the nearest mound of coins:


    "So much¡­"


    His heart pounded as he crouched down, scooping up a handful of the glittering coins.


    The cool metal clinked softly in his palm, and the system immediately displayed the value:


    [212 gold coins.]


    A grin stretched across Alex''s face as he reached out with his other hand, grabbing an even larger handful.


    The system chimed again:


    [322 gold coins.]


    His hands trembled as he let the coins slip through his fingers, the weight of his newfound fortune sinking in.


    His body shuddered with exhilaration.


    "I''ve struck gold¡­ literally. I''m freaking rich!"


    Without wasting a second, Alex began pouring the coins in by the handful into his inventory. The treasure vanished into his storage space in a steady stream, the numbers in his system climbing rapidly.


    Coins clinked and jingled as he worked, his hands moving faster with each scoop.


    The thought of just how much gold he was amassing sent a thrill through him.


    He couldn''t stop grinning, his mind already racing with possibilities.


    "I''m going to wipe this place clean."


    He crouched by another pile of gold, his hands moving swiftly as he shoveled coins into his inventory.


    As he worked, he wondered what could a cockatrice possibly need all this gold for?


    That thought was interrupted when something caught his eye amidst the treasure¡ªa piece of clothing.


    He pulled it out, the fabric soft yet sturdy, with faint glowing runes stitched into it.


    [Dusk Overcoat: +10 Defense, +5 Speed]


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "A stat-boosting coat? Oh, you''re definitely coming with me."


    He tossed it into his inventory without hesitation.


    He kept digging, his hands brushing against another item¡ªa long, sleek staff. Its surface shimmered with a faint glow, exuding a quiet but powerful energy.


    The system chimed:


    [Staff of Power: Increases Mana by 30%.]


    "Oh, man," Alex gasped, holding the staff up to inspect it.


    "This would come in handy."


    He twirled it once before tossing it into his inventory.


    At this point, Alex was on a roll.


    He wasn''t just collecting¡ªhe was looting everything in sight. Coins, clothing, weapons, accessories¡ªit all disappeared into his inventory with rapid efficiency.


    He pulled out a pair of boots with agility boosts, a necklace that increased stamina regeneration, and even a ring that nullified minor curses.


    It didn''t matter if the items were impressive or mundane; if it wasn''t nailed down, Alex was taking it.


    "Why stop at gold?" he chuckled, picking up a golden goblet and examining its intricate design.


    Into the inventory, it went.


    As he continued, he realized he now had enough clothing to outfit an entire wardrobe. Coat, shirts, jackets, pants boots¡ªsome with unique buffs.


    He could now change into new clothes every day and Alex imagined himself strolling into battle in a different outfit every time.


    Alex scooped another handful of gold coins into his inventory, shaking his head as he considered the absurdity of it all.


    "Why on Earth would a giant bird need clothes or a wand?" he muttered, holding up a pair of boots.


    The mental image of a cockatrice strutting around in a coat was enough to make him chuckle.


    But he quickly dismissed the thought.


    Not that it matters. This is all a bonus¡ªa gift from the heavens.


    But then a cold truth settled over him, wiping the grin from his face.


    All this looting would mean nothing if he didn''t survive.


    There was no way the cockatrice king was going to let the robbery slide.


    Alex steeled his resolve and kept moving, methodically looting and planting bombs as he explored the chamber.


    His eyes scanned the area, sharp and calculating, looking for anything of real significance.


    That''s when he saw it.


    In the corner of the room, almost hidden, was an object placed on a glowing altar.


    It wasn''t the object itself that caught his attention at first, but the golden light radiating from the altar''s intricate runes.


    Curious, Alex moved closer, his steps cautious but steady.


    As he got nearer, the object came into focus: an egg.


    Its surface was smooth and iridescent, shimmering faintly with a soft golden hue.


    Alex''s heart skipped a beat as realization struck:


    "No way."


    This wasn''t just any egg¡ªit was the egg.


    The cockatrice king''s most prized treasure. Its heir.


    Alex crouched down, his eyes darting over the glowing runes etched into the altar.


    The magic was intricate, the patterns swirling as if alive, pulling energy from the very air around it.


    Alex''s gaze shifted from the glowing runes on the altar to the egg resting atop it, and the pieces began to fall into place.


    "This explains it," he murmured, glancing around at the scattered loot he''d collected earlier.


    Some of the clothing had been of embarrassingly low quality, barely worth the space in his inventory, and a few weapons felt so fragile they might shatter with a single swing.


    The altar wasn''t just a showpiece¡ªit was active, siphoning magic from everything within its reach.


    Anything that contained even the faintest traces of magical energy was slowly being drained to feed the egg.


    Alex turned back to the egg. H could feel the raw power radiating from it, faint but undeniable.


    The cockatrice king wasn''t just hoarding wealth for no reason¡ªit had poured everything it had into ensuring its offspring''s strength.


    For a brief moment, Alex almost admired the effort:


    "I''ll give it to you, King. You''re a good parent," he muttered, his hand hovering over the egg. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But admiration didn''t change the facts.


    This wasn''t just the king''s treasure¡ªit was Alex''s greatest enemy in the making.


    With a deep breath, Alex placed his hand on the egg, feeling its cool, smooth surface beneath his fingertips.


    The moment he picked it up, a notification blazed across his vision.


    [Egg - Rank C (G)]


    Alex blinked in disbelief:


    "What the hell?" he muttered.


    An egg¡ªa seemingly ordinary egg¡ªhad the same rank as Talvok, the powerful general he''d taken down earlier.


    He shook his head in astonishment.


    He couldn''t help but think about Talvok.


    If that general had known about this egg, he would have lost his mind.


    The thought of something as unhatched and defenseless as an egg being on par with his own strength would have been an insult to his pride.


    He also had only just broken into Rank D himself. Yet here he was, holding an egg that was already considered stronger than him¡ªan egg that hadn''t even hatched yet.


    Seriously, how the hell is that even fair?


    He couldn''t deny it¡ªthe egg''s situation wasn''t ordinary.


    The cockatrice king had gone to extreme lengths, sacrificing resources and energy to boost its strength.


    The altar alone was proof of that.


    But still...


    Alex glanced back at the altar, its runes still faintly glowing:


    "Might as well take this too," he muttered, storing it in his inventory.


    "Who knows? It might come in handy someday. "


    His eyes shifted back to the egg, and a thought crept into his mind.


    What would happen if he broke it right now?


    Would he level up? Would he gain power like he did after defeating Talvok?


    The temptation gnawed at him, but so did something else¡ªa faint flicker of doubt.


    Destroying an unborn being just to grow stronger...


    It felt wrong.


    Horribly wrong.


    But this wasn''t a world where morality held much weight. It was a world of predators and prey, where the weak didn''t survive, and hesitation could get you killed.


    His grip tightened around the egg, conflicting thoughts battling for dominance.


    Meanwhile, the cockatrice king was a blur of motion, diving through the sky at breakneck speed.


    He had been hunting for treasure when he sensed Talvok''s presence had vanished.


    And just moments later, the auras of the two generals guarding the cave also disappeared.


    Someone¡ªor something¡ªhad invaded its domain, killed its generals, and now threatened its most prized treasure.


    The cockatrice king screeched in fury, wings beating furiously as it hurtled back home, its golden feathers catching the light like a blazing comet of vengeance.


    Murzok had initially thought the commotion was caused by one of his rivals daring to encroach on his territory.


    But when he felt Talvok''s presence vanish, he knew it had to be the human.


    Fury surged through him as he dove up the cliff.


    The wind howled around him, his golden feathers gleaming like molten fire under the faint light.


    He passed the corpses of one of his generals without a second glance as failures didn''t deserve his attention.


    In an instant, he swooped into the cavern''s grand opening, his talons ready to tear apart the intruder.


    But then he froze.


    The sight before him sent a jolt of rage and fear through his massive frame.


    Alex stood there, his figure illuminated by the golden glow of the egg.


    His expression was cold and unyielding, but it was what he held that froze Murzok in place.


    The egg.


    Alex''s dagger hovered mere inches from the delicate shell, its sharp tip poised to strike.


    And Murzok tensed, his wings flaring wide as if preparing to lunge, but Alex''s voice cut through the air like a blade:


    "Move, and I''ll turn your heir into scrambled yolk!"

 Chapter 34 - 34: Serious Threat

    "Move, and I''ll turn your heir into scrambled yolk!"


    Alex yelled, his voice echoing off the cavern walls.


    Murzok, froze momentarily, his fierce golden eyes narrowing as he processed the sight before him.


    The blade in Alex''s hand hovered dangerously close to the egg, his heir¡ªthe king''s most precious treasure.


    The air around Murzok seemed to ignite, his golden feathers radiating a fiery glow as his energy flared.


    Each step he took forward sent a ripple through the cavern, the sheer weight of his presence making the very ground tremble.


    Alex''s heart pounded in his chest.


    The confidence he''d built up began to falter as the cockatrice king closed the distance.


    Up close, Murzok was terrifying. His massive form loomed over Alex like a mountain, his razor-sharp talons clicking against the stone floor with every deliberate step.


    The air grew thick and heavy, making it hard to breathe.


    Alex clenched his jaw, trying to steady himself, but the sheer power of Murzok''s presence was overwhelming.


    Murzok''s voice erupted like thunder, shaking the very walls of the cavern:


    "You dare command me, the king of the skies? Who do you think you are, you insignificant worm?!"


    As the last word left his beak, Alex felt it¡ªa crushing force enveloped him.


    Ding!


    [You have been hit with a movement restriction skill by an enemy.]


    [You cannot move for 10 seconds.]


    Murzok had unleashed the same movement restriction skill he had used in their first battle.


    Alex''s body locked up, his muscles refusing to obey.


    It was as if invisible chains bound him, holding him in place.


    Panic surged through Alex as he realized he was frozen, completely at Murzok''s mercy.


    But then, he remembered: he wasn''t the same as before.


    He had grown stronger, leveled up, and gained new abilities. This wasn''t the end.


    Alex closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. He felt the restriction like a weight pressing down on him, but he also felt his own power, waiting to be unleashed.


    "Alex growled, his voice low but firm.


    And with a surge of willpower, he pushed against the invisible force, his entire body trembling as he fought back.


    The restriction skill resisted, tightening its grip, but Alex wasn''t giving up.


    Then, with a sharp crack, like glass shattering, the restriction broke.


    [Movement Restriction Skill Resisted]


    Alex barely had a moment to catch his breath before Murzok, the cockatrice king, closed the gap in an instant.


    A massive, glowing feather blade swept toward Alex''s neck with lethal precision. The sheer speed and power of the attack were terrifying, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp whistle.


    Reacting purely on instinct, Alex dropped low, his knees grazing the rocky floor as he ducked beneath the deadly strike.


    The blade narrowly missed him, its force sending a gust of wind that tousled his hair.


    Without hesitation, Alex pushed off the ground, moving like a blur to put distance between himself and Murzok.


    His speed was incredible, leaving a faint afterimage in the dim cave light.


    The cockatrice king''s feather blade hit nothing but air, but the energy from the missed strike surged forward like a shockwave.


    The sharp energy sliced into the cave wall, leaving a deep dent and causing debris to crumble and scatter.


    Alex reappeared on the opposite side of the cavern¡ªthe exact spot where Murzok had stood moments earlier.


    It was as though the two had swapped places in the blink of an eye.


    Murzok turned, his golden eyes narrowing dangerously.


    For the first time, the cockatrice king was truly observing Alex.


    His piercing gaze seemed to weigh every movement, every breath, every ounce of strength Alex had gained.


    Murzok''s intense glare bore into Alex, his feathers glowing brighter as his energy flared and the air in the cavern grew thick, almost suffocating.


    He let out a low growl, a sound that echoed ominously through the cave.


    Alex''s grip on his blade tightened as he stared back at the towering beast, sweat dripping down his temple.


    "You dared touch what is mine," Murzok snarled his voice a mixture of fury and disdain. "And for that, you''ll pay dearly."


    Alex watched the cockatrice king with a confident grin spreading across his face.


    He couldn''t help but feel a swell of satisfaction¡ªhe had dodged a strike that could have ended him in an instant.


    When Alex first encountered Murzok, he had been terrified, his legs trembling like jelly under the sheer presence of the massive beast. The memory of that one-sided beatdown still stung, but this time was different.


    This time, Alex had resisted the cockatrice king''s movement-restricting skill, and he''d been fast enough to evade the deadly feather blade.


    He didn''t feel entirely powerless and that was a good thing.


    But it wasn''t just his newfound strength giving him confidence¡ªit was the egg he held.


    The fragile treasure in his hands was Murzok''s weakness, a bargaining chip that Alex could use to level the playing field.


    After all, no good father or mother would risk harming their offspring.


    Wait... father or mother? Alex blinked, suddenly realizing he had no idea about cockatrice biology.


    Was Murzok a protective dad or an overbearing mom? The absurd thought of the hulking bird laying an egg crossed Alex''s mind, and he had to suppress a chuckle.


    Focus, Alex. Focus. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His smirk vanished, replaced by a deadly serious expression.


    He held the egg higher, the tip of his blade hovering near its surface.


    "Disregarding my warning is a bad idea, Murzok," Alex said coldly, his voice steady despite the tension.


    Murzok''s golden eyes burned with fury, and the air seemed to ripple with his anger.


    The cockatrice king let out a low, menacing growl:


    "It''s King Murzok to you, you impudent whelp!"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he held the egg firmly in one hand, his dagger poised in the other.


    "You think I''m bluffing about destroying all your hard work? Fine. Watch closely," Alex said and without hesitation, he drove the dagger into the surface of the egg.

 Chapter 35 - 35: Devils Deal

    Without hesitation, Alex drove the dagger into the egg.


    The sound of metal against the fragile shell echoed in the cavern.


    The cockatrice king flinched, his golden eyes widening as he instinctively took a step forward.


    For a moment, terror flickered across his face, fearing the worst.


    But Alex had calculated his strike perfectly.


    The dagger barely pierced the surface, leaving only a tiny crack that shimmered faintly in the dim light.


    "Oh, that was risky," Alex muttered, half to himself, as he inspected the crack. Then he looked up at Murzok with a cold grin.


    "But I think it gets the point across."


    "Have you gone mad!" Murzok roared, his voice reverberating like a thunderclap.


    His wings flared wide, making him seem even more imposing.


    Alex''s grin widened, his expression almost maniacal.


    "Oh, I''ve been mad for a while now."


    He paused, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light:


    "But maybe now you''ll understand, I''m dead serious about ending your bloodline."


    The cockatrice king scowled, his feathers bristling.


    Every instinct screamed at him to attack, to end this insolent human once and for all.


    But the egg¡ªhis most precious treasure, his legacy¡ªwas in Alex''s grasp, and one wrong move could shatter it completely.


    Murzok''s mind raced.


    How had it come to this? He regretted not finishing Alex when he had the chance.


    The human had been nothing but a nuisance, and now he was standing here, defiant, threatening everything Murzok held dear.


    The cockatrice king exhaled sharply, his frustration evident in the way his claws scratched against the rocky floor.


    Finally, he let out a reluctant sigh, his pride warring with the need to protect his offspring, the words tasting bitter on his tongue:


    "Fine. What do you want?" .


    Alex didn''t hesitate, his voice steady and sharp:


    "I want your head."


    The cockatrice king twitched at Alex''s demand, his razor-sharp talons scraping against the rocky floor as if ready to strike.


    But he held himself back, his blazing golden eyes locked onto Alex with pure hatred.


    Alex couldn''t help but chuckle, the sound echoing in the tense silence of the cave:


    "Oh, I''d love to take your head right here and now, but I doubt you''d give it to me. So, how about this instead? You let me leave this place unharmed, and I promise your precious egg stays in one piece."


    Murzok paused, his wings folding slightly as he appeared to consider the offer.


    But his hateful glare never wavered.


    After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, Murzok finally spoke, his voice low and seething with restrained fury:


    "Fine. I''ll let you leave. But drop the egg, and you can go."


    Alex raised an eyebrow and shook his head, his smirk widening:


    "Nope. I''m taking the egg with me."


    The cockatrice king''s frown deepened.


    "You think I''m stupid?" Alex said, his tone casual but with a sharp edge. "The second I put this egg down, you''ll swoop in and tear me apart without a second thought."


    "That''s certainly true," Murzok admitted his tone cold and measured.


    Alex blinked, surprised by the honesty.


    But then it clicked.


    He thinks I''m bluffing, Alex realized.


    Murzok wasn''t taking his threat seriously.


    He was simply confident¡ªno, arrogant.


    And believed Alex wouldn''t dare truly harm the egg, as in his eyes, the egg was Alex''s lifeline, the only thing keeping him alive.


    The cockatrice king saw no scenario where Alex could win.


    His sheer power was overwhelming, and the idea that Alex might defeat him wasn''t even on the table.


    Murzok''s next words only confirmed it:


    "Even though it''s true I''ll rip you apart. You still have to drop the egg."


    Alex furrowed his brow, his grip tightening on the fragile shell:


    "Why the hell would I let go of my only bargaining chip?"


    Murzok took a slow step forward, the air around him suffocating:


    "So you intend to take the egg with you? That, I cannot allow."


    Alex held his ground, his eyes narrowing:


    "Don''t worry. Once I''m far enough away, I''ll leave it somewhere safe for you to recover." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cockatrice king''s laugh was low and menacing, echoing through the cavern like the rumble of distant thunder:


    "You expect me to believe that? You''re either foolish or desperate. Likely both. You could easily leave with the egg... or kill it the moment you escape to devour its essence."


    Alex''s brow furrowed in genuine confusion:


    "Devour its essence? What are you even talking about?"


    The cockatrice king''s feathers bristled with hostility:


    "That''s how your kind grows stronger, is it not? The goddess Gaia told me about you."


    Alex stiffened at the mention of a goddess.


    "Gaia?" he echoed, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.


    Murzok''s eyes burned with contempt:


    "I''m not here to answer your questions, invader. Release the egg now, or face the consequences."


    Alex''s mind raced. Gaia?


    He recalled Apollo''s warnings about higher beings in this world.


    So this Gaia knew about players¡ªpeople like him.


    Did she share that knowledge with the creatures of this world? If so, it explained why Murzok seemed so well-informed.


    This world isn''t as disconnected as I thought, Alex realized.


    The creatures might have some kind of link to these higher beings, a way to monitor what was happening.


    If that was true, Alex would have to tread carefully moving forward.


    Drawing too much attention was a risk he couldn''t afford.


    But considering the chaos he''d caused¡ªthe dead cockatrices and the generals¡ªit was too late to stay under the radar.


    He just hoped this Gaia doesn''t take an interest in him.


    Alex sighed deeply, shaking off his thoughts and he said, his voice laced with cold authority:


    "You seem to be making a mistake here, Murzok. You don''t make the demands here."


    He leveled a steely glare at the cockatrice king:


    "You''re in no position to."


    Murzok''s eyes narrowed at Alex''s arrogant remark, his piercing gaze sharpening as if to dissect the human standing before him.


    His feathers quivered, radiating tension and anger.


    And he sneered, his voice thick with disdain:


    "Oh? And why is that?"


    Alex placed a hand on his forehead in mock weariness, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. Then said with his tone dripping with faux pity:


    "Oh, Murzok¡­you really shouldn''t have asked me that."


    Alex''s lips curled into a sly grin, and slowly he raised his hand, his fingers poised as though ready to snap:


    "You''ll regret it."

 Chapter 36 - 36: Tasty Egg

    With a confident grin, Alex snapped his fingers.


    And in an instant, the closest explosion to Murzok detonated with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves through the air.


    The blast sent a rush of heat and debris in every direction, but Alex didn''t wait around to see the aftermath.


    He was already on the move.


    His feet pounded the ground as he triggered a series of explosions he had strategically set up earlier.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The sound echoed through the cave, each blast closer than the last.


    Alex''s [Fast and Furious] skill flared to life, making him move at blistering speed, a blur of motion.


    Though he had [Flame Immunity] now, protecting him from most fire-based attacks, Alex didn''t want to test the limits.


    He wasn''t a masochist, after all.


    And more importantly, he couldn''t afford to get scorched, as he was still holding the cockatrice egg¡ªhis lifeline¡ªand he''d be damned if it got damaged.


    The explosions rumbled behind him like a relentless wave of destruction, but Alex was already out of the cave, his speed and skill keeping him just ahead of the blast radius.


    As he reached the cave''s edge, he leaped into the air, activating his [Glider Cloak].


    In a flash, wings erupted from the cloak, stretching wide and catching the air.


    Alex''s descent turned into a controlled glide, and he dove down, putting distance between himself and the chaos he''d left behind.


    He didn''t believe for a second that the explosions would take down Murzok¡ªafter all, the cockatrice king was no ordinary creature.


    But he hoped, at the very least, that it would slow him down, give him the opening he needed.


    With the egg safely tucked under his arm, Alex sped toward the ground, praying the damage would be enough to make Murzok hesitate, even if just for a moment.


    Raaarkh!!


    The terrifying roar echoed behind Alex, sending a jolt of adrenaline through his veins.


    Even though he was grinning, his heart hammered wildly in his chest.


    He didn''t need to look to know what was coming.


    With a blast of wind and a shower of rocks, the cockatrice king shot out of the cave.


    Some of its feathers were charred, but despite the scorch marks, the cockatrice was far from defeated¡ªits wounds were minor, easily ignored.


    The beast dove down, its massive wings cutting through the air with a shrill screech, a blur of fury and hatred.


    Its eyes locked onto Alex with a burning intensity, and Alex could feel the murderous rage radiating from it.


    The cockatrice king was determined to rip him to shreds.


    Alex''s senses flared, his instincts screaming at him.


    He could feel the presence of the cockatrice drawing closer, the weight of its fury pressing down on him.


    He gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on the egg.


    It''s coming fast. Too fast.


    He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes locking onto the cockatrice as it closed the distance with terrifying speed.


    "Human! Hand over what you stole right now!" the cockatrice roared, its voice booming through the air.


    Alex smirked, his confidence flaring in the face of the oncoming threat:


    "Quit wasting your breathe. You know I won''t do that."


    The cockatrice let out a shriek of pure rage:


    "Then die!"


    Without warning, the cockatrice king unleashed a deadly energy blade, slicing through the air toward Alex with a shriek.


    The blade crackled with power, its destructive force unmistakable.


    Alex''s heart raced, but he didn''t panic.


    With a swift motion, he deactivated his [Glider Cloak] and snapped into action.


    His body moved with fluid grace as he spun midair, twisting just out of the path of the energy blade.


    The slash barely missed him, its power singing past his ear as it tore through the air with a deafening whoosh.


    He then turned to face the cockatrice, holding the egg before him.


    "Try firing another one of those blades, and I might just be tempted to use your baby as a meat shield," Alex taunted, his eyes narrowing.


    The cockatrice king snarled, its eyes flashing with fury:


    "You bastard."


    Without warning, the beast let out a deafening howl, more powerful and guttural than anything Alex had ever heard from a cockatrice before.


    The sheer force of the sound seemed to vibrate through the air, sending shivers down Alex''s spine.


    His instincts kicked in, and he activated his [Glider Cloak] and immediately dove forward, narrowly avoiding the blast wave that followed the howl.


    The force of the cockatrice''s cry tore through the air behind him, sending gusts of wind that whipped at his back.


    He could feel the tremor of the wave, but he didn''t let it slow him down.


    As Alex hurtled toward the ground, he could feel the cockatrice king closing in, its monstrous wings flapping with terrifying speed.


    The beast was getting closer, too close and Alex''s mind raced.


    With a swift motion, he reached into his pack, pulling out a few [Blastshards].


    Without missing a beat, he hurled them backward, aiming for the cockatrice''s path.


    Boom!


    The explosion rocked the air, a brilliant flash of light and sound as the blast hit the cockatrice directly.


    The force of the impact sent the creature skidding backward, its massive body tumbling through the air for a brief moment.


    The cockatrice screeched in pain and surprise, momentarily stunned by the blast.


    As the cockatrice reeled from the explosion, Alex landed in the dense forest below, his boots crunching against the leaves.


    He exhaled, the tension finally easing from his body.


    "Finally land."


    He was on solid ground now, but he knew this fight was far from over.


    The cockatrice also king landed in front of Alex with a heavy thud, its claws digging into the forest floor.


    Its eyes were burning with fury, its wings unfurling in a menacing display.


    Alex then began to speak:


    "This forest brings flashbacks, It''s where I massacred a lot of your kin."


    "You bast¡ª" the cockatrice began, but Alex cut him off with a casual gesture.


    "Hmm, hmm... calm down. You don''t want to be the one to destroy everything you''ve built," Alex said rubbing the egg, his voice smooth, almost mocking.


    The cockatrice''s eyes flashed with outrage, and it lunged forward, wings flaring as it hissed: "I''ve had enough from you already. What''s your plan, huh? You''re not going to survive this."


    Alex stood his ground, coolly watching the cockatrice''s furious approach.


    He dropped the egg to the ground and placed his foot on it.


    The cockatrice flinched, its eyes wide with shock and fear.


    "Hold on, give me a second," Alex muttered under his breath, a grin creeping across his face as he reached for his gear.


    He slipped on his Fury Gauntlet, its weight familiar and comforting.


    The gauntlet hummed with power, enhancing his physical strength.


    He then pulled on a special coat he had taken from the cave that boosted his strength and speed by 10 points, adjusting it with practiced ease.


    Next, he slipped on stat-boosting rings, feeling the surge of energy as it enhanced his stats.


    As he finished dressing, Alex locked eyes with the cockatrice, his grin widening.


    The cockatrice hissed, its feathers bristling: sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Using the items you stole from me to boost your strength? Pathetic."


    He raised an eyebrow as he stared down the cockatrice, his eyes full of confidence:


    "I have no choice, after all, I''m a weakling in another world. Which is why I need to play dirty," Alex said, his voice smooth as he lifted the egg with his foot, catching it in his hand with a swift motion.


    The cockatrice''s eyes narrowed, taking a step forward, clearly sensing the danger.


    "You''re right, Murzok. I''m really pathetic." Alex''s tone was mocking his grip firm on the egg and the cockatrice could tell what Alex was about to do.


    "Stop!" the cockatrice shouted, its voice tinged with panic. "Don''t do...


    "You said something about consuming the essence of my egg?" Alex cut him off with a cold smirk.


    "I said stop!" Murzok yelled, desperation creeping into his voice. His wings flared, and his feathers rustled with rage.


    "You shouldn''t have."


    "You bastard!!"


    Without warning, the cockatrice dove at him, its claws extended, fury written across its face.


    But Alex was ready.


    He activated Aegis Arcane, a shimmering barrier of magic forming around him just in time.


    The cockatrice''s deadly energy blade slashed at Alex, but the barrier reflected the attack back.


    The cockatrice shrieked in surprise as its own attack hit it square in the chest, sending it reeling back.


    Alex grinned:


    "It''s been a while since I''ve eaten an egg. Though it might be raw, it''ll do."


    With a sudden movement, Alex crushed the egg in his fist, the shell cracking with a sharp crunch. The yolk and whites spilled out, and without hesitation, he lifted the mixture to his mouth and began to gulp it down.


    The cockatrice watched in horror as Alex casually devoured the contents of its precious egg, a symbol of the creature''s most prized possession, and possibly its last hope.

 Chapter 37 - 37: Goddess Who?

    Alex tilted his head back and downed the yolk in one go, ignoring the slimy texture as it slid down his throat:


    ''Consume everything,'' he said to himself inwardly.


    ''Leave nothing left.''


    He slurped at the egg with an intensity that could only be described as desperate.


    It wasn''t elegant.


    It was primal like a starved beast finally finding sustenance.


    He was gulping it down as if his very survival depended on it, and to some extent, it did.


    The taste was unlike anything he''d ever experienced¡ªrich, invigorating, and oddly satisfying.


    The yolk coated his mouth with warmth, and the whites, though slimy, left a tingling sensation that coursed through his body. It felt as though every sip was pumping raw energy into his veins.


    His senses sharpened, his muscles tightened, and his mind became razor-focused.


    Then, it happened.


    Ding!


    A familiar notification echoed in his mind, and Alex froze momentarily.


    [You have killed the Cockatrice King''s offspring.]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have received 10 stat points.]


    [You have received 2 Powerstones.]


    [You have received Gaia''s Blessing:]


    +5 to all stats, new skill: [Stone Face]


    [Stone Face]: You can transform your foes into rock by maintaining eye contact for 5 uninterrupted seconds. Returning them to normal requires the same condition.


    Alex wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, his lips curling into a smug grin as the notifications filled his vision.


    Cracking and consuming the egg had paid off big time in ways he hadn''t imagine.


    A smirk formed on Alex''s face as he realized the enormity of what had just happened. Not only had he leveled up twice, but he''d also gained stat boosts comparable to when he ranked up to D-rank and an ability that practically made him Medusa.


    "This is insane," he muttered, clenching and unclenching his fists as raw energy coursed through him.


    But just as he was basking in his newfound power, another notification popped up.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in...]


    [You have received an additional 10 stat points.] S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You have received 2 Powerstones.]


    [Additional +5 to all stats.]


    Alex froze, his smirk widening into a grin.


    This couldn''t be real.


    He was getting another boost? It felt like Christmas morning.


    "This just keeps getting better," he said, flexing his arms as his body adapted to the exponential growth in strength.


    Then, another notification appeared, and his excitement peaked.


    [Apocalypse Baby demands another ability from Gaia.]


    [Gaia refuses...]


    "What?" Alex blinked, his grin faltering. "That''s... was new."


    The next notification sent a chill down his spine.


    [Apocalypse Baby threatens Gaia.]


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    "Eh yo...what the hell?! Don''t force her!" he exclaimed.


    The last thing he wanted was to provoke the wrath of a deity.


    Another notification followed, and Alex could almost feel the tension in the air.


    [Gaia has no choice.]


    [Gaia unwillingly accepts.]


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath:


    "This isn''t good. This isn''t good at all..."


    Finally, the last notification arrived, and Alex let out a nervous laugh.


    [You have received the skill Earth Dive.]


    [Skill: You can swim through the earth like water and remain submerged for 20 seconds.]


    Alex froze, his mind racing.


    He wasn''t sure if he should feel thrilled or terrified about this new skill.


    The realization had hit him like a thunderbolt. His title¡ªApocalypse Baby¡ªhad just picked a fight with a literal god and won.


    His eyes narrowed as questions flooded his mind:


    "What even is this title? Is it just a name? A position? Or some kind of entity with its own will?"


    He shook his head, frustration bubbling under the surface as he had no answer.


    Whatever it was, it had gone head-to-head with Gaia and forced her to comply.


    And that--though cool--Alex thought grimly, was not a good thing for him.


    This Gaia lady''s eyes will certainly be set on him for sure from now on, if it isn''t already is.


    And Alex knew there will be repercussions for it. It it would most likely be bad.


    As gods were known to have an ego. At least the gods he read about.


    "Shit!"


    Alex cursed but then the cockatrice king voice sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts:


    "You bastard!"


    Turning, Alex caught sight of the enraged cockatrice.


    Its burning eyes locked onto him, radiating pure hatred.


    The feathers on its body bristled, some still smoldering from earlier explosions. Alex could almost feel the murderous intent radiating from the beast.


    Alex held back the urge to swallow hard.


    He didn''t need to be a mind reader to know the cockatrice was seconds away from tearing him apart.


    Steeling himself, Alex called out, "System, add 20 points to strength and 10 to vitality!"


    He still had ten points as a reward for killing the cockatrice''s guarded Murzoks cave so he used them up all together.


    The familiar chime of the system rang in his ears as the allocation took effect.


    A wave of energy coursed through him.


    The cockatrice king reared back, letting out an ear-piercing screech.


    Its talons dug into the ground, and its wings flared wide.


    "No... no, no, no, NO!"


    Murzok let out a deafening scream, a mix of despair and rage that echoed through the forest like thunder.


    "What... what did you do?" he roared, his voice trembling with disbelief.


    Alex casually wiped the remnants of yolk off his lips, his expression a mix of fake guilt and amusement:


    "I ate your kid, man. I''m sorry!"


    The cockatrice''s eyes widened in shock before narrowing in unbridled fury: "No!"


    Murzok screeched again, throwing his massive wings to the sky as he staggered backward, his body trembling with raw emotion.


    Alex stood there nonchalantly, licking the remaining yolk off his fingers like it was the best thing he''d ever tasted.


    He watched Murzok''s meltdown without an ounce of remorse.


    In fact, he almost found it entertaining.


    The giant bird flailed about, shaking its head violently as if trying to wake up from a nightmare.


    It was a sight to behold¡ªthe once-mighty cockatrice king, brought to madness by grief.


    Alex couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.


    Thinking if he were back in the real world right now, he''d totally be recording this, framing Murzok''s tantrum in the air in 4K and uploading it.


    It would break the internet.


    But then Alex''s grin faded slightly as he tried to feign some sincerity:


    "Look, you kinda pushed me into it. It wasn''t intentional, okay?"


    Murzok froze mid-stagger and slowly turned to face Alex, his glowing eyes burning with murderous intent. If looks could kill, Alex would''ve been reduced to ash on the spot.


    "Wasn''t intentional?" Murzok''s voice dropped to a guttural growl, his talons digging deep into the dirt.


    "Wasn''t intentional!"


    "You don''t have to say it twice, my ears hurt."


    "It was supposed to be me!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the ground. "It was supposed to be mine!"


    Alex furrowed his brow, the cockatrice''s words gnawing at him.


    Something about the statement felt rather odd.


    ''Supposed to be mine? What the hell was supposed to mean?''


    "The blessing from Gaia was supposed to be mine! I worked so hard!" Murzok''s voice quivered with rage and desperation, his eyes wild.


    Alex''s curiosity peaked, and he almost blurted out:


    "What the hell do you mean by that?"


    Murzok tone dripped with bitterness:


    "I was going to wait. Wait until it hatched and then consume it for maximum harvest. The ultimate reward for all my efforts. But you¡­"


    The cockatrice turned to Alex, his glare sharp enough to pierce steel:


    "You...you ruined it all."


    Alex''s eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to process what he''d just heard.


    The reveal hitting him like a truck.


    He hadn''t expected the twist at all.


    "Wait, what? Wow." Alex couldn''t find the words.


    He placed both hands on his waist:


    "And here I thought you were some noble, protective father."


    He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head:


    "You just wanted to eat your kid? That''s¡­ that''s disgusting man! You''re unbelievable!"


    Murzok ignored the insult heck he wasn''t even listening. There was no point as Alex was a dead man in his eyes.


    His talons scraped against the ground, his body trembling with fury:


    "You... This forest will be your graveyard. I promise you that."


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk, his confidence overflowing:


    "Nah, I''m not dying by your hand, you sick freak."


    The cockatrice''s voice dropped into a menacing growl:


    "We''ll see about that."


    Murzok crouched low, his muscles coiled, preparing to strike.


    But Alex struck first.


    ----


    A/N


    Hello readers, so I''m here today to get your opinion as to what numbers of chapters you would prefer. Would you rather you get two chapters of a shorter word count or a single one like this one which is the longer version. Let me know what you guys think in the comment. And also note that I would drop updates on uploading bonus chapters but that would depend on the support I get. So without stealing your attention for too long proceed with the reading.

 Chapter 38 - 38: Overwhelmed

    Alex''s blade ripped through the air with deadly precision, slicing through the cockatrice''s cheek as the creature darted to the side in a blur of feathers and rage.


    His heart raced, but his mind was as calm as ever. Alex had activated Foresight, his irises glowing a vibrant blue as he saw a couple seconds of the future unfold in front of him.


    He knew exactly what Murzok was about to do¡ªrelease a barrage of razor-sharp feather blades from its wings.


    But Alex wasn''t waiting around for that. He moved first. His blade, Eclipse Edge, cut through the air and aimed straight for the cockatrice''s head.


    The strike would''ve been fatal¡ªif only it had connected.


    But at the last possible moment, Murzok''s insane reaction speed kicked in.


    The cockatrice jerked its head back, narrowly avoiding the deadly arc of Alex''s sword.


    Murzok launched itself back into the air, its wings flapping with a deafening roar before charging at Alex, who also ran toward him.


    He wasn''t going to give Murzok a chance to recover.


    The bird was momentarily disoriented, and Alex knew this was his window.


    This was his chance to deal a devastating blow before Murzok regained his composure.


    He held Eclipse Edge with both hands, his grip tight, ready to rain down hell on the cockatrice.


    The cockatrice howled, feathers flaring with a surge of anger, and Alex activated Earth Swim, feeling the ground give way beneath him as if he was sinking into water.


    His body dropped into the earth, the dirt and rock slipping past him with ease.


    In an instant, Alex shot back up, propelled by the earth itself like a spring-loaded missile.


    He burst from the ground in front of Murzok, his momentum carrying him high.


    And shouted:


    "Surprise!"


    Before twisting midair and slamming his boot into the cockatrice''s face.


    The impact was brutal.


    Murzok''s head snapped to the side, and the massive bird tumbled to the ground, kicking up dirt and leaves in its wake.


    Alex landed lightly, his eyes locked on the fallen beast.


    As Murzok staggered back to its feet, it saw glowing rocks scattered around.


    And a snap later, the rocks detonated in a thunderous explosion, shrouding the area in smoke and debris.


    But the cockatrice-like shadow shot out of the fumes, feathers blazing, its eyes burning with fury. It unleashed a barrage of razor-sharp feather blades, each slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    Alex moved like liquid, weaving through the onslaught predicting the blades'' paths.


    His Foresight ability illuminated each attack in his mind, allowing him to sidestep and duck with near-superhuman agility.


    But the intensity of the blade release increased.


    And the sheer number of blades became overwhelming, forcing Alex to make a split-second decision.


    With a quick breath, he activated Earth Swim once again and dove into the ground, vanishing from sight just as a wave of blades struck where he had been standing.


    This time, Alex had a plan.


    Instead of surfacing elsewhere, he tunneled beneath the cockatrice, feeling the vibrations of its massive talons through the earth.


    He reached up, his hands wrapping around one of the bird''s scaly legs.


    With a powerful yank, Alex pulled the cockatrice downward.


    The beast screeched in confusion and fury as half its body was dragged into the earth, its wings flailing helplessly.


    Alex then surfaced a few feet in front of the immobilized creature.


    His hand shot out, aiming to touch the cockatrice''s crown, but Murzok wasn''t done yet. Blades erupted from half its body in a sudden, desperate attack.


    Alex''s Foresight flashed, warning him just in time, and he leaped back, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.


    But he had missed one


    Pain lanced through his side as one of the feather blades found its mark, grazing him deeply. Alex hissed, clutching his side as blood seeped through his fingers.


    The cockatrice howled, its cries echoing through the battlefield.


    With a burst of raw power, it shattered the earth around it, freeing itself from the ground.


    Dust and debris swirled as it rose, towering over Alex once more.


    The bird''s fiery eyes locked onto Alex: S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Even with Gaia''s blessing," it taunted, its voice dripping with disdain, "you''re still weak."


    Alex wiped the blood off his cheek with the back of his hand, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Am I? You won''t be saying that in the next ten seconds."


    Murzok''s fiery eyes narrowed as it let out a screech of rage. The cockatrice dove at Alex with incredible speed, activating its movement restriction skill. Alex froze mid-step, his muscles locking up as if invisible chains were holding him in place.


    The cockatrice''s bladed wings reared back, ready to deliver a devastating strike.


    But Alex wasn''t going down that easily. With sheer willpower and a surge of mana, he shattered the restriction just as it locked in place.


    "Nice try," he muttered, diving into the ground with Earth Swim a split second before the blade struck. The attack sliced through the air where his head had been, close enough to trim a few strands of his hair.


    Alex resurfaced behind the cockatrice and lunged, aiming to touch its head once more.


    The bird, anticipating his move, leaped into the air with a powerful flap of its wings, unleashing a deafening sonic howl. The shockwave struck the ground like a bomb, creating a massive crater and sending debris flying in all directions.


    But Alex was already elsewhere, reappearing unharmed a short distance away. He dusted off his coat and smirked. "It''s been ten seconds," he said, his voice calm but dripping with confidence. "Time to lose a leg."


    With a snap of his fingers, the trap he had planted on Murzok''s leg detonated.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion echoed through the battlefield. The cockatrice let out a bloodcurdling screech as its leg was obliterated, chunks of flesh and feathers scattering. The massive bird toppled, crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud, the impact shaking the ground.


    Murzok writhed in pain, his remaining talon clawing at the ground as he tried to stabilize himself.


    Murzok groaned in agony, the searing pain from its missing leg clouding its thoughts. It hadn''t anticipated the attack¡ªit didn''t even realize when Alex had set the trap.


    The cockatrice''s eyes darted down to its maimed leg, blood dripping onto the ground. Then it clicked.


    "His ability... it must make things he touches explode," Murzok muttered, piecing it together.


    The realization sent a chill through the massive bird. Alex wasn''t just quick on his feet; he was far more dangerous than Murzok had assumed.


    A flicker of movement caught its eye. Murzok''s feathers bristled as more of Alex''s glowing Blastshards came whizzing toward it. With a grunt of effort, the bird leaped to the side, balancing precariously on its one remaining leg.


    BOOM!


    The shards detonated nearby, blasting dirt and smoke into the air. The shockwave sent Murzok stumbling, but it narrowly avoided taking another direct hit.


    Breathing heavily, the cockatrice scanned the battlefield, its sharp gaze darting from one spot to another.


    "He''ll strike from below again," Murzok growled to itself, flaring its wings in preparation. It hopped backward, keeping one eye on the ground, fear tightening its chest.


    The memory of Alex''s hand gripping its leg flashed in Murzok''s mind. That must have been the moment. The human had planted the trap right under its nose.


    "Dammit!"


    Suddenly, a shockwave of sound blasted through the air.


    "Sonic Howl!"


    The devastating sound wave slammed into Murzok, sending ripples through the ground. The bird screeched, feathers flying as it recoiled in pain.


    It flapped its wings furiously, retaliating with a screech of its own, but its attack struck only empty air.


    Alex was nowhere to be seen.


    The cockatrice''s heart pounded as paranoia set in. The battlefield was silent except for the ringing in its ears. It scanned wildly, its body tense and ready to strike.


    Alex moved like a shadow, his Stealth Walk ability rendering him nearly invisible against the chaotic backdrop.


    Murzok growled in frustration, his remaining leg shaking under the strain.


    "Dammit," he cursed through gritted teeth. The pain from his missing limb burned like fire, clouding his mind and making it nearly impossible to focus on tracking Alex''s movements.


    And then it happened.


    Alex blitzed forward, his speed blinding. His blade gleamed in the faint light, slicing through the air with deadly precision. His target: Murzok''s head.


    The cockatrice barely reacted in time, leaping backward in a frantic bid to evade the attack. But Alex''s gaze had already revealed Murzok''s next move.


    Adjusting his trajectory mid-sprint, Alex closed the gap with terrifying precision, his hand poised to touch the bird''s head and set another explosive trap.


    But Murzok wasn''t done yet. Desperation ignited its instincts. With a powerful, clumsy roll, the cockatrice managed to evade Alex''s strike. Dirt and feathers flew as it scrambled to its feet.


    Before Alex could follow up, Murzok made a move that left him stunned¡ªit started to run.


    Alex froze mid-step, blinking in disbelief.


    "Is it... running away?" he muttered, almost amused by the sight.


    Murzok, panting heavily, suddenly skidded to a stop. Its pride flared, shame boiling within its chest.


    "Me? Running away from a human?" the cockatrice snarled in disbelief.


    Before it could recover, a sharp pain exploded in its thigh. Murzok let out a guttural groan, glancing down to see a jagged piece of metal embedded in its flesh.


    It whipped its head around in panic.


    But Alex was gone again.


    Fear gripped Murzok like a vice. His chest heaved as his eyes darted across the battlefield, trying to spot the elusive human.


    "What''s this?" Murzok muttered trembling.


    ''Am I afraid?''

 Chapter 39 - 39: New Form

    Murzok''s gaze darted in every direction, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of Alex.


    Left. Right. Below. Above.


    The cockatrice thought, panic rising in his chest.


    "Where is he?"


    His massive body trembled as the tension built, his powerful legs aching from constant movement.


    The pain from his injury gnawed at him, making every step more difficult, more desperate.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    He, the king of his species, had been reduced to this¡ªa frantic, cornered beast.


    And by what? A mere human?


    Murzok snarled, leaping to the side, then dashing forward.


    His instincts screamed at him to keep moving; Alex could appear from anywhere.


    His wings flared out, ready to strike, but hesitation slowed him.


    He was losing his composure.


    Then, out of nowhere, a Blastshard whistled through the air, landing mere feet from him.


    Boom!


    The explosion sent a shockwave rippling through the ground.


    And Murzok leaped to avoid the brunt of it, but the force still hit him, throwing him off balance.


    He hit the ground hard, feathers scattering around him.


    Pain shot through his body as he struggled to rise, its single leg trembling beneath his weight.


    "Get up! Move! Now!" his mind screamed, but it was too late.


    The ground erupted just in front of him, and Alex shot up like a predator springing from a trap.


    A wicked grin spread across Alex''s face as he locked eyes with the stunned cockatrice.


    His hand¡ªsteady, deliberate, and merciless¡ªreached out, aimed directly for Murzok''s face.


    Murzok froze.


    In that split second, the so-called king of his species knew: He''d been had.


    The moment Alex''s palm hovered inches from Murzok''s face, it felt like time slowed.


    If his hand connected, it would be over.


    Unless he killed Alex in time, the explosion would end him immediately.


    But that seemed impossible now as one of his legs was gone.


    Alex''s hand hovered closer, the final strike just moments away.


    Murzok''s body trembled, and in his last desperate move, he squeezed his eyes shut.


    "It''s over..." Murzok thought.


    "Not."


    With a primal scream, Murzok roared:


    "Like hell, I''m going to die to a measly human!"


    With a piercing screech that rattled the forest, a freezing gust erupted from Murzok''s body like a desperate last stand.


    The icy blast hit Alex square in the chest, the sheer force hurling him backward.


    Caught completely off guard, Alex tumbled through the air, spinning uncontrollably as the frost clung to his clothes and skin.


    His body slammed into the ground, skidding to a stop just before hitting a tree, his back softly colliding with it.


    The cold numbed his arms as he struggled to push himself upright, his breath visible in the chilled air.


    "Seriously?" Alex groaned, wiping frost from his face.


    His teeth chattered slightly as he glared at the towering cockatrice.


    "Why can''t you just die easily?"


    Alex groaned, gripping his forehead as a sharp pain pulsed through his temples.


    His eyes burned, the strain from using his ocular ability for too long catching up to him.


    "Great," he muttered, blinking rapidly to shake off the discomfort. But he quickly reminded himself, his regeneration and near-unlimited stamina would handle it. This was far from over.


    He turned his gaze to Murzok, whose body was now emitting waves of icy energy.


    The air grew heavier, the chill biting into Alex''s skin as frost crept across the ground.


    Trees crackled and groaned as a layer of ice covered their bark.


    The cockatrice''s cold fumes froze everything in its wake.


    But then, something unexpected happened.


    Murzok began to slow, his massive frame trembling as the icy aura intensified.


    His breaths were labored, his movements sluggish, and to Alex''s surprise, the ice started to consume the cockatrice itself.


    Ice crawled up the bird''s legs, spreading across its wings and torso.


    Its feathers sparkled as frost encased them, and Murzok''s fierce glare never wavered despite the cold overtaking his body.


    Alex narrowed his eyes realizing the avian beast was undergoing some sort of transformation.


    But he wasn''t going to let it happen,


    Alex gripped his sword tightly, ready to strike but as he lunged forward, his instincts screamed at him, and he froze mid-step, his body stiffening.


    With Foresight still activated, he had seen that as he took a couple of steps forward, the freezing aura oozing out of the cockatrice king would have swallowed him whole, turning his body into an icy statue.


    "Damn it," Alex muttered, stepping back.


    He pulled out a handful of Blastshards and hurled them toward the freezing bird.


    But before they could land the blastshards froze mid-flight.


    Alex frowned as the bombs dropped to the ground, encased in ice.


    The countdown timer on the shards was frozen in place, locked in suspended animation.


    "Are you kidding me?"


    Alex let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration mounting as he realized there was nothing he could do but wait.


    It was as time around the cockatrice king had stopped.


    It was infuriating, and the worst part was that he could only stand by as the transformation continued.


    "Dammit," Alex cursed in frustration.


    He had no doubts that whatever form the cockatrice king was evolving into would be something dangerous. Something overwhelmingly powerful.


    For a brief moment, Alex considered retreating and trying again later.


    But the thought evaporated as quickly as the icy mist forming in front of his face with each exhale.


    The [Rooster Curse] still clung to him like a bad omen, and as long as it did, the cockatrice king could track him wherever he went.


    Besides, Alex was done running.


    The endless pursuit by these monstrous birds had worn him thin mentally.


    He was sick of the constant ambushes, and the gnawing sense of being prey.


    This ends here.


    His decision made, Alex surveyed the area. The once lush forest had transformed into a frozen wasteland.


    The ground crunched under his boots, now blanketed in a thick layer of frost.


    Trees stood like skeletal statues, their branches encased in ice and glistening under the dim light.


    Grainy particles of snow and ice swirled around him, carried by an otherworldly wind that bit into his skin.


    He exhaled sharply, watching his breath turn to white vapor in the frigid air.


    A shiver ran down his spine despite his resolve.


    The temperature was dropping fast, and if he didn''t prepare, the cold would sap his strength before the real fight began.


    Reaching into his inventory, Alex pulled out another coat--this one thicker to withstand the biting chill--and slipped it on, the weight and warmth of the coat grounding him.


    He then took out thick gloves and sturdy boots putting them on, then finished the ensemble with a fur-lined cap that snugly covered his head.


    He then purchased a cup of warm coffee from the shop that cost 100 coins.


    As with the number of coins he possessed he could now buy anything he wanted.


    As he drank the coffee he then decided to browse through the shop to see if there was anything that might give him an edge in his fight against Murzok.


    He scrolled through item after item, but nothing stood out.


    All the weapons, potions, and gear seemed either too similar to what he already had or not quite powerful enough for the battle ahead.


    Then, he spotted it.


    A glowing icon at the top of the list caught his attention, standing out like a beacon.


    [Spectral Warden Armor.]


    The price alone made Alex pause.


    [Cost: 100,000 Coins.]


    It was the most expensive item in the shop, and for a good reason. Intrigued, he clicked on it.


    [Name: Spectral Warden Armor]


    [Type: Legendary Armor]


    [Cost: 100,000 Coins]


    [Defense: 350]


    [Durability: 500]


    [Resilience: +15% against elemental and magical damage]


    [Weight: 0 (No movement penalty, retains full agility)]


    [Special Effects:]


    Wraith''s Ward: Reduces damage taken from high-ranked creatures by 25%. Increases evasive capabilities by 10%.


    Silent Step: Increases the wearer''s stealth by 50%, making it difficult for enemies to hear or detect movements unless in close range.


    Alex nearly choked on his coffee as he read the stats.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    This was exactly what he needed¡ªa legendary piece of equipment that could turn the tide in his favor.


    The armor''s special effects alone were enough to boost his chances against the cockatrice king, especially with Murzok being such a formidable opponent.


    Without a second thought, Alex clicked BUY.


    A soft glow enveloped him, and before he knew it, the armor materialized on his body. It was sleek and smooth, fitting perfectly like a second skin.


    He felt the immediate difference¡ªthe armor was light, and yet he could feel its power radiating from it.


    This was the edge he needed.


    Alex took a final sip of his coffee, his eyes now focused, locked on the frozen form of the cockatrice king.


    His mind raced as he pieced together the situation.


    If his theory was correct, then time itself had been distorted by the transformation.


    Once it ended, not only would the cockatrice regain its mobility, but so would his bombs.


    Determined not to waste the opportunity, Alex turned the surrounding area into a death trap. Every object he could remotely charge had been transformed into an explosive.


    Rocks, broken tree limbs, even chunks of ice¡ªall were primed and ready.


    The air was eerily still, the only sound the occasional groan of shifting ice.


    Then came the first crack.


    Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    Another crack followed, louder this time, like thunder rolling across a frozen plain.


    The ice around the cockatrice king''s body began to splinter, fissures spreading like veins across its surface.


    Crack!


    Large chunks of ice tumbled to the ground, shattering into glittering shards.


    Alex''s breath hitched as the creature''s new form was revealed, the cockatrice king''s new form emerging from the crumbling ice.


    The cockatrice king rose to its full height, its frame radiating an otherworldly majesty.


    Its feathers, now a brilliant bluish-white, shimmered with an iridescent glow, each plume refracting light like shards of frosted glass.


    As it moved, the feathers seemed to ripple, catching the faintest light and scattering it into dazzling patterns, like sunlight glinting off a frozen lake.


    A swirling storm of snow particles encased its body, moving in rhythmic, ghostly spirals as though the air itself had been enchanted to follow its will.


    Its icy breath flowed out in visible plumes, chilling the surrounding air even further.


    Where its leg had once been severed, there now stood a gleaming appendage of sculpted ice¡ªsleek, jagged, and razor-sharp. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The new limb caught the light with a crystalline brilliance, but its jagged edges hinted at its lethal purpose.


    Its movements were deliberate, almost methodical, as though it was reacquainting itself with its transformed body.


    With every step, the earth beneath its talons surrendered to frost, freezing solid in an instant.


    The crunch of ice breaking underfoot echoed in the unnerving silence, each sound a reminder of the cold, merciless power it now commanded.


    For a moment, Alex was awestruck.


    The creature''s new form was breathtaking, a perfect blend of elegance and danger.


    It was beautiful.


    But his admiration was quickly replaced by a cold, sinking realization.


    In the wild, the most beautiful creatures were often the deadliest.

 Chapter 40 - 40: Alexs Domain

    The cockatrice king raised its head proudly, its voice echoing through the frozen forest. It was loud yet smooth, an unsettling mix of boldness and intimidation.


    "Human," Murzok began, its tone heavy with disdain, "to think you would force me to use this form."


    Alex swallowed hard, his pulse quickening.


    "This form was meant for my evolution," Murzok continued, clearly dissatisfied. "Now it will be much harder to rank up."


    The words hit Alex like a hammer. His heart thudded in his chest, and an ominous thought crossed his mind. Had Murzok pulled a fast one?


    Quickly, Alex called up the cockatrice king''s description, a glowing screen materializing in his vision. His eyes scanned the information, dread creeping in as he read:


    [Cockatrice King Murzok (Rank B)* (G)]


    Alex''s mouth fell open.


    A Rank B monster? He wasn''t ready for that kind of leap in power.


    For a moment, panic clawed at his mind¡ªhad he made a terrible mistake by staying?


    But something caught his eye: a small asterisk next to the rank. Narrowing his gaze, Alex tapped on it to reveal the details.


    [Forced Evolution (*): This ability temporarily grants the user stats and abilities of a higher rank. However, it comes with severe consequences after use. The transformation is short-lived.]


    Alex let out a slow sigh, his breath visible in the freezing air. He tightened his grip on his weapon, assessing the situation.


    Despite being a D-ranker, he knew his attributes coupled with the accessories he wore, boosted to match those of a C-ranker.


    That''s how he''d been able to hold his own against Murzok up until now.


    But things were different now.


    Murzok''s so-called rank-up¡ªa.k.a cheating¡ªhad shifted the balance. The cockatrice king''s forced evolution had made him a rank B, even if only temporarily. The question that burned in Alex''s mind wasn''t about fairness. It was about survival. Could he bridge the gap in power again?


    Murzok''s icy voice broke through Alex''s thoughts, each word laced with menace.


    "But no worries, human. Even with this temporary boost, I''ll treat you as the threat you are. Brace yourself for hell."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    "No, you brace yourself."


    With a snap of his fingers, Alex triggered the Blastshards he''d hidden around the battlefield.


    The small orbs lit up in an instant, glowing with an ominous red light before erupting in a chain of violent explosions.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The concussive force ripped through the air, ice, and debris flying everywhere.


    But as the smoke cleared, Alex''s smirk vanished.


    Murzok was already on him.


    The cockatrice king had blitzed through the explosions, his bluish-white form weaving through the chaos like a ghost.


    His feather blade gleamed with an icy chill, a sharp edge aimed straight for Alex''s chest.


    "Damn, he''s fast!"


    But Alex was ready. His foresight kicked in, a flash of the near future playing in his mind. He saw the strike before it came.


    As Murzok''s blade slashed toward him, Alex twisted his body at the last second, pivoting sideways.


    The blade missed by inches, cutting through empty air.


    A wave of cold energy radiated from the near-miss, frost crystals forming on the ground where Alex had just been standing, the slash tearing through the air, releasing a frigid burst of energy that slammed into a nearby tree, shattering it in an explosion of frost and splinters.


    Alex grinned, his eyes glowing as he snapped his fingers, and suddenly, the ground beneath them erupted in a violent explosion.


    BOOM!


    Both combatants were flung backward.


    The cockatrice king instinctively curled into itself, its feathers glowing with icy energy as a protective shell of frost formed around its body.


    The explosion''s force sent cracks spidering across the icy armor, but it held.


    When the dust settled, Murzok unfurled with a scowl, his frosty shield splintering and falling away.


    Meanwhile, Alex was launched into the air like a ragdoll.


    Tumbling mid-flight, he spotted a thick tree branch and reached out.


    His fingers gripped it firmly, and with a powerful swing, he launched himself upward, landing gracefully on another branch like a monkey. His movements were precise and fluid, his agility making the maneuver look effortless.


    From his perch, Alex peered down at the cockatrice.


    A faint smirk tugged at his lips.


    From their brief exchange, it was clear to Alex that going head-to-head with Murzok in his evolved form was suicide.


    The cockatrice''s ice-infused strength and speed were too much to handle directly.


    But the transformation wasn''t permanent, and Murzok''s forced evolution was on a timer.


    So his strategy was clear¡ªhit hard, then disappear.


    Keep the cockatrice guessing, wear it down, and run out the clock.


    The cockatrice then flicked its wings, launching a flurry of feather blades. These weren''t ordinary feathers¡ªthey gleamed like deadly icicles, razor-sharp and glistening with frost.


    Alex''s sharp instincts kicked in.


    He leaped from his branch just as the icy projectiles shredded the tree into splinters, the trunk collapsing with a thunderous crack.


    Mid-air, Alex didn''t aim for the ground. Instead, he vanished into it, seamlessly activating Earth Swim, disappearing beneath the surface like a shadow in water.


    The cockatrice''s sharp eyes darted across the battlefield, scanning for any sign of movement.


    Its feathers bristled its form tense but composed.


    It wasn''t going to be caught off guard again.


    But suddenly, the ground rumbled, and several glowing rocks shot up from beneath the earth, crackling with energy.


    BOOM!


    The first explosion sent debris flying, but the cockatrice was quick. With a sharp hiss, it darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the fiery blast.


    Before it could catch its breath, the earth quaked again. Another trap triggered beneath its feet, and an eruption of flames and dirt burst upward.


    The cockatrice hissed again, leaping clear just in time. Its icy claws found new footing, but then there was another explosion and then another.


    And the realization that he was surrounded hit Murzok.


    Explosives had been hidden all around, turning the battlefield into a minefield. Every step was a gamble.


    "Clever pest," the cockatrice muttered, its voice a low growl.


    As the cockatrice landed, confident it had evaded the worst, the ground beneath it suddenly rippled. Alex erupted from below in a spinning blur, his blade gleaming in the dim light.


    He twisted like a Beyblade, his momentum carrying him forward, and his blade connected with the cockatrice''s chest, slicing cleanly through its icy armor.


    The cockatrice winced, blood seeping from the gash on its chest.


    Yet, the injury seemed more an annoyance than a debilitating wound.


    Its furious eyes locked on Alex, and with a sudden burst of icy energy, it dived toward him at an alarming speed, its blade-like feathers aiming directly for his neck.


    Alex, however, didn''t flinch.


    Instead, a confident grin spread across his face.


    "Not today, birdbrain." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the last possible second, Alex snapped his fingers.


    And then there was another deafening explosion


    BOOM!


    The ground beneath them detonated, hurling both combatants backward.


    The cockatrice was flung into the air, its icy armor cracking further, while Alex skidded across the ground, his boots digging into the dirt to steady himself.


    He came to a stop several yards away, crouched low with smoke curling around him. His breath misted in the cold air as he straightened, brushing off the debris from his shoulders.


    "What''s the matter?" Alex called out, his voice laced with mockery. "Weren''t you about to show me hell?"


    The cockatrice hissed, its feathers rattling like blades ready to strike.


    Alex smirked, glancing at his armor.


    The legendary plating covering his chest shimmered faintly, absorbing the brunt of the explosions and keeping him relatively unscathed.


    Combined with his enhanced heat resistance, he had just enough of an edge to keep pulling off these dangerous maneuvers.


    But he knew he couldn''t rely on this strategy forever.


    Each blast drained the armor''s durability, and it wouldn''t last indefinitely.


    Alex adjusted his grip on his blade.


    He needed to think of something that would be more effective.


    The cockatrice hissed, its icy breath visible as it vented its growing frustration.


    Every second that passed was another step closer to its temporary evolved form running out of time¡ªand it hadn''t even landed a decisive blow on Alex.


    Its sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, and for the first time, it began to understand the true nature of the situation.


    This wasn''t just a random skirmish.


    No, this place had been turned into Alex''s domain.


    The traps, the explosions, the controlled chaos¡ªall of it had been meticulously prepared. And Alex must have set this up while it was undergoing its transformation.


    "Clever human," Murzok growled once again, its voice resonating with an icy chill that seemed to freeze the air itself. "But it doesn''t matter."


    The cockatrice''s body began radiating an overwhelming amount of cold energy.


    Frost spiraled outward, creeping across the battlefield like tendrils, consuming everything in its path.


    Trees shattered into icy shards, the ground hardened into a glacial surface, and the already frigid air became suffocating.


    The solution was simple.


    He just had to make Alex''s domain his.

 Chapter 41 - 41: Mana Freeze

    The cockatrice exhaled deeply, its breath clouding the air as frost danced around it. Then, in a voice that was both calm and foreboding, it muttered:


    "Mana Freeze."


    In an instant, the temperature plunged further, as if the world itself had been plunged into an eternal winter.


    The cockatrice unleashed a surge of power, and a blizzard erupted around it, the winds howling like wild spirits.


    Snow and ice spun violently, creating a swirling vortex of destruction.


    Alex shielded his face as the bitter cold gnawed at his skin, even through his protective gear.


    The air felt heavy, saturated with icy mana, and frost began spreading across the ground in jagged patterns.


    The transformation of the battlefield was terrifyingly complete. Ice coated everything, turning the already-frozen wasteland into a deathly Arctic expanse.


    Trees groaned under the weight of thick frost before shattering into glittering shards.


    Leaves fell like fragile crystals, breaking into pieces upon impact with the icy ground.


    Through the storm, Alex caught sight of the cockatrice moving forward, each step deliberate and powerful. Its icy aura expanded with every move, freezing everything in its path.


    Alex clenched his jaw, reaching into his pouch and hurling a blastshard. The shard zipped through the air, glowing faintly with explosive energy¡ª


    Only to freeze mid-flight, crystallizing into a useless chunk of ice before it could reach the cockatrice.


    "Damn it!" Alex muttered under his breath.


    The cockatrice''s Mana Freeze wasn''t just cooling the battlefield; it was suppressing his abilities entirely.


    Every trap, every shard, every explosive he had prepared was now inert, frozen by the overwhelming cold.


    The cockatrice''s glowing, frost-coated feathers gleamed ominously as it advanced, its eyes locked on Alex.


    Alex took a cautious step back, his mind racing.


    His usual strategy was in shambles.


    The very thing he had been avoiding¡ªclose combat¡ªwas now his only option.


    "No more tricks," the cockatrice hissed.


    And then lunged at Alex with terrifying speed, its icy blade cutting through the frigid air. Alex tightened his grip on [Eclipse Edge], and met the charge head-on.


    Their weapons clashed with a thunderous clang, the impact sending shockwaves through the icy wasteland.


    Alex gritted his teeth, feeling the sheer weight behind Murzok''s attack.


    Each strike from the cockatrice king carried overwhelming force, pushing him closer to his limit.


    The cockatrice''s blade came down in a swift arc, and Alex barely managed to block it.


    But the force sent a chill through his arms, numbing his grip.


    As Murzok pressed its advantage, Alex realized he was being overpowered.


    In a desperate move, he summoned [Aegis Arcane], his barrier flickering to life just in time to intercept the cockatrice''s next strike.


    But something was wrong¡ªthe barrier cracked upon impact, shattering like glass and forcing Alex to stumble backward.


    "What the¡­?"


    He summoned the barrier again, pouring more energy into it, but the result was the same.


    The cockatrice''s icy blade sliced through it with ease, as if mocking his efforts.


    Sweat trickled down Alex''s temple despite the freezing cold.


    He tried another strategy, activating [Earth Swim] to escape beneath the ground. But when he tried to dive, the ground remained firm, unyielding beneath his boots.


    "No¡­ No way," Alex whispered.


    Murzok''s Mana Freeze didn''t just nullify his explosives¡ªit was shutting down his entire arsenal.


    "Shit," Alex cursed under his breath.


    Thinking quickly, he activated [Stealth Walk], vanishing from sight.


    But his invisible form was immediately revealed, and Murzok with a feral hiss, lunged at the him, its icy blade gleaming.


    Alex cursed realizing [Stealth Walk] didn''t work as well, and raised his sword in time to block, but the cockatrice''s strike carried incredible power.


    The blow sent him flying backward, his boots skidding across the frozen ground.


    He slammed into a tree, ice splintering beneath him as he gasped for breath.


    Looking down, Alex saw frost spreading across his chest.


    The icy energy from Murzok''s blade had seeped through his defenses, leaving half his chest frozen and his movements sluggish.


    The blow struck hard, but luckily, Alex''s spectral armor absorbed most of the impact. A faint glow pulsed from the armor as cracks of ice splintered off and fell to the ground. Even so, Alex winced; the force of the attack still left him rattled.


    "Damn it," Alex muttered under his breath, his frustration mounting. He could feel it¡ªthe cockatrice wasn''t just fighting him; it had turned the entire battlefield into its domain.


    Murzok hissed, spreading its massive wings as it fired a barrage of quill-like icicles. Each shard glinted dangerously, slicing through the air with lethal precision.


    Alex reacted instantly, slashing with [Eclipse Edge] to deflect as many as he could. Some quills clattered harmlessly to the ground, but there were too many.


    He dodged the rest with swift, desperate movements, narrowly avoiding being skewered.


    But the cockatrice king stomped hard, and icy energy rippled outward from its talons. Frost spread rapidly across the terrain, reaching Alex in an instant and freezing his legs in place.


    "Shit!" Alex growled, yanking at his legs.


    The ice was solid, holding him in place.


    Before he could free himself, the cockatrice lunged forward, its blade-like feathers glowing with frosty energy, and swung down in a vicious arc.


    Alex summoned [Aegis Arcane] in a panic, but the moment Murzok''s blade struck, the barrier shattered like brittle glass.


    The force of the blow slammed into Alex, knocking him back.


    He grunted in pain, his body jerking as icy energy clawed at his skin.


    The biting cold left him momentarily dazed, but the cockatrice wasn''t done. It let out a screech, launching another wave of razor-sharp ice slashes.


    Gritting his teeth, Alex gathered his strength and smashed through the ice binding his legs with a powerful kick. Freed, he leaped into the air just as the slashes tore through where he''d been standing.


    But the cockatrice tracked his movements, launching another flurry of ice blades in quick succession. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex twisted and turned mid-air, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.


    He landed, sliding backward on the frozen ground, only to find himself under attack again.


    His movements grew heavier under the unrelenting cold and Alex stumbled but managed to keep his footing.


    He tightened his grip on [Eclipse Edge], his knuckles white.


    His mind racing for a way out, but the options were dwindling.


    He couldn''t attack as the cockatrice''s abilities had effectively neutralized all his long-range skills, and each failed attempt to counter only served to remind him how outmatched he was in this icy battlefield.


    The biting cold was relentless, and Alex could feel it seeping deeper into his body.


    Even with his elemental resistance, the durability of his spectral armor had dropped significantly from the barrage of hits it had endured.


    The once-reliable protection now faltered, cracks forming as the freezing energy gnawed away at its strength.


    Alex''s breaths came out in short, visible puffs as the chill tightened its grip. His teeth chattered uncontrollably, and his movements began to slow, frost forming along the edges of his clothing.


    Before he could react, a sharp ice slash shot through the air, striking him square in the chest. The force of the blow sent him sprawling forward, slamming hard into the frozen ground.


    "Argh!" Alex groaned, his hands slipping on the ice as he tried to push himself up


    His vision blurred slightly from the impact, but he forced himself to focus.


    That''s when he noticed it¡ªa massive shadow looming over him.


    His heart sank as he looked up to see a storm of feather-like blades descending upon him, each glinting with icy malice.


    "Shit!" Alex hissed, scrambling to move.


    But his frozen limbs refused to respond quickly enough, and the blades struck.


    One after another, they pierced through him, shattering what little remained of its durability of the armor.


    Frost spread from the points of impact, biting into his skin and leaving deep, stinging wounds.


    Alex gasped, his knees buckling under the weight of the attack as he collapsed back onto the icy ground.


    Pain flared through his body, frostbite spreading from the impalements.


    He clenched his fists, trembling.


    The armor had saved Alex once again, from immediate death absorbing the worst of the cockatrice''s relentless attacks.


    Without it, the damage would have been catastrophic.


    But the cracks spreading across the glowing armor were a grim reminder¡ªit was hanging on by a thread, its durability now sitting at a critical 100.


    The cockatrice king moved forward, its icy gaze locked on the kneeling Alex.


    A smug expression spread across its monstrous face as it extended control over its feather blades.


    One blade shot forward, hooking Alex by the collar and lifting him off the ground like a broken puppet.


    Ice surged from Murzok, flowing toward Alex''s back and forming a jagged, icy crucifix that pinned him in place.


    The cold was unbearable, biting deep into his flesh and sapping what little strength he had left.


    Alex''s head hung low, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead, staining the ice at his feet.


    The cockatrice king leaned in, its voice laced with condescension.


    "Human...where''s that confidence you always carry on your face? Lost it, have you?"


    Alex didn''t respond, his head still bowed, his breaths labored.


    The cockatrice hissed in satisfaction.


    "I told you¡ªyou''re not making it out of this forest alive. You should have fled when you had the chance."


    For a moment, silence hung in the frozen air.


    Then, suddenly, a sound broke through¡ªsoft at first, but quickly growing louder.


    It was laughter.


    Alex threw his head back, cackling with a wild, almost unhinged energy.


    The sound echoed through the icy forest, sending a ripple of unease through the cockatrice.


    "What...?" The cockatrice squinted, taken aback by the unexpected reaction.


    Alex caught his breath, his lips curling into a bloodstained grin.


    "Flee?" he repeated, his voice sharp with defiance. "Why the hell would I do that? I don''t doubt for a second that I''ll win."


    The cockatrice narrowed its glowing eyes, anger flashing across its face.


    "You''ve lost your mind. There is nothing you can do to stop your death at this point."


    Alex''s grin widened, his gaze locking onto the cockatrice with an intensity that made the air feel heavier.


    "Oh? Is that so?"


    The cockatrice reared back one of its icy blades, ready to deliver the final blow. The weapon gleamed in the pale light as it swung forward.


    But Alex''s voice cut through the moment, low and guttural, reverberating with raw power.


    "Titan''s Fury."

 Chapter 42 - 42: Assault

    Alex stared at the skill description one last time, committing every word to memory.


    [Titan''s Fury: Double your strength for 30 seconds, making your attacks nearly unstoppable and allowing you to break through defenses. Drawback: After 30 seconds, strength and stamina are reduced by 50% for 15 minutes.]


    The trade-off was brutal, but at this point, Alex had no other choice. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening like the ice around him.


    "If I can finish this in thirty seconds..." he muttered, his voice firm, "then it''s worth it."


    He took a deep breath, steeling himself.


    "Titan''s Fury!"


    The moment he activated the skill, an explosion of raw energy erupted from his body.


    The ice crucifix holding him shattered instantly, shards of frozen debris shooting out in all directions.


    The sheer force of the release was enough to shake the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the frozen wasteland.


    The cockatrice king instinctively shielded itself with its massive feathered wings as icy debris rained down.


    It hissed in confusion, its sharp eyes scanning through the swirling frost and fumes.


    Then, Alex emerged.


    His figure cut a menacing silhouette as the icy mist cleared.


    His aura glowed an ominous red, crackling like flames in the cold air.


    His muscles tensed, veins pulsing with an overwhelming power that coursed through him like a roaring river.


    Even the air around him seemed to vibrate under the weight of his presence.


    The cockatrice froze momentarily, its confidence faltering as it sensed the shift in Alex''s aura.


    Whatever this was, it wasn''t the same opponent it had been toying with moments ago.


    Alex''s body trembled¡ªnot from weakness, but from the sheer intensity of the strength now surging through him.


    His vision narrowed, locking solely on the cockatrice king as he put on [Fury Gaunlets]


    His breathing was heavy, almost animalistic as if the power demanded to be unleashed.


    Rage and adrenaline coiled within him like a spring ready to snap.


    His mind was laser-focused on one thing: destroying the creature that had tormented him since his arrival in this twisted "tutorial."


    The cockatrice king hissed, his mind racing as he assessed the situation.


    Dozens of jagged ice spikes materialized in the air behind him, each one gleaming dangerously under the faint light, all aimed at Alex, their sharp tips glinting like deadly spears.


    This human had been troublesome enough before, but now? Now he was something else entirely.


    The surge of power emanating from Alex was terrifying, a strength that no D-rank fighter should possess.


    The cockatrice''s thoughts churned, anger bubbling within him.


    How can a mere D-rank be this strong? This shouldn''t be possible.


    He clenched his talons into the frozen ground, his evolved form straining to maintain its power.


    He could feel the energy he''d poured into this transformation waning.


    His body wasn''t built to sustain this state for long¡ªit was only a matter of time before he reverted.


    And once that happened, he''d need days, maybe weeks, to recover.


    To make things worse, his flock was gone, shattered by the very intruder standing before him.


    Rebuilding them would be an exhausting, painstaking process.


    Alex''s interference had ruined everything.


    The cockatrice''s fury burned hotter than ever, a seething hatred for the defiant human standing before him.


    Why here? Why now? Why did such a troublesome creature have to appear in my territory? Why couldn''t he have been someone else''s problem?


    But even as his anger threatened to consume him, Murzok forced himself to focus.


    There was no point in dwelling on these thoughts.


    Complaining wouldn''t change the fact that Alex was here, and he needed to be eliminated before it was too late.


    The cockatrice bared his fangs, his eyes glowing with icy determination.


    A lower rank? Defeat me? Impossible.


    The cockatrice king''s Mana Freeze ability was still active, locking down Alex''s active skills and keeping him from unleashing his usual arsenal of abilities.


    That gave the king a sense of superiority¡ªhe believed this advantage would be enough to claim victory.


    Alex''s explosive power from earlier? A nightmare to deal with, especially when paired with that strength-enhancing skill he''d activated.


    But even now, with Alex radiating raw energy, Murzok was confident he could end this fight before his evolved form burned out.


    Raising his clawed wings, the cockatrice king summoned a storm of ice spikes¡ªhundreds of them, all razor-sharp and glinting in the cold light.


    With a screech of determination, he launched them toward Alex, creating a blizzard of death aimed directly at the human.


    This was it. The fight would end here.


    But Murzok made one fatal mistake.


    He underestimated his opponent...Severely.


    Before he could even register what had gone wrong, a sudden blur streaked through the frozen battlefield.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    Alex''s fist, enhanced by the glowing red power of his [Fury Gauntlet], smashed into the cockatrice king''s face with the force of a meteor.


    The sound of the impact echoed through the forest like thunder.


    Murzok''s head snapped violently to the side, the shockwave from the punch cracking his once-impenetrable beak.


    His vision blurred, the world spinning out of control as he rocketed backward like a cannonball.


    CRASH!


    The cockatrice king slammed through the first tree, splinters flying everywhere.


    CRUNCH!


    The second tree exploded into icy shards as his body plowed through it.


    THUD!


    The third tree buckled, sending a cascade of frozen leaves into the air.


    By the time Murzok''s back slammed into the fifth tree, he finally stopped, his massive body crumpling against the trunk with a dull, resounding WHAM.


    "Gaaah!"


    Murzok let out a guttural cry, blood dripping from its cracked beak.


    Its once-imposing icy scales were shattered into tiny, glittering shards, offering no protection against Alex''s devastating blow.


    The impact had left its body reeling, and the cockatrice king lay there, stunned and disoriented, its mind scrambling to process what had just happened.


    What... what was that?


    It tried to move its neck but failed. Pain shot through its body, and it realized with dread that its neck was stuck, forcibly twisted to the side by the sheer force of Alex''s punch.


    The world around Murzok blurred, but one thing was clear¡ªAlex was already in front of him again. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes glowed an ominous red, like a demon emerging from the depths of hell. His clenched fists trembled with unrelenting fury, and his breath was heavy with adrenaline.


    Murzok''s heart pounded in panic.


    He wasn''t used to fear, but now it gripped him like a vice.


    Desperate, the cockatrice king raised its claws and conjured an ice barrier, a thick, crystalline shield to protect itself.


    CRACK!


    Alex''s fist slammed into the barrier, sending a web of fractures rippling across its surface.


    The cockatrice widened its eyes. That was impossible!


    But Alex didn''t stop.


    With another ground-shaking punch, the ice shield shattered into jagged pieces, scattering in all directions like broken glass.


    "Aaaah!" Murzok shrieked, panic and pain mingling in its cry.


    Before it could even think of a counterattack, Alex reached down, grabbing the cockatrice king by its tail.


    "You''re not going anywhere," Alex growled, his voice low and menacing.


    With a primal roar, Alex lifted Murzok off the ground. The cockatrice thrashed, its wings flailing wildly, but Alex''s grip was unyielding.


    In one swift motion, Alex slammed the massive creature into the frozen earth with enough force to crack the icy ground beneath them.


    The impact sent tremors through the forest, chunks of ice and snow flying into the air.


    Not done yet, Alex twisted his body, using every ounce of his enhanced strength to hurl the cockatrice king into the distance.


    Murzok''s body sailed through the air like a ragdoll, smashing through branches and leaving a trail of destruction before skidding to a halt in the snow.


    The cockatrice slammed into a tree, splinters flying from the impact, but it managed to steady itself just before colliding with another.


    With a guttural roar of fury, it unleashed a swarm of feather blades, a storm of icy projectiles as dense as a locust swarm, all aimed at Alex.


    But the blades struck nothing but air.


    Above the cockatrice, Alex descended like a meteor, slamming his boots onto the creature''s back with a bone-rattling impact.


    The cockatrice screeched in panic, thrashing beneath him. It tried to escape, knowing it couldn''t afford to be pinned under its enemy.


    But as it struggled, it realized something horrifying: its own feather blades, the ones meant to kill Alex, had been driven into the ground, trapping its wings and pinning it in place.


    Alex stood atop the struggling beast, his fist drawn back, the raw power radiating from him like heat waves.


    And then the assault began.


    BAM!


    The first punch landed squarely on the cockatrice''s head, forcing its beak into the icy ground.


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    One blow after another rained down, relentless and unmerciful.


    Each strike sent shockwaves through the ground, creating cracks in the frozen earth.


    The cockatrice screeched, trying desperately to fight back, but the sheer force of Alex''s attacks left it reeling.


    It attempted to flap its wings to break free, but Alex caught one mid-thrust.


    RIP!


    With a sickening tear, Alex wrenched the wing from the cockatrice''s body, tossing it aside like discarded trash.


    The beast howled in agony, its cries echoing through the frozen forest, but Alex growled:


    "Shut up,"


    He grabbed Murzok''s face, and slammed its head back into the ground with brutal force, the ice shattering beneath the impact, shards flying in all directions.


    The cockatrice lay there, stunned, its beak cracked, blood pooling beneath its head.


    And Alex leaned down, his red-tinged eyes boring into the creature''s.


    "Stay still," he commanded in a voice cold as the ice beneath them.


    "I''m not done yet."

 Chapter 43 - 43: Defeat

    Alex clenched his fists tighter, his knuckles cracking as he delivered another crushing blow to Murzok''s skull.


    His movements were relentless, each strike faster and harder than the last.


    The sound of fists meeting flesh echoed through the frozen wasteland like thunderclaps, a brutal rhythm of vengeance and fury.


    Blood sprayed across Alex''s arms, painting his glowing red aura in a sickening crimson.


    Shards of ice mixed with the gore, flying into the air like glass as the cockatrice''s body was pressed deeper into the shattered ground.


    Alex''s muscles burned with the raw power surging through him, but he didn''t stop. He couldn''t stop.


    Murzok''s feather blades, once sharp and deadly, lay useless on the ground, forgotten.


    The cockatrice king had lost his focus, his once-proud control over the battlefield shattered by the unrelenting assault.


    His mind blurred, each punch driving him closer to the edge of unconsciousness.


    The pain was beyond anything Murzok had ever known.


    He couldn''t move.


    He couldn''t scream.


    Even breathing felt impossible under the crushing weight of Alex''s blows.


    The agony was endless, and the fear¡ªraw, paralyzing fear¡ªwas worse.


    This wasn''t a fight anymore.


    It was a nightmare, and Alex was the monster.


    Every fiber of the cockatrice king''s being screamed for escape, but his body refused to respond.


    He had no strength left to summon, no cunning plans to execute.


    Every ounce of power he had poured into his icy form now seemed meaningless against the raw, primal force tearing him apart.


    Alex''s eyes burned with unyielding determination, his voice a low growl as he struck again and again.


    "You should''ve run when you had the chance," he muttered, his words cutting through the chaos like a knife.


    And then, with one final punch, Alex unleashed the full power of his [Fury Gauntlet]¡ªits x3 special effect activating in a fiery burst of energy.


    His fist slammed into Murzok''s skull with the force of a falling meteor.


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted beneath them, sending a shockwave rippling through the icy forest.


    The earth cracked and split, ice shards and rocks exploding into the air as if the very world were breaking apart.


    A gust of wind tore through the trees, bending them to its will and scattering snow like a blizzard.


    The tremor spread outward, shaking the forest with a mini-earthquake.


    Murzok''s body convulsed once before going completely limp.


    His massive frame slumped into the crater Alex had created, blood pooling beneath him as his shattered form lay still.


    Alex stepped back, his hand trembling as blood dripped down his arm and onto the frozen ground.


    His chest heaved with every breath as he stared at the cockatrice king''s crumpled form, the massive creature lying in a lifeless heap.


    But even as steam rose from its shattered body, Alex''s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing.


    The notification of victory hadn''t come.


    That could only mean one thing: the damned bird was still alive.


    "Damn it," Alex muttered through gritted teeth.


    His battle-worn face twisted with frustration, and his blood-streaked fist rose once more, ready to deliver the final blow.


    But then it happened.


    The red glow surrounding him flickered and disappeared.


    His body jolted as if struck by lightning. Titan''s Fury had run out.


    All at once, the overwhelming strength he''d relied on was gone, replaced by an agonizing wave of weakness.


    His knees buckled as if the weight of the world had suddenly crashed onto his shoulders.


    He froze mid-action, his arm dropping limply to his side as his legs gave out beneath him.


    With a choked gasp, Alex collapsed to the side, his body hitting the icy ground hard.


    Pain wracked his entire frame as his muscles seized up, refusing to obey. T


    he backlash of Titan''s Fury had begun.


    "Ugh!" Blood spurted from his mouth, staining the frost beneath him.


    He tried to push himself up, his arms trembling as he clawed at the ground.


    The cold bit into his skin, but it was nothing compared to the crushing fatigue that made even breathing feel like a herculean effort.


    Alex gritted his teeth, forcing his body to move.


    He dragged himself forward, inch by agonizing inch, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. His arms quivered as he reached for anything to anchor himself, but his body screamed in protest.


    "No... not yet..." he whispered hoarsely, his breath misting in the frigid air.


    The will to fight still burned in his eyes, but his body refused to cooperate.


    The drawback of Titan''s Fury was brutal.


    Though Alex''s accessories and equipment still provided some passive enhancement, they weren''t enough to offset the immense loss of strength and stamina.


    Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, the fatigue digging into him like claws.


    His only chance to recover was Vigor Strike, but the ability came with a catch: it only worked if he kept moving.


    The moment he fell to the ground, groaning from the Titan''s Fury backlash, Vigor Strike ceased to function.


    Alex clenched his fists against the icy ground, his frustration boiling over.


    The Titan''s Fury drawback would last 15 minutes¡ªan eternity in the heat of battle.


    This was the reason he always hesitated to use the skill. The raw power it granted came at a cost he could barely afford.


    But even as his battered body betrayed him, Alex suddenly grinned.


    His head tilted back, and a hoarse chuckle escaped his lips.


    The sound was raspy and weak at first, but it quickly grew louder, turning into a full-blown cackle.


    "What... the hell am I doing?" he muttered, shaking his head as his laughter filled the frosty air.


    His ribs ached with every laugh, and his limbs felt like lead, but he couldn''t stop.


    He lay sprawled on the ground, helpless and broken, yet he couldn''t help but laugh.


    If the cockatrice king got back up and attacked him now, it would be over.


    He couldn''t move, couldn''t defend himself, and couldn''t even crawl to safety.


    Yet, somehow, he found the entire situation absurdly hilarious.


    He''d thrown everything he had into that final punch¡ªmore power than he thought his body could handle.


    And judging by the crater where the cockatrice had landed, it wouldn''t be getting up anytime soon.


    Or so he thought.


    Forcing himself to sit up, Alex gritted his teeth, his body trembling under the weight of fatigue.


    He squinted through the frost and blood in his eyes, his heart sinking as he saw the cockatrice king stood before him like a zombie,


    Its body was a grotesque ruin.


    Blood dripped from countless wounds, pooling beneath its talons.


    Its face was twisted and misshapen, chunks of flesh missing where Alex''s fists had torn through.


    One of its wings hung limp at its side, broken beyond use, while the other was entirely gone.


    The icy armor that once made it nearly invincible had vanished, leaving its raw, battered form exposed. It swayed on one trembling leg, its body a living testament to agony.


    And yet, it stood.


    Alex let out a dry laugh, his lips curling into a smirk despite the pounding in his chest.


    "You''re one stubborn bird," he said, his voice raspy.


    The cockatrice king staggered forward, its talons dragging across the ground. Its breaths came in ragged gasps, each one a fight for survival.


    Blood bubbled in its throat as it spoke, its voice barely above a whisper.


    "I... I cannot lose... not to a human."


    Alex chuckled, though the sound was bitter.


    "Oh, so it''s your pride keeping you standing, huh? How unfortunate..."


    The cockatrice''s dull, half-lidded eyes locked onto him.


    "Is... that... so..." it rasped, pausing as if every word drained what little strength it had left. "But... I''m the only one... who can move." It staggered closer, its body barely holding together, but its determination unwavering. "And I... I have enough energy... for one more sonic howl. Enough... to end this... once and for all."


    "Oh, lucky for you," Alex said mockingly, a crooked grin spreading across his face. "But you don''t seem to realize something¡ªthe situation isn''t in your favor anymore." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cockatrice king glared at him, but its weary eyes flickered with unease.


    "Your new form," Alex continued, pointing a bloodied finger at the battered beast, "means the ability you used to lock down my skills? Gone. No more Mana Freeze."


    The cockatrice''s eyes, half-closed with fatigue, snapped wide open. Realization dawned like a hammer striking its skull.


    Alex''s smirk widened. "And, if you remember while we were brawling... I got all handsy." He clenched his fist for effect, his tone smug. "Basically, every part of you is now a bomb."


    The cockatrice froze, its breath catching in its throat. It looked down at its trembling body, panic spreading like wildfire.


    "Also, fun fact¡ªI''ve got just enough Mana for one last attack. But here''s the kicker..."


    He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a taunting whisper.


    "Would you be fast enough to hit me with your Sonic Howl before I snap?"


    The cockatrice''s eyes darted wildly, panic flooding its expression. With a desperate screech, it lunged forward, its body trembling under the strain.


    But before it could even get close, it''s leg exploded.


    The cockatrice screamed, collapsing to the ground in a heap.


    Blood sprayed across the snow as it thrashed, now completely legless. Its once-mighty form, reduced to a pathetic, flailing figure, looked almost comical¡ªa shrieking duck stripped of its power.


    "Oh, did I forget to mention?" Alex said, his tone dripping with mockery. "I don''t actually need to snap to trigger my ability."


    "Damn you!" the cockatrice roared, its voice laced with pain and desperation.


    It clawed at the ground, but it was hopeless.


    Its strength was gone, its body broken.


    Alex sighed dramatically, raising a hand as if to wave goodbye.


    "And now... your end. Goodbye, Murzok."


    He snapped his fingers, and the world erupted.


    The explosions were everywhere¡ªon the cockatrice''s broken body, in the forest surrounding them.


    Alex had planted bombs during their fight, hidden beneath the snow and scattered among the trees before the area froze over.


    Each one detonated like a mini-nuke, sending shockwaves rippling through the icy wasteland. Fire and ice mixed violently, the sky glowing with the light of the blasts.


    The cacophony of destruction drowned out the cockatrice''s agonized screeches. Its body was torn apart in the inferno, leaving nothing but ash and smoke in its wake.


    And in the center of it all, Alex lay flat on the ground, his body aching, his breath ragged.


    He coughed, blood dribbling from his mouth, but the sound quickly turned into laughter.


    Weak, hoarse laughter that grew louder and louder until it echoed across the ruined forest.


    ======


    A/N


    And that''s a wrap for the Cockatrice Arc!


    Next up, we''ll be shifting the perspective to the Overseer¡ªbecause you know he''s got opinions about Alex''s little performance.


    Oh, and get ready, because the new players are about to arrive. Let''s just say the game''s about to get a whole lot more chaotic.


    Stay tuned, because things are only heating up from here.

 Chapter 44 - 44: Oracles POV

    In a pristine white room, a rabbit dressed sharply in a tailored suit and a hat lounged on a sleek white couch.


    A bowl of carrots, styled like popcorn, rested beside him.


    He casually plucked a carrot and munched on it while watching a large holographic screen in front of him.


    On the screen, Alex was locked in a ferocious battle with the Cockatrice King.


    Despite the beast''s overwhelming power, Alex was not only holding his own but outright dominating.


    His explosive attacks were leveling the forest, trees erupting into splinters as he laughed maniacally, reveling in the chaos.


    The rabbit chuckled, amused at the sight.


    Then muttered through a mouthful of carrot:


    "What a lunatic."


    But then, his ears twitched and it seemed to have come to his senses.


    That was right he shouldn''t be enjoying watching Alex''x progress, he should despise it.


    The rabbit''s amusement quickly faded, his eyes narrowing as realization set in.


    He bolted upright, standing precariously on the couch.


    His paw gripped the carrot like a weapon before slamming it onto the pristine white floor, the vegetable snapping in two.


    Then he yelled like a mad man, his voice echoing in the empty room.


    "Goddammit! DAMN ANOMALY!"


    Frustration consumed him as he clutched his head with both paws, pacing back and forth. His polished shoes clicked sharply against the floor.


    "Every...single...plan has failed!" he muttered, his voice rising with each word.


    His mind raced back to his first attempt. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had dropped Alex¡ªa mere newbie¡ªinto a D-rank danger zone crawling with monsters, creatures that should have torn him to shreds.


    It should have been the perfect death sentence.


    Instead, Alex had turned it into a goldmine of opportunities.


    Fighting higher-ranked monsters and leveling up faster than any beginner should.


    It was insane!


    And it was all because of that ridiculous, cheat-like ability: [Exploding Touch] he had gotten.


    The rabbit ground his teeth, his frustration mounting.


    "No player should have an ability that broken this early in the game! It''s against all the rules! Unfair! Completely unfair!"


    And as if that wasn''t bad enough, Alex also had a title: [Apocalypse Baby]


    That cursed title doubled Alex''s growth rate, allowing him to gain strength twice as fast as any other player.


    "Twice the growth rate!" the rabbit yelled, throwing up his paws. "How does the system even allow this? It''s going to break the balance!"


    As if things weren''t already bad enough, Alex had found a golden chest.


    And not just finding it¡ªstumbling upon it effortlessly.


    That damned upgrade stone inside had made Alex''s cheat ability even more overpowered. [Exploding Touch], already a nightmare to deal with, was now enhanced to levels that shouldn''t even exist in the tutorial stage.


    The rabbit slammed his paw onto the couch, fuming.


    "Unbelievable!" he growled.


    The golden chest wasn''t even supposed to be findable.


    Oracle had painstakingly hidden every golden chest in locations that required insane luck or extreme effort to uncover. Players were meant to bleed, sweat, and cry their way through the tutorial before earning the slightest chance of finding one.


    But no, not Alex.


    The anomaly had simply walked past a tree and spotted the gleaming treasure sitting there like it was gift-wrapped just for him.


    Oracle stood up, throwing his arms in the air as he replayed the absurd scene in his mind.


    "What kind of cosmic joke is this?! The tutorial is supposed to be hell¡ªnot a freebie-filled holiday!"


    Worse, Oracle could still hear Alex''s smug voice echoing in his mind:


    "I wonder if there''s more golden chest! I should look for more of them."


    That comment had made Oracle''s fur stand on end.


    "More of these? MORE?!" Oracle had roared at the screen when it happened. He had been so furious he nearly ripped out chunks of his fur, pacing and ranting like a lunatic in his pristine white room.


    It had taken him hours to calm down.


    Now, sitting back on the couch, Oracle let out a long, exasperated sigh. His elbow rested on the armrest, and he leaned his head against his paw, eyes half-closed with exhaustion.


    "Why is this so stressful?" he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the anomaly''s actions crushing down on him.


    To the outside world, Oracle might appear calm and composed.


    But internally?


    Oracle was a dramatic, anxiety-ridden mess.


    When the Cockatrice King descended into the fray, Oracle had been ecstatic.


    The proud, territorial beast had finally appeared, and Oracle was certain it would do what no one else could¡ªwipe out the anomaly.


    But no.


    Not only did the Cockatrice King fail miserably, but the stupid bird captured Alex instead of killing him.** Why? Because some meddling god had whispered divine nonsense into the Cockatrice''s ear, telling it to imprison Alex for future greatness.


    "Typical gods," Oracle muttered, gripping his temples at the memory. "Always sticking their noses where they don''t belong!"


    And what did that lead to?


    The anomaly thanks to its title had forced the same meddling deity into granting him a skill.


    Another damned skill.


    Oracle had thrown an entire bowl of carrots at the screen when it happened.


    "That cursed anomaly!"


    And it didn''t stop there.


    Alex had completely wrecked the Cockatrice''s lair.


    He pillaged its treasure hoard, pocketing more gold coins than a new player had any right to possess. Then he murdered the Cockatrice''s heir¡ªits only child¡ªbefore turning his fury on the king itself.


    What came next was an absolute slaughter.


    The Cockatrice King, the supposed ruler of the forest, was beaten black and blue by Alex in front of its remaining flock.


    Oracle could still hear the memory of the beast''s desperate cries as Alex finished it off, obliterating the once-proud king.


    He''d even tried to stop Alex from gaining more power by messing with the System Shop, a feature designed to tempt players into spending their resources recklessly.


    The shop worked on a simple principle: the more gold a player had, the more expensive and powerful items would appear in their listings. It was a perfect trap, luring players into draining their wealth on flashy, high-end gear.


    But in Alex''s case?


    Oracle had scrambled to hide every powerful skill, weapon, and accessory that might make defeating the Cockatrice King too easy.


    But it didn''t matter.


    Even with all the setbacks, Alex still won.


    The Cockatrice King, the powerful apex predator of the zone, had been reduced to nothing more than a footnote in Alex''s chaotic rise.


    For Oracle, it was infuriating.


    He''d bent rules, pushed limits, and exploited loopholes in the system to hold Alex back¡ªbut none of it had worked.


    The only reason he could even manipulate events like this was that the tutorial hadn''t fully started yet.


    The systems weren''t locked into place, giving him just enough wiggle room to interfere.


    But once the tutorial properly began, all of that would change.


    The rules would be set, opportunities for Alex to grow would multiply, and Oracle would lose the ability to directly intervene.


    This realization sent Oracle spiraling.


    "What the hell am I supposed to do?!" he yelled, pacing the room as his carrot snacks went forgotten.


    His mind raced through the possibilities, but nothing seemed to stick.


    The problem wasn''t just Alex¡ªit was what Alex represented.


    Anomalies.


    They were the most dangerous and unpredictable players in existence. They didn''t just break the rules; they shattered them, leaving chaos in their wake. And the stronger they became, the worse the damage.


    Oracle shuddered as he remembered the last time an anomaly had reached god-level power.


    That anomaly''s rise had thrown the entire multiverse into chaos. Gods had waged war against each other, fighting tooth and nail to claim the anomaly for their side. The battles had torn worlds apart, leaving countless realms in ruins.


    But it didn''t end there.


    The anomaly had done the unthinkable:


    He had killed a god.


    That single act sent shockwaves through the multiverse.


    The delicate balance of power among the deities was shattered.


    Terrified of what the anomaly might do next, gods from every corner of existence united to stop him.


    Yet even then, it wasn''t enough.


    The anomaly carved a bloody path through their ranks, destroying countless worlds and slaughtering dozens of gods before he was finally brought down.


    The memory of that event was burned into Oracle''s mind. It was a cautionary tale, a reminder of what could happen if an anomaly was allowed to grow unchecked.


    And now, Alex was shaping up to be just as dangerous¡ªif not more so.

 Chapter 45 - 45: Oracles Scheme

    Oracle''s world was one of many destroyed by the anomaly.


    That''s why he wasn''t messing around.


    He had seen firsthand what carelessness could cost: entire worlds reduced to ash lives snuffed out like candles in a storm. For Oracle, this wasn''t a game¡ªit was survival.


    If Oracle could have, he would have killed Alex the second he learned what Alex truly was. No hesitation. No second thoughts. Just a clean end to the threat. To Oracle, anomalies like Alex were like mosquitoes they could evolve and they become monsters.


    The best solution was to get rid of them early before they became unstoppable.


    But there was a catch.


    The system''s rules made it clear: overseers like Oracle were forbidden from directly harming humans. At least, not directly.


    The system''s rules weren''t perfect¡ªthey had loopholes, and Oracle was more than willing to exploit them.


    It wasn''t just duty that drove him. It was rage.


    The anomaly that had destroyed so much was a lunatic, a being that lived without limits, wreaking havoc just because it could.


    And now Alex was starting to show the same dangerous signs¡ªthe same disregard for boundaries, the same chaotic energy.


    That''s why Alex had to be stopped.


    Before another father lost his wife.


    Before another family was shattered.


    Before someone lost their entire race.


    This wasn''t just about Alex; it was about justice


    . It was about ensuring that no one else would suffer the way Oracle had.


    That''s why he accepted the role of overseer: to hunt and eliminate anomalies like the lunatic who had destroyed his world.


    He had gotten rid of plenty of anomalies but none like Alex.


    He wasn''t an easy one.


    Even though Alex was innocent now, the potential chaos he could become was what made him so dangerous.


    In the future, Alex could grow into a force, powerful enough to shape the universe.


    Oracle didn''t know which side Alex would choose¡ªgood or evil.


    But the possibility of Alex becoming a destructive force¡ªa being that lived only for itself¡ªwas something Oracle simply couldn''t accept.


    No, wouldn''t accept.


    An evil Alex must never be allowed to exist.


    He swore he would make sure of that.


    But now, that Alex had defeated the Cockatrice King he had taken a leap towards power.


    The rewards Alex would gain from such a feat would be insane.


    Alex had already surged ahead of everyone else.


    Other unique individuals would become irrelevant.


    No one would be able to catch him. And with every step Alex took, he would grow stronger. Stronger than anyone should be allowed to become.


    Oracle had one option left, which was manipulating the interfering deities and enlisting other players to throw Alex off track.


    Oracle knew Alex better than most.


    Thanks to his position as an overseer, he had bent the rules¡ªno, abused them¡ªto get a brief look at Alex''s life.


    He had seen the cracks, the weaknesses, and the people who could throw Alex''s path into chaos.


    That''s what Oracle planned to use.


    The tutorial begins with players appearing in a specific territory¡ªone filled with weak monsters to ensure they don''t perish too quickly.


    Alex, who was already in the tutorial within a rank D zone, would also be repositioned into this territory alongside other players. Just like he had arrived with them, seamlessly integrated into the group.


    He would place Alex alongside players who could disrupt his progress, who would challenge him, push him to his limits, and, eventually, become his enemies. These weren''t just random players; they were strategically chosen¡ªpeople who would no doubt hold Alex back, to make him uncomfortable.


    But that wasn''t the end of it.


    Oracle was going to pull the deities into this.


    He would guide their attention to these chosen players, ensuring that they were blessed with enough strength to fight Alex.


    His hope was that these players would be strong enough to eliminate Alex.


    However, Oracle knew that Alex''s growth rate was unpredictable. Every victory Alex achieved pushed him further beyond what most players could accomplish.


    Still, Oracle wasn''t aiming to outright defeat Alex in a conventional sense.


    His real goal was to mess with Alex''s mind.


    He would manipulate the situation to make Alex question his sanity, erode his confidence, and ultimately fracture his mental state.


    By placing Alex in a situation where he was constantly under pressure, constantly fighting his kind, and forcing him to question his morality, Oracle intended to push him to the brink.


    If Alex eventually passes the tutorial phase, his mental stability will be crumbled, and that''s where Oracle would step in.


    He would present a case to the Reigners¡ªan undeniable argument that Alex was a loose cannon, too dangerous to be left unchecked.


    If Alex couldn''t control his own mind, how could he be trusted not to destroy everything around him?


    That case would no doubt be convincing.


    With Alex''s growing power coupled with his fragile mental state, Oracle knew the gods would see him as a risk. And once that bill was put forward¡ªonce the reigners debated the fate of Alex, the outcome was inevitable.


    Alex would be eliminated.


    Oracle had no doubt about it.


    He would pull it off.


    But Oracle wouldn''t leave it to chance.


    He''d always be watching, manipulating the system whenever he could to tip the scales in his favor. His calm, composed demeanor hid the constant strategy and control he maintained over every detail.


    As Oracle pondered, a flood of notifications appeared.


    Ding!


    [Player 002 is ready to be initiated]


    [Player 0500 is ready to be initiated]


    [Player 3700 is ready to be initiated]


    [Player 10000 is ready to be initiated]


    More notifications kept pouring in, and Oracle exhaled. His calm state returned, his mind calculating every new player''s potential to be molded, to be turned into pawns in his game.


    It was time for new players to make their descent into the tutorial, and for Oracle to begin his work. Just like he had done with Alex, he''d give them a brief introduction¡ªbrief, but calculated.


    As an overseer, he held complete control in this white room.


    He could create infinite versions of it to tend to new, confused players all at once. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sheer power of his position allowed him to be omniscient, able to be in multiple rooms at once, giving each player an introduction like he did with Alex.


    As Oracle began his work, a version of himself scanned through the system searching for two names specifically.


    The two who could make his plan to eliminate Alex feasible.


    He scanned through the system, eyes flicking through player profiles until he found them.


    "Katie and Ethan, was it? I''ll be counting on you two."

 Chapter 46 - 46: Rewards [Bonus]

    Alex''s eyes fluttered open, greeted by a clear, endless blue sky.


    He groaned softly, raising a hand to his throbbing head.


    His mind felt hazy, as though shrouded in a thick fog.


    For a moment, nothing made sense. The memories were gone, but the disorientation didn''t last long.


    Suddenly, it all came rushing back, and a smile crept onto his face.


    The corners of his mouth curled into a grin as he remembered it¡ªthe maniacal laughter that had escaped his lips just before he passed out.


    "Ah¡­" he groaned, satisfied.


    "That''s right. I won."


    Sitting up, Alex let his gaze sweep across his surroundings.


    But almost immediately, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    This place was completely unfamiliar.


    Gone was the icy forest where he had battled the Cockatrice King.


    There were no trees, no frost-covered ground, no green canopy above.


    Instead, he found himself sitting on jagged stone.


    He rose to his feet, his boots scraping against the rough cliffside beneath him. The sharp wind tugged at his hair, and as he stepped closer to the edge, he stared down and saw green below.


    He had somehow ended up on a cliff.


    "What the hell¡­" he muttered, his voice low. "How did I get here?"


    His mind scrambled for an answer.


    Could Murzok have survived? That thought struck him like a lightning bolt.


    Maybe the zombie bird dragged me here while I was unconscious.


    But as soon as the idea formed, Alex dismissed it.


    "No," he said under his breath, shaking his head.


    There was no way Murzok would have gone to the trouble of moving him instead of finishing him off.


    Besides, the last thing he remembered before blacking out was hearing the system notification informing him he had killed the Cockatrice King.


    Alex clenched his fists as the memory became clearer.


    Murzok hadn''t survived.


    He''d won.


    But that still didn''t explain how he had ended up on this cliffside.


    Alex checked the system notification, his fingers swiping instinctively in the air to bring up the familiar glowing screen. As his eyes scanned the lines of text, he exhaled in relief.


    There it was.


    The confirmation he needed. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The battle hadn''t been a dream or some cruel trick.


    "We''ll, as long as I''m not in any danger," Alex muttered to himself with a smirk, dismissing his worry about his location.


    He sat cross-legged on the ground, eager to dive into the notifications and see the rewards waiting for him¡ªespecially the skills and accessories he might have earned.


    The chime of the system rang out again.


    Ding!


    [You have killed the Cockatrice King, Murzok.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    Alex blinked, staring at the screen in disbelief.


    "Five times? Wow."


    He hadn''t expected that.


    Before battling Murzok, he had been at level 23. By his calculations, leveling up from there should have been a grueling process, requiring endless fights and grinding.


    But Murzok wasn''t just any opponent.


    The Cockatrice King had been a high-ranking beast, and the experience points (EXP) gained from the fight were enough to catapult him up by five whole levels.


    Ding!


    [You have received 25 stat points.]


    [You have received 5 power stones.]


    [You have received skill: Petrify]


    [You have received weapon: Murzok''s Fangblade]


    Alex''s eyes widened as he read through the rewards, but it was the new skill that immediately caught his attention.


    "Petrify?" he muttered, tapping the notification to pull up the skill''s description.


    [Petrify]:


    User unleashes an aura of paralyzing energy that freezes all movement within a 20-meter radius. Targets affected by this skill are unable to move, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.


    Resistance is futile for most, as the skill bypasses standard defenses.


    Duration: 10 seconds.


    (Note: Those with exceptional willpower or unique resistances may shatter the effect prematurely.)


    "Pretty sick," Alex said with a hearty grin, leaning back slightly.


    It was the skill Murzok had used on him.


    He had almost pissed his pants the first time it was used on him.


    A skill like this was no joke, it was a game-changer, especially in tight battles where movement could decide life or death.


    But the rewards didn''t stop there. Next, Alex checked the weapon he had received: Murzok''s Fangblade.


    It was a sleek, one-handed sword with a jagged, fang-like design with a high damage output and a deadly poison effect that sapped an opponent''s strength over time. The sword increased the user''s speed, making them faster on the battlefield.


    Alex studied the blade''s glowing details in awe.


    It was a masterpiece, perfectly balanced for deadly strikes and swift movements.


    "Oh¡­" Alex muttered, running his hand through his hair.


    A smirk spread across his face. "Looks like Eclipse Edge might be getting a replacement."


    He couldn''t help but feel thrilled. The rewards from the Cockatrice King were better than he had hoped, and the combination of Petrify and Murzok''s Fangblade would make him a force to be reckoned with.


    "Let''s see who''s ready to mess with me now," Alex murmured with a confident chuckle.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received 25 stat points.]


    [You have received 5 power stones.]


    [You have received skill: Minor Telekinesis]


    [You have received accessories: Attribute Converter]


    Alex''s eyes scanned the glowing text, and one phrase immediately grabbed his attention: Minor Telekinesis.


    [Minor Telekinesis]:


    Allows the user to move small objects using the power of their mind. (Scale increases with level.)


    "Oh," Alex gasped, his eyes lighting up like a kid who just found out they had superpowers. "So freaking cool."


    His mind raced with possibilities. The idea of moving things without lifting a finger made him grin.


    However, a quick skim of the description dampened his excitement a little¡ªsmall objects.


    He couldn''t throw trees or boulders around just yet.


    "Well, I guess I''ve got to start somewhere," Alex muttered, shrugging.


    He stood up, cracking his knuckles, and decided to test his new ability.


    His eyes locked onto a nearby rock, small enough to fit in his palm. Alex focused, willing the object to come to him.


    At first, nothing happened.


    But then, the rock wobbled slightly before lifting off the ground, floating through the air toward him. Alex grinned as he reached out and caught it mid-flight.


    "Okay, that''s pretty sweet," he said, admiring the rock for a second before deciding to push things further.


    Holding the rock in front of him, Alex concentrated again, making it hover and spin around in the air like a planet orbiting a star. After a few seconds of showing off, he flicked his hand and sent the rock flying off into the distance.


    "Not bad," he mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    Now it was time for a bigger challenge.


    He turned to a larger rock, about the size of a basketball, and focused hard, willing it to move.


    He clenched his fists, furrowed his brow, and even let out a low groan of effort.


    The rock didn''t budge.


    "Sheesh!" Alex groaned, rubbing his temple as he eased off. "I almost popped a vein."


    Alex then turned his attention to the newly acquired item, his eyes narrowing as the glowing text shimmered in front of him. From the name alone, he knew it was something special.


    [Attribute Converter]: Exchanges 50 assigned attribute points for a single Upgrade Stone, which can be used to rank up skills.


    Alex''s jaw dropped.

 Chapter 47 - 47: Familiar Faces [Bonus]

    [Attribute Converter]:


    Exchanges 50 assigned attribute points for a single upgrade stone, which can be used to rank up skills.


    Alex''s jaw dropped.


    "An upgrade stone?!"


    He nearly jumped in excitement.


    Upgrade stones were valuable as they were capable of amplifying a skill''s power to insane levels.


    It was why [Exploding Touch] was so strong.


    The thought of his skills becoming stronger sent a thrill through him. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could already imagine upgrading [Minor Telekinesis], [Foresight], or even his devastating [Aegis Arcane]. The possibilities were endless!


    But then, his excitement fizzled as his eyes fell on the cost.


    "50 attribute points?"


    Alex groaned, slapping his forehead. "That''s... a lot of points."


    Fifty points weren''t something you casually gave up.


    Those points could go into boosting his strength, agility, or intelligence¡ªall essential for survival and growth.


    Trading them away felt like handing over treasure for a lottery ticket.


    Alex furrowed his brow, crossing his arms as he stared at the converter. "Someone''s definitely trying to nerf me. Probably because I''ve gotten too strong."


    Meanwhile, elsewhere...


    Oracle sat in his white room, sipping from a sleek black mug filled with something resembling coffee. As Alex''s words echoed through the system, Oracle sputtered mid-sip, coughing uncontrollably. The mug slipped slightly, spilling its contents onto his immaculately pressed suit.


    "Damn anomaly," Oracle growled, grabbing a napkin to clean himself.


    Back to Alex...


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the converter.


    The Upgrade stones were seriously tempting.


    The thought of boosting his skills was hard to resist.


    [Minor Telekinesis] could evolve into something truly dangerous, allowing him to manipulate larger objects with ease. [Foresight] could grant him longer, more precise glimpses into the future. And [Aegis Arcane]¡ªhis trusty defensive skill¡ªcould become practically impenetrable.


    There were so many options, and Alex''s skill list was growing rapidly.


    Alex exhaled sharply and decided to open his stat window. The familiar glowing interface appeared before him, displaying his hard-earned progress.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 28


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]:


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 95 [+5] [+10]


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 50


    [Powerstones]: 10


    [Skills]:


    [Exploding Touch], [Sonic Howl], [Aegis Arcane], [SlipStream], [Stealth Walk], [Titan Fury], [Vigor Strike], [Fast and Furious], [Minor Regen], [Flame Immunity], [Foresight], [Stone Face], [Earth Swim], [Petrify], [Minor Telekinesis]


    Alex studied the window with a critical eye, his mind racing with possibilities. Fifty available stat points¡ªit was no small amount. This was the reward of tireless battles, close calls, and victories against foes like the cockatrice king.


    He could assign those points to bolster his stats, pushing his strength or agility to new heights. Or... he could trade them for an upgrade stone.


    The idea lingered in his mind. If he really wanted, he could even shave off some points from his existing stats¡ªmaybe from Strength or Agility¡ªto get a second upgrade stone.


    But the thought made him grimace.


    "Man, this doesn''t feel right," Alex muttered, clenching his fists.


    He had worked for those points. Risked his life for every single one.


    Trading them away so easily didn''t seem fair. It was like the system was demanding a tax on his success, asking him to give up ten levels'' worth of stat rewards¡ªminus the power stones and skills¡ªfor just one upgrade stone.


    "That''s ridiculous," Alex groaned, his frustration bubbling up. "Someone''s got to be messing with me. There''s no way this exchange is balanced."


    Yet the allure of an upgrade stone was undeniable. It could make his skills even more powerful, transforming them into something truly unstoppable. The idea of supercharging [Minor Telekinesis], [Aegis Arcane], or even [Foresight] was hard to ignore.


    Still, the tradeoff gnawed at him. Alex sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don''t know if it''s worth it," he muttered. "But at least I''ve got time to decide."


    For now, he would hold onto his points and weigh his options. There was no rush. If the opportunity presented itself to earn more points or a better way to gather upgrade stones, Alex would be ready.


    As Alex mulled over how to allocate his stat points, a sudden *whoosh broke his concentration. The sound came from behind him, sharp and unnatural, like air being displaced.


    Instinctively, Alex spun around, his body tensing.


    Standing a few steps away was a man who had seemingly materialized out of thin air.


    The man looked disoriented, his eyes darting around in confusion.


    But then his gaze landed on Alex, and his expression shifted from bewildered to shocked recognition.


    "Alex?" the man stammered, his voice shaky.


    "What the hell is happening? What did you¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, another whoosh interrupted, and then another. People were appearing out of nowhere, blinking into existence one after the other.


    Alex''s heart sank as realization hit him like a freight train.


    His eyes widened as he muttered under his breath:


    "No way..."


    It was happening.


    His time alone in the tutorial was over.


    The others were arriving.


    "Shit!" Alex cursed, his mind racing.


    He had been so consumed by the trials, the battles, and the system itself that he hadn''t even stopped to think about this moment.


    The tutorial wasn''t just his anymore¡ªit was theirs too.


    One of the new arrivals¡ªa woman¡ªlet out a piercing scream as she appeared, clutching her head in panic.


    Another man materialized beside her, his face pale and drenched in sweat.


    He took one look at his surroundings, staggered forward, and promptly fell to his knees, vomiting onto the ground.


    Alex stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest.


    He knew them.


    He knew all of them.


    Each face that appeared was painfully familiar. Coworkers.


    Former colleagues from the life he had left behind.


    Alex swallowed hard, his fists clenching as he fought to keep his composure.


    More and more faces emerged, and with every new arrival, his dread grew.


    "Please," Alex muttered under his breath, his stomach twisting in knots. "Please don''t let them show up. Anyone but them."


    He wasn''t ready for a reunion.


    He didn''t want to see them.


    Another whoosh.


    A man appeared, which made Alex''s blood boil on sight.


    "Thompson," Alex growled under his breath.


    Seeing his familiar face again sent a wave of irritation coursing through him.


    Thompson looked around, clearly baffled by what was happening, but his presence alone was enough to reignite old grudges.


    Alex clenched his fists tighter, trying to calm the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm him.


    Those two were coming as well.

 Chapter 48 - 48: Denizen of New World

    Alex stood rooted in place, his breath caught in his throat as more people blinked into existence around him.


    Each new arrival felt like a drumbeat against his nerves, tightening his chest further.


    His entire body was tense, every muscle coiled as if preparing for a fight.


    Why am I so on edge?


    Alex wondered, his hands balling into fists.


    He''d faced the Cockatrice King, battled swarms of deadly monsters, and stared death in the face more times than he could count. And yet here he was, shaken to his core, his heart pounding like a war drum.


    Two normal humans shouldn''t have been enough to rattle him like this.


    Another soft whoosh broke the silence. A new figure appeared just a few feet away, swaying slightly as they adjusted to the strange surroundings. Alex''s eyes darted toward the newcomer, scanning their face with a mix of hope and dread.


    And then¡­ nothing.


    No more sounds. No more arrivals.


    Alex held his breath for a few agonizing seconds, his eyes scanning the space around him. The air was still, quiet as if the tutorial had paused its relentless summons.


    "Is that it?" Alex murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible.


    His nerves refused to settle, the tension in his chest still lingering. He didn''t trust it. Not yet.


    A soft ding echoed in his ears, and Alex''s heart skipped a beat. It was a system notification.


    Judging by the way everyone suddenly froze, their eyes flickering toward the invisible screens in front of them, it wasn''t just his notification¡ªit was a general announcement.


    [Welcome to the Tutorial]


    The words hovered in Alex''s vision, stark and simple, but they carried a weight that made him exhale sharply. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave, loosening the knot of tension in his chest.


    It seemed they weren''t coming after all. Not yet.


    Alex took a moment to glance around, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He did a quick headcount¡ªtwenty people in total.


    Some of them were familiar faces, people he had worked closely with back at the office. Others were more distant acquaintances, employees he barely knew beyond a nod in the hallway.


    Twenty of them, Alex thought. And still not the two I was worried about.


    Just as he began to process the situation, another notification popped into view.


    Ding!


    [You have earned the title: ''Denizens of the New World.'']


    Alex blinked in surprise.


    "A title?" he muttered, his curiosity piqued.


    He quickly opened his stat window to check out the details of the title.


    [Ding! You have earned the title: Denizens of the New World.]


    [Title Effect: You have successfully completed the introduction and entered the tutorial as a trainee of the new world. +3 to all stats.]


    Alex raised an eyebrow. So it wasn''t anything special, he thought, his excitement fading slightly. Judging by the reactions of the others around him, it was clear they had received the same title.


    "Figures," Alex muttered to himself, brushing it off. He''d been hoping for something unique, something that would set him apart even more.


    But a generic bonus to stats? Useful, sure, but nothing groundbreaking.


    As Alex closed the notification window, he noticed someone approaching him.


    A tall, sharp-featured man with a shrewd look in his eyes strode over.


    At first glance, you''d think he was calm and confident, maybe even boisterous. But Alex knew better.


    "Alex!" the man exclaimed, his voice overly loud, as though trying to draw attention. "You good, man? Did you see that rabbit too? Creepiest thing I''ve ever seen¡ªhonestly, I almost peed my pants!"


    Alex winced as the man''s words came at him like a machine gun. He barely had time to react as the barrage of chatter continued.


    The man''s personality was the exact opposite of Alex''s¡ªextroverted, overly friendly, and naturally charismatic. People were drawn to him like moths to a flame, but Alex found his energy overwhelming.


    This was someone Alex knew well. Back at work, he had been one of the few who treated Alex with decency, even speaking to him like a normal person. But he had never once stood up for Alex when the bullies came for him. Not once.


    Jonah was the only one who had ever been remotely nice to Alex at work. He''d treated Alex with some decency, speaking to him when most others wouldn''t. But he had never once stood up for Alex when the bullies came for him.


    This left Alex conflicted. Was Jonah genuinely unaware of my situation, or was he just acting clueless?


    The thought stung more than Alex wanted to admit. It made him feel weak¡ªpathetic, even. He had silently relied on Jonah to step in and help, rather than standing up for himself or simply asking for support. That dependence, combined with Nathan''s inaction, gnawed at him.


    Shaking the thoughts away, Alex observed Jonah more closely. Unlike the sharp suit Jonah had worn to work, here he was dressed in sturdy armor, just like the others who had been summoned.


    So, we all start with gear now? Alex wondered, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the group. His gaze swept over the crowd, pausing when he caught someone staring directly at him.


    It was a woman¡ªher face familiar, though her name escaped him. Alex furrowed his brow, piecing together where he''d seen her before. The floor below us, he recalled. She worked in the department beneath his.


    Their only interaction had been brief¡ªa polite conversation during an elevator ride when they''d been the only two inside.


    He remembered her being nice, maybe even a bit friendly, but he hadn''t paid much attention to her back then. His heart had been entirely consumed by Katie at the time.


    Now, though, with nothing else to distract him, Alex found himself looking at her more closely. Her features were striking¡ªfar more than he''d noticed before. She''s... beautiful, Alex realized, the thought surprising him.


    For a moment, he held her gaze, but as the weight of the stare grew heavier, he quickly turned his eyes elsewhere, his face heating slightly.


    "Hey, Nancy!" Jonah called out, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.


    Nancy turned her head, her expression softening as she replied warmly, "Hi, Jonah."


    Her gaze, however, quickly shifted back to Alex, lingering on him. Alex noticed and tensed up slightly, unsure of what she wanted to say.


    "You okay?" Nancy asked, her tone gentle yet curious. "You seem a little... tense."


    Alex hesitated, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, well, who wouldn''t be? The situation we''re in isn''t exactly... normal."


    Nancy nodded a small smile on her lips.


    "You''re right about that. I mean, I''d just stepped into the office when my head suddenly felt like it was going to explode. The next thing I knew, I was in a white room talking to a rabbit. And then... I appeared here."


    Jonah chimed in, gesturing around.


    "Same here. It was so weird¡ªone second, I was at my desk, and the next, I''m face-to-face with some rabbit thing. I''m guessing it''s the same for everyone here."


    Nancy turned back to Alex, her gaze steady. "What about you, Alex? Was it the same for you?"


    Alex gave a small nod, trying to avoid looking too stiff. "Yeah. It''s the same," he replied simply.


    His response felt awkward, and he knew it. He wasn''t trying to come off as distant, but the words just didn''t flow naturally.


    Maybe it''s because I''ve spent days talking to beasts, Alex thought, and suddenly having to interact with people feels...off.


    Alex shifted uncomfortably, noticing the way Nancy''s eyes lingered on him, her expression curious, almost suspicious. It wasn''t the kind of look you gave just anyone¡ªit was like she was trying to piece something together about him.


    "Is that so... then why do you look like you just got into a fight with a bull?" Nancy asked, her tone light but her words pointed.


    "Huh?" Alex blinked, confused.


    She gestured subtly toward him. "I mean, look at you."


    Alex glanced down and immediately saw what she meant. His clothes were a mess¡ªtorn and dusty, with faint streaks of dried blood across his shirt. In comparison, everyone else looked pristine, decked out in gleaming armor that seemed like it had been plucked straight out of a fantasy game.


    "There''s blood on your clothes, too," Nancy added, tilting her head slightly. Her sharp observation made Alex feel a little self-conscious.


    He scratched the back of his neck, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Well... uh, my landing wasn''t exactly soft," he explained. "I pretty much crashed into the ground. Must''ve hurt myself a little in the process."


    "Is that so..." Nancy murmured, her tone unreadable.


    Jonah, however, jumped in, flashing his usual easygoing grin. "Man, Alex, you''re always so... different. It''s like you''re from another world or something."


    Alex narrowed his eyes slightly, unsure how to take the comment. What the hell does that even mean? Is that supposed to be a compliment... or an insult? He didn''t like overthinking things, but Jonah''s words stuck in his head.


    Before he could respond, Alex''s attention was pulled elsewhere.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement¡ªsomeone was making their way toward him, their steps deliberate.


    His stomach dropped as he recognized who it was.


    Thompson.


    And he looked like he was coming to pick a fight. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 49 - 49: Confrontation

    Alex''s gaze sharpened as he noticed Thompson heading straight toward him, his face set in a mix of anger and suspicion. His footsteps were heavy, his posture tense, and it didn''t take a genius to tell that confrontation was inevitable.


    "You! What did you do?" Thompson barked, loud enough to draw everyone''s attention.


    Alex''s frown deepened. Here we go. He vaguely remembered threatening to beat the man up if he interfered, and shortly after, the system had descended.


    Before Alex could say anything, Jonah stepped in, his tone equal parts curious and defensive. "Whoa, what are you talking about? What did he do?"


    Thompson''s accusing glare didn''t waver as he pointed a shaking finger at Alex. "He assaulted Mr. Ethan! And then¡ªthen all of a sudden this happened!"


    Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group. Jonah''s expression twisted in disbelief as he turned to Alex. "You assaulted Ethan? Like... the head of the company?"


    Alex hesitated. He didn''t want to explain himself to these people¡ªnot here, not now¡ªbut the weight of their stares pressed on him. He muttered under his breath, just loud enough to be heard, "You seriously think that matters now?"


    "What?!" Thompson roared, his voice rising in both pitch and volume. "You don''t think it matters? You assaulted the head of the company!"


    Alex met Thompson''s gaze, his expression unyielding. A flicker of annoyance crossed his features.


    Nancy chimed in, her tone firm yet calm.


    "He''s right. It doesn''t matter."


    Thompson spun toward her, his expression twisted in frustration.


    He raised a dismissive hand.


    "Huh... you butt out of it! This doesn''t concern you!"


    Jonah stepped in next, his voice steady but tinged with disbelief.


    "Mr. Thompson, you''re getting your priorities all wrong here. Think about it for a second¡ªwhat''s the connection between Alex supposedly doing that and us all ending up here?"


    Thompson turned to Jonah, his face flushed. "You¡­ you don''t know! What he did probably caused all of this!"


    Jonah raised an eyebrow, folding his arms as he replied with slow, deliberate sarcasm. "So, let me get this straight. You''re saying that Alex punching Ethan was so catastrophic, it broke the laws of reality, shattered the matrix, and somehow triggered a rabbit in a suit to drag us into this bizarre place to ''train'' us as citizens of a new world? Is that what you''re saying, Mr. Thompson?"


    The group around them went quiet. All eyes were on Thompson as Jonah''s words hung in the air. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thompson froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. The logic¡ªor lack of it¡ªbegan to dawn on him. He stammered, trying to find a response, but he couldn''t.


    "¡­I¡­" he muttered, clearly flustered.


    Alex watched the scene unfold, his sharp gaze noting the flicker of realization in Thompson''s eyes. The man had blurted out his accusation out of panic, scrambling for someone to blame, and Alex had just been his convenient scapegoat.


    Because that''s what Thompson always did¡ªshove responsibility onto someone else the moment things got tough.


    Thompson clicked his tongue in frustration, the sharp sound cutting through the tense silence.


    He turned toward Alex, his expression twisting into one of disdain.


    Alex was an easy target, after all.


    "You''re such a piece of shit," Thompson spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Acting all arrogant earlier, like you''re above everyone else. But let''s face it¡ªyou''re still the same wimp, hiding behind other people. Letting them speak for you. Just wait¡­ when we get back, you''ll pay for what you did to Ethan."


    Alex stood still, his face betraying no emotion as he watched Thompson rant. He didn''t flinch, didn''t respond, didn''t even blink.


    But inside? Inside, Alex was boiling.


    Should I just blow him up? The thought came unbidden, simmering in the back of his mind. It would be so easy¡ªhe could do it in an instant. Heck, if he wanted to, he could wipe out everyone here in seconds.


    But Alex clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms to ground himself. He wasn''t a psychopath. Killing Thompson¡ªor anyone else here¡ªwouldn''t do him any good. It wouldn''t solve anything. And deep down, he knew Thompson''s words had struck a nerve.


    Because Thompson wasn''t entirely wrong.


    Alex had let others fight his battles for far too long. He''d stayed quiet, kept his head down, hoping to avoid conflict. It was pathetic, and he hated himself for it.


    As the anger churned inside him, Alex felt a sharp tug of awareness¡ªNancy''s gaze was on him again.


    He turned his head, meeting her eyes.


    Her expression wasn''t harsh like Thompson''s or worried like Jonah''s had been. It was¡­ curious. Searching. She was studying him, almost like she was trying to figure him out.


    Alex furrowed his brow, confused.


    Nancy''s gaze lingered for a moment longer before she looked away, as if pretending she hadn''t been staring.


    Alex''s mind raced. What the hell was that look about? he wondered.


    It felt like her gaze was saying, I''m watching you.


    But why?


    Alex shifted uncomfortably. The attention was unsettling, something he actively avoided. He didn''t want eyes on him, especially now.


    Should I just disappear? he thought, imagining himself slipping away from the group to figure things out on his own. It wasn''t like he needed anyone here¡ªthey''d probably be better off without him anyway.


    But deep down, Alex knew there was a reason they''d all been brought here together. The system had gathered them for something bigger than personal grudges. For now, he''d stay. He wanted to see how things unfolded before making any rash decisions.


    Meanwhile, Nancy found her eyes drawn to Alex again, her thoughts lingering on him.


    He seemed¡­ different.


    Not just because of his rough appearance, but the way he carried himself. There was a weight to him, like someone who had been through more than anyone else here could imagine.


    Nancy had overheard whispers in the office about how Alex was treated, but she''d never known the details. Watching him now, it became painfully clear that those rumors hadn''t been exaggerated.


    The way Thompson had spoken to him, the judgmental glances from their co-workers, and the oppressive silence surrounding him all pointed to someone who had been ostracized for far too long.


    Nancy frowned. How had he put up with all of this?


    Before she could dwell on it further, a man stepped forward, breaking the tension.


    He was tall and athletic, dressed in a sleek archer''s outfit, a bow slung over his back. His expression was one of frustration, his voice carrying a mix of desperation and confusion.


    "Can someone please explain what''s going on here?" he asked, his tone edged with impatience. "I''ve been trying to wrap my head around this, but no matter how much I think about it, nothing makes sense!"


    The atmosphere was tense, filled with restless murmurs and shifting eyes. Suddenly, a soft sob broke the silence, a haunting, emotional sound that filled the air.


    Alex''s eyes flickered toward the source of the noise. It was Evelyn, a girl he barely knew, dressed in flowing robes, holding a wand that trembled in her grasp.


    "Sob, sob¡­ I don''t want to be here. I want to go back," Evelyn whimpered, her voice quivering as tears streamed down her face.


    "Stop crying, dammit. It wouldn''t solve anything." A harsh voice cut through the air.


    It woman, dressed in dark, form-fitting clothes looking like an assassin.


    "Everyone, calm down," a towering figure, clad in heavy armor said, his voice still steady. "This is probably some illusion or prank¡­ a dream?"


    But Evelyn''s sobs only grew louder, and her despair seemed contagious.


    Alex watched the crowd panicking.


    He couldn''t give more or less of a shit about any worries but as he glanced around at the others, he noticed something that he hadn''t paid more attention to due to his nervousness.


    Unlike him, who had been thrust into the thick of it, everyone else was prepared, somewhat.


    They weren''t thrown into the chaos with just a suit and empty hands.


    No¡ªmost were armored, weapons slung across their backs or at their sides.


    Swords, axes, wands¡ªevery one of them had some kind of tool for survival.


    Even Evelyn, who was sobbing uncontrollably, had a wand clutched tightly.


    Meanwhile, Alex had landed here his business suit.


    He had fought tooth and nail for everything he had¡ªno fancy gear, no convenient weapons¡ªbut here, they were fully equipped from the start.


    ''Seriously, why didn''t I get this when I first appeared here?''


    Alex thought, his frustration bubbling just below the surface.


    The question bounced around his mind, both confusing and infuriating.


    Jonah''s voice then cut through the rising tension and then began to speak:


    "I don''t think this is a dream or an illusion or anything like that. It''s real¡ªreal as it gets. But I believe this is survivable¡ª if we stick together. Let''s focus on what we know and start from there."


    The group hesitated, but Jonah''s confidence seemed to anchor them. Slowly, the chaos subsided as people began speaking up, each sharing the knowledge they had.


    "We get a skill every ten levels."


    "Ranking up gives you +5 to all attributes."


    "Defeating boss monsters drops skills or weapons."


    "There''s a shop¡ªapparently, you can trade items and buy items there."


    As more people talked, the panic drained from the room.


    These weren''t ordinary people¡ªthey were professionals, and they were starting to act like it.


    Calm logic replaced fear, and the group began piecing together how this world worked.


    But Alex wasn''t calming down. If anything, with every new detail revealed, his anger burned hotter. His mind raced as he listened.


    ''All of this... the damned Overseer didn''t tell me any of it!"''

 Chapter 50 - 50: Player Killer

    Alex stepped forward and tapped Nancy on the shoulder, snapping her attention away from the group''s chatter. She turned to face him, eyebrows raised in curiosity.


    "All of this... did the damned¡ª" Alex bit back his words, forcing a calmer tone. "Did the Overseer really tell you all this?"


    Nancy nodded without hesitation.


    "Yes. He explained the basics of the tutorial and answered any questions we had. Willingly, too. The only time he clammed up was when we asked about the Deities or the origin of the system."


    Alex froze for a split second. His expression didn''t change, but inside, his frustration flared like wildfire. He forced a smile, though his body betrayed him¡ªhis fists curled tight, his shoulders tensed.


    "Oh, is that so," he said absentmindedly, the words rolling off his tongue while his mind boiled.


    Before Nancy could notice anything strange, Alex added quickly, "Thanks." Then he turned away, his expression darkening the moment she couldn''t see his face.


    "That damned rabbit¡­" he cursed silently, his thoughts a storm of anger. The Overseer had handed them everything on a silver platter¡ªinformation, guidance, answers¡ªwhile leaving him to stumble around blind, piecing things together the hard way.


    But then he paused, taking a slow breath to steady himself. His anger began to cool, and for a moment, Alex let the truth sink in.


    "I have to admit... figuring it out myself wasn''t all bad."


    The thought hit him like a realization. Every hardship, every piece of knowledge he had earned on his own had shaped him. Made him sharper. Stronger.


    He glanced around at the other players¡ªtheir faces still tense, their eyes filled with uncertainty. If he wanted to, he could wipe them all out right now. They weren''t even close to his level.


    The corner of Alex''s mouth twitched into a faint, almost amused smile.


    "Let them have their answers. I''m already ahead."


    Nancy, who had been watching him, suddenly tilted her head and frowned.


    "Are you constipated or something? Why do you look like that?"


    The question blindsided Alex. His faint smile disappeared, replaced by an incredulous look. He blinked at her, then let out a small, almost inaudible chuckle as he relaxed.


    "It''s nothing," he replied, shaking his head.


    He focused on the other players, carefully observing how they interacted¡ªtheir body language, their conversations, and the subtle way they grouped together.


    It didn''t take long for him to notice something interesting.


    "Jonah''s more resourceful than I thought," Alex muttered to himself.


    Jonah moved through the crowd like it was second nature. He spoke to everyone, his tone confident but approachable. Even the players who had been withdrawn¡ªarms crossed, faces tense¡ªfound themselves talking to him. Alex watched as their walls came down, bit by bit.


    He noticed the way their eyes lingered on Jonah when he spoke. They weren''t just listening; they were hanging on his words. His presence carried weight. Influence.


    "Yeah, he''ll probably be their leader," Alex thought, his expression unreadable.


    Turning away from the group, Alex walked to the edge of the massive tower they stood on. Wind rushed past him, carrying with it the faint noise of distant shouting. He squinted into the distance, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.


    His gaze landed on other towers rising through the misty horizon, their silhouettes standing tall like forgotten giants. He noticed players¡ªother people like him¡ªscattered on top of each one.


    "Same number as us¡­" Alex realized, narrowing his eyes. Their confusion was clear even from this distance. They milled about, looking as lost and uncertain as he had felt when he first arrived.


    "We''re not alone in this mess," he muttered under his breath.


    Then, as his gaze drifted further, something caught his attention¡ªsomething that made him freeze.


    Atop another tower, a single player with a scythe sat at the very edge, legs dangling carelessly over the side. Alex''s sharp eyes took in the unsettling sight just behind the figure¡ªseveral unmoving bodies strewn across the rooftop.


    Dead.


    A chill ran through him.


    "Did he kill all those players?"


    His body tensed, his mind racing. They had just arrived, and hadn''t even faced any tutorial monsters yet. And already, people were dying.


    Alex exhaled, shaking his head as a bitter thought surfaced.


    "I knew it. Humans are bound to cause trouble here."


    He let out a quiet sigh, staring at the chaos unfolding from afar. He was human, too, yet he''d already caused enough destruction in just a few days. Multiply that by thousands of people running around in a place like this, and chaos was unavoidable.


    For a fleeting moment, Alex wished he was the only one here. Alone.


    Behind him, he heard footsteps approaching. He glanced over his shoulder to see Nancy walking toward him. She slowed when she noticed his distant expression.


    "What are you doing here all by yourself?" she asked, her voice curious but cautious.


    Alex didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he pointed across the misty expanse.


    "See that?" he said, his tone quiet but firm. "Other players. Just like us."


    Nancy followed his gaze, narrowing her eyes as she stepped closer. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she squinted to make sense of the distant scene.


    But Alex noticed something. She stopped short, careful not to get too close to the edge. Her posture stiffened ever so slightly.


    Alex''s lips twitched into a small, knowing smile. "Is she afraid of heights?" he wondered silently.


    Compared to Alex''s enhanced eyesight, Nancy''s vision was laughably poor. She squinted into the distance, clearly struggling to see what he''d pointed out.


    "Wait¡­ oh," she murmured after a moment. The players on the other towers appeared as tiny, barely visible dots to her. "It''s true."


    Before Alex could stop her, Nancy turned back to the group.


    "Hey, Jonah! Look¡ªother players!" she called out, waving an arm and drawing everyone''s attention.


    Jonah looked up, his interest piqued. "Where?"


    Nancy pointed toward the towers. "Over there. Alex spotted them."


    Alex frowned, his jaw tightening slightly. "You didn''t have to say it was me¡­"


    Jonah grinned at him, his usual enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "Good job, Alex." He turned to address the others, his voice carrying the kind of authority that naturally drew attention.


    "We should try to meet up with them," Jonah said, optimism shining in his words. "If we join up with a larger group, we''ll have better chances of survival. There''s no need to worry too much, everyone¡ªif we work together, we can get through this place."


    The crowd murmured in agreement, hope flickering in their expressions.


    But Alex stood quietly at the edge, shaking his head.


    "Naive,"


    He turned his gaze back toward the lone figure on the far-off tower who looked like a grim reaper, and his fingers curled slightly.


    He sincerely doubted everyone would share Jonah''s wide-eyed, team-player ideals.


    Heck, he didn''t even agree with Jonah''s views.


    This place was dangerous.


    And people¡ªwhen pushed¡ªwere far worse than any monster lurking here.


    He planned on leaving the group soon as working in a group, especially with people who had treated him poorly, wasn''t going to happen.


    Trust in a place like this? Impossible.


    In a world with no rules or regulations¡ªwhere strength made the rules¡ªhumanity always ended up being its own worst enemy. People would fight, betray, and tear each other apart long before the real threats did.


    Alex''s thoughts were interrupted when the archer who had spoken earlier raised a concern.


    "Okay, I agree with the idea of meeting up with others," the archer said, crossing his arms. "But how are you planning to get down? We can''t exactly climb."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to the edge of the tower. He peered downward, scanning for a path. The sheer drop was dizzying¡ªsmooth, unforgiving walls that stretched straight to the ground below.


    ''That''s right,'' Alex thought. ''There''s no way down.''


    At least, not for most people.


    For him, getting down wouldn''t be an issue. With his enhanced agility, he could scale the walls easily, or better yet¡ªhe glanced at the [Glider''s Cloak] draped over his shoulders¡ªhe could simply soar down.


    But the others?


    They were newbies. Climbing that sheer wall would be suicide.


    "Maybe," a player suggested hesitantly, "if we put our free stat points into agility, we might be able to climb down."


    The idea floated through the group like a weak spark, but it was quickly met with skepticism.


    "I don''t advise that," another player shot back. "We all have innate abilities, right? We should put our points into the attributes that match those abilities, so we can actually use them properly."


    "Attributes? Agility? I don''t get any of this," someone else muttered, frustration lacing their voice.


    Another player chimed in, "I don''t even have an ability."


    "Me neither," a second one admitted, shoulders slumping.


    The tension thickened in the air. Confusion mixed with uncertainty as the group stared at each other, wondering how they''d gotten here and why some of them seemed luckier than others.


    Jonah stepped forward, raising a hand. His calm voice cut through the chatter.


    "There''s no need to worry," Jonah said confidently. "If it''s about getting down¡­"


    The group turned to him, hopeful.


    "¡­then I can solve it."


    "How?" Thompson asked, his tone skeptical.


    Jonah''s lips curled into a grin. He took a step forward, and without another word, his body began to rise into the air.


    Gasps echoed across the rooftop.


    Jonah floated effortlessly, rising higher and higher, as if gravity had simply stopped existing for him. His clothes rippled in the wind as he hovered several feet above the ground, arms casually crossed.


    The players stared, wide-eyed.


    "No way¡­" someone whispered.


    Even Alex, who had remained quiet until now, felt his brow twitch. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Of course,'' he thought bitterly, narrowing his eyes. ''He has the ability to fly.''

 Chapter 51 - 51: My Abilities

    Alex felt a twinge of envy as he watched Jonah casually descend from the air.


    Sure, he had the [Glider''s Cloak], which let him fly, but there was something undeniably cool about soaring through the sky without needing any equipment.


    ''That ability''s way too versatile,'' Alex thought.


    Jonah could hover out of reach of any ground-based beast and rain down attacks from above¡ªassuming he gained the right skills for it.


    Jonah landed smoothly, his boots touching the ground as if the wind itself had set him down.


    The group erupted into chatter, amusement and curiosity lighting up their faces.


    The sight of Jonah''s ability seemed to spark a chain reaction.


    One by one, others began revealing their innate abilities.


    "I can shoot fireballs," Thompson said, confidently extending his hand.


    A flame flickered to life in his palm before forming a small orb of fire, which he quickly extinguished to avoid an accident.


    "Whoa!" someone exclaimed, clearly impressed.


    Another player, standing a little shyly, raised her hand.


    "I can heal people," she said softly. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well isn''t that a cliche," Alex thought shaking his head.


    Then there was a stocky man who cracked his knuckles.


    Alex recalled he was a security guard.


    "Mine''s simple. I can boost my strength¡ªdouble it, actually."


    He flexed his arm for emphasis, earning a mix of admiration and eye rolls.


    Dre, the archer Alex had been keeping an eye on, stepped forward next.


    "I can teleport short distances," he said with a smirk. To demonstrate, he vanished from where he stood and reappeared a few feet away in a blur of motion, earning gasps from the group.


    Finally, all eyes turned to Nancy.


    "What about you?" Jonah asked.


    Nancy hesitated, looking almost annoyed at being put on the spot. With a sigh, she raised her hand and gestured toward the assassin-looking woman in the group.


    Without warning, the dagger at the woman''s side slipped free from its sheath and flew into Nancy''s open palm.


    "Hey!" the woman yelped, startled by the sudden disarming.


    Nancy examined the blade briefly, then flicked her wrist. The dagger zipped back to its owner, sliding neatly into its sheath as if it had never moved.


    "I can manipulate metal," Nancy said, her tone flat and unimpressed.


    The group murmured in amazement.


    "Oh, Magneto," Alex muttered absentmindedly.


    Nancy''s sharp gaze locked onto him like a predator and Alex''s eyes widened.


    He slapped a hand over his mouth, realizing too late that he had spoken out loud.


    Nancy held his gaze for a moment, her expression unreadable, and Alex chuckled nervously.


    She then rolled her eyes and turned back to the group.


    And Alex let out a quiet breath of relief cursing his nerdy slip-up.


    "What about you?" Jonah''s voice cut through the chatter, drawing everyone''s attention.


    He was looking directly at Alex.


    Alex hesitated, his mind racing. Should he reveal his ability? He had seen how the others, especially those without abilities, looked at the ones who had them¡ªlike they were gods. Those with powers were quickly becoming the de facto leaders of the group.


    Alex knew he could join their ranks, maybe even rise above them to lead.


    He had the strength, the skills, and the mindset to do it.


    But deep down, he didn''t want that responsibility.


    ''Being a leader means dealing with all of this... drama,'' he thought, glancing at the group.


    Before he could respond, Thompson scoffed loudly, breaking the silence.


    "Why bother asking him?" Thompson said, his tone dripping with mockery. "I doubt he even has an ability. And if he does, it''s probably useless."


    The group chuckled nervously, unsure if they should laugh or stay silent.


    Alex''s expression darkened instantly, the flicker of hesitation replaced by a cold, simmering anger.


    He had been holding back, swallowing his frustration, staying out of the limelight.


    But now...


    Alex turned his piercing gaze to Thompson, his eyes narrowing like a predator locking onto its prey.


    Without a word, he activated [Petrify]


    Thompson''s smug grin vanished as his body stiffened unnaturally.


    His arms froze mid-gesture, his legs locked in place, and his face contorted into a mix of shock and terror.


    "What the... What''s happening?! I-I can''t move!" Thompson stammered, his voice trembling as panic set in.


    "It''s my ability," Alex said coolly.


    His tone was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "I can''t exactly stab you while you''re unable to move. Pretty useless, isn''t it?"


    Thompson''s face twisted in fear, his bravado shattered.


    "Let... let me go," he stammered, his voice shaky.


    Alex didn''t respond.


    He kept his gaze locked on Thompson, the weight of his power pressing down on the man like an invisible hand.


    But then Alex noticed something.


    The way the others were looking at him now¡ªsome in awe, but most with fear. Their wide eyes and hesitant postures screamed louder than words.


    "Alex, that''s enough," Jonah''s voice broke the tension.


    He stepped forward, his tone firm but calm. "You''ve made your point. No need to take it further."


    Alex sighed, letting out a slow breath.


    With a flick of his fingers, he deactivated [Petrify].


    Thompson collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, gasping for air.


    Sweat dripped from his face as he panted like he had just run a marathon.


    It had only been a few seconds, but the pressure he felt under Alex''s ability had drained him completely.


    "You..." Thompson began, his voice weak but laced with anger.


    He glared at Alex, trembling as he tried to get to his feet.


    Before Thompson could say more, Jonah intervened, raising a hand to diffuse the situation.


    "That''s a great ability, Alex," he said, his tone light but purposeful. "It''ll definitely come in handy when we''re up against monsters."


    He looked away, his thoughts elsewhere.


    ''Yeah, about that. I''m leaving as soon as these guys figure out how to get off this tower.''


    He didn''t say it out loud, though.


    Alex sighed as he noticed the shift in the group''s demeanor.


    He could feel their eyes on him, no longer dismissive or indifferent.


    Now, they looked at him like he was an asset¡ªa valuable tool for their survival.


    Even Nancy, who usually kept her distance, was paying closer attention to him.


    "Crap," he muttered under his breath, scratching the back of his head in frustration.


    He scolded himself silently.


    ''I shouldn''t have shown off such a powerful skill. What was I thinking?''


    Thompson had pushed his buttons, sure, but Alex knew better than to let his anger get the best of him.


    ''I could''ve just used [Slip Stream],'' he thought, mentally kicking himself.


    It was a skill far less flashy and attention-grabbing.


    But no¡ªhe had to let his temper flare and pull out [Petrify]. Now, he''d drawn more eyes to himself than he wanted.


    As Alex fumed inwardly, a sudden chime echoed in his mind. Everyone around him stiffened, their faces shifting to expressions of confusion and alarm.


    A notification appeared in front of each of them, glowing faintly with an otherworldly hue:


    [Tutorial Commencing Now]


    The words hung in the air for a moment before being replaced by more messages:


    [Quest: Survive for 1 Month in Tutorial]


    [You can earn tutorial points by killing tutorial monsters.]


    [And if you''re feeling ambitious, you can hunt down a Territorial King.]


    [Their general location will be revealed on the map. Proceed with caution.]


    [The number of tutorial points you earn will determine your rewards at the end, which will enable you to thrive in the new world after leaving the tutorial.]


    Alex felt a shiver run down his spine, but it wasn''t from fear¡ªit was pure excitement.


    His eyes gleamed as he focused on the words floating before him:


    [Earn tutorial points by killing monsters.]


    His mind immediately jumped to the possibilities.


    More than anything else, his focus locked onto the mention of Territorial Kings.


    ''I wonder... could Murzok, the Cockatrice King, have been one of these Territorial Kings?'' Alex thought, his excitement growing.


    It made sense. Murzok had been a terrifying foe, but he hadn''t received any tutorial points for defeating him earlier.


    The reason was obvious now: the tutorial hadn''t officially started yet.


    ''What a shame,'' Alex mused, but his disappointment didn''t linger.


    The notification had given him something far more important¡ªa clear goal.


    He clenched his fists, his resolve strengthening.


    ''I''ll just start over. This time, I''ll hunt every Territorial King and rack up as many tutorial points as possible.''


    Alex''s ability and head start put him in a prime position to succeed.


    While others might focus solely on surviving this new, dangerous world, Alex saw an opportunity to thrive, and he didn''t plan on holding back.


    While Alex''s mind raced with strategies and ambitions, the rest of the group seemed far more cautious.


    Most were still coming to terms with the gravity of the situation, their faces pale and uncertain.


    But just as everyone began adjusting to the idea of surviving for a month, another notification appeared in their vision.


    [You can also earn tutorial points for killing a fellow player.]


    [Good luck.]


    Alex''s eyes widened, his excitement evaporating in an instant.


    ''What the hell is this?!''


    He scanned the faces around him. Where there had been uncertainty, now there was dread, suspicion, and¡ªon a few faces¡ªa glint of something darker.


    The air grew heavy with tension.


    The people beside him¡ªthose who had, just moments ago, seemed like comrades¡ªnow felt like potential enemies.


    ''The tutorial is encouraging us to kill each other,'' Alex thought grimly.


    His mind raced as he processed the implications.


    Every person here could be a threat, and the reward for eliminating them was enough to make anyone consider the possibility.


    His earlier words came back to haunt him.


    He''d scoffed at the idea of there being nothing to gain from killing others.


    Now, he wasn''t so sure.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    ''Did I say there was nothing to gain from killing others? I might need to reconsider that.''

 Chapter 52 - 52: Apologies

    The revelation that players could earn points by killing each other was a game-changer.


    Alex''s mind churned with thoughts. ''If points can be gained this way, there''s a high chance people will focus on killing each other instead of hunting real monsters.''


    He grimaced. Not every human was sane.


    Among them, there were bound to be murderers, serial killers, or psychopaths who would see this as an opportunity¡ªa twisted playground with no laws, and no consequences.


    Without rules to hold them back, the worst of humanity could rise to the surface.


    Alex''s gaze darkened as his thoughts turned to the man with the scythe.


    That killer hadn''t even been aware of the tutorial''s rules, yet he''d massacred every player who appeared with him.


    What would someone like that do now, knowing there were rewards for such actions?


    Alex shifted his focus to the group around him. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He observed each face carefully.


    Some looked nervous, others focused, a few determined¡ªbut who among them might be the psychopath? The crazy one? The one with the potential to snap?


    His lips pressed into a thin line as a chilling thought crossed his mind. ''It could even be me. I''ve already considered killing them a couple of times.''


    Before he could dwell on the idea, the tower suddenly began to tremble.


    The vibration was subtle at first, but it quickly grew stronger.


    "W-What''s happening?!" someone shouted, panic evident in their voice.


    The tremors intensified, and the tower started to descend, slowly lowering itself like an elevator.


    The uneven movements caught many players off guard.


    Some lost their balance and fell to the floor.


    Others crouched instinctively, gripping the ground to avoid toppling over.


    But Alex stood firm, his footing steady despite the rumbling ground


    . He felt something soft curl into his hand¡ªa gentle but firm grip.


    He glanced down to find Nancy clinging to him for balance.


    Her fingers wrapped around his hand tightly as if afraid to let go.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, and Nancy quickly turned her face away, avoiding his gaze.


    Her expression, however, was easy to read:


    "I''m only holding you for safety."


    Alex smirked slightly but said nothing.


    His attention shifted to the other tower in the distance


    . He could see it trembling and lowering just like theirs. The realization struck him¡ªthe tutorial was officially beginning.


    The tower they stood on sank deeper and deeper into the ground, its descent slow but steady.


    The grinding of stone against stone echoed through the air, making the tension even worse.


    Finally, the tower came to a stop with a loud thud.


    The top of the tower was now perfectly level with the forest floor below.


    For a moment, no one moved.


    The players exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to expect next.


    Then, one by one, people began to rise to their feet, brushing themselves off and looking around.


    Alex took in their surroundings, his sharp eyes scanning the area.


    Towering trees stretched up to the sky, their dense canopy blocking out most of the sunlight.


    The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and leaves.


    They were in the heart of a massive forest.


    "Alright," Jonah''s voice broke the silence. He stepped forward, his tone calm and commanding. "First things first. We need to find a place to camp¡ªsomewhere close to water if possible. Food is also going to be a priority."


    "How are we supposed to find food in a place like this?"


    Thompson asked, crossing his arms with a skeptical look.


    "By hunting monsters, of course," a bulky man replied with a deep laugh, his voice brimming with confidence.


    Alex glanced at the group, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    ''Hunting monsters, huh?''


    He didn''t need to worry about that.


    Unlike the others, he had access to the shop where he could simply purchase meals with points. Survival would be easier for him, but he wasn''t about to announce that and draw more attention to himself.


    None of them had leveled up yet, and without leveling up, they couldn''t unlock the shop.


    Alex couldn''t tell them that.


    Even though he was starting to feel the pangs of hunger, he resisted the urge to buy food from the shop.


    Doing so in front of the others would definitely draw unnecessary attention, and that was the last thing he wanted right now.


    This was exactly why he wanted to leave the group. Being on his own meant he wouldn''t have to hold back or worry about what they might think.


    Jonah''s voice broke through Alex''s thoughts.


    "Alright, first things first¡ªlet''s move. We don''t know what might be lingering around here. Everyone stay alert. Anything could pop up."


    "I''ll stay in front to scout for monsters using my detection ability," Ash the archer volunteered confidently.


    Jonah nodded. "That would be appreciated. Keep us informed of anything unusual."


    With that, the group began to walk, carefully weaving their way through the dense forest. Alex followed along, biding his time and waiting for the right moment to slip away.


    He glanced at the others, gauging the distance between them.


    If he could create enough space, he could activate [Stealth Walk] and vanish into the shadows without anyone noticing.


    But his plan had one major problem: Nancy.


    She was walking close¡ªtoo close.


    Her pace matched his step for step, her presence unwavering at his side. If he suddenly disappeared, she would notice immediately.


    Alex sighed inwardly, his eyes flickering toward her. Her face was calm, but there was a subtle tension in the way she held herself like she was ready to react to any danger.


    ''It doesn''t matter,'' Alex thought to himself. He could leave if he really wanted to.


    Nancy''s awareness wouldn''t stop him.


    But then a strange realization settled over him.


    He didn''t want to leave.


    Not like this. Not if it meant making her worry.


    Alex shook his head slightly, as if to clear his thoughts. ''What''s wrong with me?'' he wondered.


    Why?


    Did he actually enjoy being in the midst of others? of her?


    ''No Alex stay focused.'' He tried to convince himself.


    The thought gnawed at Alex as he trudged along with the group.


    For someone who always preferred being on his own, this was unusual.


    "Alex."


    A soft voice startled him, pulling him out of his thoughts.


    He turned toward the source and was surprised to see a familiar face¡ªa middle-aged woman, one of his former coworkers.


    Evelyn... That''s her name, right?


    "Hey," he replied flatly, not meeting her gaze.


    In truth, he didn''t feel like talking to anyone from his workplace.


    It brought bad memories.


    Alex braced himself for her to berate or criticize him for what he''d done earlier.


    That was usually what people did¡ªpoint out what they didn''t like about him.


    But what she said next caught him completely off guard.


    "I just... I wanted to say I''m sorry," Evelyn muttered, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly.


    Alex''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''What?''


    She didn''t stop there.


    "I know I don''t deserve your forgiveness," she continued, her voice wavering. "But I really am sorry... for just standing there. For watching while you were suffering and not doing anything."


    Alex turned away, his gaze fixed on the ground.


    "You don''t need to apologize," he said flatly, trying to mask the mix of emotions stirring within him.


    But Evelyn wasn''t deterred.


    "I do," she insisted, her voice softer now but laced with urgency. "I don''t know when I''ll lose my life here. And as much as I want to survive and reunite with my daughter¡­ I doubt I''ll make it."


    Her words made Alex pause.


    "It''s selfish of me, I know," she admitted, her eyes glistening. "But if I have to leave this world, I''d like to go with at least one less regret. That''s why I''m apologizing."


    Alex exhaled deeply, letting her words sink in.


    She sounded so... genuine. So mature.


    Unlike the others who had contributed to his misery, Evelyn had never mocked him, spoken rudely, or taken advantage of his lowly position.


    She had always stayed in the background, quiet but kind.


    Maybe that''s why forgiving her didn''t feel so difficult.


    He glanced at her, his hardened expression softening slightly. He couldn''t blame her for what he''d gone through. He knew all too well what would have happened if she¡ªor anyone else¡ªhad tried to intervene back then.


    They would''ve lost their jobs or been demoted, just like that.


    And Evelyn had a daughter to think about¡ªa daughter she always used to talk about with pride. He remembered the way her face would light up when she mentioned wanting to give her little girl the best life possible.


    If she had stood up for him, she might have lost her job. Her daughter would''ve suffered for it.


    Even now, Alex could tell how much Evelyn worried about her daughter. That worry was written all over her face.


    And somehow, that made her apology feel even more real.


    Alex nodded, his expression softening as he understood Evelyn''s emotions.


    "You should worry more about yourself, Evelyn," he said firmly but not unkindly. "Focus on surviving and reuniting with your daughter."


    Evelyn lowered her gaze, her shoulders slumping as doubt clouded her face. It was clear she didn''t believe she''d make it out alive.


    Alex noticed her hesitation and continued, his voice steady and reassuring.


    "Let the thought of meeting your daughter again be your motivation. I believe that''s strong enough to keep you going in this world. And, for what it''s worth¡­ I''ve never felt resentment toward you for what happened to me."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened, shimmering with unshed tears.


    The weight of his words hit her hard. A single sob escaped her lips, and she began to cry softly, muttering, "Thank you¡­ thank you."


    Alex gave a small nod before stepping forward, leaving Evelyn behind to collect herself.


    Nancy trailed after him, her gaze fixed on his back. He could feel her eyes burning into him, more curious and intense than before.


    He stopped and turned to face her, one brow raised.


    "What?"


    Nancy blinked, startled by his sudden attention. "Nothing," she said, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "It''s just¡­ you''re a better person than I expected."


    Alex tilted his head, unimpressed.


    "You thought I was a bad person?"

 Chapter 53 - 53: First Attack

    Alex blinked, caught off guard by Nancy''s words. He frowned slightly, the disbelief evident in his voice. "You really thought I was a bad person?"


    Nancy tilted her head, her expression calm but thoughtful. "I just assumed¡­" she began, pausing to choose her words carefully. "I thought you''d be so consumed by rage¡ªso angry at the world and everyone in it¡ªthat it would turn into hatred."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, her explanation intriguing him.


    "And?"


    She gave a small smile, shrugging.


    "And now I see that''s not the case."


    Alex wasn''t sure how to respond, so he settled on the simplest reply.


    "Thanks, I guess?"


    For a moment, silence settled between them as they walked.


    Nancy seemed lost in thought, her steps lighter but purposeful.


    Then, without warning, she broke the quiet.


    "So, what''s your motivation?"


    Alex glanced at her, noticing the curiosity in her eyes. The answer came easily¡ªit was something he had already decided.


    "Power," he said without hesitation.


    Nancy stopped mid-step and narrowed her eyes at him, trying to read his expression.


    "Power?" she prodded.


    Alex then explained, his tone calm but resolute.


    "Power to thrive in this changing world," he said, gesturing around him as if to indicate the strange new reality they found themselves in. "There are forces in this world¡ªthings that are far beyond anything we can comprehend. Monsters, systems, even people who will treat us like pieces on a chessboard."


    He paused, his gaze hardening. "I refuse to be a pawn in anyone''s game. I''m seeking power so I can walk my own path, make my own choices, and never be at the mercy of someone else''s plans."


    Nancy tilted her head slightly, her tone light but filled with admiration.


    "That''s a rather grand motivation, don''t you think?" she said with a teasing grin. "Mine''s much simpler¡ªjust to get home, curl up in bed, and fall asleep. That''s all I want."


    Alex blinked, caught off guard. A chuckle escaped him before he could stop it. "You''re kidding," he said, eyebrows raised.


    But Nancy''s expression didn''t change. She looked completely serious, meeting his gaze with steady determination. "Don''t mock my goal," she said, crossing her arms.


    Alex raised his hands in surrender, smirking. "Alright, alright. I won''t mock it."


    He couldn''t help but laugh quietly to himself. Talking to her was strangely refreshing¡ªshe had a way of being funny, even when she wasn''t trying to be.


    But just as he was starting to relax, Alex froze mid-step.


    His body tensed, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Something wasn''t right.


    Nancy noticed his sudden change in demeanor. "What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice dropping to a whisper.


    Alex held up a hand to signal her to stay quiet. He focused, his heightened senses kicking in. There¡ªit was faint but growing louder. Rapid footsteps, heavy and irregular, pounding against the forest floor.


    He turned his head slightly, his voice low but clear. "Something''s coming. Fast."


    Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the scout ahead of the group. The man had stopped, his posture stiff, eyes darting around as if he''d sensed the same thing. But Alex could tell the scout''s detection skills were limited¡ªlikely due to his low level.


    For Alex, though, it was different. His time in this world and his enhanced stats had sharpened his instincts. The sound of snapping branches and rustling leaves painted a clear picture in his mind.


    His voice cut through the tense silence. "Monsters. A dozen, maybe more. They''re closing in fast."


    Gasps rippled through the group as people started to panic, their eyes darting around wildly.


    "Is it true?!"


    "Seriously?"


    "So soon?"


    "I can''t do this."


    "Are you sure?"


    Whispers of panic rippled through the group, the tension rising like a wave about to crash. Jonah''s brow furrowed as he turned to the scout, Ash, who stood frozen, his eyes darting around the forest. Ash squinted into the shadows, his posture tense, but after a moment, he shrugged.


    "I don''t see anything," Ash said cautiously, scanning their surroundings one more time. "I don''t sense anything either."


    Jonah turned to Alex, his expression skeptical but calm. "How do you know, Alex? Do you have some kind of detection skill?"


    All eyes fell on Alex, the murmurs quieting as they awaited his response. Alex crossed his arms and thought for a second. No, he didn''t have any fancy detection skills¡ªjust honed instincts and heightened senses from his time here. But he wasn''t about to explain that.


    "I can''t say I do," Alex replied evenly, his calm tone standing in stark contrast to the growing tension around him.


    The response was like fuel to a smoldering fire.


    "What?!"


    "Then why¡ª"


    "Quit playing around, you piece of shit!" Thompson''s voice erupted, sharp and accusatory. He stepped forward, pointing a trembling finger at Alex. "You think this is a joke?"


    "Are you messing with us?" another voice shouted, the frustration spreading.


    "You think this is funny?" someone else added, their tone sharp and biting.


    Nancy frowned at the people scolding Alex. She didn''t know him well, but from their brief interactions, she could tell he wasn''t the type to joke around in serious situations.


    Ash, the scout, continued scanning the forest, his body tense as his eyes darted between the trees. Suddenly, his expression changed¡ªhis face went pale, and his hand shot up to point.


    "There!" Ash shouted. "I see them! They''re coming¡ªfast! About a dozen!"


    The group turned in the direction Ash pointed, and in the distance, dark shapes moved swiftly through the underbrush. They were low to the ground, sleek and powerful, like oversized cheetahs with glowing, menacing eyes. Their movements were fast, coordinated, and terrifying.


    The berating died instantly, replaced by silence and wide-eyed fear.


    Alex stood firm, his face calm, though his heart raced.


    I told you, he thought, but now wasn''t the time for vindication.


    Panic rippled through the group like a shockwave.


    "They''re coming straight for us!" someone yelled, their voice cracking.


    Jonah''s sharp gaze scanned the group.


    It was chaos¡ªsome people were frozen in fear, while others trembled visibly, muttering under their breaths.


    They weren''t ready for this, not so soon after arriving in this strange and hostile world.


    Jonah clenched his fists. He had to act fast.


    "Can we outrun them?" he asked, his voice urgent but steady as he turned to Ash.


    Ash shook his head, already nocking an arrow to his bow. "Impossible! They''re too fast, and there are too many of them. If we run, they''ll pick us off one by one. We have to fight!"


    The weight of Ash''s words sank in, and the group collectively stiffened.


    Jonah inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm.


    "Listen up!" Jonah barked, his voice cutting through the rising panic. "If you can''t fight, get to the center! Now!"


    However before anyone could react, the first beast appeared, a blur of motion as it lunged straight for one of the group.


    Its target was Evelyn.


    Her eyes widened in terror as the cheetah-like creature sprang toward her, jaws open wide, aiming for her neck. Frozen in fear, she turned her head and instinctively shut her eyes, bracing for the end.


    But then came a calm, low voice.


    "Petrify."


    Evelyn cracked one eye open just in time to see the beast midair, its body suddenly stiffening as if it had turned to stone. It crashed heavily to the ground, unable to move.


    Alex stepped forward, his sword gleaming as he drove it through the immobilized creature. The blade sunk deep into its side, silencing the beast.


    Evelyn gasped, still frozen, as Alex turned toward her and yelled, "Get to the middle now!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her feet moved on instinct, carrying her toward the safety of the group''s core.


    But before anyone else could act, another tiger leapt from the shadows. This one was faster, fiercer¡ªand merciless. It tackled a young woman at the edge of the group, its massive jaws clamping down on her neck. The sickening sound of bone snapping filled the air, followed by a bloodcurdling scream.


    Panic erupted.


    The group broke formation as chaos took hold. People shoved each other, scrambling in every direction to escape the advancing beasts.


    More of the tigers emerged from the treeline, their sleek bodies circling the group like sharks. Their glowing eyes and low growls sent shivers down spines. Alex quickly glanced at the creatures, his system providing an assessment.


    [Swift Tiger - Rank E]


    The beasts roared in unison, their cries echoing through the forest.


    The sound was primal, a challenge meant to intimidate.


    But Alex wasn''t intimidated.


    Even Nancy wasn''t as calm. Her hands were trembling, and sweat trickled down her temple. She tried to keep a brave face, but it was obvious she was rattled.


    As the others panicked and trembled, Alex lips curled into a grin.


    To him, they were no threat¡ªjust a pack of overgrown cats.


    But to the others, it was as if they were staring into the eyes of death itself.

 Chapter 54 - 54: First Attack [2]

    The tigers roared, their deafening cries slicing through the tense atmosphere as they launched their attack. Chaos erupted as the group scrambled into action, those able to fight rushing to meet the beasts head-on.


    Two of the tigers singled out Alex, their golden eyes locked onto him as they lunged simultaneously.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    His hand shot out, and he muttered, "Petrify."


    A faint ripple of energy spread from his fingertips, washing over the two beasts. Their bodies froze mid-air, muscles locking up like stone statues. With a swift motion, Alex swung his sword in a precise arc. The blade sliced through the frozen tigers effortlessly, cutting them down as if their bodies were made of paper.


    A chime echoed in his mind as glowing text appeared in front of him:


    [You have killed Swift Tiger.]


    [You have received 50 tutorial points.]


    [You have received 50 tutorial points.]


    Alex stepped back, scanning the battlefield. He could''ve ended the fight with far less effort¡ªhis abilities far surpassed these creatures¡ªbut he held back deliberately. No need to draw unnecessary attention. For now, he would work within the limits he''d set for himself.


    His eyes darted to the rest of the group. Some were struggling, others barely holding on. But one person immediately caught his attention¡ªNancy.


    She was a blur of movement, dismantling her armor mid-fight. Her ability to manipulate metal was in full display as the armor pieces floated around her, reshaping into deadly, jagged blades.


    With a sharp thrust of her hand, she sent one of the blades flying. It pierced the chest of a tiger charging at her, dropping it instantly.


    More tigers surged toward her, their growls echoing across the battlefield, but Nancy didn''t falter. She wielded the floating blades with precision and confidence, twirling them in a deadly dance that tore through the oncoming beasts.


    Jonah was holding his own impressively, darting through the battlefield with agility that made his movements look almost effortless. His strikes were sharp and precise, carving through the tigers that dared to approach him.


    Ash, stationed on higher ground, was supporting the group with precision. He loosed arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark and bringing down tigers before they could overwhelm the others.


    Even Thompson and his group, despite their earlier hostility, were holding their ground. Their attacks were rough and unrefined¡ªexpected for a group facing their first battle¡ªbut they managed to work together, taking down the tigers one by one.


    So far, the group had suffered no casualties aside from the first victim. It wasn''t perfect, but they were surviving.


    Alex, meanwhile, continued dispatching tigers with ease, his every movement efficient and calculated. As he cut down another beast, a ripple of unease washed over him. His instincts screamed a warning¡ªsomething stronger was coming.


    He glanced in the direction of the trees, narrowing his eyes as he sensed the presence of a more powerful foe.


    [Swift Tiger ¨C Rank E (H)] sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This tiger wasn''t like the others. It was the leader of the pack, a high-ranking beast within its class.


    One of the fighters¡ªa brash swordsman¡ªstepped forward.


    He gripped his blade tightly, overconfident from their success against the lower-ranked tigers, and charged at the high-rank tiger without hesitation.


    The beast''s eyes glinted, and in a flash, it moved. Its massive paw lashed out with blinding speed, slicing clean through the man''s arm. Blood sprayed as the severed limb hit the ground.


    The swordsman staggered back, clutching his shoulder, but he didn''t have time to scream. The tiger lunged, its powerful jaws snapping shut around his head. With a sickening crunch, it ended his life in an instant.


    The group froze in horror, the sight of their comrade''s brutal death sending shockwaves through their morale.


    The tiger boss let out an ear-splitting roar that echoed through the battlefield, drawing everyone''s attention. Its eyes gleamed with predatory intent as it locked onto the rest of the group and charged, its powerful legs kicking up dirt with every stride.


    Thompson and his group, positioned on the tiger''s path, froze in fear.


    The sheer presence of the beast was enough to shake their confidence.


    Thompson snapped out of it and quickly summoned a fireball, his hand trembling as he launched it toward the tiger. But the beast was too fast. With a quick leap to the side, it easily dodged the attack.


    Seeing his attack fail, Thompson''s face went pale.


    "This isn''t normal... This thing''s too strong!" he stammered, panic overtaking him.


    Instead of preparing for another strike, he turned and ran, abandoning the fight entirely.


    "Wait! Thompson!" one of his close allies within the group yelled, but their cries fell on deaf ears.


    Seeing their leader flee, the rest of Thompson''s group scattered in fear, each person running in a different direction.


    This left the noncombatants vulnerable. The tiger''s eyes locked onto the unprotected group, its lips curling back into a feral snarl. It wasted no time, charging toward the defenseless cluster.


    Evelyn, who stood among the noncombatants, stepped forward with her staff in hand. Her legs trembled, and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the staff tightly.


    The tiger lunged, claws outstretched, aiming for the group. Evelyn raised her staff instinctively, bracing for impact.


    But before the beast could reach them, a massive figure barreled into it from the side. The sound of the collision reverberated through the air as the tiger was knocked off its trajectory, rolling across the ground with a growl.


    Evelyn blinked in surprise as a man stepped into view¡ªa towering figure clad in heavy armor, his massive frame resembling that of a tank.


    "Thanks, Gustaff," she said, relief flooding her voice.


    Gustaff glanced back at her briefly. "Stay back. I''ve got this," he said with calm determination.


    The tiger boss struggled to rise, its massive body trembling as it pushed against the ground. Gustaff didn''t give it a chance to recover. With a fierce roar, he slammed into it again, shoving it onto its side with a deafening crash.


    The beast hit the ground hard, dust flying into the air.


    But this wasn''t enough to stop it.


    Thompson and his scattered group noticed Gustaff''s efforts.


    "He''s holding it off by himself?" one of them muttered, disbelief in their voice.


    Gustaff wasn''t done yet. Summoning all his strength, he activated his ability to amplify his power, muscles bulging beneath his armor.


    He planted himself firmly on the tiger''s back, wrapping his thick arms around its neck in an attempt to choke the beast into submission.


    For a moment, it seemed like he might succeed.


    But the tiger''s strength was overwhelming.


    The beast snarled and thrashed wildly, its powerful claws digging deep into Gustaff''s thighs. Blood seeped through his armor as pain shot through his body.


    "Argh!" Gustaff gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his grip.


    Panic began to flood his mind as the tiger continued to overpower him.


    "Help... I need help!" Gustaff bellowed, his voice echoing across the battlefield.


    Utha, one of the nearby fighters, turned to him, sword in hand.


    He took a hesitant step forward, raising his weapon, but froze mid-stride.


    The tiger roared again, its claws tearing deeper into Gustaff. Utha''s courage wavered as he saw the beast breaking free from the tank man''s hold.


    "Nah... I''m not dying here," Utha muttered, taking a shaky step back.


    Thompson, who was still lingering nearby, saw the chaos unfolding.


    Without hesitation, he turned and bolted, shouting.


    "Fall back! We''re no match for that thing!"


    Seeing Thompson flee, the others followed suit, fear taking over.


    "Wait! Don''t leave me!" Gustaff shouted, his voice desperate.


    But the cowards kept running, abandoning him.


    The tiger, sensing its opportunity, surged upward with a burst of strength. Gustaff''s grip broke, and the beast swung a massive paw, sending him sprawling to the ground with a thunderous slam.


    Before Gustaff could recover, the tiger pounced. Its jaws clamped down on his arm, fangs piercing through the armor as if it were paper.


    Gustaff screamed in pain, struggling to free himself. Blood dripped onto the ground, and the tiger growled menacingly, its teeth sinking deeper into his flesh.


    Gustaff screamed in agony as the tiger clamped its teeth tighter around his arm.


    With a savage snarl, the beast swung its massive head left and right, thrashing Gustaff like a rag doll. His cries of pain echoed, but there was no one near enough to save him.


    In one final, brutal motion, the tiger flung Gustaff away. He hit the ground with a sickening thud, his severed arm landing a few feet away. Blood sprayed across the dirt as Gustaff writhed in pain, Evelyn rushing to his side with trembling hands, already chanting healing spells.


    The tiger boss didn''t waste any time. Its glowing eyes locked onto Thompson and his allies, who were still running for their lives. With a guttural roar, the beast charged after them, closing the distance in seconds.


    Ash, perched on a branch above, quickly notched an arrow. His sharp eyes followed a tiger''s movement, and with precision, he let the arrow fly.


    The projectile pierced the side of a smaller tiger, bringing it down instantly.


    Nearby, Nancy slashed through another tiger, her floating metal blades dancing like extensions of her will. Jonah wasn''t far off, his sword flashing as he struck the final tiger in a single, calculated blow.


    As the immediate threats were dealt with, Jonah took a moment to assess the group''s condition. His eyes darted to Gustaff, who lay on the ground, pale and bleeding, with Evelyn frantically healing him.


    Then his gaze shifted to the tiger boss. The beast had already caught up to Thompson''s group, and the aftermath was horrifying.


    Two of Thompson''s allies lay lifeless on the ground, their bodies torn apart by the tiger''s ferocious claws. Thompson and a few others scrambled to escape, panic etched on their faces.


    Clicking his teeth in frustration, Jonah barked out a command.


    "Everyone! Move and back them up now! We can''t lose more people!"


    The group obeyed without hesitation, rushing to assist.


    But as they hurried forward, Nancy noticed Alex wasn''t moving.


    "Alex, what are you¡ª" she started to yell, but her voice caught in her throat as she turned to look at him.


    His gaze was icy, a coldness so intense it made her shiver despite the chaos around them. He stood there, calm and unflinching, but the aura he gave off was... different.


    Nancy hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to leave him be, and without another word, she ran to help the others, sparing Alex one last glance over her shoulder as she wondered what had happened to him?


    -----


    Author''s Note:


    An ice-cold cola or a slice of pizza would totally make my day. Show some love to this struggling author, huh? No homo, just a hungry writer out here. ????????

 Chapter 55 - 55: Lashing Out

    Together, Nancy and the rest of the group faced the tiger boss.


    It was unlike the regular ones they had just fought before.


    The tiger''s movements were fast¡ªtoo fast¡ªand its strength seemed endless.


    Even though the creature had been pierced by arrows, slashed by swords, and pummeled with magical attacks, it still kept fighting.


    It wasn''t showing any signs of slowing down.


    "We can''t keep this up much longer!" Jonah thought to himself, his sword slick with blood. They needed a game changer someone with power like Alex''s.


    But Alex wasn''t moving.


    He was standing there, an unmoving figure in the chaos.


    "Alex! We need you to use [Petrify]!"


    Jonah called, his voice desperate.


    But Alex didn''t respond.


    Jonah''s frustration boiled over, and he clicked his teeth.


    There was something off about Alex, something that wasn''t right, but Jonah couldn''t afford to figure it out now.


    Not when the group was in danger.


    With renewed determination, the group pressed on.


    Every attack they threw at the tiger seemed to only anger it more.


    But their combined efforts were finally taking a toll.


    The tiger, once so ferocious, was slowing down.


    Nancy, with her metal manipulation powers, saw an opening.


    She focused all her energy and summoned a collar of sharp metal blades that floated around the tiger''s neck.


    She twisted her wrist, and the blades transformed into a saw-like circle, spinning faster and faster, grinding away at the beast''s flesh.


    The tiger howled in pain, its claws flailing as it tried to break free.


    In one final, brutal moment, the collar of blades sliced through the tiger''s neck with a sickening snap.


    Its head fell to the ground with a dull thud, the lifeless body crumpling beside it.


    The battle was over.


    The group stood panting, covered in sweat and blood.


    They had won, but the cost was heavy.


    As the rewards appeared there was no joy.


    Jonah glanced at the fallen bodies of his comrades, the faces of the lost still haunting him.


    They had all leveled up, sure, but it didn''t feel like a victory.


    Jonah exhaled sharply, his frustration bubbling over.


    He walked toward Alex, his footsteps heavy with anger.


    "Why didn''t you join the battle? We could''ve really used your help," Jonah said, his voice rough, not even trying to hide the irritation.


    Alex didn''t even look at him, his frown deepening.


    He had heard this before¡ªpeople demanding help, expecting him to be there when they needed him.


    But what he realized now that he didn''t realize then was that:


    He wasn''t obligated to save anyone.


    "I was out of mana," Alex replied, his voice cold, a clear indication that he had no intention of explaining himself further.


    "Are you serious? I find that hard to believe."


    Jonah shot back, incredulous.


    "Believe what you want Jonah, I won''t try to convince you."


    Jonah froze. He had really looked at Alex but now that he was seeing him.


    Alex looked completely different,


    He was emanating an overwhelming aura, one that made Jonah hesitate for a moment.


    Jonah cleared his throat, trying to shake off the sudden discomfort.


    He forced himself to speak again, but his voice was quieter this time, more careful.


    "Did you really run out?"


    Alex didn''t reply.


    Jonah brow creased in frustration.


    He was sure Alex had more in him, and could do so much more than what he showed.


    But why hadn''t he?


    Jonah glanced back at the fallen bodies of his comrades¡ªthe people he had fought alongside, people he had grown close to.


    The dead faces stared back at him, reminders of the cost of their failure.


    Did Alex not feel anything? Was he really that detached?


    Jonah''s mind flashed back to the days at work, to the Alex he remembered¡ªthe meek, quiet guy who always kept to himself.


    He could almost hear the laughter of his coworkers, whispering behind his back.


    Maybe he hadn''t been seeing the full picture all along.


    But still...


    Jonah glanced at Alex, noticing the barely contained fury in his eyes.


    It was the first time he''d seen him like this since they had met in this new world.


    His anger was palpable, the tension radiating off him like a storm about to break.


    Jonah sighed and placed his hand gently on Alex''s shoulder, trying to offer some comfort, his voice softer this time.


    "Alex, you shouldn''t lose your humanity just because you''re resentful," he said, his tone calm.


    And for a moment, there was silence. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex''s eyes snapped up to meet Jonah''s, and Jonah felt the weight of his gaze¡ªa mix of rage and something darker.


    Alex spat, his voice sharp like a blade.


    "Why the hell are you preaching to me, huh? What the hell do you know?"


    Before Jonah could react, Alex swatted his hand away and turned, walking off with heavy steps, like he wanted to leave everything behind.


    But as he tried to pass, he suddenly found himself face-to-face with Thompson.


    "You son of a bitch!"


    Without warning, Thompson threw a punch, fast and vicious.


    But Alex was quicker.


    Thompson growled in frustration, his fist still swinging through the air.


    He turned to face Alex again, his eyes filled with anger.


    "Even if you were out of mana, you could have at least joined the battle! It could''ve made a damn difference!"


    Alex''s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, sharp as a blade.


    "You overestimate me, Thompson. After all, in your words, I''m nothing but a piece of shit."


    Thompson''s face twisted with rage, his fists clenching.


    "You bast¡ª!"


    Before he could finish, Thompson lunged at Alex.


    But Alex was faster, with a swift kick, he struck Thompson in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    The crowd gasped, their eyes darting between Alex and Thompson.


    "You hypocrite!" Alex''s voice boomed as he stepped closer to the downed Thompson. "You''re mad at me for not helping? You, who ran like a coward when Gustaff was fighting the tiger alone, screaming for help? You dare lecture me?"


    Thompson froze, his face pale.


    Around them, the others who had abandoned Gustaff suddenly looked away, their guilt written across their faces.


    Thompson''s shock turned to anger.


    How had Alex seen that? He was sure everyone else had been too distracted during the chaos to notice.


    "Why aren''t you denying it?" Alex pressed, his tone cold and unyielding.


    Thompson gritted his teeth, his anger bubbling over.


    "You bastard!" he roared, summoning a fireball. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it at Alex.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    He raised his hand, swatting the fireball away with ease.


    The fiery projectile veered off course, slamming harmlessly into a tree, leaving a charred mark on the bark.


    The crowd stood stunned, unsure of what to do.


    "Oi, Thompson! Alex! What the hell are you doing?!" Jonah shouted, his voice sharp as he hurried toward them.


    Alex turned his gaze to Thompson, his expression dark and foreboding.


    "You just tried to attack me," Alex said, his voice low and deadly.


    "It''s only fair if I strike back. Isn''t it?"


    Thompson stammered, his voice shaky with fear and confusion.


    "What¡­ what are you doing¡­?"


    Alex loomed over him, his gaze icy and unrelenting. "This isn''t the real world, Thompson. Here, you don''t get away with being a bully."


    Raising his sword, Alex''s grip tightened.


    He was ready to swing, his intent clear, when Nancy''s voice cut through the tense air, sharp and filled with alarm.


    "Alex! What''s gotten into you?"


    She stepped in front of Thompson, her arms outstretched as a barrier.


    Alex froze his blade inches from completing its descent.


    Her words jolted him like a splash of cold water. For the first time since the fight began, Alex blinked, and clarity began to seep back into his mind.


    He looked at Nancy, then at the terrified faces of the others watching him. Jonah stood off to the side, hesitant, his eyes filled with unease.


    The silence was deafening, the weight of their stares pressing down on him.


    He inhaled deeply, his grip on the sword slackening.


    ''What was I thinking?''


    All of this just made him realize his he didn''t belong here.


    The sword shimmered as it vanished into his inventory.


    Alex lowered his gaze, frustration churning within him.


    Without another word, he turned on his heel and began walking away.


    The players parted as he passed, giving him a wide berth.


    No one dared to speak or try to stop him.


    Even Thompson, now on the ground, could only watch, his face a mix of relief and lingering fear.


    Nancy''s hand twitched as if she wanted to reach out, to stop him, but she stayed frozen.


    The cold aura around Alex as he walked away told her he wasn''t ready to listen.


    Alex clenched his fists as he distanced himself from the group, his emotions boiling over.


    Anger, resentment, isolation¡ªit all threatened to consume him.


    He didn''t trust himself around others, not when he was like this.


    ''It''s better this way,'' he thought, his footsteps echoing in the stillness.


    ''Better if I''m alone.


    With this much anger...with the strength he possessed¡­ it was too easy to lose control.


    ------


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 56 - 56: Screw This

    Alex heard the soft patter of footsteps behind him, then felt a gentle hand wrap around his wrist.


    He stopped, his shoulders tense, but didn''t turn around.


    "Where are you going?" Nancy''s voice was calm, almost soothing, but there was a firmness in her tone that demanded an answer.


    Alex finally glanced over his shoulder.


    Her gaze was steady, her eyes soft, as if she was silently telling him she understood.


    But she didn''t.


    She couldn''t possibly understand him


    He sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion.


    "I''m not a good person, Nancy," he said flatly, shaking his head.


    He turned to leave, trying to pull his hand free, but her grip tightened. She wasn''t letting him go so easily.


    "Where are you going?" she repeated, her voice firmer this time.


    "It''s obvious," Alex replied, keeping his back to her. "I don''t belong in this group."


    Nancy stepped closer, still holding onto his wrist. "But we need you, Alex. I know you''re capable of so much more. You''re just holding back."


    "Because I don''t care," Alex said, his tone sharp and dismissive.


    He tried to convince himself it was true, that it didn''t matter.


    But deep down, even he wasn''t sure.


    Nancy frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him.


    She didn''t believe a word of it. She''d seen him with Evelyn, the way he watched out for her, the way he quietly stepped in when things got too dangerous.


    "No," she said, her voice cutting through his denial. "It''s because you''re afraid."


    That made Alex pause.


    He turned to face her fully, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Afraid?"


    "Yes," she said, her grip unwavering. "Afraid people will see your strength and be terrified of it. Afraid you''ll lose control. Afraid of admitting that, deep down, you actually care."


    Her words hit him like a punch to the gut.


    Alex stared at her, stunned into silence.


    She wasn''t wrong, and the truth in her words made his chest tighten.


    Alex scoffed, his voice barely more than a whisper.


    "What the hell do you know?"


    Nancy''s expression softened, but her resolve didn''t waver. "Nothing," she admitted. "Which is why I''m curious. I want to know more about you."


    His eyes narrowed, studying her face for any sign of fear or deception. "You''re not afraid of me?"


    His voice dropped lower, tinged with something dark. "You could die in less than a second if I willed it."


    Nancy frowned at the statement.


    Somehow, she didn''t doubt him.


    They were supposed to be on the same level¡ªmaybe she was even a little stronger after leveling up from the tiger boss fight¡ªbut none of that mattered.


    Standing in front of Alex, she felt a weight, an unspoken presence, that screamed he was far beyond her.


    "I''m not afraid," she said quietly but firmly.


    Alex chuckled bitterly, his voice dripping with self-loathing.


    "You should be."


    His gaze drifted downward, almost as if he couldn''t bear to look her in the eye.


    "I watched him get hurt, Nancy. I stood there and did nothing."


    Nancy''s brow furrowed.


    "Who?"


    "Gustaff," Alex said, his tone cold and detached. "I could have helped. I could have stopped it. Easily. Made sure no one had to die."


    He clenched his fists, his voice breaking slightly.


    "But I didn''t."


    Nancy''s grip loosened, and she finally let go of his hand, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and unease. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She took a small step back, trying to process his words.


    He wasn''t wrong.


    If Alex had stepped in, the battle would''ve been over faster.


    The casualties would''ve been fewer.


    She wanted to dismiss it, to say it wasn''t his fault, but deep down, she couldn''t completely silence the small voice of resentment that had taken root.


    "I''m not a good person, Nancy," Alex said flatly, his voice carrying a cold finality.


    His eyes locked onto hers, unflinching. "Even now, I consider all of you burdens¡­ especially you."


    Nancy froze.


    The words hit her like a sudden gust of icy wind.


    She stared at him, searching his expression for any trace of hesitation or regret, but found none.


    He wasn''t lying¡ªhe truly believed what he had just said.


    "Ahh, is that so?" Nancy murmured, forcing a small, bitter smile as she looked down at the ground.


    Alex''s gaze remained on her, unyielding.


    He studied her reaction with a mix of curiosity and indifference. Her posture slumped slightly, and for a moment, it seemed like his words had cut deep.


    Nancy sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Her voice was softer now, but there was still a spark of defiance in her tone.


    "I still think you''re not a good person," she admitted.


    Then, raising her head to meet his gaze, she added, "But you''re definitely an asshole. No doubt about that."


    Alex blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her bluntness.


    Before he could reply, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the tense silence.


    Both of them turned toward the noise.


    It was Jonah.


    He slowed as he approached, immediately noticing the heavy atmosphere hanging between Alex and Nancy.


    His eyes darted between them, picking up on their expressions¡ªNancy''s guarded stance, Alex''s distant and cold demeanor.


    Jonah stepped closer.


    Whatever had passed between them wasn''t his concern right now.


    He cleared his throat and got straight to the point.


    "Ash found a place where we can stay for the night," Jonah said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "We''re heading there after burning¡­ after we handle those who didn''t make it."


    Nancy nodded awkwardly, clearly still processing everything. "Oh, alright," she replied quietly, avoiding Alex''s gaze as she turned and started walking away.


    Alex stood still, his eyes following Nancy as she left. She didn''t look back.


    Jonah started to follow her, his steps slow and deliberate. Then, as if remembering something, he stopped and turned back to Alex.


    "You coming too?" Jonah asked his tone light but his eyes studying Alex carefully.


    Alex didn''t answer immediately.


    Instead, he observed Jonah closely.


    His demeanor was different¡ªcalmer, more composed than when he''d almost lost it earlier during the confrontation with Thompson.


    There was even a faint smile on Jonah''s face now, but something about it struck Alex as unreadable.


    Alex''s mind churned, trying to decipher the expression, but as always, Jonah was an enigma.


    When Alex didn''t reply, Jonah spoke again, his voice a little softer this time.


    "Like I said, we need to stick together to survive. Don''t keep everyone waiting too long." He gestured toward the group. "We''ll leave once we bury the ones who didn''t make it."


    Jonah turned and walked away, his footsteps crunching softly against the dirt.


    Alex remained standing, rooted in place, as the weight of Jonah''s words settled over him like a heavy blanket. A swirl of emotions churned inside him¡ªguilt and hope wrestling for dominance.


    Guilt gnawed at him because he couldn''t shake the thought that if I had acted, no one would''ve died.


    The faces of the fallen flashed through his mind like ghosts, haunting and unrelenting.


    But Alex shoved them back, he wouldn''t allow himself to be judged.


    In contrast to the feeling of guilt, there was also hope¡ªa flicker of something unfamiliar yet stubborn. A lie.


    Jonah''s words implied that, despite everything, there was still a place for him.


    A spot in the group he thought he didn''t belong to.


    Alex exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the cold night air.


    His eyes followed the path Jonah had taken, his figure now a distant shadow.


    Jonah''s words always had a way of messing with him.


    Even before this chaos, back at work, there had been something about the way Jonah spoke. His words always felt like something layered, like a puzzle he couldn''t solve. Simple sentences felt like they carried hidden meanings meant only for him.


    Yet he never understood.


    It frustrated him.


    Maybe it meant nothing.


    Maybe he was just overthinking it.


    Against his better judgment, Jonah''s words always managed to nudge Alex into action, even when he didn''t want to move.


    He hated how they lingered in his mind, challenging him to figure out Jonah''s intent.


    But not this time.


    Alex clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.


    I''m done being the fool, he thought bitterly.


    He was done being the guy everyone uses and expects to just go along with it.


    With that resolve, Alex spun on his heel and walked in the opposite direction.


    His steps were firm and purposeful.


    He wasn''t going to deal with this emotional mess anymore.


    He didn''t need to nor want to.


    There were bigger things to focus on¡ªmonsters to kill, leveling up so he wouldn''t be a pawn in anyone''s game.


    That''s where his attention needed to be.


    Opening the system interface, Alex pulled up the map.


    A holographic grid appeared in front of him, marking key points across the terrain. His eyes locked onto one spot in the north of the forest¡ªa marker glowing ominously red.


    The first king-level beast.


    A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Perfect."


    That would be his next destination.


    -----


    Author''s Note:


    An ice-cold cola or a slice of pizza would totally make my day. Show some love to this struggling author, huh? No homo, just a hungry writer out here. ????????

 Chapter 57 - 57: Bloody Betrayal

    Authors Note: Big shoutout to IcyShadow2323 for making this chapter possible! Thanks for the pizza, you''re the MVP at the moment!


    ------


    As Alex walked through the dense forest, the sound of low grunts and the crunching of bones reached his ears.


    He stopped in his tracks, his sharp eyes scanning ahead.


    There they were.


    A pack of giant boars, their massive bodies the size of bulls.


    [Bloodtusk Rank E (G)]


    Their thick, bristled hides gleamed under the moonlight, and their razor-sharp tusks glinted like deadly weapons.


    But what caught Alex''s attention was their behavior. They weren''t foraging or digging through the soil as normal boars would. Instead, they were tearing into the bloody remains of another boar¡ªa corpse mangled beyond recognition.


    Alex frowned, his brow furrowing in disbelief.


    "Boars are supposed to be vegetarians," he thought.


    But these creatures?


    They were something else entirely¡ªtwisted and feral, now nothing more than flesh-hungry monsters.


    He didn''t bother with stealth.


    Stepping out from the shadows, Alex walked calmly into the open.


    The boars lifted their heads, blood dripping from their tusks and snouts.


    Their beady eyes locked onto him, their nostrils flaring as they sniffed the air.


    They snorted loudly, their breaths visible in the cold.


    Aggressive. Territorial.


    One of them stomped the ground, letting out a guttural roar.


    Then, as if on cue, it charged at Alex with incredible speed, its massive hooves thundering against the earth.


    The rest of the pack followed, a stampede of death racing toward him.


    Alex stood still, unflinching.


    His expression was blank, calm, and almost bored.


    The first boar was nearly upon him, tusks aimed directly at his chest.


    Its savage roar filled the air, but Alex didn''t move an inch.


    When the beast was mere feet away, Alex''s lips parted, and in a cold, detached voice, he muttered:


    "[Petrify.]"


    The pack froze in their tracks.


    The charging boars, once brimming with ferocity, were now motionless.


    Their massive forms were locked in place, their eyes wide with panic and confusion. It was as if an invisible force had gripped their very souls.


    Alex''s skill, [Petrify], had worked perfectly.


    The boar at the front, the largest and most aggressive of the group, was inches away from him.


    Alex leaned in slightly, staring into its ugly, twisted face.


    Its features were grotesque¡ªjagged tusks stained with blood and bits of flesh, and wild eyes that betrayed its fury.


    "What an ugly bastard," Alex thought, his expression unchanging.


    He straightened and let out a small sigh.


    He could feel the timer on his skill ticking down. [Petrify] wouldn''t hold them forever.


    The beasts'' trembling bodies were a warning¡ªthey''d break free any second now.


    No time to waste.


    With a burst of speed, Alex dashed forward, his sword materializing in his hand in a flash of light.


    The moment the timer ended, the boars began to move again, their muscles twitching and their growls returning.


    But they were too slow.


    Alex was already in motion.


    He blitzed past the first boar in an instant. Its body shuddered as a clean slash appeared across its torso.


    The second and third didn''t even have time to react. Alex spun on his heel, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    A single swing cleaved through both of them, their massive forms collapsing to the ground in pieces.


    The fight was over before it even began.


    The forest grew silent, save for the faint rustle of leaves. Blood pooled beneath the remains of the beasts, soaking into the earth.


    A series of notifications popped up in Alex''s vision, glowing faintly in the dim light:


    [You have killed three boar beasts.]


    [You have received 50 tutorial points.]


    [You have received a piece of Boar Meat.]


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in.]


    [You have received an additional 50 tutorial points.]


    [You have received another piece of Boar Meat.]


    Alex gave his sword a sharp flick, sending the blood splattering off the blade.


    The fight had been too easy. The monsters here were weak¡ªbarely a challenge for someone like him. Sure, the tutorial points were useful, especially since his title doubled the rewards he earned, but it wasn''t enough.


    Not for him.


    Alex swiped open his system interface, scrolling through the points he''d collected. The numbers were growing steadily, but it still felt... underwhelming.


    "These points are a joke. If I fought something stronger, I''d get way more."


    The D-rank zone was far ahead of him, and he''d wandered into this weaker area by accident.


    If he wanted real progress, he needed to get back there¡ªor better yet, head straight to a C-rank zone where the monsters were tougher, stronger, and deadlier.


    That''s where he''d find the real challenges. That''s where he could grow.


    Alex tightened the straps on his gear and adjusted the sheath on his back. The path ahead was long and rough. Reaching the stronger zones would take at least a day of travel.


    He let out an annoyed sigh, his breath fogging slightly in the cool air.


    "What a drag."


    Alex let out a tired sigh as he trudged forward.


    But then, distant sounds broke the quiet¡ªa series of shouts, grunts, and the unmistakable clash of weapons.


    The chaotic noise of an ongoing battle.


    Curiosity piqued, Alex veered off the beaten path and headed toward the source of the commotion. Moving swiftly and silently, he crouched behind a cluster of bushes, peering through the foliage to get a better view.


    In a clearing ahead, a group of players¡ªnine in total¡ªwas locked in combat with an enormous boar.


    The beast was a hulking mass of muscle, its tusks as long and sharp as spears. Its hide was thick and covered in scars, evidence of past battles. A system prompt flickered in Alex''s vision:


    [Bloodtusk Rank E (R)]


    A boss monster. Just like that swift tiger boss from before.


    The boar rampaged through the group with unrelenting ferocity.


    Its massive hooves pounded the ground, shaking the earth with each step as it charged. T


    he players scattered to avoid its deadly tusks, but the beast was quick, pivoting with surprising agility for its size.


    Alex watched as the players moved in tandem, their attacks coordinated and precise.


    They danced around the boar, striking at its legs, flanks, and eyes whenever an opening appeared. Their movements were fluid, almost like they''d been doing this for years.


    Unlike Jonah''s group, who fumbled their way through fights, this team was sharp, experienced, and organized. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Tank bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos:


    "Luther, now! Finish it!"


    A tall figure with a sturdy stance stepped forward¡ªLuther, the spearman.


    His weapon gleamed under the sunlight as he thrust it forward, the tip glowing with a brilliant light.


    With a sharp yell, Luther unleashed an energy beam from his spear.


    The beam tore through the air with a crackling sound, striking the boar squarely in the chest.


    BOOM!


    The force of the attack blew a gaping hole through the beast''s torso.


    Blood sprayed across the ground as the enormous boar staggered backward, its massive body swaying. It let out a final, guttural snarl, its legs giving out beneath it.


    THUD!


    The ground trembled as the beast collapsed, lifeless.


    For a moment, the clearing was silent except for the panting of the exhausted players. Then, a cheer erupted.


    "Yes! We did it!" one player yelled, punching the air.


    "I leveled up twice!" another said, grinning from ear to ear, the excitement evident in their voice.


    From his hiding spot, Alex continued to observe.


    As the group celebrated, he noticed something interesting¡ªthey weren''t just one unified team.


    Instead, it was two separate groups working together.


    The first group, led by Luther the Spearman, consisted of five players.


    They were the ones who landed the killing blow.


    The second group, led by the Tank who had coordinated the final strike, consisted of four players.


    The spearman, Luther, turned to the tank, extending his hand with a friendly smile.


    "It was great working with you... Kiev," Luther said smoothly, his voice calm and composed.


    But Alex, watching from the shadows, felt a chill crawl down his spine. Something about Luther''s smile seemed wrong¡ªforced, deceptive.


    Alex''s sharp eyes darted upward.


    That''s when he saw it.


    An archer perched in the trees, hidden among the branches, had his bow drawn, the string taut, and an arrow aimed directly at the tank.


    The tank face twisted in confusion, something was off.


    His name wasn''t Kiev


    SWISH!


    The archer let the arrow loose and it zipped through the air and struck the tank''s neck with deadly precision.


    THUNK!


    The tank''s eyes widened in shock, his hands instinctively flying to the shaft lodged in his throat.


    Blood spurted from the wound, staining his armor and the ground beneath him.


    His legs buckled as he stumbled back, choking, trying to process what had just happened.


    He turned his gaze toward Luther, and that''s when he saw it¡ªthe cruel, twisted grin spreading across the Luther''s face.


    "You... damn... trai¡ª"


    SLASH!


    The tank croaked, his voice gurgling as blood filled his throat.


    Luther cut him off, literally.


    With a swift motion, he drew a blade and slit the tank''s throat, silencing him forever.


    The tank crumpled to the ground, lifeless.


    Luther turned to face the remaining three players from the tank''s group, their expressions a mixture of horror and disbelief as they witnessed their leader''s brutal betrayal.


    Luther''s men, standing behind him, were already prepared, their expression savage.


    Luther then pointed his bloodied blade at the stunned survivors and commanded:


    "Attack!"


    ------


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 58 - 58: Flee or Kill

    The remaining three members of the tank''s group broke into a panic as Luther''s betrayal became clear.


    One of them, a young woman with a wand, stepped back, her hands trembling. Gathering her courage, she raised the wand to cast a spell. But before the words left her lips, a massive figure barreled toward her.


    *CRACK!


    Jagger, a towering brute wielding a war hammer, slammed the weapon into her ribs with devastating force.


    The impact sent her flying like a ragdoll, tumbling across the ground. Her body collided with a tree, the sickening thud of bone meeting wood echoing through the clearing.


    She didn''t move.


    "Yo, Jagger!" Soren, a lanky man holding twin daggers, called out, irritation in his voice. "Why''d you kill her so fast? We could''ve had some fun first."


    "Sorry, Soren," Jagger said with a shrug, his tone completely devoid of remorse. "Accident."


    Soren rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, as the carnage continued.


    The last two survivors tried to regroup, but chaos was already tearing them apart. One of them, a determined swordsman, faced off against Edgar, Luther''s skilled blade-wielder.


    The clash of swords rang out as the two fought, the survivor managing to keep Edgar on the defensive. His strikes were quick and precise, forcing Edgar to retreat step by step. It looked like he might actually have the upper hand¡ª


    *TWANG!*


    An arrow zipped through the air and struck the swordsman in the thigh.


    "Argh!" he groaned, the pain shooting through his leg. He faltered, his balance breaking just enough for Edgar to exploit the opening.


    *SLASH!*


    Edgar''s blade tore across his chest, and the man stumbled back, clutching the wound. His breathing was labored, his vision blurring as he glared at Luther.


    "You piece of shit!" he spat, fury burning in his eyes. "You were the one who proposed the truce!"


    Luther''s expression didn''t change. If anything, he seemed amused.


    The swordsman''s defiant shout was cut short as Soren appeared behind him. With a quick, brutal motion, Soren drove his dagger straight through the man''s skull.


    *THUNK!*


    The swordsman hit the ground with a dull thud, lifeless.


    Soren smirked, crouching next to the corpse. "It''s your fault for believing in that truce crap," he muttered dismissively. He stood and turned toward the last survivor, his grin widening.


    The lone remaining member of the group shrieked, his eyes darting between the corpses of his teammates. His heart raced as panic set in. Unlike the others, he wasn''t a fighter¡ªhe was a healer, someone who could mend wounds but couldn''t inflict harm.


    He dropped his weaponless hands, trembling, and raised them high in surrender as Edgar stepped closer, his sword still dripping with fresh blood.


    "Wait! Please, don''t kill me!" the healer begged, his voice cracking. "I can help you! You need me. You don''t have a healer, do you? I can¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Luther stepped forward, his spear already glowing with lethal energy.


    *BOOM!*


    A searing blast of light shot from the weapon, striking the healer dead center. The man staggered back, a gaping hole burned into his chest. His expression froze in disbelief as he collapsed, his body hitting the ground lifelessly.


    Luther lowered his spear, his face cold and impassive.


    From the bushes, Alex frowned as he silently observed the carnage.


    ''Player killers.''


    He''d suspected something like this would happen eventually, but not this quickly. Humans were opportunistic. Killing other players was far easier¡ªand sometimes more rewarding¡ªthan risking their lives against monsters.


    "It was smart to hide Kiev," Soren said, glancing at the archer perched in the trees. His tone was casual, as if they hadn''t just murdered an entire group. "He caught them totally off guard."


    The archer, Kiev, leapt down from the trees, landing gracefully near the group. He approached Luther with purpose, his bow slung across his back, and his expression serious.


    "Sir," Kiev began, his voice steady, "I found a group camping downstream."


    Luther barely looked up as he rummaged through the belongings of the dead tank, searching for anything valuable. "Really? How many are there?" he asked absentmindedly.


    "About twelve," Kiev replied. "But they look exhausted."


    "Twelve?" Soren raised an eyebrow, leaning on his dagger. "That''s a big group. Could be risky." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kiev shook his head, his tone firm. "Most of them aren''t fighters. Looks like they''re just a bunch of random players who decided to stick together after arriving at the tower."


    "Even so, twelve''s still a lot," Soren countered, his hesitation evident. "If a few of them know how to fight, they could turn the tables on us."


    Kiev scowled, his voice sharpening. "Don''t be a coward. You know how much we gain from this. The rewards are worth it."


    Luther finally stood, holding a shiny silver ring he''d scavenged from the tank''s body. He turned to the others, his cold eyes gleaming.


    "Kiev''s right," Jagger said. "Thanks to our contract with the Blood Monarch, the more humans we kill, the faster we gain EXP and awaken new skills."


    From his hiding spot, Alex''s jaw tightened as he listened.


    ''Blood Monarch?''


    It sounded like the name of a demon, sinister and foreboding.


    But Alex was sure it wasn''t just some random entity¡ªit had to be one of the gods Apollo had warned him about.


    ''I thought they wouldn''t be able to act so soon?''


    He clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Things were moving too quickly. Far faster than he''d anticipated.


    ''Seriously, you damned rabbit. Were all your words just lies?''


    Alex''s thoughts were interrupted by the ongoing discussion among the group of killers.


    "We can''t let this chance slip by," Kiev pressed, his voice urgent.


    "He''s right," Soren agreed, though a flicker of doubt still lingered in his tone. "It''s risky, but the payoff is worth it."


    All eyes turned to Luther. He was the one who always made the final call. His decisions carried weight, and the rest of them knew better than to act without his say-so.


    "What do you want to do, Luther?" Kiev asked, his tone steady but expectant.


    The group fell silent, waiting.


    Luther paused, tilting his head as if savoring the moment. Then, a slow, menacing grin spread across his face. His tongue darted out to lick his lips, his eyes glinting with cruel delight.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Luther''s voice was low but brimming with malice. "We go there and get some blood on our hands."


    Jagger''s booming laughter shattered the stillness. "I was hoping you''d say that!" he bellowed, gripping his hammer tightly, the anticipation of violence lighting up his face.


    Kiev wasn''t finished. He smirked and added casually, "Also, there''s a familiar face among them."


    Luther''s eyes narrowed with curiosity, his tone shifting. "Who?"


    Kiev''s smirk widened. "Your ex, Nancy."


    Luther froze. The name seemed to hit him like a shockwave.


    Hidden in the bushes, Alex also froze. His brain caught up a second later, and he choked on his own spit. A cough threatened to erupt, but he slapped a hand over his mouth just in time.


    Unfortunately, even the muffled sound didn''t escape Edgar''s sharp ears.


    "You mean Nancy is there?" Luther repeated, his voice laced with sudden eagerness. The earlier cruelty was gone, replaced with a twisted excitement. "You should''ve led with that! Let''s go. Immediately."


    Luther''s eagerness was palpable, his grin widening as he thought of seeing her again. His men noticed his excitement, exchanging amused glances.


    Meanwhile, Edgar''s focus had shifted. He was moving toward the bushes where Alex was hiding. His gaze was sharp, and his footsteps were deliberate.


    Kiev noticed and asked, "What are you doing?"


    Edgar didn''t reply, his hand drifting toward the hilt of his sword.


    Alex felt a surge of tension as Edgar closed the distance.


    Escaping them would be easy, but how could he leave now?


    At first, Alex thought they were just targeting another random group of players. But when he heard Nancy''s name, everything clicked. Their next target was Jonah and the others.


    His fists clenched tightly, his nails biting into his palms.


    ''Should I just stand here and let it happen?''


    As Alex wrestled with his decision, Luther was already preparing to move. He turned to the group, his voice sharp. "Alright, let''s head to our next victims¡ª"


    But he stopped mid-sentence, noticing Edgar wasn''t paying attention.


    "Edgar, what''s the holdup? I said we''re leaving."


    Edgar didn''t turn around. His eyes were locked on the bushes. "Someone''s hiding over there."


    The entire group froze, their thoughts in sync: ''Who?''


    Weapons were drawn in an instant. Kiev pulled back his bowstring, an arrow already nocked. His eyes scanned the area, suspecting that one of their earlier victims had somehow survived.


    Edgar crept closer, his steps deliberate. His hand hovered over the hilt of his sword, ready for a fight. As he neared the bushes, he could make out the faint silhouette of a figure crouched low.


    "Whoever''s there, come out. There''s no point in hiding," Edgar demanded, his voice calm but commanding.


    There was no response.


    Alex didn''t flinch as Edgar drew nearer. He wasn''t worried about being discovered. If it came to a fight, he was confident he could take them.


    What gnawed at him was the choice he had to make.


    Should he wipe out this group now and save Jonah and the others?


    Or should he let them go and avoid unnecessary conflict, even if it meant leaving his colleagues to their fate?

 Chapter 59 - 59: Pay For Your Sins

    Authors Note: Big shoutout to IcyShadow2323 for making this chapter possible! Thanks for the pizza, you''re the MVP at the moment!


    ----


    Alex''s mind was a storm of conflicting emotions as Edgar inched closer.


    The man''s boots crunched against the grass, each step loud enough to rattle Alex''s resolve.


    A voice deep inside whispered temptations:


    Just let them go. Let them kill your colleagues. It''s not your problem.


    The thought sent a shiver through him.


    Alex clenched his fists, shaking his head violently as if to physically shove the idea away.


    The right choice was clear.


    He needed to stop these murderers, here and now. Anything else would be a betrayal¡ªto Jonah, Nancy, Evelyn, and himself.


    But the fact that such a selfish thought had even crossed his mind forced Alex to confront a darker question. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Is this what I''ve become?


    Someone so desperate to avoid pain that he''d let others die to protect his own feelings?


    He gritted his teeth, fury bubbling beneath the surface. His fists clenched tighter, his nails digging into his palms.


    It wasn''t who he was. Neither was it who he wanted to be.


    Cowardice would be the easy path, but it was a path Alex refused to take.


    Letting murderers run free, letting Jonah, Nancy, and Evelyn be hunted down¡ªhe wouldn''t allow it.


    No matter how much Alex tried to deny it, he cared about the three of them¡ªJonah, Evelyn, and Nancy¡ªmore than he wanted to admit.


    As for Thompson and his lackeys? They could burn for all he cared.


    But Nancy... she was different.


    Alex couldn''t pinpoint when it started, but he''d begun to feel something for her. In this brutal, unforgiving environment, those kinds of emotions were risky¡ªmaybe even dangerous.


    And yet, he couldn''t ignore them.


    So when he heard Luther mention that Nancy was his ex, it struck a nerve.


    A pang of jealousy flared within him, unexpected and sharp.


    Luther and Nancy seemed like complete opposites, their paths too divergent to make sense together. But then again, what did Alex really know about her?


    Who is Nancy, really?


    The thought gnawed at him. Could she be like Luther, a killer who had abandoned morality to survive? Or worse, a spy¡ªa mole sent to betray the group all for tutorial points?


    He didn''t have the answers.


    And honestly, Alex realized he didn''t care.


    Nancy''s past, her connection to Luther, her reasons for being here¡ªnone of it mattered.


    She wasn''t just anyone to him. She was someone he cared about, and that was all he needed to know.


    Alex took a deep breath, his fists tightening.


    He couldn''t stand by and let innocent lives¡ªlet Nancy¡ªbe wiped out by these monsters. If he had the power to stop it and did nothing, he knew he''d never forgive himself.


    "Hey, Edgar, be careful!" Kiev''s voice rang out, laced with a deep sense of unease as he watched his teammate steadily advance toward the bushes.


    His eyes narrowed, searching for any signs of danger, but the quiet stillness of the surroundings made him feel more uncertain with each passing second.


    The rest of the group hung back, their weapons drawn and ready, every one of them alert, eyes darting across the terrain in search of any potential threat that might be lying in wait, just out of sight.


    The air was thick with tension, each of them sensing that something wasn''t quite right.


    Despite the weight of the situation, Edgar remained unfazed.


    His movements were deliberate and calm, his fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword.


    With each step, his boots crunching softly against the earth, he closed the distance between himself and the trembling outline of a figure crouched low behind the bushes.


    The figure barely moved, its form quivering in the shadows.


    Edgar''s gaze hardened.


    A coward, he thought with a flicker of disdain.


    Hiding behind a bush, thinking it can escape. Pathetic.


    A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, his eyes scanning for any signs of threat.


    He didn''t feel fear¡ªno, just the anticipation of dealing with this weak prey, an animal too scared to even stand its ground.


    It was the type of prey he enjoyed the most.


    "Come on out," Edgar growled, his voice low and menacing.


    His hand stretched forward, fingers splayed as he reached for the collar of the hidden figure, ready to yank them into the open with a forceful tug.


    But as his fingers brushed against the edge of the figure''s clothing, everything shifted in an instant.


    A sharp, deliberate exhale cut through the silence, like the hiss of a predator preparing to strike. The sound was so measured, so chilling, that it sent a jolt through Edgar''s spine, a warning his instincts screamed at him¡ªbut it was already too late.


    Whoosh.


    The distinct hum of a blade slicing through the air filled the space, a lethal arc of steel cutting through the atmosphere with terrifying speed. The rush of air that followed was like a ghost whispering its final warning.


    For a split second, there was nothing but silence¡ªan eerie, unnatural pause in the action, like time itself had slowed, holding its breath.


    Then came the heavy thud of Edgar''s head hitting the ground.


    His body jerked briefly, like a ragdoll caught in the last twitch of life, before it collapsed, lifeless, onto the dirt with a sickening thud.


    The rest of the group froze in place, their minds struggling to comprehend what had just unfolded.


    Eyes wide, their faces pale with shock and horror, they stared at the sight of their Edgar decapitated form, unable to process what they had just witnessed.


    Ding!


    The soft chime of a kill notification echoed in Alex''s ears, but he paid it no mind.


    Rising slowly from the bushes, he stepped into the open with a casual, almost lazy gait.


    His demeanor was calm, but the tension in the air was palpable.


    In his hand, the [Eclipse Edge] gleamed ominously as he pointed it toward the rest of the group. They stood frozen in shock, their initial disbelief giving way to a simmering rage.


    "You guys brought this on yourselves," Alex said, his voice smooth yet cold, tilting his head slightly as if the entire situation bored him. "All because you mentioned Nancy."


    "You bastard! Who are you?!" Jagger roared, gripping his massive hammer tightly. His booming voice did little to mask the anger¡ªand a hint of unease¡ªrising in him.


    He couldn''t believe what he had just witnessed.


    Edgar was one of their best, and yet he''d fallen without so much as a warning. The thought gnawed at Jagger, but he forced it aside.


    Alex didn''t even spare him a glance, his expression remaining detached as he continued in a weary tone.


    "You kill your own kind for a few meager points and revel in the blood you spill. Now, it''s time to pay the price for your sins."


    "Enough of this nonsense!" Luther barked, stepping forward, his grip tightening on his spear.


    He''d heard enough from this self-righteous stranger. Raising his weapon, Luther unleashed a volley of glowing energy beams, each one tearing through the air with a high-pitched screech.


    The beams slammed into Alex with explosive force, the resulting blasts kicking up clouds of dust and debris. The shockwaves rippled outward, shaking the ground beneath them.


    The sheer rage behind Luther''s attack reverberated through the ground, the blasts leaving cracks and scorch marks where they struck. The air was heavy with heat and tension as the dust slowly began to settle.


    Luther stood still, his spear lowered, convinced the problem was solved.


    "This clown must''ve gotten lucky with Edgar," Luther muttered under his breath. "Overconfident fool. He probably thought we''d all be pushovers."


    He scoffed, turning his back to the aftermath.


    The tutorial had only just begun, and Luther was sure no one could be at a higher level than his group. Edgar''s death, he reasoned, was the result of carelessness, not skill.


    But then¡ªa cough.


    Luther froze, his grip tightening on the spear. Slowly, he turned back to the settling fumes, his heart pounding against his ribcage.


    And there he was.


    The figure stepped through the dissipating smoke, completely unharmed. Alex casually waved his hand through the lingering fumes, clearing his line of sight.


    "Nice attack," Alex said with a playful grin, his tone light as though he were talking to an old friend. But then his expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam.


    "But¡­" he continued, his voice dropping to a cold, menacing growl. "It''s my turn."


    Before anyone could react, Alex vanished.


    Luther''s eyes widened, his instincts screaming danger, but it was too late. In a split second, Alex reappeared directly in front of him, his movement so fast it was almost a blur.


    Luther barely had time to flinch as Alex''s palm shot forward, aiming straight for his face.


    ------


    Author''s Note:


    An ice-cold cola or a slice of pizza would totally make my day. Show some love to this struggling author, huh? No homo, just a hungry writer out here. ????????

 Chapter 60 - 60: A Demon: Overwhelming

    Alex lunged forward, his hand locking onto Luther''s face like a steel trap. Without hesitation, he drove Luther''s head into the ground with a thunderous slam.


    Luther''s body jolted from the impact, and he let out a sharp gasp. Pain shot down his neck, and his vision blurred instantly.


    For a moment, his mind scrambled to make sense of what had happened.


    One second, he had been standing confidently; the next, there was nothing but searing pain and the cold ground beneath him.


    He tried to open his eyes, but his vision swam with darkness. Through the haze, he saw a figure standing over him¡ªa figure wearing a playful, yet unnerving grin.


    The grin, combined with the blood splatter and eerie calmness in his eyes, made Alex look like something out of a nightmare. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A surge of dread washed over Luther just before unconsciousness pulled him under.


    "Damn you!"


    The booming voice of Jagger shattered the silence.


    The towering man roared in rage, gripping his massive hammer and charging at Alex.


    With a ferocious swing, he aimed a devastating blow at Alex''s side.


    But Alex was faster.


    He darted backward, narrowly avoiding the hammer.


    The force of the missed strike sent a powerful gust of wind ripping through the air, kicking up dirt and leaves.


    Jagger snarled, unfazed by the miss.


    His strength was monstrous, and he swung the hammer again and again, each strike heavy enough to crater the ground.


    Despite the weapon''s massive size, he wielded it as if it were weightless, his movements brutal and relentless.


    But Alex was simply too quick.


    With a frustrated roar, Jagger raised his hammer high and slammed it down with all his might, aiming to pulverize Alex where he stood.


    The ground shook with the force of the impact, dirt, and debris flying everywhere.


    But Alex wasn''t there.


    Before Jagger could process what happened, Alex surged forward.


    His fist connected squarely with Jagger''s nose, the sound of the impact echoing like a crack of thunder.


    Jagger''s massive frame was sent hurtling backward, spinning like a ragdoll through the air.


    He crashed into a tree with a sickening thud, the bark splintering under the force.


    Blood sprayed from his mouth as he coughed, slumping to the ground in a heap.


    "You bastard!" Soren shouted, his voice trembling with fury.


    The lanky man lunged at Alex, wielding a blade with shaky determination.


    Alex turned to face him, his sharp eyes narrowing as he prepared to counter. But then, a sudden prickling sensation ran down his spine¡ªa warning. Danger was coming from behind.


    It was Kiev.


    The archer had used Soren''s charge as a distraction and released an arrow aimed directly at Alex''s neck.


    Kiev smirked, certain the shot would hit.


    The stranger couldn''t possibly have seen it coming.


    But Alex did.


    With lightning-fast reflexes, Alex twisted his body and snatched the arrow mid-flight. The movement was so seamless it looked almost effortless.


    Kiev''s smirk faltered, replaced by wide-eyed shock.


    Before he could react, Alex hurled the arrow back with blistering speed, the projectile slicing through the air like a missile.


    Kiev barely had time to turn his head.


    The arrow tore past his cheek, leaving a shallow, stinging cut. He stumbled back, stunned, one hand instinctively touching the fresh wound.


    His mind reeled as he struggled to make sense of what he had just seen.


    How fast was this guy moving do be able to do that? How many points were in his agility?


    The question hammered through Kiev''s mind as fear coursed through his veins.


    This wasn''t normal¡ªnot by a long shot.


    No ordinary player could pull off what this stranger had just done.


    He had taken down Luther, their leader and the most powerful among them, with ease.


    He''d sent Jagger flying with nothing but an fist. And then he''d caught an arrow mid-flight like it was child''s play.


    Kiev''s hands trembled slightly, his bow feeling heavier than ever. His body was tense, sweat dripping down his face as he stared at Alex.


    "Did we just provoke a demon?"


    The thought clawed at the back of his mind, causing him to tremble.


    Soren squared off against Alex, his blade trembling slightly in his grasp. Kiev, trying to regain his composure, backed him up by nocking another arrow.


    He aimed carefully, hoping to catch the stranger off-guard again.


    But Kiev knew he needed a better angle. He leapt for a tree branch, hoping to gain a vantage point. The instant his foot left the ground, he felt a cold, iron grip latch onto his ankle.


    His eyes widened in panic.


    Looking down, he saw Alex glaring up at him, his expression calm but unnervingly focused.


    Before Kiev could even think to struggle, Alex''s grip tightened like a vice.


    With a surge of inhuman strength, Alex swung Kiev like a ragdoll and hurled him through the air.


    Kiev''s body collided with Soren, who had been charging in for an attack.


    The two of them crashed to the ground in a heap, groaning in pain as dust and leaves scattered around them.


    Jagger, clutching his broken nose, let out an enraged roar.


    Blood smeared his face, his grip on the massive hammer tightening as he charged at Alex like a berserk beast.


    He swung wildly, each strike aimed to crush Alex into the ground. But Alex was untouchable, weaving and sidestepping with the grace of a predator playing with its prey.


    The more Jagger missed, the angrier he became. His movements grew sloppier, his hammer slamming into the dirt with earth-shaking force but never hitting its target.


    It was maddening.


    It was as if Alex was mocking him, his movements practically daring him:


    "Hit me if you can."


    Jagger''s breaths came in ragged gasps, his body screaming for a break. But he didn''t dare stop.


    Because he could feel it¡ªthe moment he paused, Alex would come for him.


    So Jagger kept attacking, swinging his hammer like a madman. Each strike shook the ground, sending dirt and debris flying into the air.


    Soren and Kiev had recovered by now, and Soren rushed forward, trying to join the fight.


    But Jagger''s relentless assault left no room for anyone else. He was growling like a wild animal, his movements frantic and chaotic.


    Kiev climbed higher into the branches of a tree, bow drawn, and cursed under his breath.


    He had a clear vantage point, but Jagger''s erratic attacks made it impossible to get a clean shot at their opponent.


    "Damn it, Jagger!" he hissed.


    Kiev''s hands were trembling.


    He knew the truth¡ªit wasn''t Jaggers fault.


    The stranger was just too strong.


    He was playing with them, toying with their desperation.


    If this guy wanted to, they''d all be dead already.


    Why is he dragging this out?


    Kiev''s thoughts raced as he tried to steady his aim.


    He could feel his pulse pounding in his ears.


    If he didn''t take this chance, he''d lose his life for sure.


    Finally, Jagger''s wild swings opened a small window


    . Kiev saw his opportunity and released the arrow, sending it whistling through the air toward Alex.


    But the instant the arrow left his bow, Alex turned to face it, his eyes locking onto the projectile, and then he grinned, sending a chill down Kiev''s spine.


    Alex snatched the arrow out of the air with effortless precision, the motion almost too fast to see.


    And Kiev''s breath caught in his throa


    . "No way¡­"


    Before he could fully process what had happened, Alex spun and drove the arrow straight into Jagger''s eye with a sickening crunch.


    Jagger let out a guttural scream, the sound filled with pure agony.


    He staggered back, dropping his massive hammer as he clawed at his face.


    Blood poured down in streams, staining his hands and the ground beneath him.


    His screams echoed through the clearing as he stumbled, blinded and overwhelmed by the excruciating pain.


    Alex gripped Jagger''s massive Warhammer, lifting it with ease despite its immense weight.


    He twirled it once, testing its heft, and smirked.


    Without hesitation, he brought the hammer down in a devastating swing, aiming directly at Jagger''s side.


    The sheer force of the impact was monstrous, causing the upper half of Jagger''s body to explode into a gruesome spray of blood and gore.


    The crimson mess splattered in all directions, painting the battlefield in vivid red.


    But Alex stood untouched.


    A shimmering, translucent barrier of energy surrounded him¡ªthe effect of [Aegis Arcane].


    The blood slid harmlessly down the magical shield, pooling on the ground at his feet.


    Alex tilted his head, inspecting the carnage with a playful grin.


    "Oops," he said, his tone mockingly apologetic.


    "Didn''t mean to make such a mess."


    He let out a casual laugh as if he had just cracked a joke rather than obliterating someone moments ago.


    Kiev and Soren, who had been watching from a distance, froze.


    Their faces turned pale, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.


    They exchanged a glance, both thinking the same thing:


    This isn''t a fight, It was a one-sided slaughter.


    The realization hit them like a cold wave.


    Facing Alex was suicide.


    They were like ants standing before a titan, and their only possible outcome was death.


    Fear consumed them, and without another word, they turned and bolted in opposite directions, their footsteps frantic and uncoordinated as they tried to escape.


    They didn''t care about the unconsciousless Luther.


    It was a run for their lives.


    But Alex wasn''t about to let them get away.


    His smile faded, replaced by a cold expression.


    His voice low and chilling, as he muttered:


    "Running won''t save you."


    ------


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 61 - 61: A Demon: Torture

    Kiev and Soren bolted, their hearts pounding in sheer panic.


    They had provoked something far beyond their comprehension¡ªa monster in human form.


    A demon.


    Kiev''s breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the trees, desperate to put as much distance as possible between himself and the carnage.


    But then, a chilling scream tore through the air.


    Kiev froze mid-step, his blood running cold.


    Slowly, he turned his head, dread knotting in his stomach.


    His worst fear was confirmed.


    The demon¡ªthe man who had effortlessly obliterated Jagger¡ªhad caught up to Soren.


    Kiev hesitated for a heartbeat, debating whether to help his comrade.


    But fear won out. Survival was all that mattered now.


    He turned back around and kept running, his legs pumping harder than ever.


    Meanwhile, Soren was locked in a desperate struggle.


    His knife glinted in the faint light as he slashed wildly at his pursuer, his movements fueled by sheer terror.


    But the demon didn''t flinch.


    He moved with an unnerving calmness, each step precise and deliberate, his piercing gaze locked onto Soren. His grin widened, a chilling expression that sent shivers down Soren''s spine.


    Panicking, Soren swung again, his arm shaking with the effort.


    But his aim was wild, and the demon saw his opening.


    In one swift motion, Alex stepped inside Soren''s reach, his hand lashing out like a viper to grab Soren by the collar.


    Before Soren could react, Alex drove his forehead into Soren''s face with brutal force.


    The crack of bone echoed through the forest as Soren''s nose shattered under the impact.


    Pain exploded through Soren''s skull, his vision going white for a moment.


    His body swayed, and the knife slipped from his trembling hand, clattering to the ground.


    His knees buckled further as consciousness wavered.


    "Hey, wake up!" Alex said mockingly, slapping Soren''s face lightly, each strike stinging just enough to keep him on the edge of awareness.


    "What was that?" Alex sneered, tilting his head as if genuinely curious. "You could''ve had fun with her? What a waste?"


    Soren''s half-open eyes flinched at the words.


    His groggy mind registered the statement, and he tried to push himself free, writhing desperately.


    But Alex''s grip was unyielding, like a snake tightening around its prey.


    "You bastard! Let go of me! Let go!" Soren spat, his voice trembling with panic. His heart raced in his chest, each beat hammering in his ears.


    Alex smirked, his voice dropping into a dark, mocking tone. "You seem like the type who enjoys watching others suffer¡ªhearing their screams, seeing their fear."


    Soren''s initial fury faltered.


    He squirmed harder, but when Alex suddenly inhaled deeply, and Soren froze mid-struggle.


    Something primal in him screamed that he had to run, but Alex''s grip pinned him in place.


    "Be honored," Alex said with a cold grin.


    "I''ll show you what a real scream is."


    Before Soren could react, Alex unleashed a deafening sonic scream directly at him.


    The force hit Soren like a tidal wave.


    His ears ruptured instantly, blood pouring from them.


    His nose, mouth, and eyes followed suit as the shockwave tore through his face.


    Soren let out a choked, gurgling sound, but it was short-lived.


    His skull cracked under the relentless pressure, blood and fragments of bone staining Alex''s hand.


    Soren''s body hung limp in Alex''s grip, lifeless and broken.


    Alex loosened his hold, letting Soren''s corpse drop to the ground with a dull thud. He dusted off his hands, unbothered by the carnage, and then turned his gaze toward the archer.


    Kiev was already a speck in the distance, running for his life without daring to look back.


    Alex turned his gaze toward the archer, now a distant figure bolting for his life without daring to look back.


    That coward, Alex thought, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Still, the archer''s decision wasn''t entirely stupid¡ªit was survival instinct at its finest. But the smarter move would have been avoiding Alex altogether.


    Alex stretched his arms lazily, rolling his neck. He didn''t feel like giving chase. Why bother? Instead, he raised his hand and casually snapped his fingers.


    The sound was soft, almost anticlimactic, but what followed was anything but.


    Kiev, mid-sprint, was suddenly thrown forward like a ragdoll. A thunderous explosion echoed across the forest as his leg detonated, the crude bomb Alex had discreetly planted earlier doing its job.


    The archer hit the ground hard, tumbling over himself before skidding to a stop. His scream tore through the air, a raw, visceral sound of pure agony. He clutched at the mangled stump where his leg had been, blood pouring freely into the dirt.


    Pain radiated through Kiev''s entire body, overwhelming his senses. His mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. Did I step on a trap? Or... was it him?


    A chill ran through him as he heard it¡ªthe sound of slow, deliberate footsteps crunching on the forest floor. He looked up, his tear-filled eyes meeting Alex''s calm, almost amused expression as he approached.


    "No¡­ no, no, no¡­" Kiev stammered, his voice trembling. Panic surged through him, pushing past the pain.


    Gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright, balancing precariously on his one remaining leg. His entire body shook as he tried to hop away, desperate to put distance between himself and the approaching nightmare.


    "Oi, you forgot this."


    Alex''s voice rang out with a mocking edge as he bent down to pick up the archer''s discarded quiver.


    Kiev didn''t dare turn around.


    He kept hopping forward, his breath ragged, each movement a struggle against the searing pain in his leg.


    Alex plucked an arrow from the quiver and held it up, examining its sharp tip. He tilted his head, his tone dripping with cruel amusement.


    "I said, you forgot this. You should take what belongs to you."


    Without hesitation, Alex flicked the arrow like a dart.


    It sliced through the air with deadly precision and force, embedding itself in Kiev''s remaining leg.


    A bloodcurdling scream escaped the archer''s lips as the sharp pain shot through him. His balance wavered, but before he could recover, Alex had already drawn another arrow.


    This time, he aimed carefully. With a fluid motion, Alex hurled it. The arrow pierced Kiev''s side, driving deep into his waist.


    Kiev let out a groan of agony, his body twisting as he collapsed onto the ground. He lay there, helpless, every nerve in his body alight with pain.


    The sound of Alex''s footsteps grew louder, deliberate and unhurried, each one making Kiev''s heart pound harder in his chest.


    Finally, Alex stopped beside him, looming like a shadow over the broken archer. Kiev''s trembling eyes lifted to meet Alex''s cold, unforgiving gaze.


    "Why¡­ why are you doing this?" Kiev choked out, his voice weak, barely more than a whisper.


    Alex''s lips curled into a cruel smile. "Doing what? Isn''t this what you do to your targets?"


    Before Kiev could respond, Alex raised another arrow. With a swift, downward motion, he drove it into the archer''s back.


    Kiev cried out, his voice echoing through the forest.


    Another arrow.


    And another. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each strike was methodical, precise, and relentless, burying deeper into Kiev''s body.


    Kiev''s screams tore through the air, raw and filled with agony. His groans turned into desperate murmurs, his voice shaking.


    "We... we haven''t even killed many," he stammered, his words slurred through the haze of pain. "We barely have any tutorial points. I don''t see why you''re doing this."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his tone sharp and unyielding. "You killed the innocent. And if I let you go, you''ll kill more."


    Without hesitation, Alex pulled another arrow from the quiver and fired. The arrow buried itself into Kiev''s flesh with a sickening thud.


    Kiev screamed louder this time, his body writhing as the searing pain coursed through him. Blood poured freely from his wounds, soaking the ground beneath him.


    The pain was unbearable, a constant flood that wouldn''t let up. His breathing grew ragged, each inhale a struggle. Tears mixed with the blood streaming down his face as he cried out, his voice hoarse.


    "Then just get it over with!" Kiev shouted, his frustration and despair boiling over. Blood trickled from his mouth as he coughed, choking on the taste of iron. "Why the torture?"


    Alex stopped, his expression shifting from cold indifference to something darker. For a moment, he seemed to consider the question, his gaze piercing through Kiev like a blade.


    Then, an eerie grin spread across his face, the kind that made the air around him feel colder.


    "Why?" Alex repeated, his voice low and deliberate.


    "The answer''s simple." He leaned closer, his grin widening into something sinister.


    "I''m doing it because I enjoy it."


    Kiev''s bloodshot eyes widened in horror, his entire body trembling.


    Before he could even process the statement, Alex raised another arrow and drove it down with unrelenting force.


    Kiev''s scream echoed into the night, the sound of pure, unfiltered agony. The forest grew silent, save for the shallow, broken gasps of the defeated archer.


    ----


    Authors Note:


    Let''s keep the support rolling, guys! It''s a huge factor in whether two chapters a day will become a reality starting next year. Every bit of love helps, so I appreciate it all whether it''s a review, power stone, golden tickets, or gifts. Let''s make it happen together!

 Chapter 62 - 62: A Demon: Anomaly

    Authors Note: Big shoutout to IcyShadow2323 for making this chapter possible! Thanks for the pizza, you''re the MVP at the moment!


    ----


    Luther groaned as he regained consciousness, the dull, pounding ache in his head making him wince.


    Slowly, he raised a trembling hand to his temple, the sticky warmth beneath his fingers telling him all he needed to know. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    He brought his hand in front of his face and stared at the dark red smear of blood.


    His vision was still blurry, his mind clouded with confusion.


    What happened?


    For a moment, everything was a hazy blank, the details just out of reach.


    But then his eyes fell on Edgar''s decapitated body sprawled nearby.


    The sight hit him like a jolt of electricity, and the memories came rushing back.


    His jaw clenched tightly, his teeth grinding as fury replaced the fog in his mind.


    He balled his hands into fists, trembling with rage.


    "That bastard," he growled under his breath, his voice filled with venom.


    The image replayed in his mind.


    He had been caught off-guard, his head slammed to the ground. The stranger had moved with such overwhelming speed it felt unreal.


    "How is that even possible?"


    Luther muttered to himself, his mind racing to make sense of it.


    And then it clicked. Or at least, he thought it did.


    "That''s right," he said, his voice gaining strength as he pieced it together. "The bastard must''ve put all his points in agility."


    It was the only explanation that made sense to him.


    No ordinary player could or should be able to move that fast.


    Fueled by his growing anger, Luther staggered to his feet, his legs wobbling for a moment before finding their strength.


    His eyes darted around the forest, scanning for any sign of the enemy.


    Spotting his spear half-buried in the dirt nearby, he reached down and gripped it tightly.


    His eyes narrowed as he scanned the forest, his breathing steadying as his rage hardened into determination.


    Whoever that bastard was, he was going to pay.


    Luther scanned the area, his eyes darting through the dense forest, but there was no sign of the stranger, or any member of his group.


    Where were they?


    His mind raced with questions.


    Were they still chasing that monster?


    Had they regrouped, or had something gone horribly wrong?


    Then he saw it.


    A gruesome, stomach-turning scene lay just ahead. Jagger''s body¡ªor what was left of it¡ªwas crumpled on the blood-soaked ground.


    Luther''s breath hitched as he realized Jagger''s entire upper torso, from the waist up, was gone.


    Flesh and gore were splattered across the surrounding greenery, staining it crimson.


    The air reeked of iron and death.


    He staggered back, his hand instinctively covering his face as his stomach churned.


    His shock quickly gave way to seething rage.


    His fingers dug into his skin as his expression twisted into a snarl.


    "That bastard," he hissed under his breath. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice trembled, not with fear but with fury. "I''ll kill him."


    Suddenly, a distant explosion echoed through the forest, snapping him out of his thoughts.


    The sound jolted him into action.


    It had to be him.


    Soren and Kiev were probably still fighting that monster.


    Without hesitation, Luther gripped his spear tightly and sprinted toward the noise, his heart pounding in his chest.


    He wasn''t going to let that thing get away with this.


    But as he raced through the forest, his momentum faltered when his eyes caught another horrifying sight.


    A body lay sprawled in the underbrush ahead.


    It was Soren.


    Luther slowed to a stop, his chest heaving as he approached.


    Blood seeped from Soren''s eyes, nose, and mouth, pooling around his lifeless form. His face was frozen in a twisted expression of terror and agony.


    Luther''s grip on his spear tightened.


    He stared down at his fallen comrade, his breathing ragged.


    For the first time, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind.


    His feet refused to move forward as he stood there, staring at Soren''s lifeless body.


    Despite his seething anger, Luther couldn''t ignore the nagging thought in the back of his mind: the way his group had died was far from normal.


    He frowned, gripping his spear tighter as he moved cautiously through the forest.


    "What the hell happened here?" he muttered under his breath.


    The gruesome carnage didn''t feel like the work of a person.


    No, this was something else entirely.


    A monster, perhaps? Could one have been drawn by the noise and caught his team off guard?


    He shook his head, trying to clear the thought.


    He couldn''t imagine a human being capable of such brutal, horrific slaughter.


    Then, faint cackling broke through the uneasy silence, carried by the wind.


    Luther''s steps slowed. His heart pounded as he moved toward the sound, the laughter growing louder with each step.


    He brushed aside the dense foliage and stopped dead in his tracks.


    The sight before him froze him in place.


    Kiev, his second-in-command, was writhing on the ground, screaming in sheer agony.


    His leg was gone, a bloody stump where it had once been.


    His entire body was a bloodied, mangled mess, riddled with arrows that pinned him to the earth like some cruel dartboard.


    Standing over him was the stranger, Kiev''s quiver in hand.


    The stranger pulled out an arrow, twirled it lazily between his fingers, and then threw it with precision, embedding it into Kiev''s already broken body.


    "Bullseye," the stranger muttered with a cold grin.


    Kiev let out another agonized scream, his voice echoing through the forest.


    Luther''s entire body shook with rage.


    His grip on his spear tightened until his knuckles turned white.


    The stranger turned slightly, as if sensing the new presence, but didn''t seem concerned.


    Luther could feel his blood boiling.


    His weapon pulsed with energy, responding to his fury.


    "I''ll kill you!" he roared.


    The spear surged with light, energy gathering at its tip.


    Luther aimed at the stranger, unleashing a devastating beam of raw power.


    The brilliant blast tore through the forest, heading straight for the monster who had decimated his group.


    But to Luther''s disbelief, the stranger barely reacted.


    With casual grace, he stepped to the side, effortlessly dodging the attack. The beam hurtled past him, exploding against the trees in the distance with a deafening crash.


    The blast sent a gust of wind ripping through the forest, causing the stranger''s long coat to flare dramatically.


    Alex turned towards Luther, his smile sharp and unsettling, a predator''s grin.


    "Oh, you''re awake," Alex said, his tone almost cheerful.


    He gestured lazily to the broken, bloodied Kiev on the ground.


    "Good timing. I was already getting bored with this weakling. But lucky me¡ªyou''ve come to make things interesting."


    Luther''s grip on his spear tightened, his knuckles turning white.


    "Damn you! You''ve lost your mind. No sane person would do something like this."


    Alex tilted his head, his expression shifting into something far more sinister. His eyes gleamed with an unholy light as he chuckled softly.


    "That''s right. I''m crazy. I used to wonder how someone like you could kill your own kind so easily."


    His grin widened, his voice dropping into a chilling whisper.


    "But once I tried it, I realized... it''s not hard at all. In fact, it''s exhilarating, because you are all pieces of shit."


    A cold dread washed over Luther as the air around him seemed to grow heavier, almost suffocating.


    It wasn''t just Alex''s words¡ªit was the overwhelming presence radiating from him.


    Luther froze, his heart pounding as beads of sweat formed on his brow.


    This isn''t human, he thought, his mind racing. This can''t be human.


    Meanwhile Kiev on the ground, groaned weakly, every movement sending waves of agony through his body.


    He barely had the strength to open his eyes, but when he did, his blurred vision locked onto Luther.


    Luther stood a short distance away, his chest heaving with rage.


    His entire body trembled, his grip on his glowing spear so tight it seemed like he might crush it.


    Kiev''s heart sank.


    He could see it¡ªthe storm of fury building within Luther.


    But he knew the truth, a truth Luther couldn''t comprehend yet.


    This wasn''t a fight Luther could win.


    He forced his bloodied lips to move, each word a struggle.


    "Luther... ru... ru¡ª"


    But Kiev''s words were cut off abruptly as an arrow pierced his throat, silencing him.


    His eyes widened in shock as he gagged, choking on his own blood.


    Crimson spilled from his mouth, pooling beneath him.


    His body convulsed one last time before going still.


    Luther watched in stunned horror as Kiev died right in front of him.


    Something inside him snapped, shattering the last remnants of control.


    His vision blurred with rage as a guttural roar tore from his throat.


    "You bastard!" he screamed, his voice filled with raw fury.


    "What are you?!"


    Luther charged, his spear blazing with energy, each step pounding into the ground like thunder as he closed the gap between them.


    But Alex didn''t move.


    He stood there, calm and composed, watching Luther barrel toward him.


    His lips curled into a sinister grin, his eyes gleaming with amusement.


    As Luther drew closer, Alex tilted his head slightly, his voice low and cold as he answered Luther''s question.


    "What am I?" he repeated, his grin widening.


    "I''m an anomaly."

 Chapter 63 - 63: A Demon: Double Digits

    Luther didn''t care who or what Alex claimed to be.


    The only thing on his mind was ending the monster standing before him.


    With a shout of pure fury, he spun his spear, aiming a flurry of strikes at Alex.


    The weapon moved like a blur, slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    Each strike was powerful, sending gusts of wind rippling through the clearing.


    But Alex avoided them all effortlessly.


    He weaved and sidestepped with an almost lazy grace, his long coat flaring with every motion. Luther''s strikes came fast and hard, but Alex never lost his cool.


    Luther''s movements were sharp and confident. Even Alex had to admit the raw power behind each attack was impressive for someone so inexperienced.


    This kid was still a newbie, but his strength was undeniable.


    But¡­


    "Disgusting," Alex muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain.


    Luther didn''t hear him, too consumed by his anger to notice. But Alex''s eyes narrowed as he watched the young man fight. He could see it¡ªthe source of Luther''s strength.


    It wasn''t earned through effort or dedication. No, it was something far darker.


    This power came from bloodshed, from sacrifices to the gods Luther and his kind served without remorse.


    Strength is gained by killing others in cold blood, all for some divine reward.


    To them, Alex might seem like a demon, a monster in human form.


    But they were the real monsters¡ªmindless killers who acted without a shred of guilt.


    The thought made his stomach churn.


    "Pathetic," Alex whispered, his movements still calm as Luther continued his assault. The strikes were growing sloppier now, desperation leaking into each swing.


    If they could commit such atrocities without guilt, then they weren''t just misguided¡ªthey were truly evil. People like them had no reason to exist.


    For Alex, the torturing wasn''t just cruelty. It was a message. A point he needed to make.


    What they called strength wasn''t real.


    It was a hollow facade, built on a foundation of fear and cowardice.


    Pathetic.


    He hated it with every fiber of his being.


    Alex wanted people like Luther to understand the truth: they were weak.


    And he wanted them to feel that weakness, to drown in despair, moments before he ended their lives.


    Luther, seething with rage, unleashed a barrage of energy beams.


    Bright streaks of light cut through the air, heading straight for Alex.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch.


    With fluid, almost lazy movements, he sidestepped and ducked, dodging every beam as though it was nothing.


    A grin stretched across his face, mocking Luther''s efforts.


    Luther roared in frustration and leaped into the air, his spear glowing with power.


    With all his might, he brought the weapon down in a thunderous slam.


    The energy released on impact sent shockwaves rippling through the area, causing the ground to crack and splinter beneath Alex.


    Dust and debris filled the air, the force of the attack making it impossible to see.


    For a moment, Luther''s chest heaved with effort, thinking he''d finally landed a hit. But as the dust began to clear, his stomach sank.


    Alex stood there, completely unharmed, a smug grin plastered across his face.


    "You''re not even trying," Alex taunted, his tone dripping with mockery.


    Luther''s heart raced. His breathing was ragged, his muscles burning with exhaustion.


    He was running out of stamina.


    Every attack, every move¡ªnothing worked. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    No matter what he did, he couldn''t touch his opponent. It was like fighting a ghost, a phantom that danced around his every strike.


    Despair started to creep in.


    "Why are you dodging like a coward?" Luther spat, gripping his spear tightly. His voice cracked with frustration.


    "Fight me!"


    "Are you sure about that?"


    Alex grinned his tone a dangerous mix of humor and seriousness.


    His piercing gaze locked onto Luther like a predator sizing up its prey.


    "It''ll end in an instant."


    Luther clenched his teeth, tension rippling through his body.


    Deep down, he knew the demon was right.


    Alex''s confidence wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was the truth. Yet Luther''s pride wouldn''t allow him to admit defeat so easily.


    It felt like Alex was toying with him, dodging instead of attacking, intentionally dragging this out to taunt him.


    Each evasion was a calculated insult, pushing Luther closer to his breaking point.


    "If that''s the case," Luther growled, his voice trembling with fury, "then try to end me if you can!"


    Alex raised an eyebrow, his grin widening.


    Luther stopped in place, his breathing deep and ragged.


    Veins bulged across his skin like writhing snakes, his muscles swelling unnaturally.


    A crimson aura ignited around his body, pulsating with raw energy.


    Alex tilted his head, watching with faint curiosity.


    He could feel the surge in power and realized Luther had activated some kind of enhancement skill¡ªmost likely Berserk.


    But Alex''s expression didn''t falter. Not even for a second.


    This wouldn''t save him.


    Luther roared, the sound primal and filled with rage.


    The ground beneath him cracked as he charged forward, his spear spinning like a cyclone.


    Each strike came faster and harder than the last, the sheer force generating gusts of wind that tore through the clearing.


    The tempo of Luther''s attacks escalated, each move more aggressive, more desperate to overwhelm Alex.


    For a moment, it seemed to work.


    One strike came dangerously close, grazing Alex''s head and slicing off a lock of his hair.


    Luther froze for half a second, elation flickering in his eyes. He''d drawn first blood¡ªor so he thought.


    "I''m getting close," he muttered under his breath, tightening his grip on his weapon.


    But in the blink of an eye, Luther''s confidence was shattered.


    He lunged forward, driving his spear with all his might, but Alex''s movement defied logic.


    It was as though he had phased through the attack, his body seeming to blur for an instant.


    Before Luther could process what had happened, a sharp, searing impact struck the side of his face.


    The world spun.


    The force of the blow hurled him through the air, his body crashing to the ground with a thud. Blood dripped from his nose, and his vision blurred as he struggled to understand what had just happened.


    "A slap?" he muttered, barely coherent.


    His trembling hand brushed his cheek, where an unmistakable handprint throbbed against his skin. The humiliation sank in deeper than the pain.


    "So much damage... from a mere slap," Luther whispered, disbelief and rage boiling within him.


    Alex sauntered forward, calm and composed, his expression almost bored.


    His casual approach felt like an insult, as if Luther wasn''t even worth the effort.


    Fueled by anger and desperation, Luther steadied his spear, its energy crackling as he raised it to strike.


    But Alex moved faster.


    Another slap landed, its impact rattling through Luther''s skull and sending him staggering.


    His spear released an errant energy beam that soared harmlessly into the distance.


    Before Luther could recover, a third slap hit him, and then a fourth.


    Each blow chipped away at his pride, leaving him disoriented and gasping for air.


    By the time the assault paused, Luther was barely able to stay on his feet, his body swaying like a battered reed in the wind.


    His pride was in tatters, his strength draining fast, and Alex hadn''t even drawn a weapon.


    Despite the surge of power coursing through his body, Luther realized with a sinking feeling that nothing had changed. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every attempt to land a blow had failed.


    He racked his brain, trying to make sense of it as to how Alex could be so much stronger


    Is he even human?


    His mind raced through possibilities. Was Alex truly a player like him, or something entirely different? No matter how he spun it, none of it made sense.


    Fueled by frustration, Luther roared and charged, his spear crackling with energy. He thrust it forward, determined to pierce Alex''s smug composure.


    But Alex moved with an effortless precision.


    The spear didn''t hit its mark¡ªit stopped dead in its tracks. Alex had caught it with one hand, holding it steady as if it were a mere toy.


    Luther''s eyes widened in disbelief, but before he could react, Alex yanked the spear forward, dragging Luther with it.


    Then came the blow.


    A single, devastating punch to the gut.


    The force was overwhelming, and Luther''s breath was stolen from him in an instant. He staggered back, collapsing to his knees as he clutched his stomach, gasping for air.


    His vision blurred, but he could make out Alex crouching down to meet him at eye level.


    Desperation surged through Luther.


    He refused to go down like this. With trembling hands, he pulled a knife from his belt, aiming to make one last move.


    But Alex saw it coming.


    Before Luther could swing, Alex''s hand darted out and snapped one of his fingers with a sickening crack.


    Luther howled in agony, the knife slipping from his grasp and clattering to the ground. He writhed in pain, clutching his injured hand.


    "How disappointing," Alex muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.


    He stood, brushing off his coat like he was swatting away an insect.


    "But... oh well, I guess it''s to be expected. Your level is still in the single digit."


    The words froze Luther in place.


    Single digits?


    His mind reeled.


    Alex had said it with such casual superiority as if it were a fact beneath notice.


    But then a question clawed its way to the forefront of Luther''s mind, sending a shiver down his spine.


    If this demon''s level wasn''t in the single digits... then just how high was it?

 Chapter 64 - 64: A Demon: Plea

    The thought consumed Luther, and his breathing quickened, ragged and shallow.


    How¡­ how did he level up so fast?


    Did Alex slay some high-ranking beast? Was he being supported by a god?


    The questions tumbled through Luther''s mind, one after another, but no answers came.


    Each possibility felt more impossible than the last.


    His confusion turned to dread.


    He couldn''t understand the stranger''s intentions. What did Alex want? What was he going to do next?


    But one thing was certain¡ªthis stranger wasn''t going to let him live.


    The weight of Alex''s gaze bore down on Luther, suffocating and unrelenting.


    It wasn''t just the pain in his body that paralyzed him; it was the overwhelming presence of the man in front of him. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex wasn''t human.


    He felt like something entirely otherworldly.


    A demon. A deity.


    Luther couldn''t tell which, but the aura Alex exuded was inhuman and unstoppable.


    The stranger''s eyes stayed fixed on him, sharp and all-encompassing.


    Luther tried¡ªwanted¡ªto meet Alex''s gaze, to show even a shred of defiance.


    But he couldn''t.


    It was as though looking into those eyes would pull him into an endless void, a darkness from which he''d never return.


    The feeling struck him deeply, eerily similar to the terror he had felt when standing before the Blood Monarch.


    And then, something shifted.


    Reality seemed to tear apart at the edges, and Luther suddenly found himself somewhere else entirely.


    The space was surreal, an eerie realm bathed in crimson.


    Thick, twisting red vines pulsated around him, their surfaces slick and dripping with blood.


    The air was heavy, suffused with a pressure so intense it made his knees buckle.


    Then came the voice.


    Deep, guttural, and otherworldly, it echoed through the strange space, penetrating Luther''s very soul.


    The eerie voice had promised Luther power, but at a cost:


    Kill other players as sacrifices.


    Luther hadn''t hesitated.


    He and his group had already taken lives before¡ªwhat was a few more if it meant gaining divine favor?


    But now, as he lay beaten and broken, all his companions dead within a single day of making the pact, a flood of doubts consumed him.


    Was it worth it?


    The question echoed in his mind, tormenting him.


    Am I going to die like this?


    Surely not. He had the backing of a god. That had to count for something, right?


    Unless¡­ the Blood Monarch was a fraud.


    Luther''s mind raced, desperate for answers.


    The god he had sworn loyalty to had to intervene, had to grant him the strength to deal with the demon standing before him.


    He just needed to ask.


    As these thoughts filled his head, a flicker of hope sparked in his eyes.


    Alex noticed the shift immediately.


    Luther''s once defeated expression now carried a glimmer of determination, and Alex''s sharp gaze narrowed.


    That hope... It wasn''t allowed.


    Alex''s expression darkened like a storm cloud.


    Hope was something he intended to crush completely.


    Without a word, Alex stepped closer, his every movement deliberate. His hand reached down and grabbed one of Luther''s trembling fingers.


    Luther froze, a chill running through him.


    With a quick motion, Alex snapped the finger back.


    CRACK.


    "AAARGH!" Luther screamed, the searing pain ripping through his body like fire.


    Alex crouched to eye level, his voice cold and taunting. "Still holding onto hope, are we? Let''s see how long that lasts."


    The flicker of hope in Luther''s eyes began to waver, replaced by a growing fear.


    Alex''s expression didn''t soften.


    "AARGH!"


    Luther''s scream tore through the forest, his voice raw and filled with agony.


    Alex didn''t flinch. He didn''t pause. His hand moved to the next finger, gripping it tightly.


    CRACK.


    Another finger broken.


    Luther''s cries grew louder, desperate, and unrelenting. The forest seemed to absorb the sound, amplifying the torment.


    But Alex''s expression remained cold, his face devoid of sympathy. He wasn''t done yet.


    Finger after finger, the brutal snapping continued, each break accompanied by Luther''s anguished screams.


    By the time Alex reached Luther''s pinky¡ªthe last unbroken finger¡ªLuther''s body was trembling uncontrollably. His face was soaked with sweat and tears.


    "Please... stop!" Luther''s voice cracked, his plea weak and pitiful.


    Alex crouched closer, his eyes dark and unyielding as he grabbed the pinky.


    "Stop?" Alex said, his voice eerily calm. "A dead man doesn''t need fingers."


    SNAP.


    The pinky broke like the others.


    Luther collapsed to the ground, clutching his mangled hand as tears streamed down his face. The pain was unbearable, radiating through his entire body.


    He sobbed uncontrollably, his pride and composure shattered. For the first time, he felt completely powerless.


    "Why... why are you doing this?" Luther managed to choke out between gasps and cries, his voice trembling.


    Alex stood over him, towering like a shadow of judgment. His cold, unfeeling eyes locked onto Luther''s.


    "There''s no ''why,''" Alex said, his voice devoid of any emotion. "This isn''t torment. It''s a lesson."


    Luther stared up at him, his broken hand cradled to his chest.


    The words made no sense, and yet, the cold finality in Alex''s tone sent shivers through him.


    "I see your left hand still has all its fingers intact," Alex said, his voice calm but laced with menace. He tilted his head, his cold gaze fixed on Luther.


    "We should continue with that."


    Luther''s entire body trembled at the statement. The thought of enduring another round of finger-breaking was unbearable. Panic surged through him as his eyes darted around, finally landing on the dagger lying just out of reach.


    Desperation overtook him. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he lunged for the blade and gripped it tightly. His breathing was ragged as he raised it, aiming directly for Alex''s neck.


    But before he could even think about striking, his wrist twisted sharply.


    CRACK!


    The sound echoed in his ears.


    Luther''s fingers went numb as the dagger slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground.


    He stared in horror at his arm, now bent at an unnatural angle.


    A guttural sound escaped his throat as his brain registered the injury, but the shock delayed the pain.


    His arm dangled uselessly at his side, and his wide eyes locked onto Alex in terror.


    "Seriously?" Alex said, shaking his head.


    "How are you this stupid? If you were truly desperate to avoid more pain, you should''ve just used that dagger to end yourself."


    Luther''s lips parted as if to respond, but before he could say a word, Alex''s backhand struck him with brutal force.


    WHAM!


    Luther''s body flew through the air like a rag doll, slamming into the ground several feet away.


    Dirt and debris scattered upon impact, and a weak groan escaped him as he struggled to move.


    Alex let out a heavy sigh as stood up slowly, brushing nonexistent dust off his pants, shaking his head as if bored with the entire ordeal.


    He looked down at Luther with a mix of disdain and mild annoyance.


    Then, his expression darkened.


    "It''s time to finish this."


    Luther squirmed on the ground, his body convulsing with pain and his groans echoing through the forest.


    His vision blurred from the sheer agony, but his mind latched onto a desperate thought.


    I can''t die like this.


    He bit his lip so hard it drew blood, his entire body trembling.


    His resolve hardened.


    It didn''t matter what he had to do or how much it would cost¡ªnot even his own life. If it meant taking Alex down, he''d pay any price.


    Through clenched teeth, he began to whisper, his voice low but filled with desperation.


    "I know you can hear me. I don''t care what I have to sacrifice. Give me the strength to take down the demon in front of me."


    Alex, standing a short distance away, tilted his head, his sharp hearing picking up Luther''s words.


    His lips curved into a mocking grin as his eyes gleamed with cold amusement.


    "Oh, you''re praying," Alex said, his tone dripping with disdain.


    He raised his hand, fingers poised as though preparing to snap.


    "How quaint. But it''s futile. No god can save you."


    Luther ignored him, his lips moving feverishly as he continued his plea.


    He had no other choice.


    Against Alex, he was powerless.


    He had nothing left to lose.


    And then it happened.


    The air shifted.


    Time itself seemed to screech to a halt.


    The vibrant colors of the forest drained away, replaced by a stark black-and-white world.


    Falling leaves froze mid-air, suspended like still frames in a picture.


    Even Alex stood motionless, his mocking grin frozen on his face.


    Luther''s labored breaths slowed as a wicked grin spread across his face.


    It worked.


    The Blood Monarch had responded.


    The oppressive silence was then broken by a deep, resonant voice echoing in his ears, a voice that carried the weight of dread and power.


    [Why is a dead man calling out to me?]


    Luther''s grin faltered, confusion flickering across his face.


    "¡­What?"


    Luther muttered, his voice barely audible.


    The voice spoke again, its tone dripping with contempt.


    [Get lost.]

 Chapter 65 - 65: Tutorial Points

    The words from the Blood Monarch hit Luther like a physical blow.


    His face turned ghostly pale, and his body trembled uncontrollably.


    His breath came in ragged gasps.


    "No¡­ no¡­ this can''t be¡­" he stammered, his voice breaking as panic took hold.


    The world around him, frozen in eerie black and white, began to shift.


    The once-static scene trembled violently, cracks spreading through the monochrome landscape like shattered glass.


    "Wait¡­ wait! Don''t leave me!"


    Luther pleaded, his voice rising in desperation as he clutched at the air.


    His eyes darted frantically toward Alex, still frozen with his hand raised.


    Luther''s terror spiked.


    He didn''t want to face him again¡ªthe demon that had pushed him to this edge.


    But his pleas were met with silence.


    The Blood Monarch''s presence faded entirely, leaving behind a hollow emptiness that gnawed at Luther''s soul.


    He was truly alone.


    The cracks in the frozen world widened until they consumed everything.


    Then, like a rubber band snapping, time resumed with a jarring force.


    Colors returned, the air moved again, and Alex stood before him, his evil grin unfrozen and sharper than ever.


    His eyes gleamed with cold amusement, and his presence exuded an overwhelming dominance.


    "I told you," Alex said, his voice calm but dripping with malice, "not even the heavens can save you."


    Luther''s legs buckled, and he collapsed to his knees. The fight, the defiance¡ªit was all gone now.


    He had nothing left but desperation.


    "Wait¡­ I''ll apologize! I was wrong!" he cried, his voice trembling.


    Tears welled in his eyes as he groveled, his forehead nearly touching the ground.


    He had no pride left.


    He didn''t want to die.


    Alex sighed, his expression devoid of sympathy.


    "Why apologize to me?" he asked, his voice cold and final. "You should save your apologies for the afterlife and apologize to those you killed."


    Luther''s eyes widened in sheer terror.


    "No!" he screamed, his voice cracking with desperation. His entire body shuddered violently as the reality of his fate settled in.


    This was it¡ªhis end.


    Alex''s hand rose slowly, his fingers snapping together with a sharp, deliberate snap.


    Boom!


    The sound echoed through the forest as the hidden bomb Alex had planted on Luther''s face when he palmed his head to the ground detonated.


    The force of the explosion sent a shockwave rippling through the air.


    Luther''s head was obliterated, reduced to nothing but a splatter of gore and bone fragments


    . Blood sprayed like raindrops, painting the surrounding greenery in vivid crimson.


    For a moment, the only sound was the wet thud of Luther''s lifeless body collapsing to the ground.


    Then there was silence.


    Alex stood still, his breathing steady as he processed the notification confirming the kill.


    He glanced at the carnage around him, his gaze cold and unflinching.


    He had just ended five lives in one day.


    Yet, as he inhaled deeply, the weight of what he had done failed to register as guilt. There was no remorse.


    They were murderers.


    Death was something they deserved.


    In this world, strength dictated what was right or wrong.


    Alex understood this truth deeply.


    The strong decided the rules, and the weak had no choice but to follow¡ªor be crushed.


    He had deemed their actions¡ªLuther and his group''s crimes¡ªwrong. So, as someone stronger, he had passed judgment.


    It was as simple as that.


    But Alex knew one thing for certain: if he didn''t keep leveling up, if he allowed himself to stagnate, he would inevitably fall. Sooner or later, someone stronger would come, and this same judgment would be passed onto him.


    That was unacceptable.


    His expression hardened as he thought about what lay ahead.


    For now, the "tutorial," this strange protective phase of the world, kept gods and other higher entities from interfering too much.


    They were limited, their actions restrained.


    But when the tutorial ends.


    The gods would likely unleash their full power.


    They would meddle. They would destroy.


    And Alex? He had to be ready.


    He had to grow stronger.


    His gaze shifted to the corner of his vision, where the notification center blinked faintly.


    A cluster of kill notifications had appeared earlier when he defeated Luther''s group.


    He had ignored them in the heat of battle, refusing to let anything distract him from the task at hand.


    Now, with the forest quiet and his enemies defeated, he allowed himself to look.


    Alex swiped the air with his hand, pulling up the notifications.


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 4. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 212 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 4. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 250 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 3. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 198 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 5. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 325 tutorial points.]


    [You have killed Rank E Human, Level 5. You have received a quarter of the player''s tutorial points. Points received: 520 tutorial points.]


    Alex''s eyes widened as he tallied up the numbers. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A quarter of their tutorial points?!" he muttered in disbelief.


    He paused, doing the math in his head. If he had received 198 tutorial points from the Level 3 player, that meant their total points had been nearly 792.


    That was far more than he expected.


    The sheer amount didn''t make sense.


    How could they have racked up this many points in such a short amount of time? And their levels


    He mulled over the possibilities, his mind racing. There was no way they had gotten this strong by simply hunting monsters or completing basic tutorial tasks.


    Then the realization hit him.


    "They were like me... anomalies."


    It was the only explanation. The group must have been given some kind of advantage¡ªperhaps a skill, a title, or a blessing from a god. Something that boosted the amount of tutorial points they earned.


    Alex''s lips curled into a grim line as he thought it over.


    "A multiplier," he muttered.


    They had something that doubled... no, maybe even tripled the points they gained.


    It all made sense now.


    That''s why they''d turned to hunting other players instead of monsters.


    It wasn''t just easier¡ªit was lucrative.


    By preying on others, they could grow stronger at an alarming rate, racking up points far faster than ordinary players.


    But their greed had been their downfall.


    The notifications arrived in sequence, listing the players Alex had killed from first to last.


    He scrolled to the final entry, and just as expected, Luther''s tutorial points were the highest, followed closely by Kiev.


    His fist clenched at the thought.


    The sheer number of points Luther and his group had accumulated painted a grim picture. This wasn''t just a case of survival¡ªthey had been turned into monsters, leveling up by preying on others.


    It wasn''t enough for players to fear the tutorial''s monsters. Now, they had to fear each other.


    "Damn it," Alex hissed under his breath. "This god is turning the tutorial into a bloodbath."


    The realization was unsettling. A single god had caused this much chaos by granting blessings that encouraged slaughter.


    But what if this wasn''t the only one?


    Alex''s mind raced. How many other gods were out there, pulling strings, twisting the tutorial into their personal playgrounds?


    If even a handful of gods decided to act this way, they could topple the entire system. The tutorial would descend into utter chaos, becoming a battleground where no one could trust anyone.


    "What is the overseer doing?" Alex questioned aloud, his voice sharp with frustration.


    From what the overseer had told him, this wasn''t supposed to happen.


    The tutorial was meant to be a controlled environment¡ªa test of strength and strategy to prepare players for the real challenges ahead.


    Yet, here it was, teetering on the edge of utter anarchy.


    Alex''s gaze dropped to the ground, his mind racing. Something must have changed the overseer''s perspective. But what?


    He shook his head, realizing he was no closer to the answer.


    Whatever the overseer''s true intentions were, they certainly weren''t good.


    Before he could dwell on it further, a new notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking in]


    [You have received an additional 212 points.]


    [You have received an additional 250 points.]


    [You have received an additional 198 points.]


    [You have received an additional 325 points.]


    [You have received an additional 520 points.]


    On receiving so many tutorial points.


    Alex then decided to check the total amount he passed.


    And as expected it was an absurd amount.


    [Total Tutorial Points: ...

 Chapter 66 - 66: Disregarding A Diety

    [Total Tutorial Points: 4010]


    It was a staggering amount and he had barely done anything.


    Each rank E beast he had killed had granted him 100 tutorial points, and adding the points he''d gained from the men he''d just eliminated, his total now stood at 4010.


    For players like Alex, who weren''t blessed by the Blood Monarch or similar divine interventions, killing humans for tutorial points wasn''t nearly as rewarding as hunting monsters.


    The numbers didn''t lie¡ªmonsters were the logical target for progress.


    But logic didn''t always dictate the choices others made.


    Alex''s jaw tightened as he thought about the path ahead.


    He didn''t want to kill unless it was absolutely necessary, but the reality of the tutorial world was harsh.


    Power attracted opposition, and with opposition came conflict.


    He glanced down at the bloodstained ground, his expression cold.


    It was inevitable that more bodies will drop.


    Some people will have to l learn the hard way that I''m not someone to mess with.


    Gods or men¡ªit didn''t matter.


    Anyone who dared to stand against him would find themselves in the same place.


    And that place was ten feet under.


    With renewed determination, Alex turned on his heel, his sights set on his original goal: the location of one of the tutorial bosses.


    The faint urgency of his steps mirrored his growing awareness of the gods'' interference.


    If divine forces were beginning to meddle, he needed to act quickly.


    The power they could grant others posed a dangerous imbalance.


    There was no reason for Alex to dive deep into human conflicts or play the role of a vigilante hunting down player killers.


    The more he got tangled in that mess, the harder it would be to walk away without getting emotionally consumed.


    The deeper he went, the more personal it would become. And Alex wasn''t about to let that happen.


    He reminded himself of his ultimate goal¡ªstrength.


    That was the path he had chosen, and nothing was going to distract him from it.


    Taking a step forward, Alex was already refocusing on his next move when a notification appeared in his vision, halting him in his tracks. His eyes narrowed as he read the message.


    This had to be some sort of joke.


    "Seriously¡­" he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    Ding!


    [You have killed a candidate of the Blood Monarch.]


    [The Blood Monarch has set his eyes on you.]


    [The Blood Monarch wants to make you a candidate for his legacy.]


    [Will you accept?]


    Alex''s lips pressed into a thin line as the name sank in: Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Blood Monarch.


    The name of the god Luther''s men had mentioned. The one rewarding its candidates for killing other players.


    A god that disgusted Alex with its twisted games.


    "Blood Monarch, huh?" Alex muttered, his tone growing colder. "So now you''ve got your eyes on me?"


    He clenched his fists, his annoyance clear.


    The Blood Monarch wanted to make him its candidate¡ªa pawn in its cruel, chaotic system of murder and power.


    Alex stared at the notification for a moment, considering the offer. A small smirk formed on his face, sharp and humorless.


    Well, my answer to that is...


    Alex glanced at the notification again, his expression unreadable as the words stared back at him.


    [The Blood Monarch has set his eyes on you.]


    [The Blood Monarch wants to make you a candidate for his legacy.]


    [Will you accept?]


    "Accept my foot!"


    Alex scoffed.


    With a sharp motion of his hand, he dismissed the notification, the glowing text fading out of sight.


    There wasn''t a chance he''d choose such a pathetic path.


    Hunting monsters was where his focus lay¡ªthe adrenaline, the challenge, the sheer thrill of it all. That was the path he relished.


    The thought of bowing to a so-called god, to be a pawn in some divine chess game, was laughable.


    Alex knew he was destined for more.


    Why stoop to the level of serving a god when his potential could take him beyond even their lofty heights?


    The thought made him chuckle softly, his stride unwavering as he resumed walking toward his destination.


    But just as he was settling back into his pace, an unsettling chill prickled at the back of his neck.


    The air grew heavy, and oppressive, like an unseen force was pressing down on him. His steps faltered as an eerie silence swallowed the world around him.


    Alex''s eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings.


    Everything was... still. Too still.


    He turned his head and realized with a sinking feeling that time itself had stopped.


    Leaves that had been rustling in the wind now hung frozen in mid-air.


    A bird mid-flight hovered motionless like a statue.


    Even the faint sound of the forest had gone utterly silent.


    The world around Alex shifted suddenly as if someone had yanked the color out of reality itself.


    Everything bled into black and white, the once-vibrant landscape now drained of life.


    He paused, glancing around with a mix of amusement and confusion. What was happening?


    Then, a grotesque sound broke the silence¡ªa wet, squelching noise that sent a chill down his spine.


    Alex''s eyes snapped to the source of the sound. Vines, thick and twisted, emerged from the ground, their crimson tips dripping with something eerily familiar.


    The vines slithered like serpents, coiling around the trees, their movement unnatural, like something straight out of a nightmare.


    And then, Alex saw it.


    Pools of blood began to form on the ground beneath the vines, the thick liquid oozing from the roots, staining the earth.


    His expression darkened.


    It didn''t take a genius to figure out what this was.


    The blood. The vines. The crimson oozing from the ground. This had Blood Monarch written all over it.


    Clearly, the god hadn''t taken kindly to Alex''s refusal.


    So, instead of directly confronting him, the Blood Monarch had decided to make his presence known in the most unsettling way possible.


    Alex''s frown deepened, but he couldn''t help but feel a strange sense of clarity.


    This was the tutorial. There were supposed to be rules according to oracles.


    And for a god to pull something like this here¡­


    He shook his head, his lips curling into a bitter smirk.


    At this point, Alex was starting to question everything the Overseer had told him.


    If the Blood Monarch could pull strings like this, then the Overseer was clearly letting things get out of hand.


    Clearly, the rabbit wanted him dead.


    Alex felt a rush of cold determination flood his body, and he clenched his fists.


    His response was simple, even as the world around him twisted.


    "Bring it."


    He wasn''t going to back down.


    Not now, not ever.


    Even if it cost him his life, he was taking a piece of the rabbit''s ear down to hell with him.


    He''d make sure of that.


    Then, suddenly, Alex''s body froze as a blood-curdling voice filled the air.


    It was like ice gripping his bones, his entire body shuddering involuntarily under the weight of it.


    The pressure in the air grew thick, suffocating, like he was standing in the middle of a storm.


    But Alex didn''t let it control him.


    [Bold of you, human. To kill my candidates and refuse my proposal.]


    The voice boomed around him, its presence a terrifying force.


    The pressure intensified, crushing the air, but Alex stood tall.


    His expression remained unfazed as he spoke, his voice calm, like he was addressing a minor inconvenience.


    "Kill whose candidates and refuse whose proposal?"


    ...


    There was a silence.


    The voice seemed to be thrown off by the response.


    Alex continued.


    "Also, don''t you have any manners? You should introduce yourself first before talking all this nonsense."


    The voice faltered.


    [What?]


    It was the sound of complete confusion.


    Obviously, the Blood Monarch hadn''t expected Alex to respond like this.


    "Didn''t you hear me the first time?" Alex spat out in annoyance.


    "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

 Chapter 67 - 67: Middle Finger

    The Blood Monarch paused, as though struggling to process what he had just heard.


    He wasn''t used to this.


    For eons, fear and reverence had been the only responses to his voice.


    Yet now, here was a mere mortal, a pathetic human, brushing him off with disdain.


    The realization struck him like a blow.


    It was audacious. Unthinkable.


    "Unacceptable. "


    The Blood Monarch''s fiery rage surged.


    His presence grew heavier, darker.


    He reminded himself of the reason he couldn''t fully descend¡ªhis true form would crush the tutorial world under its sheer weight.


    The restrictions in place were not to shield him but to protect this fragile dimension.


    But now, he didn''t care.


    A human had dared to challenge him. That impudence demanded punishment.


    The air around Alex thickened as an oppressive force descended upon him like a tidal wave.


    The Blood Monarch''s voice roared, shaking the very fabric of the space around them.


    "How dare a mere human speak to me in such a manner?"


    The pressure was overwhelming, like a mountain crashing down.


    Alex''s knees buckled, his body trembling under the immense weight.


    He almost fell but "almost" was as far as it got.


    Gritting his teeth, his muscles strained as he fought to stay upright.


    Sweat dripped from his brow, but his resolve didn''t waver.


    He wouldn''t kneel.


    The Blood Monarch''s anger burned hotter.


    The crimson vines pulsing with blood tightened their grip on the trees, cracking bark and splattering gore-like liquid across the ground.


    His voice thundered again, louder this time, shaking Alex to his core.


    "On your knees."


    The oppressive force bore down on Alex, heavier than before. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His legs trembled, muscles burning as he struggled to stay upright.


    His back bent slightly under the relentless pressure, forcing him closer to the ground.


    Sweat dripped down his face, soaking his shirt, but he refused to give in.


    No matter how crushing the weight, Alex wouldn''t let his knees touch the ground.


    The Blood Monarch observed from his crimson realm of vines and blood, his fiery eyes glowing with both anger and intrigue.


    While fury simmered at Alex''s audacity, there was also a flicker of something else¡ªamusement


    This human, though infuriatingly defiant, was extraordinary.


    Most mortals would have collapsed long ago, groveling for mercy under his overwhelming aura.


    Yet Alex stood his ground.


    The Blood Monarch considered pressing harder, adding more pressure to crush the insolent human completely.


    But he paused.


    The sight intrigued him.


    Alex''s stubbornness was both a challenge and a spectacle, unlike anything he had encountered among the countless candidates he had tested.


    There was no doubt about it. Alex was special.


    This defiant mortal''s willpower and arrogance made him stand out from every other player the Blood Monarch had approached.


    The Blood Monarch''s lips twisted into a sinister smirk.


    The thought of making Alex his candidate now burned brighter in his mind.


    This human had potential, and bending him to his will would be far more satisfying than crushing him outright.


    The Blood Monarch''s voice then rang out again, calm yet menacing:


    "Despite your arrogance, I''ll give you one more chance to make the correct decision."


    The notification flashed again, hovering before Alex''s eyes.


    [The Blood Monarch wants to make you a candidate for his legacy.]


    [Will you accept?]


    Alex stared at it, his lips curling into a grin that turned into a low chuckle.


    "Is this guy serious?" Alex muttered to himself.


    Without hesitation, he activated [Titan Fury], and a surge of raw power coursed through his body.


    His muscles tensed, veins pulsing with energy, as he pushed against the crushing force that had been threatening to pin him down.


    Slowly, deliberately, Alex began to rise.


    The pressure was immense, like the weight of a mountain pressing on his shoulders, but his resolve burned hotter than the Blood Monarch''s rage.


    His knees straightened, his back arched, and finally, he stood tall, defiant against the oppressive might of a god.


    His voice cut through the eerie silence like a blade.


    "Like I said...Who the fuck do you think you are?!"


    The Blood Monarch''s voice thundered in response, a mix of fury and disdain.


    "My patience runs thin, human! Accept or face the consequences!"


    Alex tilted his head, feigning contemplation, before he raised his hand, flipping his middle finger.


    The god''s fiery aura flared with unchecked rage.


    The vines around Alex writhed violently, and the pools of blood on the ground began to bubble as the Blood Monarch''s booming voice echoed once more.


    "Damn you!"


    All amusement in the Blood Monarch''s tone was gone, replaced by unrestrained anger.


    The air grew heavy and stifling, the blood-red vines around Alex quaking.


    In that moment, one thing was clear:


    He wanted to kill the human in front of him.


    The Blood Monarch intensified the pressure.


    The air grew denser, the ground beneath Alex cracked under the invisible weight, and a deafening silence enveloped the space.


    But Alex stood unmoved.


    His posture was firm, his eyes locked ahead with unshaken defiance.


    Blood trickled from his nose, a stark contrast against his pale face, but he didn''t flinch.


    His lips curled into a mocking smirk.


    The Blood Monarch''s aura flared, anger swelling like a tidal wave.


    "Damn you!" the god roared, his voice reverberating through the dimension.


    The pressure surged again, as if the entire world sought to crush Alex into submission. Yet, just as the Blood Monarch prepared to push even further, a sharp, unnatural sound broke through the tension.


    Crack.


    The sound echoed like shattering glass.


    The Blood Monarch''s hold on Alex snapped abruptly, the oppressive force dissipating in an instant. Alex''s body flickered and then vanished, as though torn from the space entirely.


    "What?" The Blood Monarch''s glowing eyes flickered in confusion, his gaze scanning the void where Alex once stood.


    Then, he saw it.


    A figure emerged from the distortion¡ªa rabbit.


    It wore a tailored black suit and a wide-brimmed hat tilted slightly to one side, its ears poking out like antennae of authority.


    The rabbit stood casually, hands tucked into its pockets, yet its mere presence radiated an aura that demanded attention.


    Its eyes, sharp and unyielding, pierced through the void, locking onto the Blood Monarch''s true form across dimensions.


    The Blood Monarch scoffed, recognizing the intruder immediately.


    "Damned Overseer," he growled, his voice dripping with disdain.

 Chapter 68 - 68: Oracles Intrusion

    The rabbit, unfazed by the god''s scorn, tilted its head slightly, its expression unreadable.


    "Why did you interfere, Oracle?" the Blood Monarch demanded. "I almost had him."


    Oracle stood with his arms folded, exuding an air of calm authority, but his tone was cold and sharp.


    "You''ve crossed the line," he said. "You know the rules. Players are not to be harmed."


    The Blood Monarch bristled, his aura flaring briefly before he barked, "A mere mortal insulted me, and you expect me to just sit idle, unaggrieved?"


    His voice boomed, a blend of anger and indignation, reverberating across the distorted dimension.


    Oracle didn''t flinch.


    His gaze remained steady, piercing through the god''s fiery temper.


    "I gave you the privilege to recruit candidates into your faction. But instead of exercising restraint, you abuse it for petty vengeance."


    The Blood Monarch snarled.


    "Screw your privilege, Oracle! I don''t know what game you''re playing, breaking your precious rules to interfere. But if you cross me again, I might just be tempted to report this to the Reigners."


    At the mention of the Reigners, Oracle stilled. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes narrowed, and an almost imperceptible shift in the air followed.


    "Kuncavian," Oracle said, his voice dropping to an icy whisper.


    "Was that a threat?"


    The very fabric of space around them began to twist and distort, a sickening gurgle echoing as though the dimension itself recoiled from Oracle''s presence.


    The energy was suffocating, like an impending storm ready to unleash its fury.


    For a moment, neither spoke.


    The silence between them was deafening, their clash now unspoken, waged through sheer force of will.


    Finally, the Blood Monarch sighed, his anger ebbing as he withdrew his oppressive aura.


    "Alright, calm down," he muttered, his tone begrudgingly placating. "There''s no need for us to turn against each other. We both stand to gain from cooperation."


    He knew full well that the rabbit could manipulate the truth, concealing any rule-breaking from the Reigners.


    But that wasn''t the problem.


    The problem was Oracle''s influence.


    The Overseer had enough clout to have him permanently banned from approaching players across dimensions¡ªa punishment too steep to risk.


    Begrudgingly, the Blood Monarch held back, but something about the situation didn''t sit right with him.


    Despite Oracle''s composed demeanor, there was an underlying tension in his presence.


    It was subtle, but the Blood Monarch''s instincts picked up on it immediately.


    "Something isn''t right," the Blood Monarch remarked, his tone dripping with suspicion.


    Oracle''s expression didn''t change. He remained silent, calm as a still lake, but the lack of response only deepened the Monarch''s suspicions.


    The Blood Monarch tilted his head, his crimson eyes narrowing.


    "Let me guess," he said, his voice laced with curiosity and mockery. "The mortal you just whisked away¡ªis he the reason you''re allowing that god to meddle in player affairs so early? I have a feeling he is."


    Oracle''s ears twitched slightly, but he said nothing.


    His posture remained steady, his arms still crossed, an impenetrable wall of calm.


    The Blood Monarch smirked at the silence, taking it as confirmation.


    He leaned forward slightly, his voice turning sly. "If that''s the case, I suppose I should do everything in my power to bring him to my faction. A mortal like that could be quite...useful."


    Oracle finally spoke, his voice cool and measured, but there was a faint edge to it¡ªan unease he couldn''t fully mask.


    "That''s impossible," Oracle said simply. "People like him cannot be tamed."


    The Blood Monarch''s lips curled into a dark, amused grin, his laughter reverberating through the empty space like a chilling melody.


    "Then you agree he has to be killed, don''t you?" His voice carried a sinister undertone, dripping with malice. "You won''t interfere if I use my candidates, will you?"


    Oracle stood still, his gaze as unreadable as ever.


    Then, with a calm, detached voice, he delivered his reply.


    "Do as you please."


    Without another word, Oracle vanished into thin air, leaving no trace of his presence behind.


    For a moment, the Blood Monarch was silent, then, he let out a low, throaty chuckle that grew louder with each passing second.


    "Interesting... This is really interesting," he murmured, his excitement palpable.


    "A mortal that has the Overseer so rattled he''d rather see him dead. I must keep my eyes on this one."


    The monarch''s laughter deepened, echoing with both malice and intrigue.


    Despite his earlier fury over Alex''s defiance, a new emotion now consumed him: curiosity.


    A mere player, a mortal, had not only withstood his pressure but had also unsettled the unshakable Oracle.


    The Blood Monarch''s fingers twitched as he mused aloud. "A mortal who makes an Overseer uneasy... How fascinating. How very... entertaining."


    His voice dropped to a whisper, dripping with dark resolve. "I''ll be watching you, boy. Closely."


    With that, the Blood Monarch''s form dissolved into the shadows, leaving the space eerily quiet.


    Meanwhile, in the real world, Alex felt the crushing weight of the Blood Monarch''s presence lift.


    The suffocating pressure that had threatened to crush him moments ago was gone as if it had never been there.


    Colors seeped back into the world around him, painting over the gray void that had overtaken everything.


    Alex''s vision blurred for a moment as the effects of [Titan Fury] wore off.


    He felt a sharp, burning sensation shoot through his body as blood poured from his nose, staining his lips and chin.


    His legs wobbled beneath him, the intense strain leaving him weakened.


    "That bastard!" he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse with frustration.


    He could barely keep his balance under the weight of the Blood Monarch''s power.


    His muscles screamed in protest, and he would''ve collapsed if not for the Overseer''s sudden intervention.


    "Damn it!"


    The anger roared in his chest like a beast, his fist tightening around the dirt.


    He hated it. Hated that feeling of helplessness.


    The fact that he could be so easily overpowered, pissed him off more than anything.


    Worse was how the Blood Monarch had tried to bully him, trying to force him to kneel, to submit.


    That arrogance. It made Alex''s blood boil.


    The very thought of being forced into submission by those like the Blood Monarch filled him with disgust.


    And yet, it also reminded him of something he hated just as much: how weak he was.


    He clenched his fists, his face hardening with resolve.


    I won''t let this happen again.


    It was a sharp reminder that he had to be stronger.


    There was no room for weakness.


    No time for regrets or hesitation.


    With every ounce of willpower he had left, Alex forced himself to stand, shaking off the dizziness that clouded his mind. The blood dripped from his nose, but he ignored it, wiping it away with a swipe of his hand.


    His destination was ahead and he couldn''t afford to waste another second.

 Chapter 69 - 69: Ethan

    Elsewhere.


    Jonah and Nancy stood at the edge of the camp, their gazes sweeping over the dark forest surrounding them.


    The faint sound of the stream nearby offered little comfort.


    They had chosen a small clearing downstream for the group to spend the night, but they felt anything but relaxed.


    Jonah leaned against a tree, his grip tight on his weapon.


    Beside him, Nancy crouched, her eyes darting between the shadows, every rustle of leaves setting her on edge.


    Their expressions were etched with exhaustion, their faces pale and drawn. It had only been a single day in this accursed place, yet it felt like weeks.


    The physical strain was one thing, but the mental toll¡ªconstant fear, tension, and the guilt of failure¡ªwas crushing.


    The group''s condition was grim. They had lost two more people.


    Each loss weighed heavily, a bitter reminder of how dangerous this place was.


    Complaints echoed through the camp like an unending chorus, further sapping morale. Everyone was on edge, their nerves frayed.


    Jonah let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair.


    "Why did we let Alex go?"


    Nancy glanced at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. "We couldn''t force him to stay," she replied, though her tone carried doubt.


    Deep down, she wondered if they could have handled things differently. If she could have handled things differently.


    "His ability would''ve been useful," Jonah said, his voice tinged with regret. "If we''d just gotten him to cooperate¡­"


    Nancy didn''t respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the campfire''s faint glow in the distance.


    The thought gnawed at her, too.


    Alex''s presence could''ve made a difference, but they had failed to reach him.


    Worse, their failure had sown division among the group. Many of the members now looked to Thompson for guidance, a man who was the reason for Alex leaving in the first place.


    Hypocrites.


    That was the only word Nancy could think of as she glanced back toward the camp.


    The others, who once treated Alex like an outcast, were now the loudest voices complaining about his absence.


    All they had wanted was to control him, put him on a leash and use his strength.


    But Alex was done with that life¡ªand she couldn''t blame him.


    Nancy''s voice broke the heavy silence.


    "You think Alex is alright out there?"


    Jonah crossed his arms, leaning back against the rough bark of a tree. "I don''t know," he admitted, his voice low. "But he seemed confident in his strength when he left. I believe he''s holding his own." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two fell quiet again, the faint crackle of the campfire behind them the only sound.


    Nancy fidgeted with her weapon, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.


    Jonah suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "I didn''t think Alex would leave us so easily."


    Nancy raised an eyebrow, her expression sharp. "And why do you think that is? He had no reason to stay. Not after how he was treated."


    Jonah sighed, running a hand through his hair. He couldn''t argue with her.


    She was right. Alex had no reason to stick around, especially when the group had done little but push him away.


    Another moment of silence passed before Jonah broke it again, his voice quieter this time. "Honestly, I didn''t know what he was going through. I mean¡­I suspected, but I didn''t think it was as bad as it really was."


    Nancy turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "If you suspected, you should have done something. Investigated. Talked to him."


    "Yeah," he said softly, his gaze dropping to the ground. "You''re right. Maybe I should have."


    The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts, until Nancy finally broke it.


    "It must''ve been hard for him."


    "Yeah," Jonah nodded, though his expression was conflicted.


    "But to venture into the unknown alone? That takes a lot of guts. I didn''t think he had it in him."


    Nancy turned to him. "Haven''t you noticed the way he moved and acted? It''s like¡­like he was used to being here, like he belonged in this place."


    Jonah frowned, the thought stirring unease. "But that''s impossible. We all appeared here at the same¡ª"


    Snap.


    A sharp sound pierced the quiet, cutting Jonah off mid-sentence.


    Both of them froze, their instincts kicking in.


    The sound was an unmistakable crack of a twig.


    They exchanged a quick glance, tension crackling between them.


    And Jonah gripped his weapon tightly as Nancy did the same, their eyes scanning the surrounding darkness.


    "There''s someone out there," Nancy whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Jonah shook his head, his ears straining to listen. "No," he muttered. "Not someone. Multiple people."


    The sound of approaching footsteps became clearer¡ªcrunching leaves, snapping branches.


    Jonah''s voice rang out urgently. "Everyone, wake up! Now!"


    His tone left no room for hesitation.


    The group, groggy and disoriented, scrambled to their feet. Weapons were grabbed, and the camp instantly shifted from a place of rest to one of battle readiness.


    Gustaff, despite the stump where his arm had been severed, surged to the front, clutching his axe in his remaining hand.


    He took his place beside Jonah and Nancy, his eyes sharp and unwavering.


    "Who are they?" Gustaff asked, his voice low but tense as he tightened his grip on his axe.


    Jonah shook his head, his eyes locked on the approaching group.


    "I don''t know," he admitted, "but we need to be ready for anything."


    The group drew closer, their silhouettes becoming clearer in the faint moonlight.


    There were seven of them, each armed and appearing battle-ready.


    One figure stood out¡ªa leader, perhaps¡ªwearing armor that gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, intricate patterns carved into its surface.


    "They''re geared up," Nancy whispered, her knuckles white around her weapon. "And that one in the armor¡­looks like trouble."


    "Maybe," Jonah replied, his tone cautious.


    "But they don''t seem hostile¡ªat least, not yet."


    The group stopped a few feet away.


    The tension was thick, each side waiting for the other to make the first move.


    Then, the figure in the unique armor reached up, unclasping their helmet.


    As the helmet was removed, the stranger''s face was revealed, and a collective gasp rippled through Jonah''s group.


    "It can''t be," Jonah whispered, her eyes wide.


    Thompson stepped forward, his shock written all over his face.


    "Mr¡­Ethan?"


    The man standing before them smiled faintly.


    It was Ethan¡ªtheir boss from the company they all worked at before they were all tossed into this hellish place.


    "Good to see you, Thompson," Ethan said, his voice calm but commanding.


    He looked around at the others, his gaze steady. "And the rest of you as well. How have you all been holding up?"


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then, the group collectively exhaled, relief washing over them.


    Weapons were lowered, tension easing from their shoulders.


    But Nancy still held her guard. Her weapon still raised.


    She knew not to be too trusting as this place had a knack of...

 Chapter 70 - 70: Faction

    She knew not to be too trusting as this place had a knack of changing people.


    Ethan presence brought an air of confidence, and the uneasy tension in the camp began to fade.


    Not only was Ethan someone they knew; he was the leader of this formidable-looking group.


    "Jonah," Ethan called out, his voice steady and warm.


    Jonah''s face broke into a smile as he walked toward Ethan.


    The two clasped hands firmly, their grip lingering in a gesture of mutual respect and acknowledgment.


    "Good to see you''re alive and well," Jonah said, his tone genuine.


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "What do you mean? Someone like me doesn''t die so easily."


    The closeness between them was evident.


    They weren''t acquaintances; they were cousins, and the bond they shared was unmistakable.


    But Jonah''s smile faded slightly as his eyes shifted to the group behind Ethan.


    These weren''t familiar faces.


    They looked tough¡ªeach of them exuding a quiet menace.


    His gaze lingered on one in particular: a man with unnervingly plain skin, slitted eyes, and an unsettling stare that made Jonah feel like prey being sized up.


    "Who are they?" Jonah asked cautiously,


    Ethan followed Jonah''s gaze, then turned back with a reassuring smile.


    "Oh, them? They''re my combatants."


    "Combatants?" Jonah repeated, his brow furrowing.


    He studied the group more closely.


    Each of them was equipped with armor and weapons that seemed far superior to anything Jonah''s group had.


    They looked like warriors who had been through countless battles, their expressions hardened and intimidating.


    Ethan then began to speak.


    "Once we arrived here, I knew survival would depend on unity. So, along with the others who appeared with me, we headed for the nearest tower. It wasn''t easy, but we secured the area and began to build a stronghold. Along the way, we encountered others¡ªlike-minded individuals who were willing to join us. Together, we formed a group, and naturally, I took the role of leader."


    The group stared at Ethan, their expressions shifting between awe and admiration.


    Even in a nightmarish world teeming with monsters, Ethan''s leadership qualities shone through like a beacon of hope.


    Ethan then scanned the group, his gaze lingering on their battered appearances. Torn clothes, bandaged wounds, and weary faces told him everything he needed to know.


    "So, how''s it been for all of you?"


    Jonah opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Thompson cut in with barely restrained anger.


    "Mr. Ethan! That bastard! That piece of shit caused all of this!"


    Ethan''s brows furrowed.


    "Who are you talking about?"


    "Alex," Thompson spat, his words venomous. "He''s here too."


    The moment Ethan heard the name, his entire demeanor shifted.


    His confident smirk disappeared, replaced by a cold expression.


    His eyes darkened, and the air around him seemed to grow heavier.


    "Alex¡­" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.


    Jonah and Nancy exchanged glances.


    The sudden change in Ethan''s mood was palpable, and it was clear that Alex''s name struck a nerve.


    Memories of his last confrontation with Alex flooded back and it filled him with frustration and anger.


    So that trash is here, huh?


    "Where is he now?"


    Ethan demanded, his tone sharp and commanding.


    Thompson responded eagerly. "He left the group after trying to kill me!"


    Jonah immediately interjected, his voice firm. "Hey, don''t twist the truth. You know that isn''t what happened."


    Thompson scowled, turning to face Jonah. "Oh, really? He refused to help us while we were fighting that boss monster! Then he had the audacity to blame me for Gustaff losing his hand. He''s completely lost it!"


    Gustaff, standing slightly to the side, adjusted the bandage wrapped around the stump of his missing arm.


    Earlier, he had said he didn''t remember much about what happened during the fight.


    All he recalled was battling the tiger boss, getting overwhelmed by its ferocity, and succumbing to the searing pain when his arm was severed.


    But Jonah didn''t buy it.


    He had spent enough time with Gustaff to know the man was no fool.


    Despite his massive frame and reputation for being all brawn, Gustaff was sharp.


    Jonah was certain the giant had pieced together the truth but chose to keep quiet. It wasn''t cowardice¡ªit was strategy.


    Gustaff understood the group couldn''t survive more division.


    They had already lost Alex; another fracture could spell disaster.


    Jonah clenched his fists, torn between admiration for Gustaff''s restraint and frustration over the lies being tolerated.


    Thompson, however, had no such reservations.


    He stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "So, what should we do, sir? We can''t just let him roam free. We should find him and make him pay for what he''s done."


    Ethan turned slowly to face Thompson, his expression unreadable.


    Thompson''s confidence wavered slightly under Ethan''s gaze, but he pressed on. "That bastard''s been a problem since day one. He thinks he''s better than everyone else. It''s time he learned his place."


    Jonah frowned, unable to hide his disbelief. "Hey, there''s no need to go that far," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I don''t understand this hate you all have for Alex. It''s ridiculous."


    Before anyone could respond, a soft, unsettling laugh cut through the tension like a blade.


    Sythrel, the pale assassin who stood at Ethan''s side, stepped forward.


    His movements were fluid, almost serpentine, and his slitted eyes gleamed with amusement.


    Slowly, he unsheathed a thin, wicked-looking blade and ran his tongue along the edge of the blade.


    "If you want, Ethan. I can hunt him down for you. It wouldn''t take long."


    Jonah stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at Sythrel.


    "That''s enough. We''re not hunting Alex like he''s some kind of animal."


    Sythrel''s lips curled into a faint smirk, clearly unfazed and he responded, his tone cold.


    "I don''t remember asking for your permission,"


    Jonah''s clicked, his hands balling into fists as he glared at Sythrel.


    The silence stretched, and group felt the tension rise as the standoff simmered, but before things could escalate further, Ethan spoke up.


    "Enough, Forget about him. There''s no way that wimp would survive out there on his own. Not with all the beasts that''s out there."


    Thompson hesitated, his jaw tightening as memories of Alex''s intimidating presence flashed in his mind.


    With the strength Alex displayed he had proved that If anyone could survive this place, it was him.


    Ethan didn''t know that.


    But even he knew better than to push further so as not to provoke Ethan.


    He let out a frustrated sigh and dropped the subject.


    Ethan stood there, his mind still grappling with the thought of Alex. He wanted to find him, confront him, and end it all. But right now, survival mattered more. They couldn''t afford to waste energy hunting someone who might not even be alive.


    Still, if Alex ever showed his face again...


    That would be the end of him.


    Shaking off the thought, Ethan refocused.


    It was time to get down to business.


    He looked at the group, eyes sharp.


    "So, I believe you all want things to be easier. You want safety and security. That''s why I''m proposing you join my faction."


    "Faction?" The word spread through the group, murmurs rippling like a wave.


    Jonah blinked, clearly taken aback.


    "You created a faction?"


    He couldn''t hide his surprise.


    How is that even possible... in such a short time?


    Thompson then gave a nod of approval.


    "As expected. Sir Ethan, you''re awesome."


    Ethan smirked, a brief flash of pride before he continued.


    "We already have about 40 members. We''ve built a camp with solid defenses to fend off monsters. You''ll stand a better chance there than out here on your own. So... what do you say? Do you want to join?"


    Before anyone could respond, a sudden notification appeared for everyone in the group, flashing on their screens.


    The group paused, their eyes flicking between each other, murmuring in disbelief. Ethan''s offer sounded too good to be true.


    A safe haven, a chance to stop worrying about monsters... it was tempting. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They felt a wave of relief wash over them.


    But then, as their eyes scanned the notification, their expressions changed.


    The discomfort spread, first across Nancy''s face, then to the others as they read the small print.


    Ding!


    [Join the Etheral faction]


    [By accepting, you become a recognized member of this faction. However, you will lose 20% of any tutorial points you earn from killing monsters.]


    [Do you want to accept: Yes/No]

 Chapter 71 - 71: Undecided

    The ground trembled as a raging buffalo barreled toward Alex, its massive horns aimed straight at him, ready to gore him to pieces.


    The beast''s bellow echoed in the air, its red eyes locked on its target.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    As the buffalo closed the gap, he braced himself and caught its horn with a powerful grip. Muscles straining, he twisted its head with an incredible surge of strength, lifting the enormous creature off the ground.


    With a loud grunt, he hurled it through the air.


    The buffalo landed with a heavy crash, skidding across the rocky terrain before disappearing into the distance.


    Before Alex could take a breath, another buffalo charged in from his right.


    Its speed was ferocious, but Alex was faster.


    In one smooth motion, he unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. With a precise slash, the beast''s massive body split cleanly in two, blood spraying in an arc.


    Another buffalo lunged at him from behind, its massive hooves thundering as it closed in.


    Alex spun around in a flash, his blade cutting through the air. One clean swing was all it took to decapitate the beast.


    Its severed head rolled to the side as its body crumpled to the ground.


    The last buffalo, seeing the carnage and realizing it was the only one left, froze for a moment before grunting in panic.


    It turned and began to flee, hooves pounding the dirt as it bolted away.


    "Not so fast," Alex muttered, his eyes narrowing.


    He activated [Petrify], his hand glowing with a faint, eerie light.


    The buffalo froze mid-stride, its body stiffening as if turned to stone.


    Alex dashed forward, his speed a blur.


    With a leap, he closed the distance and brought his sword down with deadly precision, burying it deep into the beast''s skull.


    The buffalo staggered under the blow, its legs buckling before it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    A faint chime echoed in Alex''s ears as a series of notifications appeared before him.


    Ding!


    [You have killed [Buffalo - Rank D (Y)] You have earned 200 TP]


    [You have killed [Buffalo - Rank D (G)] You have earned 250 TP]


    [You have killed [Buffalo - Rank D (R)] You have earned 300 TP]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have received 5 Stat Points]


    [You have received a Power Stone]


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have earned an additional 200 TP]


    [You have earned an additional 250 TP]


    [You have earned an additional 300 TP]


    [You have received an additional 5 Stat Points]


    [You have received an additional Power Stone]


    Alex exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.


    He swatted Murzok''s blade clean of blood, the dark steel gleaming in the dim light


    . Around him lay the mangled remains of over a dozen buffalo. Their bodies were shredded and hacked into pieces, the ground soaked with blood.


    The blade''s performance was every bit as impressive as its description claimed.


    Each cut he made on the beasts had a lasting effect, causing their wounds to fester and slow them down. Injured buffalo stumbled, their movements becoming sluggish as the fight dragged on.


    He glanced around the battlefield.


    He had taken down nearly fifty buffalo in this grueling session.


    Yet, despite all his effort, he had only managed to level up twice.


    Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but Alex quickly suppressed it.


    "It''s all for the Tutorial Points," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists.


    The points felt meaningless now, with no immediate use, but he knew they would matter later.


    For now, his priority had to be leveling up, growing stronger, and surviving.


    His gaze shifted toward the distant horizon. The beasts here were not a challenge.


    If he wanted to progress faster, he had to venture into a C-rank zone, where tougher and more rewarding prey awaited. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex took a deep breath, his focus shifting from the battlefield to the glowing blue screen in front of him.


    "Stats," he commanded, and the familiar interface appeared before his eyes.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 29


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 95


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 60


    [Powerstones]: 12


    [Skills]:


    [Exploding Touch] [Sonic Howl] [Aegis Arcane] [Slipstream] [Stealth Walk] [Titan Fury] [Vigor Strike] [Fast and Furious] [Minor Regen] [Flame Immunity] [Foresight] [Stone Face] [Earth Swim] [Petrify] [Minor Telekinesis]


    [Tutorial Points]: 26,150


    Alex''s eyes scanned through the stats window, his expression unreadable.


    "As expected."


    Hunting monsters for Tutorial Points was way more profitable than targeting other players. His point count had skyrocketed after taking out the horde of D-rank buffalo.


    Still, something gnawed at him.


    Despite the impressive haul of points, leveling up was painfully slow.


    He was now just one level away from unlocking a new skill, and the thought alone sent a jolt of excitement through him.


    His gaze shifted to his skill list. Fifteen skills.


    Each one powerful in its own right. His fingers hovered in mid-air as he considered his options.


    "Which one do I upgrade?"


    [Exploding Touch] is already a monster of a skill. Upgrading it could make it devastating enough to obliterate enemies in one strike.


    [Foresight] could be a game-changer too. Extending the time he could glimpse into the future would give him an overwhelming tactical advantage.


    [Minor Telekinesis]? That''s tempting. I could manipulate objects way heavier than before, maybe even lift enemies off the ground and slam them like ragdolls.


    He smirked. [Fast and Furious]? If I upgrade that, I could probably outrun bullets... Maybe even be a speed god.


    The thought of [Minor Regen] gave him pause. "Deadpool-level regeneration?" He chuckled softly, imagining himself shrugging off fatal wounds like they were scratches.


    Then there was [Petrify]. A skill so versatile it could instantly immobilize enemies. What if he could enhance it to turn entire groups of foes into stone?


    Alex groaned, ruffling his hair in frustration.


    "Goddammit," he muttered under his breath.


    The options were endless, and the more he thought about it, the harder the decision became. Every skill he had was powerful, and upgrading any one of them would make him deadlier.


    "Aargh," Alex groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead.


    The constant back-and-forth decision-making was giving him a headache.


    He let out a heavy sigh, trying to shake off the tension.


    The cost of upgrading a skill was steep, sure, but Alex was determined to look past it. He leaned back slightly, thinking it through.


    His physical strength was already leagues above what it should be for his rank¡ªthanks in no small part to his title, "Apocalypse Baby. And it gave him a ridiculous edge in combat.


    "Even if I sacrifice some points," he thought, "it won''t set me back too much. I''ll make up for it with an even more overpowered skill."


    He glanced at his inventory. His collection of stat-enhancing accessories¡ªrings, pendants, and trinkets¡ªoffered him a buffer.


    If needed, he could stack as many as possible to compensate for any temporary loss.


    No doubt I''ll use the [Attribute Converter], but not now he was still too undecided to commit to one skill.


    Before he could ponder further, a sound interrupted his thoughts.


    Thud.


    Thud.


    Thud.


    The ground vibrated beneath his feet, each tremor stronger than the last.


    The air grew heavier with every thud, and Alex''s sharp ears picked up the rhythmic pounding¡ªsomething massive was headed his way.


    "Another buffalo?" he murmured. But this time, it felt different.


    The weight of the footsteps was heavier, the aura more menacing.


    Alex''s grip on Murzok''s blade tightened as he turned toward the source of the sound.


    From the shadows of the forest, a hulking figure emerged, stepping into the open.


    The beast was massive, dwarfing the other buffalo he had faced earlier. Its horns were jagged, glowing faintly with an ominous crimson hue. Its eyes burned like molten fire, and its muscular body radiated raw power.


    It let out a deafening roar, the sheer force of it shaking the trees around them. Alex squinted, his heart pounding in anticipation.


    A notification flashed before his eyes:


    [Buffalo Boss - Rank C (R)]


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Finally," he muttered. "Something worth my time."

 Chapter 72 - 72: Boss Buffalo

    The massive beast loomed before Alex, its hulking frame covered in thick muscle and an almost metallic sheen.


    On its legs were what looked like gauntlets, crudely shaped but undeniably enchanted, radiating a faint, magical glow.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed. "Not your average buffalo," he muttered.


    The beast suddenly spoke, its deep, guttural voice echoing. "Puny human. Prepare to be crushed."


    Alex blinked, then sighed. "It talks. Great. But not very bright." He cracked his neck, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "This''ll be quick."


    Without hesitation, Alex surged forward, blade in hand, closing the gap between them in seconds. But the buffalo didn''t flinch. Instead, it slammed a massive hoof into the ground.


    BOOM!


    The ground quaked violently, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Alex stumbled, caught off guard as the earth beneath him cracked and shifted.


    "Okay, didn''t see that coming," Alex thought, regaining his footing just in time. His left hand brushed the ground as he crouched, activating [Exploding Touch]. A faint shimmer marked the spot where he placed the explosive, ready to spring a trap.


    Rising back to his feet, Alex caught sight of the buffalo charging at him. Its enormous horns gleamed under the light, aimed directly at his chest.


    It was shockingly fast for its size¡ªits massive frame barreling forward like a freight train.


    But to Alex, it wasn''t fast enough. Not even close.


    Alex moved instinctively, rolling to the side just as the buffalo''s massive horns grazed the air where he''d been standing. The beast thundered past, its momentum making it difficult to stop.


    Before the buffalo could turn around for another charge, the ground where Alex had planted his [Exploding Touch] erupted in a fiery explosion.


    The force of the blast sent dirt and debris flying, and the shockwave slammed into the buffalo, throwing it off balance and sending it skidding to the side.


    Alex straightened, his sword at the ready, expecting the beast to stay down or at least show some damage.


    But to his surprise, the buffalo pushed itself back up, seemingly unharmed. Its glowing gauntlets pulsed faintly, and it let out a guttural snort.


    "Your puny attacks won''t stop me," the buffalo bellowed, its deep voice rumbling through the air.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, mildly amused.


    "Oh," he muttered, his voice carrying a note of intrigue.


    A sharp glint flickered in his eyes as he studied the beast more closely.


    The buffalo lowered its head for another charge, but Alex didn''t wait.


    He puffed out his cheeks, letting out a piercing [Sonic Howl].


    The sound waves rippled through the air, an invisible force slamming into the buffalo and halting its advance.


    The beast staggered back, its hooves digging trenches into the earth as it struggled to resist the attack.


    Then Alex saw it clearly¡ªa shimmering, almost transparent barrier surrounding the buffalo.


    It hummed faintly with energy, flickering like a magical force field.


    Alex squinted as he studied the barrier surrounding the buffalo. It reminded him of his [Aegis Arcane], a skill designed to repel magical damage. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the glowing gauntlets. They were clearly the source of the beast''s shield.


    "So it''s resistant to magical attacks, huh?" Alex muttered under his breath. "Guess I''ll have to do this the old-fashioned way."


    Without hesitation, Alex equipped Murzok Fangblade, the weapon gleaming menacingly in his hand.


    He tightened his grip and dashed toward the beast, his movements swift.


    ''Resistant to magical attacks, but let''s see how it handles physical ones.''


    The buffalo let out a thunderous roar as it saw Alex closing the distance.


    It lowered its massive horns, digging its hooves into the ground, and charged full speed.


    To the beast, Alex''s approach was a challenge it wouldn''t back down from.


    The two raced toward each other like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.


    But just as they were about to collide, Alex disappeared in a blur of speed, vanishing from the buffalo''s sight.


    The beast skidded to a halt, confused, its eyes darting around.


    Then it felt it¡ªsharp, searing pain slicing across its sides and back. Alex''s blade struck repeatedly, leaving deep gashes in its hide. Blood seeped from the wounds as the buffalo let out a pained grunt.


    Alex reappeared behind the beast, wiping a bit of blood off his blade with a flick of his wrist. "Guess you''re not immune to being cut down," he said with a smirk. "Good."


    The buffalo snorted, its anger boiling over. "Damn you, human!"


    Alex didn''t give it a chance to recover. He charged again, aiming for the beast''s neck, his blade ready to deliver a decapitating blow.


    But the buffalo surprised him¡ªit leaped backward with surprising agility for its size, avoiding the strike at the last second.


    Alex''s blade cut through empty air, and he paused, watching the beast carefully.


    "Huh," Alex muttered, raising an eyebrow.


    He didn''t expect the buffalo to have reflexes like that.


    As the buffalo landed heavily on the ground, a sharp rumble sounded near it.


    Without warning, a jagged piece of rock materialized beside the beast, shimmering with power.


    In the blink of an eye, the rock detonated, unleashing a fiery explosion.


    The blast sent the buffalo reeling, its magical barrier barely managing to absorb the brunt of the impact.


    Even so, the force shoved the massive beast backward, sending it tumbling across the clearing and slamming into a cluster of trees.


    Before the creature could recover or even process what had happened, Alex was already airborne, descending like a predator with Murzok Fangblade gleaming in his hands.


    He landed with precision, his blade carving through the beast''s thick hide in a clean arc.


    Blood sprayed as Alex severed one of the buffalo''s massive legs.


    The buffalo let out an ear-splitting scream, its voice a mixture of pain and fury.


    Its glowing eyes locked onto Alex, filled with unbridled rage.


    Enraged, the beast lunged forward, its horns aimed to gore Alex with all its remaining strength.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Calm and composed, he caught one of the beast''s horns with his bare hand, halting the buffalo mid-charge.


    The sheer strength in Alex''s grip caused the horn to crack slightly, the beast''s power no match for his own.


    With a swift twist of his arm, Alex spun the buffalo''s massive body, forcing it off-balance.


    In one fluid motion, he raised Murzok Fangblade and brought it down with lethal precision.


    The blade sliced cleanly through the buffalo''s neck, severing its head from its body.


    The buffalo''s body collapsed to the ground with a thunderous thud, lifeless.


    Alex stood over it, gripping the beast''s massive head in his hand.


    He brought the head close to his face, studying the expression frozen on the buffalo''s features.


    Its eyes were wide with shock, as if it couldn''t believe its own defeat.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, Alex tossed the head aside, letting it roll across the forest floor.


    And a familiar sound echoed in his ears.


    Ding! Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You have defeated Buffalo Boss]


    [You have received 5 stat points]


    [You have received a Power Stone]


    [You have received skill: Earth Stomp]


    Another notification then flashed across his vision:


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 5 stat points]


    [You have received an additional Power Stone]


    [You have received equipment: Anti-Magic Gauntlets]

 Chapter 73 - 73: OP Skill

    [Earth Stomp: With a single, forceful stomp on the ground, you unleash a localized earthquake that radiates outward in a powerful wave. The tremor cracks the earth and sends it shifting violently, throwing enemies off their feet and disrupting their balance. Opponents caught in the shockwave are momentarily stunned, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.


    [Anti-Magic Gauntlets: These enchanted gauntlets hum with power, generating a shimmering, translucent shield whenever they sense an incoming magical attack. The shield absorbs or deflects spells, rendering the wearer highly resistant to offensive magic.


    As soon as Alex read the description of the gauntlets, he grinned and wasted no time equipping them. The metallic sheen of the gauntlets wrapped snugly around his arms, the intricate runes glowing faintly as they adjusted to his energy. Alex flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through them.


    A smirk played on his lips. "Deflecting bullets like Wonder Woman? Count me in," he muttered, picturing the gauntlets deflecting projectiles in a flurry of sparks.


    The rewards he''d received so far were undeniably cool, but Alex''s real excitement lay elsewhere. He had been waiting to reach Level 30, eager to claim a new skill. The anticipation had been building, and now it was finally here.


    Ding!


    The sound was like music to his ears. Alex immediately opened his stats window, his palms rubbing together in excitement.


    [You have reached Level 30.]


    [You have earned the chance to choose a new skill from three options.]


    Alex grinned, his eyes lighting up as the notification appeared.


    A new skill was a big deal¡ªit was another tool in his arsenal.


    But as thrilled as he was, the thought of adding yet another skill to his growing list made him pause.


    He sighed, ruffling his hair in frustration.


    "Man, this is gonna make deciding on my upgrade even harder."


    The Attribute Converter was a game-changer, allowing him to enhance one skill to an overpowered level. But with so many good options, choosing just one felt like trying to solve an impossible puzzle.


    Alex leaned back, exhaling as he stared at the glowing screen displaying his skill choices.


    The memory of [Exploding Touch] and its devastating upgraded version played in his mind.


    He had seen firsthand what upgrading a skill could do¡ªturning something good into something game-changing.


    There was no way he was passing up the chance to supercharge another ability.


    With a flick of his fingers, he opened the descriptions of the three skills he could choose from. His eyes scanned each one, the words sinking in like waves crashing against the shore.


    [Ability Option 1: Heal]


    A dark ability that allows you to heal yourself by draining the life force of another. Upon touching a living being, you siphon their vitality, converting it into your own health. Each use consumes a moderate amount of mana, proportional to the health restored.


    [Ability Option 2: Sun Ball]


    Summon a blazing orb of concentrated solar energy in your hand. The Sun Ball burns with intense heat, capable of melting through armor, scorching enemies, and causing explosions upon impact. It can be hurled at a target, creating an area-of-effect blast that inflicts severe fire damage to all enemies within a 5-meter radius.


    [Ability Option 3: One Shot, One Kill]


    This ultimate ability grants a single, guaranteed fatal attack. When activated, your next strike bypasses all defenses¡ªphysical, magical, or otherwise¡ªand delivers a killing blow to the target, regardless of their level or rank. Cooldown: 2 months, making it a highly strategic ability. Condition: You must stab the opponent within one second of activating the ability.


    Alex blinked, his breath hitching as he took in the descriptions.


    Then it hit him like a sucker punch to the gut.


    "Gahh!" The sheer power of the skill options laid out before him was almost too much to process.


    "Three OP skills... but one of them? One of them is on a completely different level."


    His eyes locked onto the description of [One Shot, One Kill], and he felt his heart race.


    One Shot, One Kill


    The chance to kill an opponent no matter how strong they are, regardless of rank or level.


    Alex couldn''t help but let out a shaky breath.


    "That''s just... stupidly powerful," he muttered. The thought hit him like a lightning bolt, making him freeze.


    "Could it kill... a god?"


    His fingers trembled as he scrolled back up, rereading the description with laser focus.


    He searched for any mention of limits, any clause that said it couldn''t take down a divine being. Nothing. There was no indication that gods were immune.


    A chill ran down his spine, and he shivered.


    His mind buzzed with possibilities.


    Taking down an unkillable opponent with a single strike? It sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, and now it was sitting right in front of him, waiting to be claimed.


    But then a thought crept in.


    "Why do I keep attracting OP skills like this? Something must be broken," he said, shaking his head. Whatever it was Alex wanted it to remain broken.


    His gaze shifted to [Heal], and he frowned.


    Compared to the other two, it seemed weaker. Yet, even as he thought that, he couldn''t deny its potential.


    "Calm down... just calm down," Alex muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. His heart was pounding, and he needed to think clearly.


    Sure, [One Shot, One Kill] was powerful¡ªstupidly powerful¡ªbut it wasn''t without its drawbacks.


    He reread the description one more time, this time focusing on the fine details.


    Cooldown: 2 months


    "Two months," Alex sighed, shaking his head. "That''s an eternity."


    And then there was the condition: he had to stab his opponent immediately after activating the skill.


    If he missed? The ability would be wasted, and he''d have to wait another two months to try again.


    "That''s... a problem," Alex admitted.


    The thought of standing in front of a powerful enemy, timing everything perfectly, made his palms sweat.


    No strong opponent is just gonna sit there and let me stab them.


    The more he thought about it, the more he realized how tricky it would be to pull off. "It''s not as easy as it sounds," he muttered.


    But even with all its complications, Alex couldn''t bring himself to dismiss the skill.


    He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.


    "What would happen if I upgrade?"


    The idea of using the Attribute Converter on [One Shot, One Kill] crossed his mind. But he hesitated.


    He had no idea what would happen, and the uncertainty made him hesitate.


    Finally, Alex exhaled sharply, shaking off his doubts.


    There was no point in overthinking it now.


    He''d figure out the upgrade nonsense later.


    "Alright," he said, standing tall and cracking his knuckles.


    "I''ll choose you."


    Alex grinned as the skill [One Shot, One Kill] appeared on his skill list.


    The sight of it filled him with a sense of satisfaction.


    His lips curled into a wider smile.


    He could feel the hunger rising within him¡ªthe need for more. More challenges, more monsters, more prey to hunt.


    With a determined glint in his eyes, Alex resumed his journey, stepping deeper into the forest.


    The thrill of the hunt and the reward that came after was intoxicating.


    About thirty minutes later, the air around him seemed to shift.


    A sharp sound echoed through the forest¡ªa strange hooting noise, almost like a monkey''s call.


    Alex froze, scanning his surroundings.


    His eyes darted upward at the sound, just in time to catch sight of multiple brown projectiles flying straight toward him at high speed.


    His instincts kicked in. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Aegis Arcane!" he called, summoning his magical barrier.


    The translucent shield shimmered into existence around him, absorbing the incoming barrage.


    The projectiles splattered against the barrier, sliding down its surface.


    Alex''s nose crinkled as he looked closer.


    His expression turned to one of pure disgust.


    "Poop? Seriously?"


    A chorus of screeches and hoots erupted from the treetops. The forest came alive with noise.


    "Uu! Uu! Aah! Aah!"


    Alex''s gaze snapped upward again, and his unease grew as he saw troop of monkeys stared back at him from the trees, their beady eyes gleaming with mischief.

 Chapter 74 - 74: Damn Monkey: Trauma

    The forest canopy seemed to come alive as the creatures leaped from branch to branch, making chaotic noises that grated on Alex''s nerves.


    Their movements were erratic, their screeches relentless.


    "Shut up," Alex muttered, clamping his hands over his ears as the screeching continued.


    His body trembled, and his heart pounded like a drum, a relentless rhythm that he couldn''t slow. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, stinging his eyes.


    This wasn''t fear of danger¡ªhe''d fought monsters far more threatening than a troop of monkeys. No, this was different. This was something deeper, something rooted in his past.


    Alex exhaled heavily, trying to steady himself. The memory clawed its way to the surface, dragging him back to a time he''d rather forget.


    It was a school trip, back in grade school. His class had visited the city zoo for the day. The trip had started like any other: loud chatter, laughter, and kids shoving each other in excitement as they explored the exhibits.


    Alex had been just as enthusiastic as his classmates, eagerly pointing out the lions, parrots, kangaroos, and giraffes. But his favorite animal was none of these.


    The honey badger.


    He''d seen documentaries about them on TV, marveling at their relentless nature. Nothing stopped a honey badger¡ªnot bigger animals, not venom, not even fear. Alex admired that kind of tenacity.


    The group eventually made its way to the monkey enclosure.


    The guide began explaining fun facts about the primates when someone noticed something unusual.


    "Wait, one of them is missing?" the guide asked, scanning the area.


    One of the kids pointed excitedly.


    "Up there! Look!"


    Alex followed their gaze and saw it¡ªa small monkey perched high on the railing that enclosed their habitat.


    The creature had slipped out of the exhibit.


    But something about its gaze was unsettling¡ªsharp, almost hostile as if the creature saw them as invaders rather than spectators. Its expression was serious, unnervingly human-like.


    The air grew tense.


    Some kids stepped back, uneasy.


    Others stood frozen, caught between fear and awe.


    The teacher looked like they were on the verge of panic, trying to maintain control but failing miserably.


    Alex, however, was just confused.


    "What''s its deal?" he mumbled, tilting his head.


    Then the monkey snarled.


    The guttural sound was enough to send the entire group into chaos.


    Screams erupted as kids panicked and scattered in every direction, bumping into each other and knocking over backpacks.


    The teacher shouted something, but their words were drowned out by the rising noise.


    The sudden movement seemed to provoke the monkey further.


    With an angry screech, it leaped from the railing, soaring through the air like a tiny missile.


    And, of course, out of all the unlucky kids it could have chosen to land on, it picked Alex.


    The moment the monkey hit him, Alex was knocked flat on his back.


    "What the¡ª?!" he barely managed to gasp before the creature pounced on him, pinning him to the ground.


    The monkey let out a furious shriek, slamming its tiny fists into Alex''s chest and shoulders with surprising force.


    "Get off me!" Alex yelled, trying to push it away, but the creature was relentless.


    It lunged at him again, pounding its fists like Alex had personally stolen its lunch. Each hit made him flinch, his arms coming up instinctively to shield his face.


    "Help! Somebody¡ª!" Alex cried out, his voice cracking. But his pleas were drowned out by the chaotic noise around him.


    Above, the rest of the monkeys in the enclosure were whipped into a frenzy. They screamed and howled, jumping against the iron fence and rattling it violently. Some hung from the bars, pulling and yanking as if they were trying to break through.


    The combined sound of their screeches and the clanging metal added to Alex''s growing terror. His heart pounded as he desperately tried to block the monkey''s relentless attacks.


    It was like the whole troop had turned on him, their shrieks echoing in his ears and making his head spin.


    For Alex, lying on the ground under the furious little primate, it felt like the end of the world.


    The wild shrieking of the monkey, the sting of its tiny fists pounding against him, the overwhelming noise of the other monkeys rattling the enclosure¡ªall of it was too much for young Alex to process.


    He had felt helpless, trapped under the fury of a creature he hadn''t expected to fear.


    His chest tightened, and terror gripped him so tightly he couldn''t even scream anymore.


    Just when it seemed like things were going to spiral further out of control, a sharp crack broke through the chaos.


    The monkey stiffened, a look of shock flashing across its face before it collapsed onto Alex''s chest.


    The zookeepers had taken it down with a stun gun just in time.


    Alex lay there, trembling, his ears ringing from the ordeal.


    Though the monkey hadn''t injured him much physically, the damage had been done.


    That day scarred him in ways that no one could see.


    Now, standing in the forest as an adult, Alex stared down a troop of monsters that looked far too much like the primates that haunted his nightmares.


    The unsettling familiarity hit him like a punch to the gut.


    Their beady eyes locked onto him, unblinking and full of malice. They weren''t just watching him¡ªthey were taunting him. Their wide, toothy grins only added to the mockery.


    Alex''s vision flickered as his system analyzed the creatures.


    [Monkeys - Rank C(G)] sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Monkeys - Rank C(G)]


    [Monkeys - Rank C(Y)]


    Though they all looked the same, their ranks varied, which only added to his unease.


    Alex''s grip tightened around the hilt of his sword. His breathing grew uneven as his heart hammered in his chest.


    His instincts screamed at him to run, to put as much distance as possible between himself and these creatures. But no matter how much he willed his legs to move, they refused to obey.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    "Am I really that shaken?" he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling.


    Alex took a deep breath, forcing his trembling hands to steady. His grip on the sword tightened as he stared at the troop of monkeys.


    "You''re stronger. There''s no reason to run," Alex muttered to himself, trying to summon courage.


    His mind, however, wasn''t convinced.


    The hooting and screeching of the monkeys echoed through the forest, crawling under his skin and making his body shudder despite his belief in his strength.


    "Come on, Alex," he thought, beginning an internal dialogue to talk himself through it.


    "I''m afraid."


    "Yes, you are. But will you run?"


    "I''m considering it."


    "Should you run?"


    "I don''t think so."


    "Why not?"


    "Because it''s embarrassing."


    "Embarrassing? Why?"


    "They''re just monkeys. I''ve faced worse."


    "Exactly. Let''s break it down¡ªwhat''s more intimidating: a cockatrice, a goblin, a tiger, a buffalo... or a monkey?"


    "...A monkey."


    His thoughts stuttered, but he pushed forward.


    "Fine, so they''re unnerving. But does that mean you should run?"


    "No."


    "Then fight. It''s as simple as that."


    Is it


    Does it matter?


    No..it doesn''t.


    Alex came to the conclusion.


    Despite the fact he was afraid due to his trauma he was still going to fight because that was who he is. It was as simple as that.


    Although his internal monologue didn''t completely erase his fear, it eased the suffocating pressure that had gripped him.


    The memories of his past no longer had a stranglehold on his mind.


    Alex tightened his grip on his sword.


    With a deep breath, he dashed into the forest, weaving through the dense underbrush.


    The monkeys hooted in rage and immediately gave chase, leaping from branch to branch above him.


    Suddenly, brown projectiles rained down, flying at him with the speed of bullets. Alex darted and rolled, narrowly avoiding the disgusting attacks. As he ducked behind a tree, he saw the force of one "poop bullet" splinter the bark, leaving a noticeable dent.


    "What the¡ª?!" Alex muttered, both shocked and slightly amused. "That''s some serious power... from poop?"


    The monkeys seemed to be enhancing the poop with some sort of energy.


    But where were they getting the poop from?


    He looked up and caught sight of one of the monkeys, and to his horror, he saw it poop on its arm.


    Alex''s stomach turned, and he immediately regretted being curious.


    "Damn monkeys!"


    Alex yelled, trying to shake the image out of his mind.


    Just then, one of the monkeys dropped lower, to get a clearer shot, but Alex in a flash of instinct, sprinted toward the tree, the monkey leap unto using his legs to propel himself up the trunk in one swift motion.


    The monkey didn''t see it coming. A look of shock on it''s face.


    And it tried to scramble away, but Alex was too fast.


    With a single, brutal slash, he cut through the monkey''s neck.


    The other monkeys enraged aimed their poop cannons directly at him, their eyes narrowed in pure hatred.


    But Alex was already gone, having leaped high into the branches of another tree.


    He gripped a branch with one hand, sword hilt between his teeth.


    He was calm now, poised, watching the monkeys circle around him from every angle. Their grunts filled the air, rough and menacing, as they positioned themselves on branches surrounding him.


    They had him trapped.


    He felt fear. His heart was pounding.


    But despite the tense atmosphere, he grinned.


    This was exciting.

 Chapter 75 - 75: Damn Monkey: Ruthless

    Alex moved like a whirlwind, his sword flashing in deadly arcs.


    He slashed through the arm of one monkey, silencing its shrill scream with a swift boot to its mouth, sending it crumpling to the ground.


    Before he could pause, another monkey lunged at him.


    Without hesitation, Alex grabbed it by the face and slammed it into a nearby tree with bone-cracking force.


    Poop bullets rained down from above, each projectile streaking through the air like a missile.


    Alex twisted and dodged, his movements sharp and precise as he avoided the disgusting attacks.


    His blade carved through the air, slicing down three more monkeys in quick succession.


    Their lifeless bodies tumbled from the treetops, thudding against the forest floor below.


    The remaining monkeys howled in rage, their voices echoing through the forest canopy.


    More poop bullets fired, but their aim faltered, striking trees instead of their target.


    Alex leaped from branch to branch, his body moving with the agility of a predator. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His high agility made navigating the dense forest almost effortless, each jump and dash as smooth as flowing water.


    He grinned to himself¡ªit was almost like he was a monkey too.


    Two monkeys barred his path, snarling and ready to pounce.


    Alex didn''t even slow down.


    His sword flashed twice, a blur of motion, and the creatures fell lifeless from their perches.


    But before he could exhale, a higher-ranking monkey appeared¡ªa Rank C beast, its eyes burning with cunning intelligence.


    The monkey fired a poop bullet directly at him.


    Alex spotted it coming and weaved to the side, narrowly avoiding the disgusting projectile. He didn''t stop moving, his momentum carrying him forward.


    With a sharp swing of his blade, he decapitated the beast in a clean motion, its headless body collapsing onto the branch it stood on.


    Behind him, a group of furious monkeys gave chase, their howls growing louder as they closed in. Alex smirked, his hand slipping into his pouch.


    He pulled out a handful of Blastshards, small explosive crystals. Without looking back, he tossed them high into the air behind him.


    "Eat this."


    The Blastshards detonated mid-air, sending a shockwave through the forest.


    A fiery explosion ripped through the canopy, scattering splintered wood and debris.


    The pursuing monkeys didn''t stand a chance¡ªthose caught in the blast were flung from the trees, their bodies falling lifelessly to the forest floor.


    Alex landed on a sturdy branch, the aftermath of the explosion lighting up his surroundings. He didn''t care about the noise. If the explosion attracted attention, so be it.


    The more, the better.


    He wasn''t worried about tiring out.


    His skill, [Vigor Drive], worked like a perpetual motion engine, refilling his stamina with every strike he landed.


    It made him perfectly suited for drawn-out battles, and this situation was exactly what he thrived on.


    There were still more monkeys ahead, their silhouettes visible in the dim light filtering through the leaves.


    Alex tightened his grip on his sword, muscles tensing, and dashed toward them, his movements a blur of speed and power.


    At first, his strikes were sloppy.


    The dense canopy and uneven terrain threw off his rhythm, and the memory of his childhood trauma lingered, making him hesitate.


    But as he landed each blow, slicing through the shrieking primates, his confidence grew.


    The nervous tremor in his hand disappeared.


    His strikes became sharper, more calculated, and brutally efficient. His fear melted away, replaced by a cold, ruthless determination.


    With every swing of his blade, Alex honed his technique.


    A monkey lunged at him from above¡ªhe sidestepped and cleaved it in two with a powerful horizontal slash.


    Another tried to flank him; he pivoted smoothly, driving his sword through its chest.


    Blood sprayed across the leaves, but Alex didn''t slow down.


    His movements became a deadly dance, blending instinct and precision.


    Meanwhile, deeper in the forest, a larger monkey moved through the shadows.


    Its hulking frame set it apart from the others, its eyes glinting with intelligence. Its fur bristled with energy as it barked orders, rallying a group of subordinates.


    [Monkey General - Rank C (R)]


    The Monkey General''s narrowed eyes locked onto the distant glow of the explosion. It grunted, annoyed.


    The sound of chaos and destruction filled the air¡ªa clear sign that something was stirring trouble in monkey territory.


    It suspected a gnoll¡ªthose wretched creatures were notorious for hunting monkeys for food.


    The Monkey General swung effortlessly from branch to branch, its powerful tail acting like a spring-loaded whip, launching it forward with precision and speed.


    It moved through the forest canopy getting close to the chaos.


    Then it landed gracefully on a clearing, its sharp claws digging into the bark of a massive tree.


    Its piercing eyes immediately locked onto the source of the chaos below.


    A human.


    The Monkey General''s gaze narrowed as it watched its troops being decimated.


    The human wore a long coat that flared dramatically with his movements.


    His blade shimmered in the dappled sunlight, each swing precise and deadly.


    The strikes were merciless, cutting through multiple monkeys at once.


    The General could see it clearly: its troop had no chance.


    If this continued, they''d all fall.


    It growled low in its throat, its authority rippling through the air, and decided to take matters into its own hands.


    With a flick of its tail, the Monkey General summoned a ball of dung¡ªa grotesque yet deadly weapon, infused with its energy.


    The ball floated effortlessly toward its tail, glowing faintly as it began to spin.


    The Monkey General snarled, its eyes glinting with malice.


    Energy coursed through the ball, causing the surface to ripple with heat. It grew hotter and hotter until flames burst to life, engulfing the sphere in a blaze of crackling fire.


    With a swift flick of its tail, the General hurled the flaming projectile directly at Alex.


    The fiery orb cut through the air, leaving a trail of sparks in its wake.


    Alex, deep in the rhythm of his relentless attacks, felt the incoming danger before he saw it. His instincts screamed at him to move.


    Without hesitation, he twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the fiery projectile as it smashed into a tree behind him, exploding in a burst of heat and embers.


    The explosion sent a shockwave through the forest, momentarily shaking the canopy.


    Alex landed lightly on a branch, his sharp gaze snapping toward the source of the attack.


    In the next instant, he was gone, his form a blur of speed.


    The Monkey General blinked.


    And a second later, Alex was right in front of it.


    "What?"


    Panicked, it scurried backward, its claws scratching at the bark of the tree as it scrambled for distance.


    With a low growl, the monkey summoned more fireballs, its tail whipping furiously to ignite the swirling orbs of energy.


    But before it could release the attack, Alex muttered a single word, his voice calm and cold:


    "Petrify."


    The Monkey General froze mid-motion, its body locking up like stone.


    The fireballs hovering near its tail flickered and dissolved into harmless embers, vanishing into the wind.


    A crushing weight pressed down on the monkey, and its eyes darted wildly, unable to move.


    It felt fear.


    A primal fear it hadn''t experienced since facing its king.


    Alex''s boots crunched against the forest floor as he walked forward, his sword glinting ominously in the dim light. The pressure grew heavier with each step, suffocating the Monkey General''s will to resist.


    "W-wait!" the monkey managed to choke out, its voice trembling with desperation.


    "Please..."


    But Alex didn''t hesitate.

 Chapter 76 - 76: Damn Monkey: Acolyte

    With a smooth swing of his sword, the blade cut through the monkey''s neck, the motion clean and precise.


    The Monkey General''s head tumbled to the ground, its body collapsing a second later.


    Ding!


    You have killed a Monkey General!


    You have leveled up!


    You have received 5 stat points!


    You have received a Powerstone!


    You have received the skill: Fireball.


    Alex exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from his body. He glanced at the notification about the Fireball skill, his expression neutral.


    "Not as powerful as Sun Ball," he muttered, "but I''ll take it."


    Ding!


    You have received an additional 5 stat points!


    You have received a Powerstone!


    You have received clothing: Monkey''s Coat.


    [Monkey''s Coat: A thick coat that provides minor resistance to physical attacks and is highly resistant to heat and cold.]


    "Not bad," Alex said with a faint smirk, ready for whatever came next.


    From a distance, hidden deep in the shadows of the trees, a low-ranking monkey watched Alex.


    [Monkey Acolyte ¨C Rank C(G)]


    Unlike others of its rank, this monkey was smarter.


    Despite its lower rank, it had the ability to speak and think critically.


    It had witnessed how easily Alex had taken down the Monkey General, his movements quick and deadly. The power behind each strike was no joke.


    This human was someone far beyond the average threat.


    The Acolyte''s sharp eyes darted back to Alex, who was standing still, seemingly lost in thought.


    He knew what he had to do.


    Which was to warn the King... so they''ll be ready for this one.


    He kept his eyes locked on Alex, making sure the human didn''t notice him.


    But then, in the blink of an eye¡ª


    Alex vanished.


    The Acolyte''s eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn''t seen a single movement, yet the human had disappeared entirely.


    What happened?


    The monkey was confused but then its danger sense flared up, a primal warning deep within him.


    Its heart began to race.


    Something wasn''t right. It knew it shouldn''t be here, not now.


    And decided to leave.


    But before he could move, something unseen slammed into him.


    WHAM!


    The force of it pinned him to the ground, his chest crushing into the dirt. His limbs went limp for a moment, stunned by the invisible weight.


    The Acolyte''s heart pounded in terror as he struggled, gasping for breath.


    "No! No!" the Acolyte screamed, his voice filled with panic as he clawed at the earth, trying to free himself from the invisible force. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as quickly as it came, the pressure lifted.


    He gasped for air, feeling the weight vanish, and without thinking, his legs sprang to life, propelling him forward in a desperate escape.


    Looking back, the monkey still couldn''t see anything.


    And the emptiness made its heart pound faster, its terror growing stronger.


    It let out a panicked screech and picked up speed, its nimble limbs darting through the dense forest canopy.


    As the monkey disappeared into the distance, Alex silently disengaged Stealth Walk.


    In an instant, his form materialized from thin air, like a ghost stepping into reality.


    His grin was sharp and wicked, a hunter savoring the thrill of the chase.


    And without hesitation, he sprinted after the terrified monkey, keeping just enough distance to remain undetected.


    The monkey, now a blur of frantic motion, didn''t stop until it reached the base.


    Perched atop a hill deep in the forest, the base was a marvel of primal engineering.


    The hill itself was riddled with hollowed-out caves and interconnected tunnels, their dark entrances like gaping mouths.


    This labyrinth served as living quarters for the monkey clan.


    Above it all stood the grand pavilion¡ªa sprawling open-air structure at the hill''s peak.


    Thick branches twisted together with vines, reinforced with heavy stones, formed its skeletal frame. It looked almost like a fortress, wild yet sturdy, a testament to the ingenuity of the monkeys.


    By the time the panicked monkey reached the pavilion, several of its kind had noticed its frantic arrival.


    They stopped what they were doing¡ªsome hanging mid-swing from vines, others perched on rocks¡ªto stare.


    Their curious, unblinking eyes followed the distressed creature as it scampered up the hill. A ripple of confusion spread through the group, soft hoots and chattering filling the air.


    Reaching the entrance of the pavilion, the monkey nearly stumbled in its hurry.


    But before it could pass through, a larger, more imposing monkey stepped into its path.


    It was a high-ranking monkey.


    Its fur was thicker and streaked with silver, scars decorating its muscular frame. It let out a sharp, guttural hoot, a sound that carried authority and a hint of menace.


    "Why do you rush here like a fool?" the guard demanded in a tone as sharp as its bared teeth.


    Panting, the smaller monkey stammered, "I have something tell king."


    The guard scoffed, crossing its thick arms. "A weakling like you has no right to stand before the King. Speak your message to me, and if it''s worth his time, I will pass it on."


    The smaller monkey hesitated, trembling under the piercing gaze of the guard.


    It had an important message¡ªone it hoped would earn the Monkey King''s favor and, perhaps, a chance to evolve into a full-fledged shaman, but the intimidating guard blocking the entrance was getting in his way.


    The guard stared down at the smaller monkey, eyes cold and unyielding.


    The smaller monkey tried to speak, but its words faltered under the weight of the guard''s glare.


    It began to think it might never get inside when a sharp hoot rang out from within the pavilion.


    "Let it through," came the voice of another monkey.


    This one held authority, enough that the guard glanced back briefly before stepping aside with a growl.


    The smaller monkey took a shaky breath and stepped forward, walking carefully into the interior of the room.


    Its eyes widened as it took in the scene.


    The chamber was vast, its walls made of intricately woven branches and stone.


    Torches flickered, casting dancing shadows across the space.


    High-ranking monkeys filled the room, each one exuding power and menace.


    Their piercing gazes bore into the smaller monkey as it walked, the weight of their judgment nearly crushing. These were not ordinary monkeys¡ªthey were warriors, shamans, and enforcers of the King''s rule.


    Guards stood at attention along the walls, clutching crude but deadly weapons made of sharpened bone, stone, and wood.


    Their threatening stares followed the newcomer as if daring it to make a wrong move.


    The monkey''s throat went dry, and it gulped audibly, its nerves fraying under the tension.


    Finally, the monkey''s gaze shifted to the far end of the room, where the Monkey King sat reclined on a massive throne of twisted roots and golden leaves.


    The throne seemed to grow from the ground itself, its natural elegance befitting the King''s status.


    The Monkey King was feasting on a banana, every bite slow and deliberate.


    By his side rested a staff carved from ancient wood, its surface inscribed with strange symbols.


    [Hanzo Monkey King - Rank B (G)]


    The acolyte monkey couldn''t help but notice the stark contrast.


    Compared to his enormous guards, the King''s size was almost underwhelming.


    But the King''s eyes¡ªsharp, intelligent, and commanding¡ªtold a different story. Power radiated from him like an unseen force, making the acolyte''s knees tremble.


    The King''s piercing gaze fell on the trembling monkey. His chewing stopped, and the room fell silent. Every other monkey held its breath, waiting.


    "Speak!"


    The Monkey King''s voice thundered through the room, its sheer authority pressing down like a physical weight.


    The sound alone made the little acolyte shudder.


    Its legs gave out, and it crumpled to its knees, trembling uncontrollably.


    Gathering its courage, the acolyte began to speak, its voice shaky.


    "An enemy¡­ a human¡­ attacks. Kill monkey general real easy. Powerful. Scary," it stammered, the words tumbling out in a panicked rush.


    The room fell silent for a moment before a scoffing sound broke the tension.


    A monkey shaman, its fur marked with strange symbols and its eyes glowing faintly with magic, stepped forward.


    "That''s your report?" the shaman sneered. "A human? Humans dare not reach here. Not unless they bring an army."


    The Monkey King, still reclined on his throne, slowly leaned forward. His curiosity was piqued, and his sharp eyes bored into the trembling acolyte.


    "Did you say human?" the King asked, his voice laced with interest.


    The acolyte nodded frantically.


    "Yes! Extremely fast. Powerful. Almost kill me. I live¡ªbarely!"


    The shaman stepped closer, circling the smaller monkey like a predator stalking prey.


    "How, did a weak monkey like you manage to survive when a monkey general died?"


    The acolyte''s gaze darted around the room. Its breathing grew uneven.


    "I¡­ I dunno! Me don''t¡ª"


    Whoosh!


    Before the acolyte could finish, a sharp sound cut through the air.


    The room froze as a hole suddenly appeared in the monkey''s chest, clean and precise.


    For a split second, the acolyte''s face twisted into an expression of shock and confusion.


    Then, it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.


    The Monkey King''s displeasure was palpable as it slowly lowered the staff by its side.


    Dark smoke curled from the ancient wood, twisting upward like living shadows.


    Its face contorted into a deep frown, realization settling in.


    The reason the small monkey had been left alive was clear now.


    The human had followed him here.


    A sudden sense of unease rippled through the King''s body.


    It activated a skill and it''s eyes glowed faintly as Farsight took effect, granting it the ability to see far beyond the walls of the base.


    The King''s vision sharpened, piercing through the dense forest until it focused on a figure perched casually on a tree branch just outside their base.


    It was the human.


    The King''s sharp gaze studied the intruder.


    The human didn''t seem particularly powerful¡ªa mere D-rank, no match for the strength of the King or its elite guards.


    Yet, something about the human''s aura was deeply unsettling.


    There was a cold, calculated malice radiating from the figure, sending a rare chill through the Monkey King''s core.


    Then, as if sensing it was being watched, the human''s head tilted slightly.


    A wicked grin spread across its face, sharp and knowing.


    The Monkey King''s grip on its staff tightened, its muscles tensing.


    The human then raised a hand slowly, almost casually, and snapped its fingers.


    Snap.


    The sound was faint, almost insignificant, but the King''s instincts screamed of danger.


    Its gaze shot back to the lifeless corpse of the small monkey lying in the center of the room.


    And then it hit.


    Quite literally.


    BOOM!

 Chapter 77 - 77: Damn Monkey: Inferno

    The monkey''s corpse erupted into a fiery explosion, the flames roaring outward with enough force to consume everything in the room.


    The shockwave blasted through the entrance, the intense heat and light spilling out like a violent beacon.


    The explosion reverberated through the hill, shaking the ground and sending vibrations into the forest below.


    Outside, the monkeys froze, their ears ringing as they stared wide-eyed at the summit.


    Flames licked the sky, smoke curling ominously upward.


    Panic set in immediately.


    High-pitched hoots and frenzied screeches filled the air as the monkeys began to scatter in fear.


    Others yelled in their guttural language, gesturing toward the blazing peak, their concern for their king clear.


    The high-ranking monkeys acted swiftly, their sharp instincts cutting through the chaos.


    Instead of wasting time with the winding stone stairs, they leaped onto the ropes hanging from the summit''s edge, climbing rapidly toward the explosion to check the king''s fate.


    Hidden nearby, Alex grinned, crouched low among the shadows of the forest. "Perfect."


    The trap had worked flawlessly.


    Earlier, when he''d pinned the Monkey Acolyte to the ground, Alex had activated [Exploding Touch].


    He set the delayed detonation so it would go off when the Acolyte got close to the king. And it had.


    The level-up notifications came one after another, his stats climbing as kill after kill was confirmed.


    Tutorial points racked up quickly, a satisfying bonus.


    But one notification was missing: the death of the Monkey King.


    Alex let out a disappointed sigh.


    "So, the boss survived, huh? Too bad. I was hoping to wipe them all out in one go."


    His grin returned, sharper than before, as he stood and rested his blade on his shoulder.


    No matter. This just means I get to finish the job myself.


    The Monkey King was strong¡ªperhaps even stronger than the enhanced form of the Cockatrice King Alex had faced before.


    Despite the nervous energy twisting in his chest, Alex felt a burning eagerness. He was ready to send this beast six feet under.


    Alex''s sharp gaze shifted to the monkeys milling about in the outer ring below.


    Their panicked movements made it clear they were still distracted by the aftermath of the explosion.


    They hooted and grunted in confusion, trying to piece together what had happened.


    Alex smirked.


    Perfect. Let''s add to the chaos.


    Reaching into his pouch, he grabbed a handful of Blastshards, the jagged stones cool and heavy in his palm.


    Without hesitation, he flung them in a wide arc, scattering the shards toward the unsuspecting crowd below.


    The first few monkeys noticed small objects pelting the ground, one even getting struck on the head by a shard.


    It let out a yelp and rubbed its skull, glancing upward in annoyance.


    Others turned their attention skyward as the shards rained down, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.


    One monkey tilted its head as if wondering if this was some prank by a mischievous juvenile.


    Then, a distinct sound cut through the air.


    SCHICK


    The monkeys froze, the noise chilling them to their core. Slowly, they turned their heads.


    Standing amidst their group was a tall figure cloaked in a long coat, his blade glinting with fresh blood. In one hand, he held the severed heads of two of their own.


    A savage grin spread across Alex''s face as he locked eyes with the terrified crowd.


    The decapitated monkey''s body crumpled to the ground with a sickening thud, its lifeless form stirring dust as it fell.


    The remaining monkeys stared, their faces frozen in shock and disbelief. Fear spread like wildfire through the group. How had this human¡ªa stranger¡ªgotten so close without anyone noticing?


    One of the monkeys, shaking off the paralyzing terror, let out a panicked cry. "Enemy!" it screeched, its hoot rising above the chaos.


    The warning seemed to break the spell, and the others erupted into a frenzy of hoots and growls. Among them, a particularly burly monkey wielding a massive, jagged axe stomped forward, its face twisted in fury.


    "Human!" the monkey snarled, its powerful voice cutting through the din.


    "You''ll pay for that!"


    Alex, unfazed, let the severed heads he held drop to the ground.


    They hit with a dull thump, the sight only heightening the monkeys'' rage.


    Calmly, he raised a single finger, his expression ice-cold.


    "Unlikely."


    BOOM!


    Another explosion tore through the base, shaking the ground violently.


    The shockwave sent debris flying, and a cloud of dust and smoke rose into the air.


    The blast was so loud it echoed throughout the entire hill.


    Monkeys in the middle ring of the base froze at first, their eyes wide as the realization set in: they were under attack.


    Their instincts took over.


    High-pitched hoots filled the air as they scrambled for weapons¡ªclubs, axes, and even makeshift shields¡ªgrabbing anything they could find.


    Chaos erupted as they geared up, barking orders to one another while hurrying toward the source of the explosion.


    Meanwhile, at the summit, the high-ranking monkeys stood in uneasy silence, staring at the burning pavilion.


    Flames danced wildly, casting long, flickering shadows across the rocky ground.


    The once-proud structure creaked ominously, threatening to collapse at any moment. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They paced nervously, their anxious murmurs barely audible over the crackling fire.


    One of the monkeys, a shaman draped in tattered robes, stepped forward.


    Leaning on his intricately carved staff, he muttered an incantation.


    The air around him shimmered as he prepared to summon water magic to extinguish the flames.


    But before he could finish, a shadow emerged from the inferno.


    The figure walked with deliberate, measured steps, its outline growing clearer as it moved through the haze.


    Small in stature but commanding in presence, it carried a spear in one hand, its head held high.


    A glint of gold reflected in the firelight¡ªit was wearing a crown.


    Gasps rippled through the assembled monkeys.


    Some of the others let out quiet sighs, their bodies relaxing slightly.


    But not all of them were pleased.


    The more ambitious among them clenched their fists, their eyes narrowing.


    They had hoped the fire would take care of the King, clearing the way for their own rise to power.


    The Monkey King stepped into the open, his appearance both commanding and battered. Parts of his once-pristine fur were singed, scorched patches stark against his otherwise golden coat. His sharp eyes blazed with fury, reflecting the fire behind him.


    His grip on the spear tightened as he scanned the gathered monkeys, his expression a mixture of anger and pain.


    He had survived¡ªbut only barely.


    The King had managed to use a powerful defensive skill to shield himself from the worst of the explosion. But the attack had caught him off guard, and he hadn''t activated it in time to avoid injury.


    The burns on his body were already healing, his regenerative abilities kicking in, but the sting of pain lingered, fueling his rage.


    A mere D-rank human had caused this.


    His teeth clenched, his knuckles whitening as he gripped his spear harder.


    Unacceptable.


    The King''s gaze hardened. This wasn''t just an attack on his kingdom; it was a humiliation.


    Two more figures emerged from the smoke and flames, their movements slow and labored.


    It was the Monkey King''s personal guard and his shaman.


    Both were injured, but the guard was in far worse condition.


    His armor was scorched and dented, his breathing shallow, while the shaman, though burned, carried himself with eerie composure.


    The shaman, a gaunt figure draped in dark robes adorned with feathers and bones, glanced at the fallen guard with a cold, calculating gaze.


    Without hesitation, he walked over, his gnarled staff tapping the ground with each step.


    Kneeling beside the guard, the shaman placed a skeletal hand on his companion''s head.


    At first, nothing happened. Then, a sickening change began.


    The guard''s body started to wither, his muscles shrinking as his fur dulled and fell away.


    His eyes sunk into his skull, his breath rattling before ceasing altogether.


    Meanwhile, the shaman''s own form straightened, his wounds closing as vitality surged back into his body.


    The burns on his skin faded as if they had never existed, and a cruel grin spread across his face.


    The monkeys watching from the distance froze, their wide eyes betraying a mix of fear and disgust.


    Some whispered nervously, while others gripped their weapons tighter, unsure whether to stay or run.


    They all knew how cruel the shaman could be.


    They had witnessed his experiments firsthand¡ªtwisted trials where fellow monkeys were used as nothing more than test subjects.


    This shaman was second only to the Monkey King in rank, and he respected no one but his liege.


    His cruel methods and disregard for the lives of others were tolerated because of his power.


    The Monkey King allowed him to act freely, knowing the shaman''s abilities were a weapon in their arsenal.


    As the shaman rose to his feet, his voice dripped with venom as he addressed the King.


    "A mere human dares to come here alone? Don''t worry, my King. We will...


    -------------


    Authors Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen.

 Chapter 78 - 78: Damn Monkey: Onslaught

    "A mere human dares to come here alone? Don''t worry, my King. We will handle this insolence. I will ensure this fool''s head is presented to you on a platter."


    The shaman''s rage matched the King''s, his body trembling with anger and bloodlust.


    The Monkey King''s ignored the shaman''s statement and with a deep breath, he unleashed a deafening roar that echoed across the forest.


    The sound was primal, powerful, and charged with energy, shaking the ground and reverberating through the trees.


    Every monkey in the vicinity froze for a moment, their ears twitching and their fur standing on end.


    Even Alex, still positioned near the base of the hill, heard the roar.


    He glanced upward, wondering what it was about, but before he could fully process it, multiple fireballs hurtled toward him.


    Reacting instantly, Alex leaped away, the flames crashing into the spot where he had been standing moments before.


    The explosion sent dirt and debris flying, and when he glanced back, he was surprised to see the damage was slightly greater than what he had experienced from earlier attacks.


    He narrowed his eyes, scanning the monkeys again.


    Something had changed.


    The once-chaotic group now looked more focused and intense, their eyes gleaming with determination.


    And the change had occurred right after that resounding roar.


    Alex muttered under his breath, realization dawning on him.


    A buff huh


    Alex launched himself into the trees, moving with lightning speed. Behind him, the monkeys surged forward, shrieking as they chased him through the branches.


    He was faster, but the numbers¡­ they just kept coming.


    Kill after kill, Alex struck with precision, each swing and stab sending a monkey crumpling to the ground.


    But no matter how many he took down, more seemed to appear from the shadows, rushing in to replace their fallen comrades.


    The moment Alex reached the middle ring, the chaos escalated.


    The area was teeming with monkeys ¡ª the strongest of them all, each more determined than the last to stop him.


    He took a few hits here and there ¡ª jabs from spears, a heavy blow from a fist ¡ª but nothing serious. His wounds were minor, easily healed by his regeneration.


    "It''s nothing I can''t handle," Alex muttered under his breath.


    Still, he wasn''t invincible.


    The hits were inevitable.


    But Alex was fine.


    His regeneration worked like a charm, stitching up the little cuts and bruises as soon as they appeared.


    Soon, hundreds of monkeys surrounded him, their eyes gleaming with malice.


    "This is getting crowded," Alex thought with a smirk, his eyes flashing as he activated [Stealth Walk]


    In an instant, he vanished, leaving the monkeys confused and spinning in circles.


    Before they could figure out what had just happened, Alex reappeared behind them, his movements a blur. As he shot past, he tossed a few Blastshards into the air. They detonated in a massive explosion, the shockwave ripping through the crowd.


    The monkeys closest to the blasts were blown back, their bodies thrown to the ground. The rest were dazed and disoriented, their senses scrambled by the force of the attack.


    Landing just a few steps away in the center of the stunned monkeys, Alex wasted no time. He kept up the assault, each swing and strike a blur of motion.


    At one point, Alex spotted a massive gorilla-sized monkey''s corpse. Its great axe lay beside it.


    "Don''t mind if I do," Alex grinned, snatching up the weapon.


    With the heavy axe in his hands, Alex became a force of nature. Despite the weapon''s massive size and weight, he swung it like a berserker. The axe soared through the air with deadly precision, its sharp edge cutting through the monkeys like a scythe through wheat.


    Each swing was relentless, fast, and powerful, as Alex roared like a madman. His attacks were an unstoppable blur, tearing through the sea of monkeys that tried to get in his way.


    Alex''s body moved like it had an endless supply of energy.


    [Vigor Strike] coursed through him, making his stamina feel limitless. He was unstoppable, consumed by the thrill of the fight.


    He didn''t pause. Didn''t rest. His strikes never faltered.


    Bam!


    Another monkey dropped, then another.


    The bodies piled up around him, but Alex didn''t slow down.


    His sword flashed, cutting down opponents like a scythe.


    Soon, the numbers of the monkeys began to thin.


    There were fewer of them now, their once overwhelming force starting to crumble.


    Alex, moving faster than the eye could track, switched back to his sword, his body blurring as he cut through the remaining monkeys.


    He spun a blur of steel and power, slicing through the primates like a tornado of destruction. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Swish!


    Thud!


    Bodies dropped with each movement.


    In an instant, he landed on a high branch, catching his breath for only a second before looking up.


    A shadow loomed overhead.


    A monkey stood there, unlike the others.


    It wore a dark cloak, its presence commanding, and in one hand, it held a gnarled staff.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    [Monkey Shaman - Rank C]


    The shaman raised its staff high, and before Alex could react, vines erupted from the ground, shooting toward him like whips.


    "Shit!" Alex jumped, flipping through the trees to escape the vines'' deadly reach.


    But the vines followed, twisting through the air and closing in on him.


    Thinking quickly, Alex pulled out Blastshards, gripping them tightly in his hands.


    Without hesitation, he hurled them at the shaman, aiming for the heart of its defense.


    The shaman, unfazed, transformed the vines into a shield.


    The Blastshards collided with the shield with a loud clang! But these weren''t just any rocks.


    Boom!


    The explosion ripped through the vine shield, sending the shaman flying backward.


    The force of the blast sent the shaman flying backward, slamming it into a tree trunk with a bone-jarring thud.


    Alex didn''t waste a second. As the shaman struggled to recover, Alex darted forward, a blur of motion, his eyes locked on his target.


    The shaman tried to lift its staff, desperation clear in its movements, but Alex was faster.


    He hurled his sword with pinpoint accuracy.


    Whoosh!


    The blade sliced through the air like a javelin, and impaled the shaman''s chest before it could utter another spell.


    The creature''s eyes widened in shock, its grip on the staff faltering as it slumped against the tree.


    The fight was over.


    Alex landed softly in front of the shaman''s corpse. Without a word, he gripped the hilt of his sword and pulled it free, the motion clean and deliberate.


    But before he could catch his breath, his senses flared.


    He glanced up sharply to see multiple shamans perched on the treetops, their staffs raised high, glowing ominously with power.


    Alex let out a low whistle, tilting his head as he smirked.


    "Now that''s a surprise," he said, his tone casual despite the danger.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen. Pretty please.

 Chapter 79 - 79: Damn Monkeys: Elder

    Dodging vines, fireballs, and lightning strikes wasn''t a walk in the park, even for someone like Alex.


    But with his insane agility and stamina, it wasn''t exactly hard either.


    He darted through the chaos, his movements a blur. The spells and strikes barely grazed him as he weaved between branches and flipped over attacks.


    From an outsider''s perspective, it might have looked like a desperate fight for survival.


    But for Alex?


    It was a one-sided massacre.


    With a sharp pivot, Alex avoided a fireball, its heat singeing the air around him. Another lightning strike came crashing down, but he leaped aside, landing smoothly on a higher branch.


    Slash!


    Two more monkey shamans fell, their bodies dropping lifelessly to the forest floor below. Only one shaman remained, and its fear was palpable.


    The remaining shaman hesitated, its hands trembling as it clutched its staff.


    Then, with a panicked cry, it turned and fled, leaping from branch to branch while flinging fireballs wildly over its shoulder in a desperate bid to keep Alex at bay.


    Alex smirked and sidestepped the incoming fireballs with ease, his calm movements a stark contrast to the shaman''s frantic attacks.


    But just as Alex prepared to finish the chase, a warrior monkey armed with a spear lunged into his path.


    The monkey''s eyes gleamed with determination, its massive body blocking Alex''s advance. It thrust the spear forward with incredible force.


    Alex reacted instantly.


    He caught the spear-wielding monkey by the neck in mid-lunge, his grip like a steel vice.


    Before the warrior could fight back, Alex turned its struggling body into a meat shield, holding it firmly in front of him.


    The shaman''s fireballs, still streaking toward Alex, struck the unfortunate warrior instead.


    The monkey screamed in agony as flames engulfed it, its thrashing futile against Alex''s iron grip.


    Alex didn''t flinch, his expression calm as he let the shaman''s own attacks destroy its ally.


    The meatshield dropped its speak, but Alex caught feeling the weight in his hand, and aimed at the fleeing shaman.


    With a single, fluid motion, he hurled the spear towards the shaman.


    Thwack!


    The spear tore through the air like a missile, striking the shaman square in the back.


    The creature let out a bloodcurdling scream as it was impaled, its body arching before plummeting to the ground with a heavy thud.


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up]


    Alex stood atop the tall tree branch, his chest rising and falling as he exhaled deeply. The faint glow of the system notification hovered in his vision.


    Was that the last one? He wasn''t entirely sure.


    He''d lost count of how many he''d killed.


    Warriors, shamans, archers¡ªBig, small, fast, or strong, every single one of them had fallen before his blade.


    Alex glanced down at the charred body of the monkey warrior he had used as a meat shield earlier.


    Its fur was burned and twisted, its face frozen in a grimace of pain and disbelief.


    He grabbed its lifeless form by the neck, the burnt flesh rough against his hand.


    With little effort, he tossed it over the edge of the branch.


    The body plummeted, crashing through smaller branches before hitting the ground below with a sickening crunch.


    Alex watched for a moment, then sat down on the branch, letting his body relax for the first time in what felt like hours.


    The air was still, heavy with the smell of charred fur and scorched wood.


    But Alex''s senses remained sharp. He could feel them.


    Two presences still lingered in the distance.


    These weren''t ordinary monkeys.


    These last two were going to be a real challenge.


    Alex then felt a sharp, searing pain in his back.


    He instinctively reached behind him and his fingers closed around something solid. Pulling his hand forward, he saw the shaft of an arrow stained with his blood.


    "Seriously... how did I not notice that?" he muttered, shaking his head.


    Without hesitation, Alex grabbed the arrow by its shaft and yanked it out in one swift motion. His expression didn''t change¡ªnot even a flinch. He simply let the arrow fall from his hand, watching it tumble through the branches before disappearing below.


    Minor Regen immediately kicked in, knitting the wound shut in a matter of moments. The pain dulled and then faded entirely.


    Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, his energy dipping ever so slightly.


    He opened the [Shop] menu with a flick of his wrist and scrolled through the options. Spotting what he needed, he clicked.


    In a flash, the bottle materialized in his hand and he lost 10 coins.


    Alex cracked it open, tilted his head back, and drank deeply.


    He downed half of it in seconds, his throat working as he swallowed.


    The cool water hit the back of his dry throat, soothing the burn from hours of fighting.


    "Ahh," he exhaled, pulling the bottle away from his lips.


    Without missing a beat, he poured the rest over his head.


    The water trickled down, mixing with the grime, sweat, and faint streaks of blood, and cooled his overheated skin.


    The forest remained eerily quiet for a moment, save for the sound of water dripping off the leaves.


    Then he heard it¡ªsoft, measured footsteps approaching.


    Alex tilted his head, his senses sharpening.


    The steps were deliberate, calm, and unhurried, almost mocking in their casualness.


    Alex raised his head, a grin spreading across his face. His eyes glinted with amusement and challenge.


    "Showing up after your underlings are all dead," Alex called out.


    "What a bad leader you are."


    The figure stepped into view.


    It was an elderly monkey shaman, its fur streaked with silver and its posture straight and commanding. Unlike the others, this one radiated power.


    Its dark aura seemed to pulse with malice, and the weight of its presence made the air feel heavier.


    The staff it carried was carved intricately, symbols etched along its length glowing faintly.


    Its colorful cloak flowed behind it, decorated with elaborate patterns and shimmering threads.


    [Grand Goblin Shaman ¨C Rank B]


    Alex let out a low whistle, his lips curling into a grin that masked his slight nervousness.


    His heart raced with an undeniable thrill of excitement.


    "A Rank-B shaman?" he muttered under his breath. "Definitely not an easy foe."


    He adjusted his grip on his sword, feeling the weight of it steady him.


    The idea of facing a monster of this caliber was daunting, but Alex''s grin widened.


    But hey, to think I''ll end up killing two Rank-B monsters in one day... Luck must be on my side.


    Still, he wasn''t reckless.


    Alex knew this fight wouldn''t be easy, and he wasn''t foolish enough to underestimate his opponent.


    The Grand Goblin Shaman stood tall, its glowing staff planted firmly in the ground. Its expression was unreadable, its dark aura crackling with latent power.


    Alex watched as it tilted its head, as though sizing him up.


    The shaman''s lips began to part, preparing to speak¡ª


    But Alex didn''t wait.


    With a surge of energy, he activated [Fast and Furious] his body becoming a blur as he shot forward like a missile. The wind roared in his ears as he closed the distance in an instant, his sword poised to deliver a lethal strike.


    His intent was clear: end the fight in a single swing.


    The shaman''s eyes glimmered with something close to amusement.


    "How brash," it said, its voice low and grating.


    The Grand Shaman reacted with lightning speed, raising its staff in one fluid motion, and shimmering barrier simiar to Alex''s [Aegis Arcane] erupted between them just before Alex''s blade connected.


    The impact reverberated through the air as Alex''s sword struck the barrier with a deafening clang.


    Alex skidded to a stop, standing on the glowing barrier, his eyes narrowing.


    "Fast reflexes for an old monkey," he muttered, genuinely impressed.


    Before he could think further, a sharp alarm blared in his mind¡ªhis danger sense.


    The shaman moved swiftly, its staff glowing as it conjured a blazing beam of dark flame.


    The attack surged toward Alex like a tidal wave, its heat and malevolence palpable.


    Alex reacted instantly, leaping to the side with all his speed. The beam missed him by inches, scorching the air as it passed.


    The fiery blast struck a massive tree behind him, reducing it to ash in a single, thunderous explosion.


    Alex landed with a sharp thud, barely catching his breath before the elder shaman unleashed a barrage of attacks.


    Flaming orbs shot toward him with pinpoint accuracy.


    He dodged left, then right, his body twisting and turning like a leaf in the wind.


    Yet every time he avoided one, another flame descended in his path, as though the shaman could predict his every move.


    It''s reading my movement


    Alex realized, gritting his teeth.


    He darted around, constantly in motion, weaving through the forest floor and branches above, but the attacks never let up.


    The elder shaman''s relentless assault forced Alex to think on his feet. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He shifted his strategy, running in wide circles around the elder shaman, hoping to find an opening in its onslaught.


    His keen eyes scanned the shaman''s movements, looking for any gap he could exploit.


    But the shaman had other plans.


    With a guttural chant, it raised its staff high, the air growing heavy with dark energy.


    A swirling mass of black flames materialized above it, twisting and forming into the shape of a dragon.


    The dragon''s fiery eyes locked onto Alex, and it let out a deafening roar that shook the treetops.


    It lunged.


    The dragon of dark flames surged after Alex, its heat scorching the ground in its wake. Trees in its path were reduced to ash, disintegrating with each sweep of its fiery body.


    Alex darted away, his speed unmatched, zigzagging through the dense forest as the dragon pursued him with unrelenting ferocity.


    But no matter how fast Alex ran, the dragon stayed close behind, its fiery maw snapping inches from his back.


    "That thing''s trouble," Alex muttered, glancing over his shoulder. His expression darkened as he saw the trail of destruction the dragon left behind.


    The sheer power of its flames sent a chill down his spine, despite their intense heat.


    "Note to self," he thought grimly. "Don''t let that thing touch me. Ever."


    Just as the dragon surged closer, Alex activated...

 Chapter 80 - 80: Damn Monkey: Upgrade

    [Stealth Walk]


    His body shimmered and vanished, disappearing into the shadows as if he''d never been there.


    The dark flame dragon slowed, momentarily confused, its fiery body twisting as it searched for its target.


    The elder shaman, standing tall amidst the destruction, narrowed its glowing eyes.


    For a moment, it scanned the area, its expression unreadable. Then its eyes flickered, the staff glowing faintly.


    Alex crouched behind a large branch, completely invisible, his breathing controlled and silent.


    But then the shaman turned its head, looking directly at him.


    "Damn," Alex muttered under his breath.


    The shaman had spotted him, despite his invisibility. Its staff pulsed with dark energy, a wicked smile curling on its face.


    "You cannot hide."


    The elder shaman''s voice was deep, echoing with malice as it raised its staff. A dark flame dragon roared out in response and surged toward Alex, its fiery body tearing through the air.


    The dragon lunged, its searing heat almost unbearable as it closed in.


    Alex darted sideways, keeping just ahead of the fiery beast, his movements calculated and precise.


    He wasn''t running aimlessly¡ªhe was closing the distance to the elder shaman.


    As he neared his target, Alex''s voice dropped to a chilling murmur:


    "[Petrify.]"


    A wave of energy shot out from Alex, aiming to lock the elder shaman in place.


    For a split second, it seemed to work¡ªthe shaman''s movements slowed.


    But then, with a dismissive flick of its hand, the elder dispelled the skill as though swatting away an insect.


    "Pathetic tricks," it sneered.


    Before Alex could react, the shaman''s staff crackled with energy, and a bolt of lightning erupted from its tip. The attack was impossibly fast, striking Alex square in the chest.


    The force of the impact sent Alex flying backward. He hit the ground hard, rolling several feet before coming to a stop, pain radiating through his body.


    But the elder wasn''t done.


    Raising its staff, it unleashed a barrage of dark flame beams.


    One after another, they slammed into the ground where Alex lay.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Alex leaped back, narrowly avoiding the dragon''s fiery jaws. Its roar reverberated through the battlefield as it turned, relentless in its pursuit.


    Gritting his teeth, Alex raised his hand, activating [Aegis Arcane]. A shimmering, translucent shield formed around him, humming with energy as it braced against the dragon''s assault.


    The dark flames crashed into the barrier with terrifying force, sparks flying as the shield began to disintegrate.


    Alex winced, the heat searing through even his enhanced defenses. The flames ate away at the shield, but it held just long enough.


    With a final burst of effort, Alex propelled himself backward, narrowly escaping the dragon''s fiery wrath.


    The moment he landed, he crouched low, his breaths heavy, one hand pressing against the wound on his chest.


    "I can''t brute-force this..." he muttered under his breath, his mind racing.


    His earlier attempt to use [Petrify] had failed miserably, but not everything had been futile.


    As he darted around the battlefield earlier, he''d managed to drop several blastshards close to the shaman.


    Alex raised his hand and snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The shards detonated in a brilliant explosion, flames erupting and engulfing the shaman in a fiery inferno.


    The blast was powerful enough to shake the trees nearby, embers scattering through the air like a storm of fireflies.


    Alex stood hunched over, his chest rising and falling heavily as he tried to catch his breath. His hand instinctively pressed against the wound in his chest, blood seeping between his fingers. He winced but didn''t stop moving¡ªthere was no time to rest.


    Through the smoke and flames, Alex squinted, trying to gauge the damage. The shaman''s silhouette was obscured, but he didn''t trust the explosion to have finished it off.


    "Assume the worst," he whispered to himself.


    As Alex calculated his next move, frustration began to mount. He''d been laying traps throughout the fight, but the elder shaman had barely moved from its position. His mines, which could''ve been devastating, were rendered almost useless. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Setting traps closer to the shaman wasn''t an option either.


    Every time Alex tried to approach, the elder''s relentless attacks kept him at bay. He knew he wouldn''t survive long enough to place them without being hit.


    Setting up a bomb took time¡ªa luxury Alex didn''t have.


    He gritted his teeth, his mind racing for a solution.


    He needed to close the distance, somehow get close enough to deal meaningful damage.


    But the elder shaman''s relentless attacks and that dragon of dark flame made it nearly impossible.


    And then there was the Monkey King.


    Alex could feel its gaze. Somewhere out there, hidden among the trees, it was watching him, observing his every move like a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce.


    The smoke and fumes from the earlier explosion began to clear, and Alex''s eyes locked onto the elder shaman.


    It was still standing.


    Not a scratch, not a single sign of damage. The shaman looked completely unfazed, as though the fiery blast had been little more than a breeze.


    "Seriously?" Alex muttered under his breath.


    The elder shaman glanced at its shoulder and casually brushed off some imaginary dust, exuding an air of unshakable arrogance.


    Alex''s jaw tightened, his irritation bubbling over.


    No one gets to flex but me.


    "You call that an explosion?" the shaman sneered, its voice laced with mockery. "It''s laughable. Truly amusing that you''ve killed so many with such a pathetic display."


    Alex''s grip on his sword tightened, his knuckles white as he glared at the elder shaman.


    "Oh, really?" he shot back, his voice dripping with defiance.


    "Why don''t you drop that fancy little barrier of yours and have a taste for yourself? I''m sure you wouldn''t be laughing after you lose an arm. Or two."


    The elder shaman sneered, its voice dripping with menace as it tightened its grip on the staff.


    "I don''t know if you''re dumb or just ambitious, human," it said, its tone laced with mockery. "But if you think you''re leaving this place alive, then you''re sorely mistaken."


    Alex stared at the shaman, his expression calm, almost detached.


    He didn''t bother responding to the taunt.


    His mind was elsewhere.


    Think.


    He had been doing a lot of that during this fight.


    The shaman wasn''t just strong; it was cunning, and if Alex was going to win, he needed to use every advantage he had.


    Having multiple skills was a blessing, no doubt. It made him versatile, adaptable, able to respond to any situation. But there was a downside.


    Too many options.


    When you''ve got an arsenal of powerful abilities, picking the right one in the heat of the moment becomes a challenge. And with skills as flashy and cool as his, the temptation to try them all was hard to resist.


    But now wasn''t the time for experiments. He needed certainty. He needed power.


    And if he had to bet on just one skill¡ªone ability that had carried him through thick and thin, saving him in clutch moments¡ªit had to be [Exploding Touch].


    This skill wasn''t just strong; it was the reason Alex had gotten this far. It had turned desperate situations into victories, giving him the edge he needed to survive and grow stronger.


    Sure, he''d already upgraded it twice with his precious upgrade stones, but now he wondered...


    What if I take it even further?


    Two more upgrades? Maybe three? What kind of destructive force would it unleash then?


    It wouldn''t just be a bomb anymore. It''d be a nuke¡ªa skill that could obliterate anything in its path.


    The thought made him grin.


    Decision made, Alex reached into his inventory and pulled out the Attributes Converter.


    The device shimmered in his hand, its surface glowing faintly as if sensing the importance of the moment.


    It''s time for an upgrade.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen.

 Chapter 81 - 81: Damn Monkey: Sacrifice

    [Attribute Converter: Exchanges fifty assigned attribute points for a single upgrade stone, which can be used to rank up skills.]


    Alex''s grip tightened around the converter as he made his decision. He''d thought it through. [Exploding Touch] wasn''t just his strongest skill¡ªit was the one that could turn the tide of this fight.


    If it had been any other moment, maybe he would''ve picked something else. But now? Against this smug, overpowered shaman? He needed something stupidly strong. Something that screamed overkill.


    Exploding Touch was already devastating, but with an upgrade? It''d be game-changing.


    Alex''s eyes flicked toward the shaman, who stood watching him with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. Then, almost as if the elder was tired of waiting, the shaman raised its staff, dark energy crackling ominously.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He ran.


    The elder shaman''s eyes widened in surprise, its dark aura momentarily faltering.


    "Running away, human?" the shaman muttered, its lips curling into a sneer. "Pathetic."


    The shaman floated into the air, its body unnervingly weightless, gliding after Alex like a ghostly predator.


    Alex darted through the forest, weaving between trees and ducking under low branches, his mind racing almost as fast as his feet.


    The elder shaman floated after him, its glowing eyes fixated, its staff crackling with ominous energy. The tension in the air was thick, each moment feeling like the countdown to an inevitable clash.


    What kind of skill is that? Alex wondered, glancing over his shoulder.


    The shaman''s eerie flight was unsettling, its movements smooth and ghost-like. It was a stark reminder that he had no idea what other abilities this ancient creature possessed.


    How many more tricks does this old monkey have?


    But Alex wasn''t running to escape.


    He was running for time.


    Time to execute his plan.


    As he sprinted, Alex flicked his fingers, pulling up his [Stats] interface. The glowing panel hovered before him, displaying his current levels:


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 95


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stats Points Available]: 100


    Alex grimaced. According to the [Attribute Converter], he couldn''t just use his unspent stat points directly, he had to assign them to his attributes first before converting them.


    It was a frustrating going through that stress. Its like whoever was behind the mechanics wanted the player to first taste the rise in his attribute points before he sacrifice it.


    What a sadist.


    But Alex didn''t have time to complain.


    His eyes scanned his stats, his mind working furiously. He needed to figure out which attribute he could afford to weaken without ruining his chances in this fight.


    Strength? No. I need that for attacks.


    Agility? Definitely not. It''s the only reason I''m not fried right now.


    Intelligence? Can''t risk it¡ªtoo many of my skills depend on it.


    His gaze landed on Vitality.


    At 60, it wasn''t stellar, but it wasn''t terrible either. If he had to make a sacrifice, this was the stat to cut. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Vitality it is," Alex muttered, wincing at his decision.


    With his agility so high, Alex knew it was hard for anyone to land a hit on him.


    He also had [Minor regeneration] which was enough to patch him up whenever he got nicked, letting him bounce back from injuries quickly.


    Unless, of course, the enemy managed to land a surprise attack.


    But that wasn''t likely.


    Not with [Foresight] keeping him one step ahead.


    Even so, the tension in his body was undeniable.


    Alex exhaled deeply, his focus divided between the glowing [Stats Screen] hovering in front of him and the elder shaman relentlessly pursuing him.


    The pressure was mounting, but he knew what had to be done.


    "I''ll lose so much HP," he thought grimly.


    But risks had to be taken.


    And this? This was worth it.


    With his decision made, Alex called out firmly:


    "System, assign 100 points to my Vitality."


    The moment he gave the command, his Vitality stat climbed from 60 to 160.


    The effect was instantaneous.


    A warm, soothing sensation surged through his body, spreading from his core to his limbs like liquid sunlight.


    His breaths came easier, his muscles loosened, and for a fleeting moment, he felt like he was invincible¡ªlike he could take on the world.


    The numbers on his HP bar soared, rising steadily to reflect his increased durability.


    It felt incredible like a massive weight had been lifted from his chest.


    But Alex didn''t allow himself to bask in the rush for too long.


    He shook it off, his expression hardening.


    Don''t get attached to the effect.


    This wasn''t the reward.


    Alex then gripped the [Attribute Converter] tightly, sweat trickling down his temple as he muttered the command.


    "Consume 100 points from my stamina to create two upgrade stones," he said, his voice firm despite the knot tightening in his chest.


    The response was instant.


    Two shimmering [Upgrade Stones] materialized in his storage, glowing faintly.


    But just as quickly, the invigorating effect of his boosted stamina vanished, leaving Alex slightly winded.


    He grimaced, shaking his head to clear the fog creeping into his focus.


    No time to regret it.


    His gaze flicked back to the [Attribute Converter] in his hand, and he issued the next command, louder this time.


    "Remove 10 points from strength, 20 points from agility, and 30 from vitality to create another upgrade stone."


    The [Attribute Converter] didn''t hesitate.


    No confirmation. No "Are you sure?"


    It just took what it was told to take.


    Alex flinched as he watched the numbers drop from his [Stats Screen], the changes striking like a physical blow.


    His strength loss was negligible¡ªhe could live with that.


    But the hit to his agility stung, and the drop in vitality was like a punch to the gut.


    He felt the effects immediately. His body felt heavier, and his breathing grew slightly more labored.


    Cruel, indeed.


    Still, when the third [Upgrade Stone] appeared in his storage, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of grim satisfaction.


    Three stones. Enough to turn the tide.


    Alex barely had time to process his victory when a wave of searing heat surged toward him.


    His instincts kicked in, and he leaped sideways just as a blazing attack crashed into a nearby tree, shattering it into a rain of embers.


    The elder shaman wasn''t giving him any breathing room.


    Alex gritted his teeth, pulling one of the [Upgrade Stones] from his storage.


    The stone gleamed in his hand, radiating power that made the air around it buzz faintly.


    No more running. No more stalling.


    It was time to send that smug elder shaman straight to hell.

 Chapter 82 - 82: Damn Monkey: Rank S

    A chime echoed in Alex''s mind, accompanied by a glowing notification.


    Ding!


    [Would you like to use Upgrade Stone on a skill?]


    "Yes!" Alex growled, his grip tightening around the upgrade stone as he sprinted.


    [Select skill.]


    "Exploding Touch," he muttered, narrowly dodging a black flame blast from the elder shaman.


    The fiery attack slammed into a tree, reducing it to ash in seconds.


    The intensity of the monkey''s onslaught had reached a dangerous peak, and Alex could feel the heat radiating against his skin.


    [Would you like to use Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    "YES!" Alex shouted, his voice raw with frustration.


    He leaped to the side as a flame dragon soared past him, the searing heat brushing dangerously close.


    The attack smashed into a nearby tree, devouring it in a swirling inferno.


    The pressure was suffocating.


    The air around him felt like it was boiling, every breath coming with an ache.


    Sweat dripped down Alex''s face, and his movements were becoming more desperate as the shaman''s relentless attacks forced him into a frantic dance of survival.


    The Upgrade Stone in Alex''s hand glowed brilliantly before disintegrating into shimmering particles of light.


    [Upgrade Successful.]


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank B.]


    Alex didn''t pause to celebrate.


    He reached into his storage and gripped the second Upgrade Stone tightly, his focus unwavering despite the chaos around him.


    [Would you like to use the Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    "Yes!" Alex barked, his eyes fixed on the elder shaman, who floated ominously above the battlefield, its staff radiating deadly energy.


    The shaman snarled and waved its staff, sending a barrage of flame bolts toward Alex.


    Alex barely ducked in time, the fiery beast missing him by inches as it scorched the ground in its path.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Alex leaped into the air, twisting his body to avoid the searing attacks.


    He swung from tree branches like Tarzan, narrowly evading each deadly strike.


    Ding!


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank A.]


    The elder shaman roared, sending another black flame dragon hurtling toward Alex.


    The beast tore through the air, obliterating trees in its wake.


    Alex''s heart raced as he grabbed the final Upgrade Stone.


    He couldn''t afford to waste a second.


    [Would you like to use the Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    "Yes!" he yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    Ding!


    [Exploding Touch is now Rank S.]


    Alex skidded to a halt, crouched low as the forest around him burned with the aftermath of the shaman''s relentless assault.


    He clenched his fists, feeling the raw, overwhelming power surging through him.


    A wicked grin spread across his face, his frustration melting into exhilaration.


    "About time already," he muttered under his breath.


    "It''s time to go on the offensive."


    Though Alex didn''t know exactly how much stronger [Exploding Touch] had become, he figured the best way to find out was simple: use it and see the results firsthand.


    He dove into the ground using {Earth Swim}, his body seamlessly merging with the earth as though it were water.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Multiple black flame projectiles struck the spot he had entered, scorching the ground and creating deep craters.


    The goblin shaman clicked his teeth in irritation, clearly annoyed at Alex''s evasiveness.


    Narrowing its glowing yellow eyes, it turned its attention downward, trying to sense Alex''s location through the earth.


    Alex then reappeared a few meters behind the shaman, bursting out of the ground with a cocky grin on his face.


    "Miss me?"


    Alex taunted as he flung a handful of Blastshards toward the elder shaman.


    The crystalline explosives spun through the air, glinting ominously in the fiery light of the battlefield.


    But the goblin shaman scoffed, raising a shimmering barrier in front of itself.


    "Puny tricks," the shaman sneered as the shards slammed into the barrier, scattering harmlessly against its protective field. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He expected an explosion but none came and he gave Alex a suspicious.


    But Alex''s grin widened, his expression full of mischief.


    "Puny? Oh, your barrier better be tough enough to handle those, because these Blastshards are definitely not puny."


    The shaman''s smug confidence faltered for a moment as its ears twitched. "What are you talking about, human?"


    The monkey shaman scoffed, stepping onto one of the shards with confidence.


    "What are you talking about, human?" it sneered, clearly unimpressed.


    Alex''s grin widened as he took a step back.


    "Well¡­ don''t say I didn''t warn you," he replied nonchalantly, and without waiting for a reaction, he snapped and activated [Fast and Furious], his body becoming a blur as he dashed away from the impending explosion that was going to rocket.


    He wasn''t about to stick around to feel the full force of his own upgraded skill, especially when he cranked to its limit for massive damage.


    The wind roared in Alex''s ears as he sprinted, his heart pounding with adrenaline.


    He had briefly seen the effect of the skill and it was rather terrifying.


    He glanced over his shoulder to check if the monkey shaman realized what was about to happen.


    But the arrogant still floating atop the shards about to give a chase.


    Alex smirked. "Good."


    Then he pulled up the interface to inspect the details of his freshly upgraded skill once again before the blastshard exploded.


    [Exploding Touch (Rank S)]


    The area you touch will explode in 5 seconds. The explosion is cataclysmic, capable of annihilating structures and severely damaging high-tier enemies.


    Features:


    [Amp+++]: Amplify the explosion''s power and area of effect up to 10x, depending on your mana input.


    [Pause+++]: Pause and resume the timer with no limit on pauses, giving full control over detonation timing.


    [Dismiss+++]: Remove [Exploding Touch] or transfer it to another object or enemy within 20 meters. Transfers are instantaneous and unblockable.


    [Gravitational Collapse]: Create a devastating implosion that pulls in all objects within a massive radius before releasing a catastrophic shockwave.


    [Mass Detonation]: Mark multiple targets with [Exploding Touch] and detonate them simultaneously or on a staggered timer.


    [Elemental Surge]: Infuse the explosion with elemental properties (fire, ice, lightning, etc.) for additional damage and status effects.


    ==========


    Authors Note:


    Yo, what''s up everyone! The support has been AMAZING, and it''s pushing this story to new heights! Let''s keep that momentum going! Also, don''t miss my new book Goblin King: My Innate Skill Is Too OP¡ªit''s packed with well goblins and lot of humor! And you love werewolf romance, be sure to check out Hunting the Alpha: Past Sins. Thanks again for all your love and support, it means the world! Keep reading, keep supporting, and let''s make this journey even bigger!

 Chapter 83 - 83: Damn Monkey: Disintegration

    The monkey shaman growled in frustration as he saw Alex fleeing.


    Clicking his teeth angrily, he darted forward to give chase.


    But then¡ªhe stopped abruptly.


    A strange, invisible force yanked him backward.


    "What?!" the shaman hissed, his eyes widening as he twisted around to see the source.


    Behind him, three swirling mini-black holes had appeared, their gravitational pull intensifying with every passing second. Objects around the forest floor¡ªrocks, branches, leaves¡ªwere already being sucked into the vortexes.


    The shaman gasped. "Impossible!"


    He fought against the pull, his feet digging into the ground as he struggled to move away. His energy surged as he tried to stabilize himself, but the gravitational force suddenly surged, its strength growing exponentially.


    Wind howled through the air as the black holes'' pull became irresistible. Nearby trees bent and cracked, their roots tearing free from the soil before being swallowed whole.


    The shaman''s body trembled as he fought harder, pouring his power into resisting. "I won''t¡­ be beaten by this!" he roared, his voice full of desperation.


    But the black holes had no mercy.


    With a forceful yank, the shaman''s resistance shattered.


    His body was violently dragged toward the swirling vortexes, unable to escape the overwhelming pull.


    "AAARGH!"


    The shaman screamed as the gravitational force began crushing him, his body contorting under the immense pressure.


    The swirling shards embedded within the black holes added to his torment, tearing into him with razor-sharp precision.


    The air filled with the sound of his agonized cries as his form was relentlessly pulled apart.


    "AAARGH!"


    And then¡ªsilence.


    The black hole detonated with an ear-splitting roar, unleashing a wave of rageful heat that consumed everything in its path.


    The blast surged outward like an unstoppable nuke, obliterating anything it touched.


    Trees disintegrated into ash, the ground cracked and scorched, and the very air seemed to vibrate with the sheer force of the explosion.


    Alex kept running, his legs pumping furiously as he leaped over roots and debris.


    He glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes widening at the sheer scale of destruction unfolding behind him.


    The goblin base wasn''t spared.


    Its once-formidable architecture crumbled like sandcastles in a storm, each structure disintegrating into nothing under the relentless wave of heat and force.


    Even from a distance, Alex could feel the heat licking at his back like the breath of an angry dragon.


    "Damn," he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding.


    For a moment, he marveled at the raw power of his upgraded skill. Destruction at its finest. But his awe was short-lived¡ªhe could hear the roar of the flames behind him, growing louder and closer.


    The explosion wasn''t done yet.


    Flames surged forward, hungry and unrelenting, racing toward Alex like a living beast. His instincts screamed at him to move faster.


    "Oh no, you don''t!" Alex growled, activating [Fast and Furious].


    He wasn''t about to die to his own ability. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His body blurred as he ramped up his speed, weaving through the thick forest like a streak of lightning.


    The heat was nearly unbearable, the flames close enough to make him break out in a sweat. Every step felt like a race against death itself.


    For a few agonizing seconds, Alex pushed himself to the limit, his lungs burning and his muscles screaming in protest. And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    The explosion reached its peak and dissipated, the flames finally dying down.


    Panting, Alex skidded to a stop and turned back. His heart still raced as he surveyed the aftermath.


    Where the goblin base had once stood, there was now only a massive, smoldering crater. Smoke rose into the sky, and the landscape was nothing but charred earth and ruin.


    Alex stood frozen, his breath catching in his throat as he surveyed the aftermath of his attack.


    The once-dense goblin base was now a vast clearing of scorched earth.


    The ground was blackened, trees reduced to ash, and nothing but smoldering embers remained where structures had once stood.


    He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair, the weight of the destruction sinking in.


    "All that¡­ from just five Blastshards," he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    The thought hit him like a freight train.


    Each shard had been amped to its absolute maximum, pushing the explosion''s destructive force to a level he hadn''t fully grasped until now.


    "So this¡­ this is how powerful [Exploding Touch] has gotten." He groaned, both in awe and with a tinge of unease.


    "I''ve got to be careful with this¡­"


    Before he could dwell on the implications, a familiar chime rang in his ears.


    And a notification panel blinked into view, flooding Alex''s vision with its contents.


    Ding!


    You have killed Goblin Elder Shaman.


    You have received 20 stat points.


    You have received 5 Power Stones.


    You have unlocked a new skill: [Black Flames].


    [Black Flames]: Unleash flames that never go out, burning anything and everything they touch.


    Alex''s eyes widened at the description of the new skill:


    "Flames that never die? That''s... terrifying."


    But the notifications weren''t done. Another alert popped up:


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In!]


    You have received an additional 20 stat points.


    You have received an additional 5 Power Stones.


    You have unlocked a new skill: [Farsight].


    "Farsight?" Alex raised an eyebrow and focused on the skill''s description.


    [Farsight]: Gain the ability to see over long distances with exceptional clarity.


    Alex exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling as he processed the sheer amount of stat points he had accumulated. His mind raced with possibilities.


    "With all these points¡­" Alex muttered to himself, gripping his fists tightly, "I could easily replenish the attributes I sacrificed... or buy another upgrade stone."


    His heart pounded at the thought.


    If he used another upgrade stone on [Exploding Touch], it would reach SSS rank.


    "SSS rank," Alex whispered, his lips curling into an almost maniacal grin.


    His imagination ran wild, picturing the devastating force of the skill.


    Entire landscapes obliterated in an instant. Mountains reduced to rubble. Armies wiped out in the blink of an eye.


    "It would break all limits," he said, his voice trembling with both excitement and awe. "It would devour entire lands."


    But before Alex could make a decision, a low, heavy thud echoed behind him.


    His excited expression barely faltered as he slowly straightened up.


    He had been expecting this.


    The faint hum of crackling electricity filled the air, and Alex''s sharp ears picked up on it instantly.


    Turning on his heel, his eyes locked onto the imposing figure that now stood before him. It was the Monkey King.


    Its fur bristled with raw energy, arcs of blue lightning dancing across its body and surging along the length of a staff it held in one massive, clawed hand.


    The Monkey King''s eyes glowed with an intense, almost predatory light as they bore into Alex. Its gaze was a mix of fury and disbelief, as though it struggled to comprehend the human standing before it.


    "You..." the Monkey King growled, its voice low and venomous, vibrating with suppressed rage. "Who are you?"


    Alex sighed, a subtle smirk forming as he tilted his head slightly.


    "A lot of people have asked me that question," he said, his tone casual, almost teasing. "But, funny thing... it never ends well for them once they hear my answer."


    The Monkey King narrowed its glowing eyes, electricity crackling louder across its staff. "Answer me," it growled, clearly unimpressed with Alex''s vague response.


    "Fine," Alex said, shrugging like it was no big deal. "I''m an anomaly."


    The Monkey King''s brows furrowed, confusion flashing across its face.


    "Anomaly? That doesn''t make any sense!"


    Ignoring the disbelief in its tone, Alex pulled up his status screen.


    His finger hovered for a moment before he added 5 points to his agility.


    Ding!


    A notification flashed before his eyes.


    [You have awakened a movement skill: Dash. Increases speed by 20% at the cost of Mana.]


    "Oh," Alex muttered, slightly taken aback. "Wasn''t expecting that."


    He couldn''t hide his surprise as the realization set in. "So hitting a hundred points in a stat unlocks new skills too?" he mused. The ever-growing arsenal of abilities at his disposal just kept getting better.


    But before he could revel in his newfound speed.


    Alex''s instincts screamed at him, and his body tensed.


    The world around him began to shift. Colors drained away, leaving everything in stark shades of white and gray.


    The crackling of the Monkey King''s lightning fell silent. The trees stopped swaying, frozen mid-motion.


    Time had stopped.


    Alex''s brows furrowed, irritation flaring in his chest. He knew what this was.


    Another god wanted to talk.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen. Pretty please.

 Chapter 84 - 84: Damn Monkeys: Rejection

    [Ding!]


    [You have caught the eye of the Speed God, Savatar.]


    [Would you like to be bound to this god, becoming his legacy holder and venturing on the path of speed?]


    [I don''t take many candidates, human. Be honored you''re one of them...]


    Alex didn''t even pause to think and refused without any hesitation.


    "No."


    This name Savatar sounded like a big deal, sure, but Alex wasn''t about to sell his freedom. He had already turned down the Blood Monarch''s offer for the same reason.


    Why?


    Because God be damned, he''d forge his own path.


    He didn''t need to bow to some divine being to gain power.


    He''d get stronger on his terms.


    [Speed God Savatar has decided to upgrade your skill.]


    [Dash has now become Zoom.]


    [Zoom: Your speed increases by 30% with reduced Mana cost usage.]


    Another notification followed.


    [Will you accept Savatar''s legacy?]


    [Human, if you accept, you could gain more skills like this.]


    Alex stared at the message with a blank expression, unimpressed.


    He crossed his arms, letting out a small sigh. Was this supposed to be tempting? he wondered. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What a joke.


    It was almost laughable how desperate the god sounded.


    Alex wasn''t about to be lured by a few shiny upgrades dangled in front of him like bait and Savatar seemed to have realized that as another new notification appeared, glowing faintly in the corner of Alex''s vision.


    [Ding!]


    [Speed God Savatar has decided to upgrade your skill.]


    [Zoom is now Blur.]


    [Blur: Your speed increases by 50% with even lower Mana cost usage.]


    [Consider my generosity, human, and accept my offer. It won''t get better than this.]


    Alex rolled his eyes and scoffed. Though he was please with the free upgrades he was getting he had no intention of accepting any offer.


    "You and your generosity can go eat shit," he replied, his voice dripping with mockery.


    [...]


    The system fell silent for a moment.


    Alex''s lips curled into a mischievous grin.


    He wasn''t done poking the bear¡ªor in this case, the god. He wanted to push his luck just for the fun of it.


    "You know what?" Alex said, his tone playful, "Maybe... maybe if you upgraded the skill one more time, I''d think about it."


    The response was almost immediate.


    [Ding!]


    [Speed God Savatar has decided to upgrade your skill.]


    Alex snorted, barely containing his laughter.


    "No way. This dumbass is actually doing it."


    The next notification came, and it seemed infused with a flicker of divine irritation.


    [Blur is now...]


    The message then cut off all of a sudden.


    And a new notification popped up.


    [Speed God Savatar is about to lose his patience with you.]


    [Accept his legacy now or face the wrath of...]


    [Damn you... how dare a mere human toy with me?! Do you think I wouldn''t see past your trickery?!]


    Before the message could finish, Alex waved his hand dismissively, swiping the notification away like it was an annoying mosquito.


    Alex casually swiped the notification away like it was a pesky fly.


    He didn''t care whether the so-called Speed God, Savatar, was furious, offended, or ready to explode.


    Alex knew one simple truth: gods had rules, and those rules bound them just as much as they bound mortals.


    Sure, maybe Savatar would try for revenge later, but that didn''t scare him in the slightest.


    Another string of notifications popped up in the corner of his vision, glowing with urgency, but Alex didn''t even bother reading them.


    With a flick of his hand, he dismissed the messages entirely.


    It seemed the Oracle system had granted players the privilege to ignore even divine beings message now¡ªbut Alex wasn''t pleased what he should e doing was prevent gods from forcefully pulling players into a conversation.


    But whatever.


    He now had a powerful new speed skill and the best part was that he didn''t have to do anything to get it.


    "Man, what a dumbass," Alex muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.


    It was almost laughable how the Speed God had upgraded his skill twice despite Alex outright rejecting him.


    "Aigoo..." Alex sighed dramatically.


    He could feel the god''s growing rage. As Alex was snubbing is messages.


    The air around him grew heavy, charged with a crackling intensity, but the pressure wasn''t as intense as that of the blood monarch.


    It seemed the Overseer had finally decided to enforce the rules.


    That bastard.


    Why hadn''t he done anything to prevent this when the Blood Monarch brought an offer. He even let the god injure him before intervening.


    Seriously the inconsistency was maddening.


    The thought of that smug rabbit-like figure toying with him sent a wave of irritation coursing through him.


    Suspicion brewed in Alex''s mind.


    The Overseer''s motives were never clear, but whatever the reason, he doubted it was anything good.


    Still locked in the temporary zone granted by the Speed God, Alex''s thoughts began to wander.


    What if I raised another one of my attributes to a hundred points?


    His brow furrowed in thought.


    Would he be contacted by a different god, one tied to that new attribute? Would he receive another skill?


    Most likely, Alex reasoned.


    But getting points wasn''t exactly a walk in the park.


    Every stat point he had earned had been hard-fought, and this new discovery meant he''d have to make a tough choice.


    Should he use his free stat points to push another attribute to a hundred? Or should he save those points and focus on using an upgrade stone to rank up one of his existing skills?


    The choice is obvious.


    Alex had no intention of dealing with any more of these overbearing gods.


    Avoiding them entirely seemed like the smartest play.


    It seemed the Speed God, Savatar, had finally reached the end of his patience¡ªor perhaps he had simply run out of time.


    The grip of his godly "zone" began to fracture.


    Cracks spread like spiderwebs across the frozen reality, and with a sudden snap, time resumed.


    The Monkey King, who had been frozen in place moments before, suddenly stirred. Its piercing gaze locked onto Alex, suspicion clear in its eyes.


    "Have you been waiting for me?" Alex asked like he was talking to a baby. "Awww... you''re such a good boy."


    The monkey king frowned at Alex antic.


    -------------------


    Author Note:


    Alright, my awesome readers, I''ve got a serious confession to make¡ªI''m starving! Not for food (okay, maybe a little), but for some sweet, sweet gifts!


    Here''s the deal:


    - If you drop a Massage Chair, a Luxury Car, or, better yet, a Dragon (yes, I''ll take a Dragon), I''ll reward your generosity with an extra chapter for two days¡ªserved fresh and hot, just for you.


    - But if you go above and beyond with an even bigger gift? I''ll drop three chapters daily for an entire week! Yep, you heard that right¡ªthree chapters daily for a week!


    So, feed this poor author''s hunger, and let''s make some magic happen.

 Chapter 85 - 85: Damn Monkey: Reckoning

    Something weird had just happened, and the Monkey King could feel it.


    But he couldn''t understand what it was. Nor put it into words.


    "What just happened?" the Monkey King demanded.


    "What do you mean?" Alex replied, feigning cluelessness.


    Most like the monkey had sense the gods lingering presence.


    His tone was calm, and playful as if he was enjoying the moment.


    "You know exactly what I mean!" the Monkey King roared, its fur bristling as arcs of lightning crackled along its body. The air around it buzzed with raw energy, and the ground beneath its feet sizzled.


    The sight made Alex pause for a split second.


    The Monkey King looked like a literal thunder god.


    Wait¡­ is there an actual Thunder God here too? Alex wondered, his thoughts taking an absurd turn.


    His name better be Thor.


    He quickly shook off the thought, focusing back on the electrified primate glaring him down.


    "Well..." Alex began, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I nuked your base. Killed your precious shaman in the process. Tell me¡ªhow does that make you feel?"


    The Monkey King''s brow furrowed, its glare sharp enough to cut steel.


    "Human, if you think you can provoke me, then you''re sorely mista¡ª"


    WHOOSH!


    Before the Monkey King could finish, Alex vanished.


    The suddenness of it was eerie.


    There was no dramatic sound or energy surge¡ªjust silence as he disappeared from where he stood.


    An instant later, Alex reappeared directly in front of the Monkey King.


    It was so fast it seemed like Alex had teleported.


    His hand shot out, dangerous and deliberate, aiming directly for the Monkey King''s face.


    Grabbing his opponent''s face had practically become Alex''s signature move at this point.


    He was ready to use [Exploding Touch] and end this fight once and for all.


    But the Monkey King wasn''t just any opponent.


    In the split second before Alex''s hand could connect, the Monkey King''s instincts screamed at him. With a sharp twist of its head, it narrowly avoided the attack.


    Alex''s hand sliced through the air, missing by mere inches.


    The Monkey King didn''t waste the opportunity.


    It leaped backward, landing far from Alex with a startled yet controlled movement.


    For a moment, silence hung in the air.


    The Monkey King''s chest heaved as it caught its breath.


    A cold chill ran down its spine, and its fur stood on end.


    That was too close. Way too close.


    The Monkey King''s eyes remained locked on Alex, its sharp gaze betraying the shock it tried to mask.


    It was only pure instinct, honed through countless battles, that had allowed the Monkey King to dodge in time.


    Seriously¡­ what is this human?


    Its mind raced as it tried to process the scene before it.


    Alex stood tall amidst the ruins of the battlefield, his silhouette framed by the scorched and steaming earth¡ªa direct result of the devastating attack he had unleashed earlier.


    It was unnerving. Terrifying, even.


    For the first time, the Monkey King felt something it hadn''t experienced in a while: fear.


    The very presence of Alex was suffocating.


    Every step he took, every motion of his hand, seemed to exude an aura of death.


    It wasn''t just the destruction he caused¡ªit was the way he carried himself, the way he stood there like he owned the world, like nothing could touch him. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Monkey King''s hands trembled ever so slightly, and it hated itself for it.


    Sure, his base had been destroyed.


    Sure, he was furious.


    His second in command had been obliterated, and he wanted nothing more than to rip Alex apart for it.


    But as much as he burned with rage, his instincts screamed louder.


    This wasn''t a fight he could win.


    How had it come to this?


    The Monkey King replayed the moment he first laid eyes on Alex. Back then, Alex had seemed like nothing more than an ambitious weakling¡ªsomeone bold but ultimately powerless.


    How wrong he had been.


    This wasn''t just a human. This was a demon in disguise.


    The Monkey King was only slightly stronger than the shaman¡ªand he had seen what Alex had done to his subjectl


    The shaman hadn''t just lost; he had been erased, destroyed in a way that sent a cold chill down the Monkey King''s spine.


    And now, standing face to face with Alex, that same fate felt far too close.


    No, the Monkey King thought, trying to steel himself.


    But no matter how much he tried to summon his courage, the image of Alex broke his resolve.


    The Monkey King''s fur bristled, and the electricity around him flared, almost as if trying to drown out his fear.


    The more the Monkey King thought about it, the angrier he became.


    How could this happen? How could a mere D-rank make me tremble?


    It defied logic.


    It defied everything he knew about strength, about power, about the hierarchy of the world.


    This was unacceptable.


    If he couldn''t defeat the so-called "demon" standing before him, the one who had turned his entire domain into smoldering ruins, then he didn''t deserve to be called a king.


    The Monkey King''s grip on his spear tightened.


    Sparks of crackling lightning danced along its length, their intensity growing with his resolve.


    His fierce gaze locked onto Alex, his golden eyes filled with fury and determination.


    No more hesitation.


    He would go all out from the start and end this swiftly.


    Alex watched the display with a calm, amused expression.


    His lips curled into a smirk as he saw the Monkey King readying his weapon.


    "Oh, so you intend to fight after all?"


    Alex grinned excitedy and activated [Foresight], his eyes glowing faintly as the ability kicked in. Time seemed to slow as countless possibilities unfolded in his mind, each movement of the Monkey King laid bare before it could even happen.


    Crouching low, Alex placed one hand on the cracked, steaming ground using the power of his newly upgraded ability.


    He tilted his head slightly, his voice calm yet cold as he continued, "What a pity. If you''d shown up earlier, this might''ve been more fun. But unfortunately, I''ve thrown all the hand I want to throw today."


    "But now?" Alex then rose to his full height, raising his hands lazily, his middle finger sliding over his index.


    "Now, all I want to do is destroy."

 Chapter 86 - 86: Damn Monkey: Transfer

    [Dismiss+++]: Remove [Exploding Touch] or transfer it to another object or enemy within 20 meters. Transfers are instantaneous and unblockable.


    Alex reread the description, his lips curling into a sly grin.


    His fingers twitched as a rush of excitement coursed through him.


    Instantaneous. Unblockable.


    The new effect was insane, and Alex intended to make full use of it.


    His eyes flicked to the ground at the bomb he had set earlier still glowing with energy. A faint circular blue light surrounded it, the countdown frozen at one second, waiting to detonate.


    But these weren''t ordinary bombs.


    These were gravitational collapse bombs, a devastating perk of his upgraded skill.


    Unlike normal explosions, these caused a violent implosion first, sucking everything in their range into a crushing vortex before releasing an explosive shockwave.


    With his recent skill upgrade, the bombs weren''t just stronger¡ªthey were deadlier.


    Far deadlier.


    Alex flexed his fingers, his grin growing wider.


    The mere thought of transferring that explosive force directly onto an enemy, bypassing every defense, sent a thrill through him.


    The Monkey King stood a short distance away, his golden staff sizzling with arcs of electricity.


    Alex''s voice dripped with menace as he declared, "Now all I want to do is destroy."


    The words hung in the air like a death sentence.


    The Monkey King''s fur stood on end, his muscles tense, as if sensing the impending danger.


    His sharp instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong.


    But he had no idea what Alex was planning.


    Destroy....Hadn''t this human already caused enough destruction?


    But when Alex grinned¡ªa slow, unsettling curve of his lips¡ªthe Monkey King''s unease spiraled into outright panic.


    It wasn''t just an attack he felt coming.


    It was death.


    Something deep within him screamed one word:


    Run.


    And without a second thought, the Monkey King turned and bolted, abandoning all notions of pride.


    Electricity crackled around him, and his golden staff buzzed with raw energy as he channeled everything he had into escaping.


    The air shimmered with the speed of his retreat, trees blurring past as his powerful legs propelled him forward.


    He tore through the landscape, desperate to put as much distance as possible between himself and the demon he no longer dared to face.


    But then he felt it.


    It started as a cold, creeping sensation along his legs.


    A silent but certain promise of death.


    The Monkey King''s eyes widened in horror as he realized he was too late.


    BOOM!


    The implosion came first, ripping the air apart as a gravitational vortex formed around his legs.


    His body twisted unnaturally, yanked toward the epicenter of the attack.


    "GAAAH!"


    His scream echoed through the forest, raw and guttural.


    Before he could even comprehend the pain, the implosion reversed.


    A blinding explosion erupted, obliterating everything in its radius.


    Trees were flattened, the ground shattered, and the very air seemed to quake with the force of it.


    *


    Alex''s eyes gleamed with cold amusement as he watched the glowing, bluish bomb he had planted on the ground vanish as he used [Dismiss].


    And in an instant, it reappeared on the Monkey King''s left side.


    The Monkey King froze mid-stride, its instincts kicking in.


    It sensed something¡ªdanger, death¡ªand immediately attempted to flee.


    Lightning crackled around its form as it tried to bolt.


    But Alex was faster.


    With a sharp snap of his fingers, Alex triggered the bomb.


    The air itself seemed to twist unnaturally as the gravitational implosion activated, pulling the Monkey King toward the epicenter.


    "GRAAAHH!" the beast howled, its body contorting as the implosion crushed inward.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    The shockwave erupted outward, sending a rain of blood and flesh across the scorched battlefield.


    The ground quaked beneath the force, and a wave of hot air rippled outward, scattering debris like leaves in the wind.


    Alex lowered his hand and smirked, satisfied.


    He waited for the telltale notification of victory to pop up but there was nothing.


    "Interesting," Alex muttered noting the skill the monkey king had used to escape and then activated [Fast and Furious] chasing.


    The Monkey King exhaled sharply, his chest heaving.


    If he hadn''t reacted fast enough to create a clone at that critical moment, it would have been over for him.


    His clones were more than just copies of him¡ªthey were him.


    Each one shared his essence, his consciousness, like being in multiple places at once, and as long as one remained alive, so would he.


    This was how he had escaped creating a clone before his body was destroyed by the explosion.


    The monkey king frowned.


    Initially, he thought Alex''s explosions required physical contact, but after witnessing the bomb transfer directly to him, he realized how wrong he had been.


    This human was more dangerous than he''d ever imagined.


    He could feel Alex behind him, closing the distance at an alarming speed.


    The air practically hummed with the human''s deadly intent.


    The Monkey King clicked his teeth in frustration.


    With no time to waste, he made his move.


    Electricity crackled around him as he summoned more clones, their forms materializing out of thin air. The forest was now filled with identical versions of him, each radiating the same fierce energy.


    The plan was simple but desperate: scatter.


    The clones darted in different directions, weaving through the trees, their lightning-charged steps ripping through the terrain.


    If Alex couldn''t chase them all, one might escape.


    And if one escaped, he would survive.


    Alex, now in full pursuit, didn''t falter.


    He watched as the Monkey King multiplied, his sharp eyes tracking every movement, and without even needing [Foresight], he understood the Monkey King''s strategy.


    A grin tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Trying to escape? Dream on."


    With a flick of his wrist, he hurled several glowing [Blastshards] into the air, each shimmering with a dangerous blue light.


    Before the shards even landed, Alex activated [Dismiss].


    The explosions transferred instantly from the scattered rocks to the Monkey King''s clones.


    The clones had barely even begun to split up when Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The blasts erupted in unison, the explosions ripping through the air.


    Each clone''s head detonated with pinpoint precision, leaving behind nothing but smoking remnants. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All except one.


    Desperation surged through him.


    And he created another set of clones, hoping to overwhelm Alex with sheer numbers. The clones darted in every direction, their movements frantic and erratic.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    With another snap of his fingers, the deadly sequence repeated.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    One by one, the clones fell, their heads obliterated in synchronized explosions.


    The Monkey King''s heart raced.


    He tried again, creating even more clones, pushing his mana reserves to the brink. But the outcome was the same.


    Each time, Alex''s [Blastshards] connected flawlessly. The clones were annihilated in seconds, leaving only the original who was running ahead.


    It was hopeless.


    The Monkey King''s breaths came in ragged gasps as he continued to flee, his mind racing. No matter how hard he tried, Alex countered every move with frightening accuracy.


    It was as if Alex could see into the future, predicting every step, every attempt at escape.


    "You have so many tricks," Alex taunted, his voice dripping with mockery, "how about you use one that actually works?"


    The Monkey King didn''t respond to Alex, It couldn''t afford to, as his focus was solely on its survival.


    Its stamina was dwindling, and its mana reserves were almost depleted.


    The monkey king couldn''t keep this up much longer.


    Behind him, Alex calmly prepared his next move.


    He hurled another [Blastshard], the glowing rock slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    The Monkey King spun his staff, summoning a barrier of crackling electricity to shield himself, and the cackling energy whirled around him, forming a dome-like defense that hissed and sizzled against the shard''s impending strike.


    But the monkey king still hadn''t learned that Alex was relying on an attack not visible to its eyes.

 Chapter 87 - 87: Damn Monkey: Blood Arrow

    The Monkey King''s heart sank as he felt it again¡ªa chilling, deathly aura clinging to its body.


    Its instincts screamed at him and without hesitation, he summoned a clone who shot ahead, its original body erupting in a violent explosion.


    The force of the blast hurled the Monkey King forward, its clone obliterated as the real him stumbled away, its breaths ragged and uneven.


    The monkey didn''t dare look back.


    "Why don''t you stay and fight?" Alex''s provoked and the Monkey King''s stomach churned.


    "Running has never saved anyone from me, and it will not start with you."


    The words burrowed into the Monkey King''s mind, each syllable heavy with dread.


    Its legs pumped harder, Its body moving in sheer desperation.


    But no matter how fast he ran, the weight of Alex''s gaze pressed on him, unrelenting.


    There''s no escape, he thought, panic settling deep in his bones.


    The Monkey King could feel it¡ªthe creeping inevitability of death just a step behind him.


    Every step felt like it was getting harder, his muscles protesting as his breath came in ragged bursts.


    If I slow down just a bit¡­ it''ll be over.


    He pushed himself harder, forcing his legs to move, but deep inside, he knew that it was futile.


    As he sprinted through the dense terrain, something shifted in the air.


    The ground beneath his feet changed, the trees thickened, and the landscape seemed to take on a more wild, untamed energy.


    He was in Beast lord territory.


    Even if he died here, the Monkey King had a sliver of hope.


    The beast lord won''t forgive this human for causing chaos in its domain.


    The beasts that ruled these lands were powerful¡ªstronger than the Monkey King himself. And if any of them noticed Alex, they''d hunt him down without a second thought.


    Behind him, Alex was relentless.


    His footsteps were steady, his movements almost lazy, as if the chase was a game to him.


    He could have used [Blur], a skill he gained from a certain speed god''s foolishness, to close the gap in an instant, but he didn''t.


    He had noticed the shift in the environment as well and could tell they were in the domain of a powerful beast.


    He had maintained his pace, using the pursuit to recover the mana he had spent so far. There was a chance he''d get into another battle and he wanted to fight at 100%, so he allowed his reserves to recharge.


    But now, with his mana fully restored, he deemed it was time to end this.


    He didn''t plan to let the Monkey King escape¡ªnot now, not ever.


    Alex activated [Blur], his figure vanishing in a sudden burst of speed.


    In an instant, he consumed an immense distance, the ground beneath him trembling faintly from the sheer force of his step.


    The Monkey King felt a rush of air blow past him, his instincts screaming that something was wrong.


    He snapped his head to the side, searching for Alex, only to realize his presence was completely gone.


    Where?


    He whipped his gaze forward, and his heart dropped.


    Alex was standing directly in his path.


    The Monkey King screeched to a halt, his claws digging into the earth to stop his momentum.


    Panic surged through him as he prepared to veer off in another direction, desperate to put distance between himself and the human.


    But then Alex spoke a single word.


    "[Petrify]."


    The Monkey King''s body seized up instantly, as if invisible chains had wrapped around his limbs and locked him in place.


    He couldn''t move.


    Normally, his rank and power would have allowed him to shrug off such a skill.


    But sheer terror coursing through him had shattered his resolve, leaving him vulnerable.


    His will to fight back had crumbled.


    Alex took a slow, deliberate step forward, his presence growing more menacing with each stride.


    The Monkey King''s heartbeat thundered in his chest, each frantic beat echoing louder in his ears.


    The closer Alex got, the more his fear intensified, further fueling the skill''s effect.


    The invisible chains tightened, solidifying as the Monkey King''s panic deepened.


    He couldn''t break free.


    The Monkey King''s chest heaved as it panted, desperation etched across its face.


    There was no escaping this.


    Death was breathing down his neck.


    Alex stepped closer, his expression cold and unrelenting.


    He placed a hand firmly on the Monkey King''s head, the weight of it sending an icy chill down the primate''s spine.


    The Monkey King shuddered violently, dread washing over him as Alex''s power seeped into his being.


    Alex smirked.


    "Let me make this simple for you."


    With a flick of his fingers, Alex activated his ability, setting an implosion bomb directly on the Monkey King''s head. A faint, ominous glow began to emanate from the spot, signaling the inevitable.


    "Now," Alex said with a mocking tone, "it doesn''t matter what you do. You''re already dead."


    The Monkey King froze, his trembling growing more intense.


    "Be honored," Alex continued, his smirk widening, "you get to experience my ability¡ªhead first."


    Terrible pun. But whatever.


    The Monkey King''s eyes widened in fear, his voice trembling as he stammered, "You... you demon! You''ll regret this. My death will draw the Beast Lord''s attention. It won''t treat you lightly. You can''t win against it!"


    Alex tilted his head, an amused glint in his eyes.


    "What business does the dead have worrying about the future?"


    He crouched slightly, lowering his gaze to meet the Monkey King''s terrified eyes.


    "I''ve provoked gods," Alex whispered, his tone low and laced with menace. "And you think a Beast Lord scares me?"


    At that moment, the [Petrify] effect wore off.


    And the Monkey King''s body collapsed, his legs giving out beneath him as he fell onto his butt.


    He sat there, trembling uncontrollably, unable to form a single coherent thought.


    Alex raised his hand, fingers poised to snap and detonate the bomb planted on the Monkey King''s head.


    But before he could, his sharp senses caught something slicing through the air, heading straight for the Monkey King.


    With sharp reflexes Alex''s hand shot out, catching the object mere inches from its target.


    He brought it up to eye level to inspect it.


    "Arrows?" he muttered, brow furrowing as he examined the object more closely.


    It was red with a faint metallic scent.


    "Blood arrows," Alex realized, his tone shifting to one of mild irritation.


    "Seriously?"


    A low chuckle escaped him, quickly growing into a full-blown cackle.


    His laughter echoed through the clearing, cold and unsettling, sending shivers down the Monkey King''s spine.


    The Monkey King, who had shut its eyes while Alex was about to snap, opened one eye hesitantly, startled by the sudden sound of laughter,


    Alex then exhaled cutting off his laughter.


    He broke the blood arrow as if it were nothing more than a twig and muttered. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Someone''s trying to steal my kill. How gutsy."


    His expression then darkened in an instant, turning deadly serious.


    And in a flash, Alex was gone, heading straight for the source of the blood arrows.

 Chapter 88 - 88: Pursuit

    Alex shot through the dense forest, trees, and undergrowth blurring past him as he closed in on the figure who had dared to steal his kill.


    His eyes glowed faintly as he activated [Farsight], zeroing in on his target¡ªa figure cloaked in black, darting through the shadows with quite the agility.


    The cloaked figure moved swiftly, but Alex was faster.


    Leaves whipped through the air, disturbed by the sheer force of his movement.


    Back in the clearing, the Monkey King cautiously rose to his feet, his limbs shaky and his breathing labored.


    He glanced around, trying to make sense of what had just happened.


    The human was gone.


    Why? Why wasn''t he dead?


    The Monkey King''s mind raced.


    Did Alex simply forget about him? That seemed impossible.


    Despite the momentary reprieve, the Monkey King''s instincts screamed danger.


    He could still feel it¡ªthe ominous presence lingering around him, wrapping around his very soul like a noose.


    Then there was the unmistakable sensation at the top of his head, where Alex had touched him. It was like a shadow of death itself clung to him, cold and inescapable.


    "What¡­ what is this?" he muttered, touching the spot. He shivered, realizing the grim reality: the bomb was still there.


    He weighed his options, but none of them were good.


    Run? Stay? Hide?


    The Monkey King''s gaze darted toward the surrounding forest.


    He''d heard stories about this place¡ªdark tales of a cursed forest that consumed the life force of anything foolish enough to linger.


    If the human didn''t kill him, the forest might.


    The Monkey King''s thoughts raced as he pieced together the grim reality.


    From what he had observed, Alex''s explosive ability relied on touch.


    And Alex had touched his forehead.


    That could only mean one thing: his head was essentially a ticking time bomb, primed to detonate whenever Alex willed it.


    The Monkey King exhaled shakily, his chest heaving as fear clawed at his mind.


    If anything, putting as much distance as possible between himself and that terrifying human seemed like the only option.


    Maybe the ability has a range. If I get far enough, maybe I''ll survive.


    But even that hope felt like clinging to a thread over a bottomless pit.


    There was no guarantee that running would change the fact that an invisible bomb was planted on his head. Yet doing nothing was worse.


    His eyes darted nervously, scanning the forest in the direction Alex had disappeared. The human had left, but the weight of death still lingered around him, suffocating and unrelenting.


    The Monkey King clenched his fists, forcing his trembling legs to move.


    It turned, bolting into the forest as fast as its legs could carry him.


    Leaves crunched beneath his feet as the wind whipped past its ears.


    Each step felt heavier than the last, the dread weighing on his heart making his breath shallow and uneven.


    But just as he took another step forward¡ª


    BOOM.


    His head imploded with a deafening crack, pulling inward before violently exploding outward in a shower of blood and gore.


    Chunks of flesh and bone splattered across the forest floor, staining the leaves in crimson.


    The Monkey King''s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, the light in his eyes fading instantly.


    Meanwhile, Alex, who was still in pursuit of the mysterious cloaked figure, saw multiple notifications flashed before his eyes.


    Ding!


    You have defeated the Monkey King.


    Level Up!


    Level Up!


    Level Up!


    [You have received 15 stat points]


    [You have received 3 power stones]


    [You have received skill: [Multiplicity]


    [Multiplicity]:


    - Create up to 5 clones of yourself, each possessing 20% of your strength.


    - Original can give remote commands and switch places with a copy.


    Alex couldn''t help but mutter while still running:


    "Okay...that''s an amazing skill."


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In!]


    [You have received an additional 15 stat points]


    [You have received an additional 5 power stones]


    [You have received Skill: [Danger Sense]


    [Danger Sense]: A passive skill that heightens your sensitivity to danger. Your body instinctively reacts to threats, giving you a crucial edge in critical moments.


    Alex glanced at the glowing notifications as he raced through the forest, chasing the shadowy figure who had dared to interfere with his hunt.


    The [Multiplicity] skill immediately intrigued him.


    He could use the clones for offense, distractions, or even bait to mislead his enemies.


    And then there was [Danger Sense].


    This passive ability was why the Monkey King had managed to avoid instant death so many times.


    It explained how the creature had kept evading his explosive traps just long enough to prolong the fight.


    But now, that power belonged to Alex.


    But then his grin faded as the eerie sensation crept up his spine.


    [Danger Sense] had begun to work


    Alex''s brow furrowed.


    The further he ran, the heavier the air seemed to grow, pressing down on him like an unseen force.


    He had felt something unsettling the moment he entered this forest, but now, the eerie feeling was everywhere and amplified.


    It didn''t feel like danger from a single entity but rather as if the whole forest were pointing blades at him.


    Alex slowed for a moment, his sharp eyes scanning the surrounding trees.


    "What the hell is this?"


    He muttered, his voice low.


    He knew this was a Beast Lord''s territory, but this felt different¡ªwrong.


    It was as if the entire forest itself were alive, watching him, warning him to turn back.


    The aura it emitted wasn''t just powerful; it was suffocating as a predator''s eyes fixed on its prey.


    For a brief moment, a flicker of doubt crept into Alex''s mind. Should he leave?


    Then he shook his head.


    "Focus," he told himself, narrowing his eyes.


    The oppressive atmosphere was unsettling, but it wasn''t his main concern.


    His target was still ahead¡ªthe cloaked figure who had fired the blood arrow.


    Alex''s thoughts shifted as he recalled the arrow itself. Its crimson glow and aura were unmistakable.


    The blood arrows reminded him of the Blood monarch and Alex wondered if it was possible the god had sent one of his candidates to mess with him. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The possibility made him grin.


    If the Blood Monarch had indeed sent someone, then Alex already knew how this would end.


    He had dealt with the god''s candidates before¡ªand none of them had survived.


    This one will be no different.


    Up ahead, the cloaked figure came into view, darting through the forest like a shadow.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Without hesitation, he activated [Fast and Furious].


    And Alex moved like a thunderclap.


    One moment, the cloaked figure was running, the next, Alex was right there, slamming into him with the force of a battering ram.


    "Ughhh!"


    The stranger groaned as Alex''s shoulder drove him to the ground, knocking the wind out of him.


    Before the stranger could recover, Alex pinned him down, his knee digging into the figure''s back while his hands gripped the cloak tightly.


    With one swift motion, Alex yanked back the hood, revealing the face beneath.


    Alex froze for a moment, his brow furrowing in confusion.


    "What the hell?!" he muttered.


    The face staring back at him wasn''t what he expected.


    It was the face of a young man¡ªa teenager.


    His features were sharp but still youthful, his eyes wide with defiance.


    The boy wasted no time.


    His hand darted toward his storage, pulling out a gleaming dagger, and with a swift motion, he aimed it at Alex''s chest.


    But Alex was faster.


    He swatted the weapon away effortlessly, the dagger spinning off into the underbrush.


    Then, with the same fluidity, he slammed the boy''s face into the dirt, holding him down with one hand using [Exploding Touch] just in case.


    "Who are you?"


    Alex demanded, his voice calm but laced with menace.


    The boy clenched his jaw, refusing to answer.


    Instead, he struggled against Alex''s grip, writhing and twisting in a futile attempt to break free.


    Alex sighed.


    The kid was strong for his age, but compared to Alex, it was like a twig trying to snap a steel bar.


    As the boy continued to squirm, Alex studied his face more closely.


    There was something oddly familiar about him.


    Alex narrowed his eyes, his grip on the boy''s neck tightening slightly as a flood of recognition hit him.


    He had seen this person before.


    It was during the beginning of the tutorial when they were on the tower.


    Back then, amidst the carnage, Alex remembered the scene vividly: a kid, sitting casually on the edge of a towering structure, a bloodied scythe resting on his shoulder.


    The same scythe that had mercilessly cut down every person unfortunate enough to appear alongside him.


    Alex''s jaw clenched.


    The coldness in his gaze was enough to make the boy tense up.


    "You''ve got one minute to explain why you tried to steal my kill or be ready to lose your life."

 Chapter 89 - 89: Dream World

    The boy stiffened under the weight of Alex''s tone, but instead of panicking, he smirked lazily.


    "Look, I didn''t mean to steal your kill," he replied, his voice annoyingly nonchalant.


    "I just needed to level up before I fell asleep."


    Alex''s frown deepened, his confusion briefly overriding his anger. "What the hell are you talking about?"


    The boy sighed, rolling his eyes as if this was all an inconvenience.


    "Don''t take my word for it. Look up and see for yourself."


    Alex hesitated for a moment before loosening his grip slightly.


    Keeping one hand firmly on the boy, he raised his gaze and scanned the surroundings.


    What he saw made his brow furrow in disbelief.


    All around them, scattered across the forest floor, were bodies¡ªdozens of them.


    At first glance, they looked like corpses, pale and lifeless.


    Their eyes were stark white as if drained of all vitality.


    Vines twisted and coiled around their limbs and torsos, crawling over their skin like grotesque parasites.


    The sight was eerie, a scene straight out of a nightmare.


    Alex''s grip on the boy slackened for just a moment, and the teenager seized the opportunity.


    With a swift movement, he slipped free, scrambling to his feet.


    The boy spun around, pulling out his bloodied scythe.


    Its crimson blade gleamed ominously as he pointed it directly at Alex.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    He calmly stood, brushing the dirt from his clothes, his eyes scanning the eerie forest around them.


    Confusion clouded his expression as he asked, his voice low but sharp:


    "What is this?"


    His gaze swept over the lifeless bodies entwined in vines.


    "What happened here?"


    The boy said nothing, clutching his weapon tightly, as if bracing for an attack.


    Alex''s patience snapped.


    His voice boomed with authority.


    "Answer me!"


    The boy flinched, visibly startled by the pressure emanating from Alex.


    The weight of Alex''s presence seemed to crush the defiance out of him, and his scythe wavered. Slowly, he lowered the weapon, his expression shifting to one of unease.


    "It''s... a nightmare," the boy said reluctantly. "The whole forest is. It''s what did this to them."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, tilting his head slightly.


    The answer was vague and unsatisfying and didn''t exactly answer the question.


    "That doesn''t explain anything," he said, his tone cold and unyielding.


    Before the boy could respond, he suddenly yawned.


    His eyes widened in panic, and he slapped himself across the face, hard.


    Alex raised a brow, watching the strange display.


    The boy hurriedly covered his mouth as if trying to stop another yawn.


    His voice was strained as he quickly explained, "Like I said... I tried to steal your kill because I needed to level up. If I don''t... I''ll fall asleep."


    Alex frowned. "Fall asleep? What does that have to do with anything?"


    The boy''s hands trembled as he gripped his scythe tighter.


    "Once I fall asleep, I''ll enter the nightmare. And once you''re in, you don''t wake up unless you complete the trial in the dream world set by the Beast Lord."


    Alex''s mind raced as he processed the information, trying to make sense of what he was hearing.


    Nightmare, Trial, Dream World.


    None of it made sense.


    "Wait, take it step by step," Alex demanded.


    The teenager shifted uncomfortably, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.


    "I don''t have time! I can barely keep my eyes open."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.


    "What do you mean by ''nightmare''? Explain."


    The boy took a shaky breath, blinking rapidly to fight the overwhelming drowsiness.


    "It''s a dream world," he said. "Anyone in the Beast Lord''s territory who falls asleep ends up there."


    Alex''s frown deepened. "And? What happens there?"


    The boy then continued, his words rushed. "Once you''re in, the system commands you to complete task set by the Beast Lord. You don''t wake up until you finish. If you fail you don''t wake up. Ever."


    Alex''s jaw tightened as he processed the information.


    The boy then gestured to the forest around them like he was drunk.


    "It''s the air here man. Something about it acts like sleeping gas. No matter how strong you are, sleep will come for you eventually."


    His head drooped slightly before he jerked it back up, slapping himself on the cheek to stay awake.


    "That''s all I know."


    Alex stared at the boy, trying to make sense of the bizarre explanation.


    Then, out of nowhere, a yawn escaped his lips.


    His eyes widened in alarm.


    What the hell?


    He shook his head, his body suddenly feeling heavier, his eyelids betraying him with every passing second.


    Why am I feeling sleepy all of a sudden?


    His gaze snapped back to the teenager, who was now watching him with a grim expression.


    The boy wasn''t lying¡ªthis forest truly was something else, something dangerous.


    And now, Alex could feel it creeping in on him too.


    Alex''s expression hardened, his gaze narrowing.


    "And how do you know all of this? You''ve obviously never been in this dream world. So how could you possibly know?"


    The teenager smirked faintly, though the exhaustion in his eyes was obvious.


    "You should know about my patron, right?" he said lazily, his tone almost taunting. "The Blood Monarch? Yeah, the one who hates your guts. He told me everything."


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    "The Blood Monarch?"


    The boy nodded, swaying slightly on his feet.


    "Yep. Was really pissed when I entered a Beast Lord''s territory without any prep. Said it was suicide, but hey, here we are."


    Alex''s mind raced.


    It made sense that a god could relay this kind of information.


    They would obviously have more insight far beyond anything players could comprehend.


    His eyes scanned the young man, who was barely holding himself upright now.


    He was clearly running on fumes, his body trembling as though it might collapse at any moment.


    The teenager continued, his voice quieter but still filled with a strange resignation.


    "The Blood Monarch told me there''s no escape once you''re here. Once you step into the Beast Lord''s territory, you''re stuck. The only way out is to pass the trial with other players. Otherwise..."


    He hesitated, his words trailing off as if reluctant to finish.


    Alex forced back another yawn that threatened to slip out.


    He could feel the forest''s influence creeping into his body, its invisible tendrils dragging him closer to sleep.


    "Otherwise what?" he asked.


    The boy didn''t answer immediately.


    Instead, he pointed a shaky finger toward one of the unconscious players nearby.


    Alex turned his head just in time to see the body convulse violently.


    Suddenly, thick vines shot out of the ground, wrapping around the player. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The vines pierced his skin, burrowing deep inside, and in mere seconds, the once-living person was reduced to a shriveled husk.


    Alex''s stomach churned at the gruesome sight, but the boy''s voice broke the silence, now tinged with a sense of dread.


    "That''s what happens," he said, his words chilling. "You fail, you become food. Or manure. Whatever you want to call it."


    Alex''s gaze snapped back to the teenager.


    "Food? For what?"


    The boy smirked weakly, his face pale as he forced out his next words.


    "The forest itself. The Beast Lord isn''t in the forest. The Beast Lord is the forest."

 Chapter 90 - 90: Verdant

    "The forest is the Beast Lord," the teenager''s words echoed in Alex''s mind. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The chilling realization that made his skin crawl.


    Alex narrowed his gaze.


    It wasn''t as though he hadn''t suspected it before¡ªhe''d felt it the moment he stepped foot into this cursed place.


    The oppressive aura, the unrelenting sense of danger that [Danger Sense] only amplified, all pointed to one thing:


    The forest wasn''t just alive; it was the enemy.


    But hearing it confirmed by the boy in front of him added a weight Alex couldn''t ignore.


    The stakes were far higher than he''d realized.


    Alex''s brow furrowed as he began to piece everything together.


    His mind worked quickly, but a flicker of movement caught his attention¡ªthe boy''s head was drooping, his eyelids fluttering dangerously close to shutting.


    "Hey, kid!" Alex barked, snapping the teenager back to attention.


    The boy blinked groggily and muttered, "It''s Dorian."


    Alex ignored the correction, his tone sharp and urgent.


    "If the forest is the Beast Lord, then how can it be defeated? We can''t exactly fight an entire forest. And even if we manage to pass this so-called trial, the Beast Lord will still be alive, waiting to trap more players. So, what''s the way out?"


    Dorian shrugged lazily, his tone laced with irritation. "Man, I don''t know. I''m not an encyclopedia."


    Alex frowned, his patience wearing thin.


    "Didn''t your Patreon tell you anything useful?"


    Dorian rolled his eyes, slouching a little.


    "Not everything. He said the answer would come during the trial."


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in frustration.


    "That''s rather vague," he muttered.


    His irritation wasn''t just aimed at Dorian¡ªit was the situation itself.


    He was about to be thrust into a scenario he didn''t understand, with no information and no control.


    The thought of being at the mercy of the unknown gnawed at him.


    Dorian sighed, leaning against a nearby tree for support.


    His exhaustion was obvious. "You know, you should be happy you''re getting any information at all. Given your beef with my Patreon. The only reason I''m spilling anything is because I''m not sure I can survive this alone," Dorian admitted, his voice dropping to a rare tone of honesty. "If I don''t pass the trial, I''m dead. Plain and simple."


    Alex crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.


    "Is that so? but you should know I have no reason to help you."


    Dorian smirked:


    "Whatever. But just so you know, as long as you''re here, you don''t get a choice. You''ll join me and the other players in the dream world whether you like it or not."


    Dorian''s eyelids fluttered, his body swaying as sleep threatened to take him.


    Alex ignored the statement, his mind filled with thoughts.


    He crouched low, pressing his hand against the forest floor.


    The cool, damp earth felt alive beneath his palm, pulsing faintly as if it had a heartbeat of its own.


    He muttered to himself, his tone deliberate, "If the entire forest is the Beast Lord, then wouldn''t the correct solution be to blow up the entire forest?"


    Despite his drowsiness, Dorian''s head snapped up.


    His eyes widened in shock, and he stared at Alex like he''d just grown a second head. "You must be crazy... The forest won''t let you¡ª"


    Dorian''s words cut off mid-sentence as his body went limp.


    He crumpled to the ground, unconscious, lost to the pull of sleep.


    Alex straightened, his gaze shifting to Dorian''s prone form.


    Suddenly, he noticed movement.


    From the nearest tree, thick, sinewy vines began to emerge.


    They slithered toward Dorian like living serpents, their green, glossy surfaces catching the faint light filtering through the canopy.


    The vines coiled around Dorian''s body, wrapping him tightly.


    They curled around his arms, legs, and chest, binding him to the ground.


    Alex''s expression barely shifted, his face drawn and weary


    His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing slightly, but there was no trace of panic.


    The forest''s oppressive atmosphere was affecting him too, its weight pressing down like an invisible force.


    He bit his lip in frustration, the sharp sting grounding him for a moment.


    He didn''t want to end up the kid, but what was the solution?


    Flee? No.


    From what Dorian said it seemed like it was too late for that.


    His mind returned to the question he couldn''t shake.


    What if I blow up the entire forest?


    His abilities had recently upgraded to Rank S, so if he wanted, he could lay a series of explosions across the forest and amplify them to the max.


    A chain reaction combined with Gravitational Collapse would create enough force to obliterate the entire area.


    It was possible. More than possible.


    He stared at the dense trees around him, the forest teeming with a strange, malevolent life.


    His plan could work.


    But then his gaze shifted to the bodies sprawled on the ground, lifeless yet unnervingly intact. The ones the forest had already claimed, their faces pale, vines coiled around their limbs like shackles.


    A thought then slipped into is mind.


    If I destroy the forest, what happens to them?


    What happens to them if the Beast Lord dies?


    There was no one to ask. No one to explain.


    The truth was a mystery, and time wasn''t on his side.


    His eyes started to droop, the heaviness of sleep creeping in.


    He slapped himself¡ªhard.


    The sting jolted him awake for now, but he knew it wouldn''t last.


    "Damn it," Alex groaned, shaking his head to clear the fog.


    Sleep was stalking him like a predator, and if it caught him, he''d end up just like Dorian¡ªdragged into the dream world.


    He didn''t know what waited for him there, but whatever it was, it wouldn''t be good.


    Time was running out. He had to act.


    Dropping to one knee, Alex pressed his hand firmly to the ground, his fingers digging into the damp earth.


    His plan was desperate, and risky, but it was the only one he had.


    Set the explosion.


    The way Alex saw it, there were only two possibilities:


    One he leveled the forest, killing the Beast Lord and freeing the players trapped in its grasp.


    Two he leveled the forest, killing the Beast Lord, but the players already caught in the dream world would perish with it.


    The outcomes were a gamble¡ªone potentially good, one devastatingly bad.


    Alex clenched his fists, his breath shallow.


    He hated gambling, hated leaving anything to chance.


    But right now, doing nothing wasn''t an option.


    The ground beneath his hand started to vibrate faintly as Alex began channeling his energy, preparing to set up the explosion.


    He planned to place the explosives away from the players'' location, using the area as the epicenter to ensure it remained safe from the blast.


    His gaze flicked once more to the unconscious players.


    Doubt clawed at him, but he pushed it aside.


    If this is the wrong choice, I''ll live with it. Because at this point, indecision felt like the worst choice of all.


    Alex activated [Exploding Touch], channeling energy into his hands and amping it to the highest level and setting one on the ground.


    He was about to set up another blast but then as if the forest had sensed his intent.


    Whoosh!


    From nowhere, a thick vine shot toward him like a whip, slicing through the air at breakneck speed.

 Chapter 91 - 91: Nightmare

    Alex''s reflexes kicked in instantly.


    He tilted his head to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, then leaped back to create some distance.


    The forest rustled ominously, and more vines sprang forth.


    They erupted from the ground, slithered down from branches, and shot toward him in every direction like striking serpents.


    These weren''t ordinary vines.


    They were thicker than his arm, unnaturally fast, and moved with intelligence.


    Alex didn''t flinch. He reached into his storage, pulling out several Blast Shards and with precise aim, he threw the shards at the incoming vines.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The explosions ripped through the air, tearing apart the vines in fiery bursts.


    Shredded plant matter rained down, smoldering as it hit the forest floor.


    Alex landed in a crouch, his eyes scanning for the next wave.


    But then, a piercing, ear-grating screech erupted around him.


    "WIEEEEEEE!!!"


    The sound was deafening, a high-pitched wail that seemed to come from the forest itself.


    Alex winced and staggered, instinctively covering his ears.


    The noise was unbearable, like nails on a chalkboard amplified a thousand times.


    His vision blurred slightly from the pain, but he forced himself to focus.


    "Is that... you screaming?" he muttered through gritted teeth, addressing the forest as if it could hear him.


    The screech echoed from every direction, reverberating through the trees.


    The forest seemed to shake in protest, leaves trembling, branches snapping, and the air itself vibrating with hostility.


    Alex gritted his teeth, the adrenaline surging through his veins.


    If the Beast Lord''s throwing this much of a tantrum, I must be doing something right.


    Blowing up the entire forest was the right call. Alex was sure of it.


    There was no time to dwell on the bad outcomes or second-guess his choice.


    This was the only way to end it.


    Alex pulled out multiple Blast Shards, each glowing faintly in his hands, and began amping their power to the max.


    The faint hum of energy intensified with every second, the shards growing brighter and hotter as they charged.


    The forest wasn''t going to make it easy.


    Vines lashed out from all directions, slithering and snapping like hungry snakes.


    Alex darted across the treetops, leaping from branch to branch with agility born of sheer adrenaline.


    Gotta keep moving.


    The vines grew faster and more aggressive, cutting through the air with unnatural precision.


    Alex narrowly avoided one, twisting mid-air before landing on another tree branch.


    But as soon as his feet touched down, a wave of exhaustion slammed into him like a freight train.


    "Ugh¡ªwhat the¡­?" Alex stumbled, his balance wavering. His body felt unnaturally heavy, his limbs sluggish.


    The drowsiness hit him hard, fogging his mind and pulling him toward unconsciousness.


    Before he could steady himself, Alex slipped.


    He fell from the branch, landing on the ground with a hard thud.


    The impact jolted him, but it wasn''t enough to snap him out of the haze. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He groaned as thick vines slithered toward him, coiling around his legs.


    Their touch was cold and sapping, draining what little resistent he had left to the drowsiness he felt..


    "Damn it¡­" Alex muttered weakly.


    He felt his eyes grow heavier with each passing second.


    His vision blurred, darkness creeping into the edges.


    He couldn''t fight it.


    Sleep was taking him.


    "Fuck¡­" he whispered under his breath, frustration lacing his voice.


    He didn''t know what awaited him in this so-called dream world, and the thought terrified him.


    The unknown was always the scariest part.


    His eyes finally closed and his body succumbed to the forest''s power.


    *


    Alex flinched as a cool droplet of water landed on his cheek.


    His eyes shot open, and he squinted against the dim light of his surroundings.


    The sky above was dark and vast, with raindrops falling steadily, their rhythm soothing yet surreal.


    But what really caught his attention were the two moons glowing faintly in the distance.


    "What the hell¡­?" Alex muttered, his voice weak and groggy.


    His mind scrambled to process what he was seeing.


    It''s raining¡­ in the tutorial?


    The thought didn''t make sense, and yet the steady patter of rain on his skin told him otherwise.


    He let out a tired breath and shut his eyes again, feeling the weight of exhaustion still pressing down on him.


    The rain wasn''t something he expected, but it wasn''t entirely unwelcome.


    Alex inhaled deeply, the cool, clean air filling his lungs.


    The droplets rolled down his face and arms, soaking into his clothes.


    Despite everything, he couldn''t help but feel a strange satisfaction in the rain''s touch.


    He squirmed slightly where he lay, his body instinctively reacting to the soothing sensation.


    I always did love the rain.


    Memories of watching it from his bedroom window floated through his mind, moments of peace amidst chaos.


    Something about it always managed to calm him, pulling his thoughts to a quiet, relaxing place.


    After a moment, Alex forced his eyes open again.


    His vision was blurred, and his thoughts felt sluggish like his brain was wading through a thick fog.


    He became more aware of his surroundings.


    His body was rocking gently back and forth, almost like he was being cradled.


    He squeezed his eyes shut again, trying to block out the growing confusion swirling in his mind.


    This can''t be the tutorial, he thought, a knot tightening in his stomach.


    But then, a sound¡ªdeep and haunting¡ªreached his ears.


    It sounded like a distorted cry of a whale, which reverberated like a deep, bone-shaking growl of a massive tiger.


    The sound rumbled low and violent, echoing through the sky with unnatural resonance, as the boat swayed on the ocean waves with Alex on it.


    It wasn''t like anything Alex had ever heard before and it sent chills down his spine, making his heart race.


    His eyes snapped open, and he shot up, pushing himself to his feet.


    But as soon as he did, the ground beneath him shook.


    The platform he stood on wobbled dangerously, tilting beneath his weight.


    For a split second, he thought he was going to fall.


    But reflex kicked in, and with a quick adjustment, he managed to steady himself.


    His hands clenched the sides of the platform as he raised his head, slowly, cautiously.


    And then, he saw it.


    His breath caught in his throat as his surroundings became clear.


    He was on a small boat, tossed around by violent waves.


    Lightning crackled in the sky, lighting up the dark, storm-churned ocean that stretched out endlessly in all directions.


    The water around him churned, black and wild, like the very sea itself was alive.


    The cold, torrential rain hammered down on him. It didn''t feel so soothing anymore but rather felt like stinging needles.


    And then it came again¡ªthe deafening, distorted cry.


    The noise made Alex''s skin crawl, and a cold sweat broke out across his forehead. The terrifying echo seemed to claw at his bones, sending a shiver deep into his core.


    Alex''s breath came out in short, shallow gasps.


    Confused, shocked, and terrified.


    His body trembling.


    "What¡­what the hell is this? "


    His voice was barely a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might make the hellish scene even worse.


    This...this was indeed a nightmare.

 Chapter 92 - 92: Kraken

    [Welcome to Nightmare]


    [Quest: Reach the peak of the mountain and defeat Grim Lord, gaining immunity that will prevent you from ever being sucked into the dream world or any illusion ever again.]


    [Time Limit: 7 Days]


    [Failure: Death]


    Alex''s brow furrowed as he stared at the glowing text floating ominously in the air before him.


    It felt like the tutorial all over again, only in the setting it was it felt more sinister this time.


    He squinted, rereading the words as lightning crackled across the sky, illuminating the stormy waters surrounding his fragile boat.


    The flashes made the glowing text flicker like the world itself was unstable.


    "Grim Lord?"


    Alex muttered under his breath, the name feeling foreign yet dangerous.


    Is that the beast lord? he wondered. The one pulling people into this nightmare?


    The thought made his heart race, but then another idea crept in, planting doubt.


    "No," Alex said aloud, shaking his head to clear the confusion.


    The glowing quest text didn''t mention the beast lord.


    The wording was precise:


    Defeating the Grim Lord would grant him immunity, preventing him from ever being trapped in a dream world or illusion again.


    But it said nothing about stopping the beast lord itself.


    His eyes narrowed as the realization hit him, a sinking feeling twisting in his gut.


    "If I do this¡­ if I defeat this Grim Lord¡­ the beast lord will still exist," Alex murmured, his voice bitter. "It''ll still be able to pull more people into its genjutsu feed on them."


    Alex frowned, his mind racing as he pieced things together.


    The player who managed to escape this twisted tutorial and defeat the Grim Lord would be the only one immune to the dream world''s pull.


    That immunity would make them the key to defeating the forest beast lord.


    But even then, the task wasn''t simple.


    "Whoever does it," Alex muttered, "would have to be strong enough to handle those damn vines."


    His lips curled into a sly grin.


    "A player like me."


    The thought ignited a fire inside him.


    He had his goal now: defeat the Grim Lord, gain the immunity, and when he escaped this nightmare, he would return to the forest and bring the beast lord to its knees.


    He could already picture the destruction¡ªthe forest leveled, its monstrous vines reduced to ash.


    The boat lurched violently, yanked by the surging waves, and Alex staggered.


    His body tilted, but he instinctively crouched low, gripping the boat''s edges to steady himself.


    The storm raged on, rain pelting his face in relentless sheets.


    Thunder cracked above him, and the deafening roar of the ocean mixed with the eerie, mournful cry that echoed from the unseen depths.


    The sound clawed at his nerves, chilling and alien.


    It was like something alive¡ªsomething hunting.


    "This really is like a horror movie," Alex muttered under his breath, glancing at the shadowy expanse of the ocean around him.


    Every flash of lightning revealed the dark, churning water, but no land in sight.


    He clenched his fists, steadying his breathing.


    It was hard to believe it was merely an illusion.


    The boat creaked beneath him, cutting through the waves.


    "Where are you taking me?"


    Alex whispered to himself, his voice nearly drowned out by the storm.


    He stared ahead into the black void, rain dripping from his hair and clothes.


    According to Dorian, other players had been pulled into this nightmare as well.


    So they should also be in this realm as well.


    He figured the boat was ferrying him to wherever the others were.


    As he squinted into the stormy horizon, something caught his attention¡ªa faint outline in the distance.


    An island.


    The boat seemed to be heading straight for it, cutting through the relentless waves like it had a purpose.


    "An island, huh?" Alex muttered.


    His instincts told him the other players would probably be there too.


    But seriously, what kind of place was this?


    The whole setup¡ªfrom the terrifying ocean to the eerie cries in the dark¡ªit all felt designed to terrify players.


    Alex exhaled, allowing himself a brief moment of relief.


    At least he was leaving this cursed water behind.


    But just as he started to relax, something caught his eye.


    Whoosh.


    A massive, dark shape moved just beneath the boat, so large it distorted the water around it. Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Of course," he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm.


    "Things could never be so peaceful."


    He sighed heavily, but before he could process the situation, the same ominous sound echoed again, but this time it was so close it felt like the air itself vibrated.


    The haunting cry reverberated over the water, rattling Alex to his core.


    He instinctively clamped his hands over his ears, wincing at the sheer intensity of the noise.


    The creature that made that bone-chilling sound was directly beneath him.


    From the faint silhouette beneath the churning waves, Alex could make out the shape of the creature.


    A monstrous octopus, with muliples tendrils that writhed unnervingly in the water.


    Alex''s heart pounded, and his gaze darted around the small boat.


    There wasn''t much he could do here¡ªtrapped in the middle of the ocean, with nothing but rain, lightning, and this nightmare beast.


    He gritted his teeth, wishing desperately for an alternative.


    If only I could make the boat go faster... or if I could fly like Jonah.


    Then, like a spark in the storm, an idea hit him.


    What if I ran?


    With his enhanced speed, wouldn''t he be fast enough to skim across the water?


    He had seen it before in movies.


    Speedsters were able to run on water as long as they moved fast enough that their feet didn''t break the water''s surface tension essentially exerting enough upward force with each step to counteract gravity.


    With his insane agility, he was confident he could do it.


    And just as the plan began to form, the ocean erupted around him.


    Crash!


    Multiple tentacles shot out of the water, glistening with the rain and they wrapped tightly around the boat with terrifying speed, their slimy surfaces gleaming like blackened steel.


    "Shit!"


    Alex shouted, leaping back as the boat groaned under the immense pressure.


    The monstrous tendrils coiled tighter, splintering the wood with loud, cracking sounds.


    The boat shuddered violently, tilting to one side as the beast pulled it apart piece by piece.


    Alex couldn''t help but grin nervously, his fear bubbling over into a strange kind of excitement. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, looks like I don''t have any other options," he muttered, wiping rain from his face as crouched low, readying himself to leap and turn Barry Allen for a second.

 Chapter 93 - 93: Water Sprint

    If Alex failed, he would plunge into the dark, frigid sea and become a snack for a terrifying version of Squidward.


    But if he succeeded, he''d do the impossible¡ªbecome the second man in history to walk on water.


    His heart raced at the thought.


    No room for failure now.


    Alex activated [Fast and Furious], feeling his agility surge to insane levels, and without hesitation, he layered it with [Blur], his agility skyrocketing.


    The boat groaned, creaked, and then shattered under the crushing force of the tentacles.


    Alex launched himself into action.


    He didn''t just jump; he exploded off the remains of the boat like a rocket, his movements a blur against the rain-soaked chaos around him.


    The air whipped against his face as he hit the water''s surface with incredible momentum.


    For a moment, his heart skipped a beat as he wondered whether he would sink.


    But to his astonishment, the water beneath his feet felt solid, like a glassy platform responding to his blistering speed.


    "No way," he muttered in disbelief, a grin spreading across his face.


    "I''m walking on water!"


    Each stride sent ripples racing outward as he dashed toward the island.


    The rain pelted him mercilessly, and the distant silhouette of the shoreline came closer with every heartbeat.


    But then, a deep gurgling sound made his stomach twist.


    He risked a glance over his shoulder and felt his blood run cold.


    Something was chasing him¡ªsomething fast.


    It wasn''t the massive octopus-like monster that had destroyed his boat.


    This one was smaller, but no less terrifying, and it was gaining on him.


    Its streamlined body cut through the water like a torpedo, its glowing, predatory eyes locked on him.


    "Seriously?" Alex groaned, his grin fading as adrenaline kicked into overdrive.


    He forced himself to stay focused, his eyes locked on the island ahead.


    He wouldn''t let chaos behind him distract him now.


    Almost there, he thought, determination driving each stride across the water''s surface.


    As the shoreline drew closer, Alex gauged the distance.


    Just a few more feet.


    Not wanting to risk getting caught at the last second, he launched himself into the air, propelling his body forward with a powerful leap.


    But then...


    SPLASH!


    Multiple tendrils erupted from the water like dark javelins, their sharp movements slicing through the rain-soaked air.


    They shot toward him with terrifying speed, aiming to snatch him out of midair.


    Alex''s instincts kicked in. His [Danger Sense] flared like an alarm, and his body reacted instantly.


    He twisted, flipped, and contorted, narrowly avoiding each grasping tendril.


    For a moment, it seemed like he''d done it.


    But then...


    THWAP!


    Out of nowhere, a massive tendril, far longer than the others, lashed out and wrapped around his leg like a constricting snake. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No!" Alex shouted, panic surging through him as he thrashed in midair, trying to free himself.


    The tendril yanked him down with brute force, and before he could react, more tendrils followed.


    They wrapped around his arms, torso, and legs, securing him like a prisoner.


    "No, no, no!" Alex cried, desperately trying to pull free.


    But the Nightmare Kraken''s grip was too strong.


    The monster dragged him downward, pulling him into the cold, dark sea.


    The moment Alex hit the water, he sucked in a deep breath, bracing himself as the icy depths swallowed him whole.


    He fought the pull of the tendrils, twisting his body and trying to remember every swimming lesson he''d ever taken.


    As Alex struggled against the Kraken''s grip, a glowing panel appeared in front of im, its ominous text sending chills down his spine:


    [Nightmare Kraken (G)]


    Alex''s eyes widened in sheer horror.


    The Kraken was enormous, its grotesque, pulsating body looming in the murky depths like something out of a nightmare. Dozens of writhing tendrils extended from its body, each one moving with eerie precision.


    Great. Just great, he thought, still thrashing against the tendrils. How the hell am I supposed to fight this thing underwater?!


    More tendrils snaked their way around Alex, tightening their grip.


    He winced as the slimy, cold, and disgustingly squelchy texture wrapped around him, pressing against his arms and legs like a living net.


    The Kraken pulled him closer, dragging him toward its gaping maw.


    Alex''s heart pounded as he caught sight of the monster''s mouth¡ªmassive and lined with rows of jagged, razor-sharp teeth that seemed designed to tear through anything.


    The Kraken''s intention was obvious. It was going to eat him.


    Panic set in as Alex''s mind raced.


    His palm was pressed against the Kraken''s slimy body, and he knew he could activate [Exploding Touch].


    But there was a problem.


    If I blow this thing up, I''ll get caught in the blast too.


    Though he had heat resistance, it didn''t exactly prevent his body from getting blown into pieces.


    Alex struggled harder, twisting his body, but the tendrils only tightened, squeezing the air out of his lungs. The Kraken''s maw loomed closer, the jagged teeth glinting like knives in the dim light of the water.


    Is this how I die? Alex thought, despair creeping in as he fought to free himself.


    Then, the Kraken''s mouth opened wider, a chilling sight that made Alex''s stomach drop.


    Rows of teeth glistened ominously, the darkness of its gullet seeming to stretch on forever.


    "Nope," Alex muttered, shaking his head, his heart pounding.


    I know I''ll die someday, but this is not how I die.


    The image of his body being shredded by rows of razor-sharp teeth flashed through his mind, and a chill ran down his spine.


    He wouldn''t wish this kind of horrifying death on anyone¡ªnot even his worst enemy.


    Grated to death like cheese? Nope. Not happening.


    The Kraken''s tendrils tightened again, and Alex felt his ribs creak under the pressure as the creature pulled him closer to its pulsating mouth.


    But Alex refused to panic.


    He focused deeply, gathering energy into his throat, and activated:


    [Sonic Howl].


    With everything he had, Alex unleashed an ear-splitting roar. The sound waves burst out from his chest, radiating like shockwaves. The force was immense, reverberating through the water like an underwater explosion.


    The Kraken recoiled, its massive body shuddering violently as the sound waves struck it head-on.


    Alex felt the tendrils around his body loosen slightly, the disorienting tremors making the creature falter.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    The Kraken''s grip was still there, refusing to fully release him.


    Fine, Alex thought, gritting his teeth. Time for Plan B.


    He activated: [Slip Stream].


    A strange, almost invisible aura enveloped Alex''s body.


    It was like his skin was coated in some kind of ethereal lubricant, making it impossible for anything to hold onto him tightly.


    The Kraken''s tendrils began to slip and slide against his body.


    Their grip slackened even further, its once-firm hold reduced to a desperate struggle to keep him contained.


    Alex could feel the difference immediately.


    The slimy tendrils lost their traction as if they couldn''t stick to him anymore.


    Alex clenched his fists, steeling his resolve, and with a sharp exhale, he shot out of the Kraken''s grasp like a slippery arrow.


    Behind him, the Kraken let out a guttural howl, its tendrils flailing wildly as it tried to grab him again.


    Its massive tentacle shot through the water like spear, aiming to snatch him back.


    But Alex was ready.


    He extended his hand, activating [Aegis Arcane].


    The shimmering, translucent barrier formed around him, deflecting the incoming tendrils with ease.


    The Kraken''s attacks bounced off harmlessly, each failed attempt frustrating the beast even more.


    He wasn''t done yet.


    With a swift motion, Alex stretched out his hand and...

 Chapter 94 - 94: Black Inferno

    With a swift motion, Alex stretched out his hand and used the newest power he''d earned from defeating the Monkey Shaman: [Black Flames].


    A dark, swirling energy formed in his palm before erupting into a torrent of pitch-black fire.


    Even underwater, the flames roared to life.


    They weren''t ordinary flames¡ªthese burned with an otherworldly intensity, defying the very nature of water.


    The Kraken''s slimy body ignited on contact, the black fire clinging to its skin like a parasite.


    "SKREEEEUUUNNGGGH!"


    The creature thrashed violently, its agonized screams reverberating through the water.


    Its massive body twisted and turned, churning up the sea as the black flames consumed it.


    Alex floated there, catching his breath as he watched the once-terrifying beast writhe in pain.


    But from the corner of his eye, Alex noticed a shadow moving through the water.


    His heart sank as the shape grew larger and larger.


    No way, he thought, narrowing his eyes.


    The first Kraken¡ªthe one that had destroyed his boat¡ªwas approaching.


    [Nightmare Kraken (R)].


    The "R" indicated this Kraken was a higher lever.


    Bigger and stronger than the Kraken Alex had set on fire.


    "Crap¡­" Alex muttered, feeling a weight settle in his chest.


    His lungs burned.


    He was running out of air.


    "Yep, it''s definitely time to bail," Alex said under his breath, bubbles escaping his mouth.


    He wasn''t about to pick a fight with a stronger squid while he was underwater and running on empty.


    But just because he was escaping didn''t mean he was letting this oversized calamari off the hook.


    The first Kraken, still writhing in agony from the [Black Flames], was on borrowed time. But Alex wanted to speed up the process. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He reached into his inventory and pulled out a [Blastshard],


    He then infused the shard with Gravitational Implosion, a skill that could compress and detonate anything it touched, then activated [Dismiss], a skill that allowed him to transfer the infused energy from his Blastshard to the burning Kraken without getting too close.


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    He repeated the process and infused another charge, and with a quick flick of his hand, he sent the second blast into the creature as well.


    That should do it, he thought.


    But he wasn''t about to stick around to watch the fireworks just yet.


    Kicking his legs with everything he had, Alex swam toward the surface, each stroke burning as his muscles strained for oxygen.


    The first Kraken arrived but hesitated as it neared the burning remains of the second.


    The [Black Flames] clinging to the fallen creature crackled ominously, their unnatural heat searing even through the water. The burning Kraken howled in agony.


    Its enormous eyes then turned towards Alex''s direction, its gaze filled with rage and malevolence.


    From a safe distance, Alex turned back and grinned, his expression half-defiant and half-mocking.


    Don''t look at me like that. You guys started this.


    Alex smirked and then he snapped his fingers.


    The world seemed to hold its breath for a moment.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM.


    Both Krakens convulsed violently as their heads twisted inward, crushed by the gravitational pull of the explosive force.


    The water churned around them as the epicenter of the blast compressed, pulling everything nearby into a swirling vortex.


    And then, the explosion erupted outward.


    Flames burst from the sea, shooting up like an underwater volcano had detonated.


    The sheer force sent a massive wave surging across the surface, crashing outward in every direction.


    Alex barely had time to react as the wave slammed into him, lifting his body like a ragdoll.


    The current carried him toward the shore, throwing him onto the wet sand with a rough thud.


    He coughed up seawater and took sharp, labored breaths.


    That was insane.


    Then he rolled onto his back, his chest rising and falling heavily.


    His arms splayed out as he let out a long, shaky exhale.


    The adrenaline he felt wearing off.


    "I did it," Alex muttered, a small, tired smile creeping onto his face.


    He stared at the night sky above and observed that the rain seemed to have stopped, and in the sky were two moons hung high, their pale light casting an eerie glow on the dark horizon.


    For a moment, the only sounds were the distant crash of waves and the crackle of dying flames on the water''s surface.


    Then a mechanical chime echoed in Alex''s ears.


    Ding!


    [You have killed [Nightmare Monster]]


    [You have received 100 Nightmare Points.]


    [Nightmare Points: These points can be used to purchase items, potions, and food from vendors. They can also grant access to locations leading to the Grim Lord.]


    [You have received 10 Stat Points.]


    Alex''s head perked up at the mention of stat points.


    Before he could fully process the first message, another notification popped up:


    [You have killed [Nightmare Monster]]


    [You have received 150 Nightmare Points.]


    [Nightmare Points: These points can be used to purchase items, potions, and food from vendors. They can also grant access to locations.]


    [You have received 15 Stat Points.]


    [Title ''Apocalypse Baby'' activated.]


    [You have received an additional 100 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 10 Stat Points.]


    [You have received an additional 150 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 15 Stat Points.]


    Alex blinked, his mind racing to process the unexpected windfall.


    "Stats points?!" he muttered, his heart pounding with excitement.


    He jumped to his feet, bits of sand sticking to his back as he stared at the glowing panel.


    His eyes darted across the text, reading and rereading to make sure he hadn''t imagined it.


    Stat points for killing monsters?


    That was unheard of.


    In the original tutorial, he only ever received stat points from leveling up.


    But here, he hadn''t gotten a single level-up notification yet he got stat points.


    This place obviously had its own set of rules which was completely different from what he was used to.


    His grin widened as he did a quick mental calculation.


    With the 10 points from the first kill, the 15 from the second, and the doubling effect of his [Apocalypse Baby] title, he had received a whopping 50 stat points in total.


    And that was enough to match the value of an upgrade stone.


    "This..." Alex muttered with a grin, his heart pounding in excitement.


    "This place might not be hell after all."

 Chapter 95 - 95: Frustrating Restrictions

    Alex''s grin stretched wider, his excitement practically radiating off him.


    "Attributes points?" he muttered to himself, the words tasting sweet on his tongue. It was exactly what I need right now.


    Attribute points were arguably the most valuable resource he could have at thanks to [Attribute Converter] and they were piling up like a jackpot in his favor.


    His thoughts raced as he calculated the benefits.


    With attribute points, he could acquire upgrade stones, which were essential for ranking up his skills. And now, thanks to the strange yet beneficial system of this Nightmare realm, he was earning attribute points as a reward for defeating monsters.


    Fifty points.


    He quickly added that to his already growing stockpile:


    Thirty-five points left from defeating the Monkey King.


    Thirty points he still had from the Monkey Shaman.


    That brought his total to a jaw-dropping one hundred and fifteen points.


    Alex''s heart raced.


    That was enough to upgrade a skill two times!


    The decision was already made.


    There was no need to debate or overthink it¡ªhe knew exactly where those points were going.


    "[Exploding Touch]," he whispered, the name sending a thrill down his spine.


    He had started upgrading the skill already, and it had proven to be a game-changer.


    Now, he intended to max it out, pushing it to its highest rank, no matter the cost.


    "More broken... more powerful... more OP," Alex said with a smirk, the anticipation electrifying his body.


    He could already imagine the devastation [Exploding Touch] would unleash after this upgrade.


    With excitement coursing through him, Alex balled his fists tightly, his mind buzzing with the possibilities.


    With this skill he could blast through any obstacle. Straight to the top.


    The thought alone made him grin.


    He decided, right then and there, to use his newly acquired attribute points.


    There was no reason to wait.


    He pulled up his stats panel, ready to allocate the points.


    But as he hovered over the options, a question gnawed at him:


    What happens if another skill crosses 100 points?


    Would another god show up to recruit him, just like Savatar did when his agility surpassed the hundred mark?


    The memory of that encounter made him groan in frustration.


    Savatar, the so-called god of speed, had been insufferable and although Alex had humiliated and send him packing, he had no desire to go through that again.


    Alex rubbed his temples already feeling frustrated.


    No way I''m dealing with another bastard like him.


    With that thought in mind, he made a decision.


    He was going to put the points in agility.


    It was already above hundred, and there was no way Savatar would dare show his face again after the embarrassment he suffered last time.


    Plus, Alex reasoned, this dream-like Nightmare realm had to work differently.


    He doubted the gods would enter the nightmare realm to recruit.


    "Yeah," Alex said, nodding to himself.


    "Agility it is. Safe choice." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He focused his thoughts, ready to assign points into his agility stat. But the moment he tried to confirm the allocation, a sudden notification popped up in Alex''s vision:


    [You cannot assign points to attributes in Nightmare.]


    Alex froze, his brow furrowing as he squinted at the glowing message.


    "What?" he muttered, utterly confused.


    Had he done something wrong?


    He took a deep breath, trying to think it through.


    The system allowed him to distribute stat points either by thought or vocal command.


    He had attempted the first, and it had failed.


    Maybe he just needed to try the second option.


    "System, assign 100 points to my agility," he commanded confidently, his voice steady.


    The notification blinked again:


    [You cannot assign points to attributes in Nightmare.]


    Alex''s jaw clenched in frustration.


    "What the¡ª? Come on!"


    He tried once more, stubbornly repeating the process, only to be met with the same response.


    [You cannot assign points to attributes in Nightmare.]


    "Ehh¡­ why?!" Alex finally exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.


    "If I can''t use the attribute points, then what''s the point of giving them as a reward?" Alex muttered, his voice heavy with irritation.


    The thought gnawed at him, and the more he considered it, the angrier he became.


    He had already thought it was reckless for the Nightmare to hand out upgrade points so generously.


    If players could use them instantly, they''d grow stronger too fast.


    But now the Nightmare intention had been made clear.


    The Nightmare wasn''t going to allow players to use attribute points until they escaped.


    If they escaped.


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    Escape wasn''t guaranteed.


    In fact, it seemed unlikely for most.


    If no one survived the Nightmare, what good were the unused stat points they earned?


    They''d die with them, wasted and pointless.


    Alex grunted in frustration, his fists clenching tightly.


    "This is so messed up," he growled.


    But even as anger surged within him, Alex forced himself to let it go.


    Dwelling on the unfairness wouldn''t help him in any way.


    If anything it fueled him to decimate this fucked up world.


    With a weary sigh, he relaxed his shoulders and accepted the harsh reality.


    Stat points or not, Alex was confident.


    He didn''t need an arsenal of upgrades to crush this Nightmare.


    The strength he already had was enough, and his plan was simple: stay, fight, defeat the Grim Lord, and rack up as many stats points as possible along the way.


    Rising to his feet, Alex stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension from his earlier battle.


    His sharp gaze swept over the island bathed in soft moonlight.


    It looked almost serene¡ªlush trees swayed in the cool breeze, and the scent of fresh earth and saltwater mingled in the air.


    For a moment, Alex let himself enjoy it.


    He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, letting the soothing calm wash over him.


    But when he opened them, the peaceful facade faded.


    His eyes glinted sharply as he activated [Farsight], his vision stretching far ahead into the jungle.


    The illusion of tranquility shattered.


    He could see them.


    Monsters¡ªdozens of them¡ªprowling the dense foliage, their glowing eyes and shifting forms moving with unsettling grace.


    The jungle was teeming with danger.


    But Alex wasn''t fazed.


    He looked up and saw beyond it, looming high above the treetops, a tall mountain stood silhouetted against the twin moons.


    Alex''s lips curved into a determined smirk.


    "Destination spotted. Time to move," Alex muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the towering mountain in the distance.

 Chapter 96 - 96: Apocalypse Fashion

    But as he took his first step forward, he stopped abruptly, a wave of discomfort rolling over him.


    His wet clothes, still clinging to his skin, were crusted with sand, making every movement scratchy and unpleasant. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His boots squished with every step, still soaked from his earlier plunge into the sea.


    "This is unbearable," Alex grumbled, looking down at his waterlogged state. "I need to change."


    Opening his inventory, Alex flicked through the options.


    His virtual wardrobe was packed with all kinds of outfits¡ªbattle gear, casual wear, and everything in between.


    At first, he was overwhelmed, scrolling indecisively through his collection.


    Then a thought struck him.


    "I''m on an island," he mused, a grin spreading across his face.


    "Might as well dress the part."


    Without hesitation, Alex stripped off his drenched clothes and boots, tossing them into his inventory.


    The cool night breeze brushed against his skin, making him shiver.


    Cold!


    Alex hurriedly rummaged through his inventory and selected a pair of cargo shorts that immediately caught his eye. They weren''t just ordinary shorts¡ªthese ones added +2 to agility, a nice boost for his quick movements.


    He slipped them on and felt the subtle difference, his body feeling a little lighter, a little faster.


    Next, he pulled out a crisp red shirt with fiery orange patterns streaked across it.


    The shirt had a stats boost, and as soon as he buttoned it up his intelligence increased by five.


    "Looking good," he muttered, glancing down at his outfit.


    Kicking off his soaked boots, Alex selected a pair of flip-flops from his inventory.


    But these weren''t ordinary sandals¡ªthey came with a special ability that enabled him to life briefly on air.


    As soon as he slipped them on, he felt a faint tingle in his feet, like they were ready to lift him off the ground at a moment''s notice.


    All of the enchanted clothes were looted from the Cockatrice King''s base.


    The creature had been using the magical properties of these garments to power its brood.


    "I still wonder where it even got human clothes," Alex mused, shaking his head as the memory of the odd find came back to him.


    Fully dressed and ready to move, Alex took a step forward but then froze mid-stride.


    "Almost forgot," he muttered.


    Reaching into his inventory one last time, he pulled out a beach hat¡ªlight and breezy, but far more than it appeared. Placing it snugly on his head, Alex grinned.


    [Beach Hat (User Bound): A hat that seems like regular clothing but can transform into a deadly spiral blade on command. It can also be used as a boomerang.]


    Alex gave it a light tap, the brim sturdy but unassuming.


    "A weapon that doubles as fashion? Perfect," he said with a smirk.


    He then decided to test out the hat''s special power.


    Grinning with anticipation, he pulled it off his head and held it firmly in his hand.


    "Alright, let''s see what you can do," he muttered.


    With a thought, he activated the hat''s ability.


    The seemingly ordinary beach hat shimmered, its material shifting and morphing into a sleek, gleaming crescent-shaped blade.


    The transformation was mesmerizing, the blade glistening under the soft moonlight like liquid silver.


    Alex took a deep breath, weighing the weapon in his hand.


    It felt perfectly balanced, almost as if it was an extension of his arm.


    "Here goes nothing," he said, stepping into position.


    He hurled the blade with precision, aiming toward the edge of the forest.


    It zipped through the air, spinning so fast it was almost a blur.


    The weapon hummed with a faint, otherworldly sound as it sliced through the night.


    Alex shielded his eyes with one hand, the other resting on his brow as he tracked the weapon''s trajectory.


    His keen gaze followed it into the shadows of the trees.


    A moment later, he heard a faint shnk and the unmistakable thud of something hitting the ground.


    Then, as if it were drawn back by invisible strings, the crescent blade reappeared, spinning toward him like a boomerang.


    Alex raised his hand and caught it effortlessly, the weapon fitting back into his grip like it belonged there.


    He inspected the blade, his eyes wide with admiration.


    "Not a stain," he muttered.


    The weapon''s surface was spotless, glistening as clean as when he''d first activated it.


    A familiar sound then echoed in his ears.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Blight Raven (G)]


    [You have received 10 Nightmare points]


    [You have received 1 Stat point]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 10 Nightmare points]


    [You have received an additional Stat point]


    Alex shook his head:


    "Just one stat point? Cheap ass."


    With a thought, the crescent-shaped blade shimmered and morphed back into its original form, an ordinary-looking beach hat.


    He placed it back on his head, adjusting it with a firm tug.


    "Alright, time to move," he said, stepping forward toward the forest.


    But before he could take more than a few steps, a faint rumbling caught his attention.


    Heavy footsteps, slow but deliberate, echoed through the jungle.


    Alex wasn''t surprised.


    He had already seen them approaching with [Farsight].


    Still, he paused, his eyes narrowing as the first of them emerged from the shadows.


    They looked like bears, massive and hulking, but something was terribly wrong.


    Their fur was sparse, and their skin was grotesquely rotten, covered in oozing sores.


    Some were missing entire chunks of flesh, exposing ribs and other bones beneath.


    Their intestines drooped out of gaping wounds, swaying sickeningly with each step.


    The sight was horrific.


    Alex''s nose wrinkled in disgust.


    Their movements were jerky and irrational, lurching forward like puppets on broken strings.


    "Zombie bears?" he muttered, grimacing.


    A notification flashed in front of him.


    [Blight Bears (R)]


    Alex let out a long sigh and rolled his shoulders. "Of course," he muttered.


    He raised his arm, ready to summon his weapon, his fingers twitching with anticipation.


    But before he could act, a sudden screech pierced the air.


    His gaze snapped upward.


    And overhead, a swarm of birds dove toward him with terrifying speed.

 Chapter 97 - 97: Nightmare Store

    Alex didn''t flinch as the flock of birds dove toward him, screeching with deadly intent.


    "Annoying pests," he muttered, taking a deep breath.


    With a sudden roar, Alex unleashed a sonic scream.


    The air around him vibrated violently as waves of sound rippled outward.


    The birds were hit mid-flight, their bodies convulsing as they crashed into the ground one by one.


    Thew lifeless creatures piled up at his feet, their eerie glow extinguished.


    "That''s one problem handled," Alex said, brushing off his hands like it was nothing.


    His attention shifted to the hulking figures emerging from the shadows of the forest.


    More [Blight Bears] appeared, their rotting, grotesque forms illuminated faintly by the moonlight.


    Their bloodshot eyes locked onto Alex with mindless fury as they lumbered closer.


    Alex didn''t move.


    Hands casually tucked in his pockets, as he watched them with a smirk, completely unfazed.


    To regular players, these corrupted beasts would have been terrifying¡ªa deadly encounter requiring careful strategy.


    But to Alex, they were just mobs.


    The bears snarled, their roars echoing through the jungle as they broke into a full charge.


    Alex sighed, looking almost bored.


    He raised one hand lazily.


    "Alright, let''s heat things up a bit."


    With a flick of his wrist, he activated [Black Flame].


    A swirling mass of dark fire erupted from his palm, roaring to life as it streaked toward the oncoming bears.


    The flames hit their mark, engulfing the creatures in a blaze of obsidian fire.


    The fire clung to their rotting bodies, unyielding, burning endlessly until nothing but ashes remained.


    One. Two. Three.


    Alex moved with precision, striking the Blight Bears one after another, each attack fluid and effortless.


    He barely broke a sweat as his [Black Flame] skill did the heavy lifting, engulfing the bears in relentless fire.


    But something about them was¡­ unsettling.


    Even as their fur and flesh burned away, their movements remained eerily consistent.


    Limbs charred to the bone, eyes liquefied in their sockets, and yet, they kept coming.


    Some dragged themselves with missing limbs, others stumbled as their bodies crumbled piece by piece.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his posture shifting slightly as he observed their behavior.


    The realization clicked.


    These creatures weren''t just monsters; they were undead-like¡ªbeings that didn''t tire, didn''t fear, and most importantly, didn''t feel the agony of their own destruction.


    It made them tenacious.


    Relentless.


    But even if they couldn''t feel pain, their bodies were still falling apart.


    And he was right.


    The [Black Flame] was doing its job, eating away at their rotting forms.


    For every step forward, the bears lost more of themselves, until their shambling movements slowed to a halt.


    One by one, the bears collapsed, reduced to heaps of scorched flesh and brittle bones.


    The flames continued to dance across the remains, a silent reminder of the skills'' overwhelming power.


    The last bear fell mere feet away from Alex, its clawed hand outstretched as if trying to grasp him. Its body twitched once, then stilled as the fire consumed it completely.


    Alex stood over the smoldering carcass, his expression calm but focused.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated Blight Bear]


    [You have received 10 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 1 Stat Point]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 10 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received additional Stat Points]


    Alex furrowed his brow, his thoughts racing as he reviewed the notifications.


    The number of Nightmare Points he had earned from defeating the Blight Bears and Ravens was vastly different compared to what he got from slaying the Kraken.


    "400 nightmare points," Alex muttered, glancing at the total.


    It was more than he had earned from defeating the Kraken.


    He scrolled through his notifications again, this time focusing on the Stat Points.


    For defeating the pack of bears and birds, he had only gained 5 Stat Points. His title doubled the reward, making it 10 points.


    A little small though.


    In contrast, the Kraken had netted him 20 points, which the title boosted to a whopping 40 points.


    Alex rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then decided to dig deeper.


    He opened the kill notification logs, hoping for some clarity.


    And he read through the details, it hit him.


    "Oh¡­ so that''s it," Alex said to himself, his tone carrying a mix of understanding and mild irritation.


    He realized that Stat Points weren''t awarded for every single kill.


    It depended on the monster''s strength and value.


    The Kraken, being a far more powerful and dangerous opponent, had naturally yielded a much greater reward.


    The corrupted bears and ravens, though numerous, were much weaker by comparison.


    Accepting the logic, Alex put the thought aside.


    The forest ahead loomed darker and more mysterious, its canopy of twisted trees blocking out the moonlight. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex moved forward without hesitation.


    As he ventured deeper, something caught his eye¡ªa faint glow to his left.


    He turned his head and spotted a small store nestled at the corner of a clearing, its warm light a stark contrast to the eerie surroundings.


    "A store? Here?"


    Alex said, his curiosity piqued.


    The store looked old but well-maintained, with a wooden sign swaying gently above the entrance.


    Strange symbols were carved into its surface, glowing faintly in the dark.


    A faint hum of magic seemed to emanate from it, beckoning him closer.


    "Oh, this must be the store where we can spend Nightmare Points," Alex muttered to himself, curiosity pulling him forward.


    Deciding it was worth investigating, he made his way toward the glowing shop. With each step, he wondered about the vendor.


    "What''s it going to be? Another zombie?" he thought, imagining some grotesque creature with rotting flesh.


    But then his ears picked up something unexpected¡ªa gruff voice singing.


    The melody wasn''t bad, either.


    In fact, it was surprisingly catchy.


    As he reached the front of the store, the figure behind the counter came into view.


    Alex blinked once, then twice, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing.


    The back of the figure looked like a bare skull, the bone smooth and polished, glinting under the shop''s dim light.


    "What the hell...?" Alex muttered, taking a cautious step closer.


    As though sensing his presence, the figure stopped mid-chorus, and whipped around with lightning speed, its teeth clacking together like a drumbeat as it exclaimed in a shockingly enthusiastic tone.


    "Hi there!" it greeted, throwing its bony hands up in a wave.


    "The fuck?!"


    Alex startled, took a step back, and instinctively pulled out his sword.


    Standing before him was a freaking undead dressed like a cowboy.


    A full skeleton, complete with a tattered hat, leather boots, and a vest that somehow looked both intimidating and ridiculous. Its eye sockets glowed faintly with green light, and its wide grin made it look almost comical.


    "What the hell?"


    Alex exclaimed, gripping his sword tightly, eyes locked on the strange figure.


    But his confusion only deepened when he realized something bizarre.


    How the hell did it sing so well without vocal cords?


    "What are you?"


    Alex demanded, his voice sharp, though his curiosity was starting to overtake his fear.


    The undead casually tipped its hat, its bones clattering slightly as it moved.


    Then, in a twangy, cheerful voice, it replied:


    "Name''s Jenkin. I run the Nightmare Store. As long as you''ve got the points, I can get you what you want!"

 Chapter 98 - 98: Ridiculous Demand

    Alex blinked. "You''re kidding."


    Jenkin chuckled a dry sound that echoed like hollow wind through its ribcage.


    "Do I look like I''m kiddin'', partner?"


    Still clutching his sword, Alex allowed his eyes to wander around the store.


    It wasn''t exactly what he''d imagined for a mystical shop.


    The place was shabby, dimly lit, and cluttered with... organs.


    A quick scan revealed bones, a jaw with a tooth hanging loose, a suspiciously human-looking kidney in a jar, a brain floating in green liquid, an eyeball staring back at him, and two round balls...he decided he didn''t want to think too much about.


    He looked back at Jenkin, unsure whether to feel disgusted or impressed.


    "So...what do you sell?"


    The skeleton''s sockets seemed to brighten as if it had been waiting for that question.


    Jenkin leaned on the counter, spreading its bony arms theatrically.


    "Well, partner, I sell potions, weapons, gear, accessories, and other fine items that''ll aid your survival. As long as you''ve got the points, I can get you what you want!"


    Alex crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at the strange skeleton vendor.


    "So basically, this is like [Shop]," he muttered to himself. "Except it''s physical, and you trade with points instead of coins."


    His gaze drifted back to the macabre setup¡ªthe shelves lined with human organs in jars, the bony cowboy grinning like this was all perfectly normal.


    Yeah, no.


    "I''ll pass," Alex said flatly, shaking his head.


    The system had already explained that Nightmare Points could be used for more than just purchases.


    They could unlock hidden locations and other useful perks.


    He''d rather save them for something crucial later than blow them on whatever creepy trinkets this skeleton was hawking.


    Besides, he wasn''t about to buy gear from someone who thought floating kidneys counted as d¨¦cor.


    But as he walked, a nagging thought struck him.


    He then decided to open the [Shop] interface, the familiar menu flickering to life in his vision.


    But the moment it appeared, Alex''s heart sank.


    Right at the top of the screen, there was an icon he hadn''t seen before: a padlock.


    "No way," Alex muttered, narrowing his eyes.


    He tapped the icon, half-hoping it was some kind of glitch.


    Instead, a notification popped up in front of him, confirming his worst suspicion.


    [You cannot access [Shop] in Nightmare.]


    "Seriously?" Alex muttered, his voice dripping with frustration.


    His hand instinctively clenched into a fist, and he let out a slow, aggravated breath.


    This is fucked up.


    The Nightmare was rigged, deliberately making survival nearly impossible for players.


    Alex''s mind raced as he pieced it together.


    Players couldn''t level up properly. They couldn''t use the upgrade stones they fought so hard to earn. And now, even the [Shop]¡ªa vital resource for things like potions and food¡ªwas locked.


    Sure, the Nightmare Points offered an alternative, but they came with a massive catch.


    According to the system, these points were crucial for unlocking an important location that led to the Grim Lord.


    But if you splurged on the creepy vendor''s goods, it was possible you''d never save enough to access the location.


    And that was the real trap.


    The system hadn''t told him the exact amount of points needed, but Alex could guess it would be something massive, an amount no player could ever accumulate if they wasted their points on temporary fixes.


    He frowned deeply, his mind replaying the implications.


    This whole setup...was a death sentence.


    "Oii, player!" the undead called out, its raspy voice cutting through Alex''s thoughts. "I''ve got health potions, intelligence potions, stamina potions, any food you can think of, weapons, gear. As long as you have the points, I can give you what you want."


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    The last line it repeated like an NPC was starting to seriously creep him out.


    "Anything I want?" Alex asked.


    The undead nodded eagerly, though the motion was so jerky his skull nearly toppled off his neck.


    "As long as you have the points, I can give you what you want," it echoed again.


    Alex frowned in annoyance.


    "Hey... stop repeating that!"


    The undead tilted its head unnaturally, as though confused by Alex''s tone.


    Alex then decided to ask for something to test the limits.


    "Then how about direct access to the Grim Lord''s location?"


    The skeleton froze, its eerie green eyes flickering as if processing his words. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, it tilted its head and muttered:


    "Oh, let''s see¡­" Its bony fingers tapped on the counter like it was searching for something.


    And then, after a few seconds. the undead straightened up, its glowing eyes locking onto Alex.


    "Oh... direct access to the Grim Lord. Yes, I can give you that. As long as you have the points, I can give you what you want."


    Son of a bitch!


    Alex was tempted to just blow the entire store into smithereens with the undead in it.


    Still, the fact that the undead had an answer for an outrageous demand caught his attention.


    He''d expected this kind of request to be impossible, as it was practically cheating.


    Yet the vendor had stated he could grant it.


    That said, Alex could already sense that the cost was going to be ridiculous.


    "Alright... what''s the cost?"


    The undead''s eerie grin grew wider, its teeth clacking together.


    "Yes, player... that would cost one million nightmare points."


    Alex nodded.


    A million points huh?


    He wasn''t even surprised.


    He''d expected something outrageous, and a million nightmare points? Yeah, that was impossible to earn in the seven days the Nightmare allowed.


    It wasn''t even worth stressing about.


    Time, effort, and energy would be better spent going the regular route.


    But then, the vendor wasn''t done.


    The skeleton shifted slightly, its glowing green eyes locking onto Alex as it spoke again.


    "A million nightmare points... or there is another option of purchase."


    That made Alex curious.


    His eyes narrowed as a wave of suspicion crept over him.


    What would that be?


    The undead vendor''s grin twisted into an unsettling smile, and its jaw clicked as it leaned forward, and its eyes flared brightly, almost as if they were possessed by something far darker.


    "Your title...fifty percent of all your stats, along with ten abilities you currently possess, of my choosing."

 Chapter 99 - 99: Cursed Bargain

    Alex froze, his thoughts coming to a screeching halt.


    My title?


    That title was the foundation of everything he''d achieved.


    It was why he''d risen to this level of strength, why he could confidently stand against forces that would crush others.


    Yet this skeleton had the audacity to ask for it so casually as if it were just another item on a shelf.


    And that wasn''t all.


    It wanted half his stats and ten abilities¡ªones it would choose.


    Alex clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening.


    A grin spread across his face, but it wasn''t one of amusement. It was the kind of grin that barely concealed his anger.


    "This piece of shit¡­" he muttered under his breath.


    "You must have lost your mind," Alex said aloud, his voice sharp. "Which player in their right mind would sacrifice all of that?"


    The undead vendor''s glowing eyes burned brighter as it tilted its skull slightly, as if mocking Alex.


    "A desperate one," it replied in an eerie tone.


    Alex''s scowl deepened, his brows furrowing.


    "You know what? I would''ve expected you to ask for something insane, but this? Even asking for my organs would make more sense!"


    The skeleton let out a rasping laugh that sounded like nails scraping against metal.


    "Oh, player," it said with unsettling enthusiasm, "I do collect organs. But none of yours are worth the price you demand."


    Alex blinked, caught off guard.


    "You... collect organs?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief.


    The undead vendor nodded, the motion causing its head to wobble slightly on its neck. "Yes!" it replied, sounding disturbingly cheerful. "I''ve gathered quite the collection. Eyeballs, limbs, kidneys... You name it!"


    Alex stared at the skeleton in disbelief, trying to process what he''d just heard.


    This thing wasn''t just creepy¡ªit was downright deranged.


    Alex glanced around the store again, his eyes narrowing as he took in the eerie d¨¦cor.


    The truth hit him like a punch to the gut¡ªthose jars and containers, holding various organs, weren''t just bizarre decorations.


    They were trophies, harvested from players just like him.


    His fists clenched tighter, the veins on his hands becoming more pronounced.


    The vendor''s voice droned on, casual and almost amused.


    "You see, it''s much easier to collect these things when humans are in pain or dying. They tend to lose all sense of rationality in those moments."


    The skeleton leaned forward slightly, its glowing eyes locking onto Alex.


    "Especially when they''re injured or bitten by corrupted beasts. That''s when I step in¡ªwith a health potion in hand¡ªand add a few... extra conditions. It''s fascinating how eager they get in such situations."


    Alex''s face twisted with disgust and fury.


    The words sank in, each one stoking the flames of his anger.


    "So, my advice to you, player," the vendor continued, its tone oozing with smugness, "is to buy now. Don''t wait until the price becomes... expensive when you''re desperate."


    Alex''s jaw tightened as the undead vendor cackled.


    Exploiting pain for profit.


    This vendor was indeed a nightmare creature.


    The undead vendor then leaned towards him, speaking into his ear:


    "So what is your decision player? Are you willing to make the sacrifice now or would you prefer I come with an even more pricier offer when you..."


    BOOM!


    Alex''s fist connected with the vendor''s face in a blur of motion, and a loud crack echoed through the store as fractures spread across the skeleton''s jaw.


    The force sent the undead vendor sprawling backward, but instead of anger or fear, it let out a chilling, rattling laugh as it crumpled to the ground.


    Alex''s voice boomed with fury.


    "I''ve heard enough of your nonsense!"


    Without giving the vendor a chance to recover, Alex vaulted over the stall in a single, fluid motion.


    He grabbed the skeleton by the collar of its dusty, tattered shirt and yanked it upright.


    "You piece of shit!" Alex growled, his voice thick with rage. "Feeding on desperation? Exploiting people at their lowest? You think our lives are some kind of joke?"


    The undead vendor tilted its cracked skull to the side, glowing green eyes flickering like an amused flame.


    "Player, I''m only doing my job. If Player doesn''t wish to make a purchase, Player can simply leave."


    Alex''s eyes burned with pure anger.


    "Oh, I''ll leave, alright. But not until I smash your skull into dust!"


    He pulled back his fist, muscles taut with the promise of destruction.


    The skeleton let out another eerie laugh, its teeth clattering like wind chimes.


    "If you''d like my skull crushed, I can handle that for you myself."


    Alex froze mid-punch, glaring at the vendor with confusion.


    "What the hell are you talking about?"


    The skeleton''s glowing eyes gleamed brighter, and it leaned in closer.


    "Crushing my skull? That would cost you... let''s see... two kidneys and a testicle."


    Alex blinked, his anger momentarily replaced with bewilderment.


    "What?"


    The vendor straightened itself with a grotesque creak.


    "As long as you have the price, I can give you what you want," it repeated, its voice taking on that same eerie, sing-song tone.


    "Motherfucker," Alex growled, his voice low and seething with rage.


    Before the vendor could cackle again, Alex''s fist shot forward like a cannonball, landing another devastating blow square on its face.


    The crack reverberated through the eerie silence of the shop as fragments of bone scattered to the floor.


    He didn''t hold back this time.


    He was done with the games, done with the mockery.


    The vendor staggered, but its glowing green eyes flickered brighter, almost as if it thrived on Alex''s fury.


    Half its face was now a jagged ruin, but somehow, it still managed to grin.


    "Ah, what''s wrong, Player?" it taunted, its voice rasping like metal scraping stone. "You can''t afford it, can you? Perhaps you could get someone else to pay? A friend? A loved one? Oh wait..."


    The undead paused, its grin stretching unnaturally wide.


    "Your parents, perhaps? But... oh, I see... that''s a problem. They''re already dead."


    Boom!


    Alex''s fist crashed into the vendor''s skull with a force that could have shattered a boulder. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sound was deafening, like the crack of thunder in a storm.


    The vendor''s entire face disintegrated under the impact, shards of bone flying in every direction.


    When the dust settled, Alex''s fist remained planted where the vendor''s face had been, surrounded by eerie green mist escaping from the shattered remains of the skull.


    Steam hissed from his knuckles, his rage so intense it felt like it radiated heat.


    {Ding}


    [You have killed the store vendor.]


    [You have been branded with a cursed sigil for a day.]


    [Nightmare monsters will hunt you relentlessly.]

 Chapter 100 - 100: Infernal Dance

    Alex barely flinched as the notifications popped up in his field of vision.


    He felt a faint burning sensation on the back of his neck, and when he reached up, his fingers brushed against a skull-shaped mark that had seared itself into his skin.


    He frowned, unfazed by the warning.


    "I''ve been cursed before, you piece of shit," he muttered under his breath. "This is normal for me."


    His rage hadn''t subsided.


    If anything, it burned hotter now.


    Somehow, this place had reached into his mind, digging through his memories and using the most painful ones to taunt him.


    That wasn''t a coincidence. It was calculated, and it pissed him off.


    Alex raised his head, his voice steady but filled with venom as he spoke into the void, addressing the unseen Beast Lord orchestrating this nightmare.


    "You provoked me, so be ready. I''ll come to you soon."


    The air seemed to shudder as if hearing his words.


    And then...


    Ruuuuarrr!


    A deafening roar echoed through the nightmare realm, shaking the very ground beneath his feet.


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    The heavy, earth-shaking footsteps of something massive began to grow louder, each one sending vibrations through Alex''s chest.


    Whatever it was, it was coming for him.


    Alex''s eyes darted to the shop''s entrance, narrowing as the tremors grew stronger.


    Crash!


    The wall of the store exploded inward as a massive, hulking creature barreled through, its colossal form smashing the vendor''s stall and everything around it into splinters.


    Alex lunged out of the crumbling wreckage just in time, rolling to his feet and spinning around to face his attacker.


    A system prompt appeared before his eyes.


    [Blight Rhino]


    Alex''s gaze swept the area, and his stomach tensed.


    The Blight Rhino wasn''t alone.


    More than a dozen of them stood around him, their dark, cracked hides seething with unnatural energy.


    Their glowing red eyes were locked on him with pure hatred.


    The ground trembled as more creatures emerged from the shadows, their low growls blending into a horrifying symphony.


    Alex was completely surrounded.


    The lead Rhino roared, the sound guttural and hateful, before lowering its massive head and charging at him, its horn gleaming with a toxic glow.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    His expression remained calm as his fingers tightened around the hilt of his blade.


    "Let''s get this over with," he muttered.


    As the beast barreled toward him, Alex swung his sword with precision and incredible force. The blade glowed faintly as it sliced through the Blight Rhino''s thick hide like it was nothing more than butter.


    Shhhk!


    The creature split cleanly in two, its massive body flying apart in opposite directions, the separated halves blowing past him.


    Blood sprayed violently into the air, but none of it touched Alex.


    A shimmering barrier surrounded him¡ª[Aegis Arcane], his protective shield spell, deflecting every drop.


    Before he could even exhale, the remaining Rhinos roared in unison and charged at him, their thunderous steps shaking the earth.


    Alex''s lips curled into a sharp grin.


    His eyes gleamed with cold determination.


    In the blink of an eye, he moved.


    His body became a blur, weaving between the rampaging beasts with inhuman agility.


    One Rhino lunged at him, but before it could land a hit, Alex''s blade flashed, and the creature was torn into chunks, its remains scattering in all directions.


    He slipped through their ranks like a shadow, untouchable and relentless.


    Each swing of his sword left devastation in its wake, cleaving through thick hides and bones with ease.


    The battlefield was a storm of chaos, blood, and gore, but Alex remained calm in the eye of it all. His movements were fluid, almost graceful as if he were performing a deadly dance.


    The Blight Rhinos, powerful and unrelenting, didn''t stand a chance.


    One by one, they fell, reduced to lifeless heaps in the wake of Alex''s onslaught.


    One¡­ two¡­ thirty.


    More Blight Rhinos fell to Alex''s relentless blade, their massive forms collapsing into heaps of bloodied flesh.


    The battlefield was a graveyard of shattered beasts, but Alex wasn''t done yet.


    He felt it before he saw it¡ªa wave of danger surging toward him.


    His instincts screamed.


    Alex twisted, narrowly dodging a crackling bolt of lightning that struck the ground where he''d been standing.


    The impact left a scorched crater, the air sizzling with residual energy.


    He whipped his head toward the source and locked eyes with a new threat: a corrupted deer.


    Its eerie antlers pulsed with glowing energy, radiating power as it prepared another attack.


    The corrupted deer fired again, but Alex was already moving.


    He dodged to the side, raising his hand to dish out an attack.


    A burst of black flame erupted from his palm, engulfing the deer in a fiery blaze.


    Its agonized cries echoed for a moment before it disintegrated into ash.


    Alex had no time to celebrate.


    In his maneuver, he''d landed directly in the path of a charging Rhino.


    Its horn gleamed as it lunged at him, the ground quaking beneath its massive frame.


    Unfazed, Alex gripped his sword tighter.


    He spun his body mid-air like a Beyblade, his blade becoming a deadly whirlwind.


    The Rhino''s tough hide offered no resistance as Alex tore through it and the others in the group.


    Blood and chunks of flesh sprayed everywhere, painting the battlefield in crimson.


    He landed softly, his boots touching the blood-soaked ground with a calm precision.


    But as he straightened, a massive shadow loomed over him, blocking the faint light.


    Alex craned his neck upward and saw it: a towering creature with a hulking, grotesque form. Its twisted muscles rippled under its sickly green skin, and its glowing eyes burned with malevolence.


    [Blight Troll]


    The massive beast let out an ear-shattering roar and lifted one of its enormous feet, aiming to crush Alex like an insect.


    The foot came down with thunderous force, the ground shuddering violently from the impact. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But when the Troll lifted its foot, it found nothing.


    Alex had already leaped into the air, his form a blur of motion.


    He descended from above, his fist glowing with power.


    "Catch this," Alex growled, his punch connecting with the top of the Troll''s skull.

 Chapter 101 - 101: Unstoppable Force

    A sickening crack echoed across the battlefield as the Troll''s skull fractured under the force of Alex''s strike.


    The Troll''s massive body fell to the ground with an earth-shaking thud, its head caved in from Alex''s devastating punch.


    [Ding]


    [You have killed Blight Troll]


    [You have received 30 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 3 Stat Points]


    {Apocalypse Baby Kicking In}


    [You have received an additional 30 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received an additional 3 Stat Points]


    Including the 9 stat points he''d already earned, his total now sat at a hefty 48 stat points¡ªall racked up in minutes.


    Thanks to his title''s doubling effect, he was reaping rewards at an unprecedented pace.


    That was almost the value of an upgrade stone, and this was just the beginning.


    But there was no time to bask in victory.


    A low, guttural growl echoed behind him, followed by a chorus of snarls and roars.


    Alex turned to face the source, and his sharp gaze fell on the next wave of attackers.


    Emerging from the shadows, a horde of corrupted beasts closed in on him, their glowing, hate-filled eyes fixed on their target.


    [Blight Wolves] [Blight Deer]


    [Blight Tiger] [Blight Bear]


    [Blight Troll]


    Their numbers swelled, easily totaling over a hundred.


    The cursed sigil on Alex''s neck pulsed faintly, its dark energy acting like a beacon, drawing them all to him.


    Alex let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.


    "Looks like I''ve got a knack for attracting hordes of monsters," he said, a grin spreading across his face.


    But he wasn''t intimidated.


    No, he welcomed the challenge.


    Every monster he killed meant more Nightmare Points.


    Every kill meant more stat points to fuel his rise. This wasn''t just survival¡ªit was an opportunity.


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, brushing it back casually, though his eyes burned with determination.


    "These aren''t just monsters trying to kill me," he muttered, his voice low but resolute.


    "No¡­ They''re the foundation for my rise to power. This entire nightmare¡­"


    His blade hummed faintly in his hand, energy surging through it.


    He raised the weapon, pointing it toward the monstrous horde encircling him.


    "If I come out on top, my rise will truly begin," Alex declared, his tone calm but resolute. "And if I fail... well, I die. No middle ground."


    With that, he shifted into a ready stance, the blade trembling slightly from the power building within it.


    The monsters surged forward, their roars deafening, their charge unstoppable.


    Alex grinned, adrenaline surging through his veins as he activated [Exploding Touch], infusing his sword''s hilt with volatile energy, primed to transfer. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was time to blow some shit up.


    *


    Brief Interlude ~ Oracle


    "No, no, no!"


    The Oracle paced back and forth, his glowing eyes darting between the pulsating screens that filled his zone.


    Each one displayed the same thing:


    Alex tearing through the Nightmare World.


    His claws flew over a glowing console as he tried to adjust the system settings.


    Numbers and lines of code danced across the screens, but every adjustment was immediately rejected.


    "No matter what I do... it won''t take hold!"


    "Dammit!" he roared, slamming a clawed paw into the console.


    A shockwave of energy radiated out, cracking the wall and sending shards of glowing crystal tumbling to the ground.


    He slammed both paws down, breathing heavily, his fur bristling with frustration.


    His sharp teeth ground together as he stared at the screen showing Alex standing triumphant, surrounded by the bodies of countless beasts.


    The Oracle had seen Alex enter the Nightmare World¡ªa brutal process designed to challenge players against a Beast Lord.


    Survival was supposed to be next to impossible.


    And yet...


    "If I remember correctly," he muttered, gripping his snout, "I set the rewards to include Nightmare Points... and those damn Upgrade Stones."


    He paused, shaking his head.


    "Upgrade Stones... which are exactly what the anomaly needs to become even more of an anomaly."


    His claws dug into the console, scratching deep grooves into its surface.


    He''d left the rewards as they were, confident no one would ever survive the Nightmare Realm to claim them.


    After all, the odds were stacked against anyone who dared try.


    But Alex wasn''t just anyone.


    The Oracle''s eyes narrowed, his tail lashing violently.


    "That human... he''ll survive."


    If Alex made it out alive, he wouldn''t just escape with his life.


    He would have an absurd amount of attribute points, enough to completely upset the system.


    "I messed up," the Oracle growled, slamming his fist into the console again.


    He shouldn''t have given Alex the Attribute Converter as a reward for defeating the Cockatrice King.


    But what choice did he have,


    The alternatives were even more broken and he had to reward Alex no matter what.


    He''d chosen the Converter, thinking it would slow him down as he would have to sacrifice his attribute points.


    But how foolish he had been.


    Now, Alex had a tool that let him channel his points into skills, scaling them to insane levels.


    It was a weapon of progression, and in Alex''s hands, it would topple the entire tutorial phase.


    The Oracle gripped his fur, yanking at the loose patches already falling out.


    "He''s ruining everything!"


    His once-pristine coat was ragged and thin, a testament to the stress this mere human had caused.


    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to think clearly.


    "There are still other Beast Lords in the Nightmare Realms," he muttered, pacing again. "Powerful ones... strong enough to take Alex down."


    He stopped, his glowing eyes flickering with a mix of hope and fear.


    "Alex''s personality ensures one thing¡ªhe''ll challenge them. He can''t resist a fight."


    For a moment, relief washed over him. If Alex fell to these challenges, the problem would solve itself.


    But then his claws flexed, digging into his panel.


    "And if he doesn''t fall...?"


    The thought sent a chill down his spine. If Alex survived, he would become a force beyond his control.


    He''d grow stronger, faster, more skilled¡ªan unstoppable juggernaut.


    "A monster," the Oracle whispered, his voice trembling. "A being I cannot allow to exist."


    His resolve hardened.


    "No. That cannot happen. I need to stop this at all costs."


    He turned back to his glowing console, his claws dancing across the keys.


    A new screen appeared, displaying a list of names and glowing figures¡ªhis pawns.


    "It''s time to make my move," the Oracle said, his voice cold.


    He opened his stat window and began issuing commands.


    "Alex... you won''t live long enough to become my nightmare."

 Chapter 102 - 102: Grim Crossing

    A group of twelve players huddled at the base of a foreboding mountain, snow drifting steadily around them.


    The icy breeze cut through their clothes, making even their strongest members shiver.


    Ahead of them loomed a towering armored statue, its massive axe planted firmly in the ground. Frost clung to the edges of its armor, and pressure radiated from it.


    "Are we... supposed to fight that?" one male player stammered, his voice shaking almost as much as his knees.


    The immense presence of the statue seemed to bear down on them, sapping their courage.


    From within the group, a figure in gleaming armor stepped forward.


    A cape flared behind him, rippling dramatically in the wind as if it had a life of its own.


    His stride was deliberate, every step crunching against the snow with quiet confidence.


    "No," the armored figure said firmly. "We don''t fight it."


    He stopped, turning to face the others.


    "We just have to walk between its legs. If we have enough Nightmare Points, it''ll let us through. If not..." His gaze darkened, and his voice dropped ominously.


    "...then you die."


    The group exchanged uneasy glances, some clutching their weapons tightly, others taking a step back.


    The tension in the air was suffocating.


    Ezekiel, the leader of the group, stood unmoving, his face calm yet unreadable.


    Ezekiel had spent five harrowing days in this nightmare, searching for and gathering enough Nightmare Points to face the trial.


    Along the way, he''d recruited these players¡ªothers trapped in this hellish realm¡ªto form a team to complete the trial.


    Now, the time had come to end it once and for all, before his own clock ran out.


    "Everyone has enough points, right?"


    Ezekiel asked firmly, his sharp gaze scanning the group.


    A chorus of nods followed.


    The icy wind howled around them, the snow crunching beneath their boots as they approached the towering statue.


    The closer they got, the heavier the air seemed to grow, like an invisible force pressing down on them.


    Suddenly, the statue''s eyes glinted red, piercing through the gloom like twin embers.


    Everyone froze.


    Their breaths hitched, hearts pounding in their chests like war drums.


    The statue''s gaze moved, its eyes darting about as if studying them, calculating.


    The group stood rooted to the spot, weapons trembling in their hands, expecting an attack.


    But the statue remained motionless, its massive axe still resting in the ground.


    Ezekiel didn''t falter.


    With steady determination, he stepped forward, his boots crunching against the snow. "Let''s go," he said, his voice calm but commanding.


    He was the first to pass beneath the massive legs of the statue.


    The rest of the group hesitated, hearts hammering as they exchanged uncertain glances. Then, one by one, they followed, their steps slow and cautious.


    As the first player crossed the invisible threshold behind the statue, a notification appeared before their eyes.


    [1000 Nightmare Points have been deducted to enter the trial.]


    Another player followed.


    [1000 Nightmare Points have been deducted to enter the trial.]


    "Fuck, that''s all the points I have!" a player with twin blade named Bart shouted, his voice trembling with frustration and fear.


    "Maybe if you''d spent more time hunting and less time running, you wouldn''t be broke," another player snapped, smirking despite the tension.


    "Enough," Ezekiel barked, cutting through their bickering. "We don''t have time for petty arguments."


    "NO! No...wait...I didn''t know!"


    The panicked voice pierced the conversation, and everyone''s heads snapped around.


    One of the female players stood frozen, her eyes wide with terror as the towering statue''s axe began to rise.


    Her hands shot up in a desperate plea.


    "Please, no! I had enough points! I swear I did!"


    Ezekiel frowned, his jaw tightening as he watched the scene unfold.


    "I thought I told you," he said in a low growl, his voice filled with restrained anger.


    The woman shook her head frantically, her voice breaking.


    "It is! I swear I had enough! But two...two points just disappeared! I don''t know how¡ªit wasn''t my fault! Please, believe me!"


    Ezekiel''s frown deepened. There was nothing he could do. The statue was too strong for them to take down.


    He turned away, his face grim.


    "Ezekiel, no...don''t leave me! Help...help me!" she screamed, her voice cracking as panic overtook her.


    The group watched, frozen in horror, as the statue''s massive axe came crashing down.


    BOOM!


    The ground shook as the statue''s axe slammed into the female player, silencing her cries instantly. Blood and snow sprayed outward, and the group recoiled, their faces pale and their breaths shallow.


    No one moved.


    The sight of her lifeless body beneath the statue''s axe burned into their memories.


    The statue slowly returned to its original position, the massive axe sliding back into place with an ominous groan of stone grinding against stone.


    Freya, another female player, broke the suffocating silence.


    Her voice trembled, barely louder than a whisper. "Why...why did it do that? She told me she had enough points."


    "Maybe she didn''t check her points properly," someone said hesitantly.


    Freya shook her head, her eyes still fixed on the spot where the statue had struck.


    "Why wouldn''t she check? In this situation, it''s life or death."


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, his frustration spilling into his voice. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is why I told all of you to make sure your points were nothing less than a thousand before we begin. I''ve repeated it again and again!"


    A smug laugh cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone''s attention to a young man at the back of the group.


    He leaned casually against a jagged boulder, a grin plastered on his face that didn''t match the dire situation.


    "Well," he said, his tone dripping with mockery, "it seemed like she had her ears plugged. Or maybe you just weren''t loud enough, fearless leader."


    The group turned on him, their eyes filled with thinly veiled hostility.


    Ezekiel''s glare darkened, but he kept his composure.


    He studied the young man¡ªcocky, unbothered, and radiating confidence. He was their newest recruit, someone who had only joined the group a day ago.


    Yet, in that short time, he had managed to accumulate over a thousand Nightmare Points¡ªa feat that had taken the others days, of grueling effort.


    Ezekiel knew this teen wasn''t ordinary.


    His speed, his ruthlessness, and his ability to adapt to the Nightmare world were far beyond average.


    That was why Ezekiel had invited him to join the group.


    But the others didn''t share Ezekiel''s sentiments.


    They weren''t fans of his methods¡ªthe violence, the recklessness.


    It was already hard enough surviving in this hellish world without someone making enemies everywhere they went.


    And now, after watching one of their own die, thanks in part to the tension the new recruit brought, resentment bubbled just beneath the surface.


    Ezekiel sighed deeply, his breath fogging in the cold air.


    His voice was steady but carried a cold edge as he addressed the group.


    "She should''ve kept checking her Nightmare Points, but she didn''t. Her death is on her. We keep moving."


    The weight of his words settled over the group like a heavy blanket, but no one dared argue.


    With grim expression, they followed Ezekiel into the dark entrance of the mountain.


    As they crossed the threshold, their system notifications chimed simultaneously.


    [Welcome to the first floor of the Nightmare Trial.]


    [Objective: Pass the first of five trials.]


    [Rewards:]


    - 2,000 Nightmare Points


    - 20 Upgrade Stones


    Suddenly, the dim chamber they entered burst into life.


    Bright lightning streaked across the walls, illuminating ancient carvings etched into the stone.


    With a loud whoosh, torches mounted along the walls flared to life, their flames crackling and dancing in the cold air.


    The room was enormous, the ceiling towering so high above that it disappeared into shadows.


    At the far end, something¡ªor someone¡ªsat motionless.


    The group froze, their breaths hitching as they took in the sight.


    At the end of the room, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, was a furry creature, its back turned to them.


    It looked like an orangutan and it sat in a lotus position, its massive frame strangely serene, but the blood-red aura radiating from its body sent a clear message that this was no ordinary beast.


    Ezekiel narrowed his eyes, studying the creature.


    The creature didn''t move, didn''t even acknowledge their presence.


    Yet the oppressive energy it exuded made it clear that it was far from friendly.

 Chapter 103 - 103: Fatal Misstep

    "What is that thing?" one of the players asked, their voice trembling as they pointed at the creature.


    Above the beast''s head floated a label:


    [Baranga ????]


    The question marks sent a wave of unease through the group.


    "What does it mean?" another player muttered, confused.


    Ezekiel''s sharp gaze lingered on the ominous aura surrounding the creature.


    He didn''t answer immediately, his mind calculating every possibility.


    "Are we supposed to defeat it to move to the next round?"


    Before Ezekiel could respond, a loud scoff broke the tension.


    Dorion stepped forward, his scythe gleaming wickedly in the torchlight.


    "I say we get this over with!" he said, gripping his weapon tightly. "Kill the beast and move on immediately."


    Ezekiel stepped in, placing himself between Dorion and the creature.


    "Let''s not be rash," he said, her voice calm but firm.


    "The question marks above its name mean this thing isn''t your average monster. It''s dangerous, and if we mess up, we''ll all end up dead."


    Bart rolled his eyes, his impatience boiling over.


    "Well, unlike the rest of you, I only have a day left. I don''t have time to wait around while we play detective."


    "Wait!" Freya suddenly shouted, her eyes locking onto something carved into the wall. "Guys, come see this!"


    Her urgency drew their attention, and the group hesitantly approached the wall, their focus shifting away from the beast.


    Freya pointed at a faint inscription etched into the stone, weathered but still legible under the flickering torchlight.


    "It''s writing," she said, tracing her fingers lightly over the grooves. "Looks like instructions or¡­a warning."


    "Read it," Ezekiel ordered, his tone tense.


    Freya nodded and took a deep breath. With the rest of the group leaning in, she began to read the text aloud.


    Once you step into the platform follow the rule.


    When the monster''s gaze is on you try not to change position or you''ll be a dead fool.


    You cannot do this alone do not try.


    Lest you fall under Barangas hand and end up fried.


    Freya''s voice trailed off as she finished reading.


    "What is this...a poem?" Dorion asked, confused.


    "No," Freya said sharply, her tone brooking no argument. "It''s the rules, and we have to take them seriously if we want to survive."


    "Rules? Screw the rules," Dorion growled, gripping his scythe tighter. "I say we take it down now and move on. This is a waste of time."


    Freya shot him a withering glare, frustration bubbling beneath her calm facade.


    She wondered, not for the first time, how she''d ended up surrounded by such reckless idiots.


    Ezekiel, meanwhile, was scanning the room.


    His sharp eyes settled on a faint line etched into the stone floor, just before the creature.


    It was subtle, easy to miss in the dim torchlight, but it matched the instructions.


    "That must be the line," Ezekiel said, pointing at it. "Crossing it triggers the rules. If we don''t follow them, we''re dead."


    Dorion snorted. "Or we could just kill the thing and be done with it."


    "This isn''t about brawn, Dorion," Ezekiel said firmly. "This trial is about strategy. We need to plan before making a move."


    But before they could even begin to strategize, the group froze.


    Bart stepped forward, moving toward the creature.


    "Bart!" Ezekiel hissed. "What are you doing?!"


    Bart ignored her, his steps slow and hesitant.


    "We''re wasting time," he muttered. "I''ll check it out."


    "Get back here!" Ezekiel barked, his voice like a whip crack. "You don''t know what you''re doing!"


    But Bart kept going, crossing the line without hesitation.


    The moment his foot touched the other side, Baranga stirred.


    The monstrous figure in the lotus position shifted slightly, its head tilting to the side.


    Its eyes were shut¡ªnot just two, but three, with the third centered ominously on its forehead.


    The air turned icy, and the tension became suffocating.


    The it opened the third eye which made Bart flinch.


    "Bart!" Freya yelled, panic lacing her voice. "Don''t take another step!"


    Bart froze, his breathing ragged as the creature''s eyes bore into him. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The room was so silent that even the flicker of the torches seemed muted.


    Bart''s knees buckled as the immense pressure from the creature''s gaze threatened to crush him.


    "Don''t move, Bart!" Freya repeated, her voice trembling.


    Bart''s lips quivered, and his wide eyes darted back toward the group, desperation written all over his face.


    "I¡ªI can¡­" he stammered, his body shaking.


    "Don''t do it!"


    Ezekiel yelled reading Bart''s intention.


    Bart''s hands trembled as he stared at the beast, its massive form radiating an oppressive aura.


    Fear clawed at his insides, but he clenched his jaw, gripping his sword tightly.


    "I can take it down," he muttered to himself as if saying it aloud would make it true, and without hesitating, Bart let out a shaky battle cry and charged toward the beast.


    The room seemed to hold its breath as Bart closed the distance.


    The monster, still seated in its meditative lotus position, showed no reaction¡ªuntil its third eye snapped open.


    The blood-red orb locked onto Bart with a chilling intensity.


    Then it moved.


    The creature didn''t rise or attack physically.


    Instead, it raised a clawed hand and snapped its fingers.


    Snap.


    Bart''s forward momentum stopped dead as his body ignited in a sudden burst of crimson flames.


    "AAAAARGH!"


    Bart''s scream pierced the air, a sound so raw and agonizing it sent chills down everyone''s spine.


    The flames weren''t ordinary¡ªthey danced and twisted unnaturally, licking at his armor and skin with a relentless hunger.


    His screams grew louder as the fire''s intensity seemed to increase with every passing second.


    "Help me! PLEASE!" Bart shrieked, his voice cracking with desperation.


    The group stood frozen, paralyzed by the horrific scene.


    Ezekiel''s jaw clenched, his fists balled at his sides.


    He could do nothing but watch.


    "Bart!" Freya cried out, tears streaming down her face.


    But there was no way to save him.


    Within moments, Bart''s screams faltered, his strength giving out as he collapsed to the ground.


    The flames didn''t stop.


    They continued their merciless assault, consuming his body until there was nothing left but ashes.


    The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the faint crackling of embers.


    The group''s expressions were a mix of shock, fear, and horror. No one dared to move or speak, the reality of the situation crashing down on them like a tidal wave.


    Suddenly, a female player broke the silence with a bloodcurdling scream.


    "WHAT IS THIS?! WHAT IS THIS PLACE?!" she wailed, tears streaming down her face as she stumbled back.


    Bart''s gruesome death was a brutal wake-up call.


    This trial was no joke.


    It was life or death, and every decision from here on out would have consequences.

 Chapter 104 - 104: Blighted Path

    The air was heavy with tension, and the group was on edge after witnessing Bart''s gruesome death.


    Each of them stood frozen, the reality of the situation sinking in deeper with every passing second.


    Ezekiel''s sharp gaze remained locked on the beast, analyzing its every twitch and aura.


    He muttered under his breath, loud enough for those nearby to hear:


    "You heard the rules. Let''s not be brash. That''s how we survive this."


    The woman who had screamed earlier clutched her arms, her voice trembling as she spoke, "D-Do we really have to face this thing now? It''s¡­ it''s too scary."


    Dorion scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically.


    "That''s why it''s called a nightmare, idiot. If you can''t handle it, you should''ve just stayed outside and let the blight monsters kill you. Better that than standing here screaming and crying like a¡ª"


    "Watch your mouth, kid!" Freya snapped, his face tight with anger. "Her reaction''s totally normal! Someone just died in front of us!"


    Dorion smirked, shrugging as if it didn''t matter.


    "Well, praise the lord, we lost a fool. You told him not to go, and he still ran straight into his death. Why should I give a damn?"


    "What are you, a psychopath?" the woman shot back, her voice rising. "How can you not be affected by seeing someone die like that? He burned alive! We all saw it!"


    Dorion and the woman''s argument continued to escalate, their voices echoing through the chamber.


    Ezekiel stood to the side, silent but observant.


    His sharp gaze never left Dorion.


    The way the teenager''s eyes narrowed, the way his fingers twitched at the hilt of his weapon¡ªit was clear as day.


    Dorion wanted to kill her.


    Ezekiel wasn''t surprised.


    He had known from the beginning.


    The kid carried himself with an unmistakable aura.


    The kind of aura Ezekiel had come to know all too well.


    He had spent years surrounded by killers, and they all had a distinct air about them. It wasn''t something you could fake or hide. It clung to them like a second skin, a scent of violence and death that lingered even when they were calm.


    And Dorion?


    He reeked of it.


    Ezekiel''s stomach churned with disgust.


    He couldn''t fathom how someone so young could already carry the stench of a seasoned murderer.


    It wasn''t just unsettling¡ªit was wrong.


    But Ezekiel buried the thought.


    This place was hell, and only monsters could survive here.


    And there was no one more monstrous than the kid standing in front of him.


    Dorion and the woman were inches from each other now, their argument boiling over. Their faces were flushed with anger, their voices sharp and biting.


    The two were teetering on the edge, and Ezekiel could see it¡ªone wrong word, one wrong move, and blood would be spilled.


    So he clenched his jaw and stepped forward, like he always did and raised his hand sharply, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.


    "Enough! Both of you!" he snapped, glaring at Dorion and Freya in turn.


    "We''ve got bigger problems than your petty arguments. If we start killing each other now, none of us are making it out alive. The more we waste time-fighting, the lower our chances of survival get."


    His tone dropped, firm but edged with urgency.


    "Time is running out. Many of us only have a few days left before... well, you know what happens."


    The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.


    Ezekiel''s sharp eyes darted between Freya and Dorion.


    "So bury your grudges. Set aside your hatred. We need to get past this first stage, or none of it will matter."


    Freya clenched her fists, her jaw tight, but she nodded first. "You''re right."


    Dorion rolled his eyes and said with a shrug.


    "Whatever, unlike you guys, I''m not under any pressure. So I don''t really care."


    Choosing not to escalate the situation, Ezekiel turned back to the rest of the group.


    "Alright, listen up. Let''s focus on what we know."


    He gestured toward the scorched line on the ground and the faint, blackened remnants where Bart had stood. The group shifted uncomfortably, some glancing at the monster, others looking at the floor to avoid the chilling sight.


    "From what we''ve seen, stepping past the line triggers the monster''s attention. If you take a step beyond that, you''re set on fire¡ªinstantly. There''s no time to dodge or react. It''s game over."


    The players exchanged uneasy glances, murmurs of fear rippling through the group.


    "So how do we move forward?" asked the woman who had been crying earlier.


    Desperation clear in her voice.


    Freya stepped forward, her expression resolute. "I have an idea," she said, drawing everyone''s attention. "From what we''ve seen, the monster can only focus on one person at a time. When Bart stepped past the line, it immediately locked onto him."


    "I believe that if one person steps past the line, the monster''s attention will turn to them. That would give someone else a chance to move forward while the monster is distracted. Once the monster shifts its focus to the second person, the first can keep moving. We can leapfrog our way forward, one at a time."


    The group mulled over her words, some nodding in agreement, others still skeptical.


    "But it''s just a theory," Freya admitted. "We''d have to test it to be sure. And even then, there''s no guarantee it''ll work for all of us. If someone messes up, it could be a disaster."


    Ezekiel crossed his arms, his face thoughtful. "It''s risky, but it''s the best plan we have right now." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Freya met his eyes, her voice firm. "One thing''s for sure: no one can do this alone."


    The group fell into silence again, the weight of the challenge ahead pressing down on them. Their eyes darting nervously toward the monstrous creature.


    Dorion then broke the silence with a sharp, mocking tone.


    "Okay... so, who''s going first?"


    His eyes scanned the group, daring anyone to step up.


    No one moved.


    They averted their gazes, shuffling awkwardly.


    "You''re the crazy one," Freya muttered. "You should go first."


    Dorion glared at her, his lips curling into a sneer. "You bitch!"


    "Enough," Ezekiel interrupted, his voice firm but calm. "I''ll go first."


    Everyone turned to him, their expressions a mix of relief and anxiety.


    "As the leader, it''s my responsibility," Ezekiel continued. "But everyone else will have to follow. Like Freya said, no one can do this alone."


    The group fell silent again, the weight of his words sinking in.


    Ezekiel took a deep breath, steeling himself.


    He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate.


    His heart pounded in his chest, each beat like a drum echoing in his ears.


    His hands felt clammy, his palms slick with sweat despite the freezing cold.


    He kept his eyes locked on the creature, studying its every twitch and breath. It hadn''t moved yet, but its presence was suffocating.


    As he neared the line, the others watched him intently, their breaths held.


    Ezekiel halted just in front of the visible boundary, which looked like a line drawn with chalk. Ahead of him was another drawn line most like the finish line.


    And the distance to get there was about 50 yards. It wasn''t too long. But Ezekiel knew once he started it would feel endless.


    His foot hovered above the ground, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.


    If he crossed this line, there was no turning back.


    "Here goes nothing," he muttered under his breath.


    And with a final exhale, he stepped forward, his boot crossing the line.

 Chapter 105 - 105: Sacrificial Pawn

    As both of Ezekiels feet crossed the invisible threshold, a sudden, ominous change filled the air.


    The creature''s third eye snapped open.


    A wave of pressure slammed into Ezekiel like a physical force.


    He stumbled slightly, his heart hammering wildly in his chest.


    The monster''s gaze locked onto him, and the world seemed to shrink under its oppressive stare.


    Ezekiel''s breathing became shallow.


    His vision tunneled as his body fought against the crushing weight of its attention.


    Then, the beast moved.


    With terrifying speed, it lunged toward him, its massive form blurring as it closed the distance.


    Why?


    Ezekiel''s body froze, every muscle locking up.


    The creature stopped mere inches from his face. Its breath, hot and foul, washed over him.


    His knees wobbled, threatening to buckle.


    He felt like a fragile strand of spaghetti, ready to snap at any moment.


    Don''t move. Don''t move.


    The thought echoed in his mind, his instincts screaming at him to run, but he knew better. One wrong move, one flinch, and it would all be over.


    The beast''s glowing third eye twitched erratically, scanning him.


    Its head remained unnervingly still, but Ezekiel felt its suffocating presence like a vice tightening around his chest.


    The temperature around him began to rise.


    Beads of sweat formed on his brow, dripping down his face despite the freezing environment.


    His lungs burned and he realized, with growing panic, that he had been holding his breath.


    But he was too scared to exhale.


    If this kept up, he would collapse.


    He needed a moment¡ªa brief reprieve.


    But he wasn''t getting any.


    What''s taking them so long?!


    His mind raced. Freya''s plan would only work if another person stepped onto the platform. If someone else crossed the line, the creature''s attention would shift.


    But for now, it was all on him, and Ezekiel could feel his resolvefading fast.


    Ezekiel''s ears then caught Dorion''s low, mocking voice.


    "Imagine how sick it would be if no one stepped onto the platform and you ended up dying."


    Ezekiel flinched.


    What?


    Dorion smirked, his tone dripping with malice.


    "It''d be a real sight to see, wouldn''t it? Betrayed by your own allies. Left to die like this."


    The words hit Ezekiel harder than the creature''s oppressive gaze.


    Ezekiel''s heart sank.


    Why hadn''t he considered this possibility? What if they were all too terrified to cross the line?


    "Guys," Ezekiel thought desperately, his inner voice trembling.


    Please, don''t do this.


    His body was shaking uncontrollably now, the pressure grinding away at his composure.


    He felt his legs quivering, barely holding him upright.


    He risked a glance back at the creature.


    Its burning gaze was unrelenting, the heat intensifying around him.


    His breath came in shallow gasps, his vision blurring at the edges.


    The thought crept in:


    Maybe I can just step back.


    Ezekiel''s foot twitched as the idea tempted him.


    But then, just as he felt himself falter, Baranga''s glowing third eye shifted.


    The beast''s head tilted ever so slightly, and its burning gaze turned away from Ezekiel.


    A figure had stepped onto the platform behind him.


    Relief flooded Ezekiel''s body, almost overwhelming him.


    His chest heaved as he finally exhaled the breath he had been holding.


    Someone had stepped forward.


    Baranga''s eyes locked onto the new target, and Ezekiel''s trembling legs took a step forward, releasing the breath he''d been holding.


    His heart pounded like a drum in his chest, his body desperate for relief.


    But the moment his foot shifted, Baranga''s blazing third eye snapped back onto him.


    The pressure surged once more, suffocating and immediate.


    Before Ezekiel could react, the person who had stepped past the line to save him took another bold step forward.


    Baranga''s gaze wrenched away from Ezekiel and locked onto the new target. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sudden reprieve was like a rush of cool air, and Ezekiel turned to see who had stepped in to save him, and his eyes widened in disbelief.


    To his shock, it was Dorion.


    Of all people¡­ Dorion?


    "You''re welcome," Dorion muttered casually, a cocky grin plastered on his face.


    Despite the tension, Dorion appeared unnervingly calm.


    His nonchalant demeanor was almost maddening.


    Then it hit Ezekiel. He had just heard Dorion speak.


    How is he talking without getting torched?


    His lips had moved? Or doesn''t that count?


    Noticing Ezekiel''s stunned expression, Dorion smirked and tilted his head.


    "You''re wondering how I''m still alive, aren''t you?" he asked, as if reading Ezekiel''s mind. "It''s simple."


    Dorion straightened up, still under the monster''s gaze. "The rules only say that the monster reacts to movement. Which I believe specifically, is movement of the limbs. So¡­"


    To demonstrate, Dorion tilted his head from side to side, his grin never faltering.


    "¡­things like this don''t count. See?"


    Ezekiel''s mouth hung open in surprise.


    The tension in the air felt surreal as Dorion added with a playful shrug, "So try not to be so stiff. Makes you look more like a target."


    Ezekiel exhaled deeply, relief washing over him like a wave.


    The suffocating pressure of Baranga''s gaze was finally off him, and now he didn''t have to be so tense.


    But as he watched Dorion move with such bold confidence, unafraid to experiment, Ezekiel couldn''t help but think the teen was insane.


    No one in their right mind would be this calm.


    Heck, he wasn''t.


    He then turned to the rest of the group, his expression darkening.


    They turned away from him ashamed, a mixture of fear and guilt on their faces.


    Ezekiel grits his teeth.


    No one moved. No one stepped forward.


    He had hoped¡ªexpected¡ªthat someone else from the group would step in to save him.


    Instead, it had been Dorion. The killer who had just joined them recently


    Disappointment weighed heavy on Ezekiel''s chest.


    He had risked his life to save some of them yet they could not pay him back.


    Without another word, he turned away with a frown on his face.


    His decision was made.


    From now on, he would focus on himself, and no one else. Screw being a leader.


    Steeling his resolve, Ezekiel lunged forward.


    Baranga''s burning third eye snapped back to him instantly.


    Dorion smirked muttering in a sing song tone:


    "That''s it...that''s it."


    He stepped forward boldly, drawing Baranga''s attention away from Ezekiel once again.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Ezekiel moved forward, careful but determined. Baranga''s gaze returned to him with the next step.


    The two began a rhythm: one moving while the other paused, each drawing the monster''s gaze in turn.


    Slowly but surely, they were advancing towards the finish line.


    Behind them, the rest of the group watched in stunned silence.


    The tension they felt was massive as they realized Ezekiel and Dorion were gaining distance leaving them behind.


    Dorion glanced over his shoulder.


    "So, what''s the plan, guys?" he taunted. "Gonna stay frozen there, or are you joining the fun?"


    His words seemed to echo ominously.


    Then, Dorion called out, "Freya."


    Freya flinched at the sound of her name, her body rigid with fear.


    She was ashamed of herself.


    She couldn''t bring herself to move when Ezekiel had needed up, and the one person he hated the most was able to do it effortlessly.


    Dorion chuckled darkly.


    "Like you said, no player can do this alone."


    Freya''s lips parted as if to respond, but before she could, Dorion''s tone shifted.


    "But there''s a problem," he said casually, stepping forward again and pulling Baranga''s focus away from Ezekiel.


    "What happens when it''s just two people left? I''ll tell you. One gets the monster''s attention while the other crosses the finish line¡­ But then that leaves one person behind, doesn''t it?"


    The realization struck everyone their eyes wide in alarm.


    "That''s right," Dorion confirmed, his grin widening as he lunged forward again, taking the lead. "The slowest one¡­ ends up as the sacrificial pawn."

 Chapter 106 - 106: Crimson Judgement

    Dorion''s words hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy with scary implications.


    Everyone understood immediately.


    They needed each other to proceed, but even with teamwork, one person would inevitably be left behind as the pawn.


    The unspoken stakes set off a wave of panic as thing were made clear.


    Those who started moving earlier had the best chance of reaching safety, provided there were still enough players in Baranga''s zone to share the risk.


    Conny, one of the players, couldn''t take the pressure any longer.


    Her breath hitched, and then, with a burst of desperation, she stepped onto the platform.


    Baranga''s blazing third eye snapped toward her instantly, its oppressive gaze locking onto her trembling form.


    Ezekiel didn''t hesitate and neither did Dorion, as both of them lunged forward together, their movements seeming synchronized.


    The beast''s glowing eye shifted away from Conny, scanning the two boys.


    Its attention finally fixed on Dorion, whose feet landed just a fraction of a second slower than Ezekiel''s.


    "Dammit!"


    Dorion hissed through gritted teeth, the weight of Baranga''s burning gaze pressing down on him like an invisible furnace.


    Sweat beaded on his brow as he stood frozen, muscles tense, unable to move without risking death.


    Ezekiel, however, took full advantage of the distraction.


    As soon as Baranga''s focus settled on Dorion, Ezekiel surged forward another step, his pulse hammering in his ears.


    Baranga''s fiery third eye snapped onto him with unrelenting intensity, locking him in place under its suffocating gaze.


    Behind him, Conny, still trembling, seized the opportunity to move.


    Her desperate step drew the monster''s attention away from Ezekiel, allowing him a brief moment of reprieve.


    "Hey, kid!" Ezekiel called out to Dorion, who stood a few paces ahead.


    "Why don''t we coordinate our moves? At least give each other a heads-up. Moving together is risky, but if we communicate, it''ll help everyone."


    Dorion glanced back, a smirk curling his lips.


    "You want us to call dibs on every step? No thanks," he said with a dismissive shrug. "I''m here to survive, not play nice. So no thanks."


    Ezekiel scowled but didn''t argue.


    There was no point in trying to reason with Dorion. He was a loose cannon.


    Suddenly, Marcus, another player, stepped into the trial zone. and Baranga''s gaze immediately shifted toward him.


    Both Ezekiel and Dorion saw this and decided to seize the moment.


    But Ezekiel hesitated mid-stride, pulling himself back at the last second.


    Dorion leaping forward.


    No.


    Turning this into a competition with Dorion would only end in disaster, as one of him was bound to make a mistake.


    A single misstep would mean death, and he couldn''t afford to be brash and lose focus.


    Dorion, unbothered by Ezekiel''s caution, or anything remained ahead.


    If he got a chance he was taking it with confidence.


    He wasn''t going to die in some stupid game.


    As the tension built, another player, George, suddenly leaped onto the platform, drawing Baranga''s attention away from the others.


    And Ezekiel clenched his fists, his mind racing.


    Stay calm. Stay alive. Focus.


    The opportunity was there, and this time, Ezekiel didn''t falter.


    As George distracted the beast, both Ezekiel and Dorion surged forward, their movements sharp and precise, each trying to stay ahead of the other.


    Then another player, Sally who had screamed and cried when Bart died, crossed the line in a blind panic.


    Her steps were frantic, and fear was etched across her face.


    Seeing other players go forward and hearing Dorion''s words prompted her to move.


    But her desperation became her undoing.


    The moment Baranga''s piercing gaze turned to her, she froze mid-step, her legs trembling beneath her.


    She flinched, stumbled backward, and in an instant, her body ignited in searing flames.


    Her terrified scream cut through the air, but it lasted only seconds before she was reduced to ash.


    "Dammit!" Ezekiel cursed, clenching his fists.


    "No!" Freya cried out, her voice breaking as silent sobs racked her body.


    The group was now down to nine players.


    Sally''s death sent shockwaves through the rest, and for a brief moment, no one dared to move. The oppressive silence was only broken by the crackling sound of the scorched ground where Sally had stood. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But then, multiple players, seizing the opportunity while Baranga''s attention wavered, leaped forward.


    The beast''s third eye darted sharply to the movement, locking onto the cluster of players in an instant.


    Marcus was among them, and his heart raced as he landed.


    He knew he was the last to move and suspected he had been caught.


    He could feel the pressure of Baranga''s gaze then bore down on him and he shivered, fearing what was coming.


    But nothing had happened for a fleeting second, and relief washed over him.


    He thought he was safe.


    But then¡ª


    Whoosh!


    "Aaaargh!"


    Marcus''s agonized scream tore through the arena as his body erupted in flames.


    The flames consumed Marcus entirely, and within moments, he was reduced to a pile of ash.


    His charred body crumbled like ash in the wind.


    Now, they were eight.


    Ezekiel clenched his fists so tightly that his nails bit into his palms.


    The echo of Marcus''s scream lingered in his ears, filling him with a mix of dread and anger, but he forced himself to focus on himself.


    Ahead of him, Dorian let out a low chuckle, the sound dripping with dark amusement.


    "Well, this is getting fun," he muttered before confidently stepping forward again, his movement smooth and deliberate.


    From the sidelines, another player, Isaac, steeled himself and leaped into the twisted game as well.


    He landed with a thud, his breathing heavy as adrenaline pumped through his veins.


    But then, in an instant, Baranga vanished and reappeared right in front of Isaac, its massive frame towering over him.


    Isaac froze, his eyes wide with shock.


    "What the¡ª?!" he stammered, stumbling backward.


    His foot caught on the uneven ground, and he collapsed to the floor with a hard thud.


    "Shit!" he hissed, panic overtaking him.


    Baranga had never moved like that except when Ezekiel had first stepped forward.


    The sudden, unpredictable behavior sent a wave of unease rippling through him causing him to fall.


    Isaac''s face went pale, and sweat dripped down his forehead as he realized he was doomed.


    "No, no, no!" Isaac pleaded, stretching out his hand as if begging for salvation.


    His voice cracked with desperation. "Wait¡ªplease, no¡ª!"


    SHOOM!


    But Baranga didn''t hesitate.


    The flames erupted around Isaac, engulfing him entirely.


    His screams echoed through the air, cutting through the tense silence like a blade.


    Within seconds, his body disintegrated into ash, leaving nothing behind but a smoldering mark on the ground.


    The group stood frozen, their breaths shallow and their hearts pounding.


    And then, there were seven.

 Chapter 107 - 107: Looming Fate

    Ezekiel''s gaze remained fixed on the pile of ash that was once Isaac.


    His stomach churned, but he forced himself to stay calm.


    His heart thudded relentlessly in his chest, and a sense of unease settled over the group.


    For a moment, the trial zone was silent, except for the faint crackling of residual flames.


    Those still outside the trial zone, standing on the edge of the starting, had seen everything clearly.


    Their faces were pale, and their hands trembled.


    "Forget this¡ªI''m out of here!" shouted Hugh, a tank-like player with broad shoulders and a thick neck.


    His voice was loud and shaky as he began backing away from the area.


    Micah one of the three who hadn''t entered the trial yet, turned his head sharply.


    "What? You can''t just¡ª"


    "I''m not staying here to get roasted alive!" Hugh snapped.


    His massive hands were clenched into fists, but his eyes betrayed his fear.


    "This whole thing is insane. I don''t have to do this right now! We''ve got a couple of days left, right? I''ll come back later."


    With that, Hugh spun on his heel and stormed toward the edge of the mountain, his boots crunching against the rocky ground.


    "Wait! Don''t!" Freya cried out, darting forward to stop him.


    She grabbed his arm, her fingers clutching tightly. "We don''t know what happens if you leave¡ª"


    "Let go!" Hugh snarled, shaking her off with a forceful shove.


    Freya stumbled back, her eyes wide with shock.


    "I''m not sticking around to die!" Hugh barked, his voice echoing across the mountainside.


    He marched under the towering statue that marked the boundary of the trial zone, his movements hurried and defiant.


    But as he stepped beneath the statue, a shadow loomed over him.


    Hugh breath caught in his throat as he looked up.


    The statue, which had been motionless until now, began to move.


    Its massive stone hammer rose into the air, casting an enormous shadow over Hugh''s bulky form.


    "What the¡ª?!"


    Hugh froze, his neck craning upward as he saw the towering figure above him.


    His defiance melted into terror.


    Then asharp, metallic sound echoed in the air, and a notification appeared before everyone:


    DING!


    [Players cannot leave the mountain once entered.]


    [Punishment for disobedience: Death.]


    "Shit!" Hugh cursed as he read the notification glowing before his eyes.


    His face twisted with anger and fear.


    "Why didn''t you mention this before we star¡ª"


    BOOM!


    Hugh didn''t get to finish.


    The towering statue''s hammer came down with a thunderous crash, crushing him in an instant.


    SPLAT.


    Blood sprayed outward, painting the rocky ground beneath the statue.


    The sickening sound lingered in the air, echoing in everyone''s ears.


    And then, they were six. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Freya stumbled backward, her hands flying to her mouth as she tried to stifle a scream.


    Her whole body trembled uncontrollably, her knees threatening to give out.


    Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision as the gruesome scene replayed in her mind.


    "This is too much," she whispered, her voice quivering.


    This was indeed a nightmare.


    Beside her stood Micah, a male player dressed in a flowing priest''s robe, holding a staff that gleamed faintly in the dim light.


    He kept his gaze forward, his expression grim but composed.


    "We can only move forward," Marcus said, his voice low and steady, though there was a heavy sadness beneath his tone. "The more we delay, the less chance we have of survival."


    Freya hesitated, her lips trembling as she tried to form words, but nothing came out.


    "I''ll go ahead," Micah continued, gripping his staff tightly as he stepped toward the line marking the trial zone.


    Wait What?


    Freya thought to herself. If he left then she''ll be the last one.


    He paused just before crossing the line, his back to Freya.


    "Make sure to join, too," he added, glancing over his shoulder.


    There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes¡ªan odd mix of sorrow and something else...something that rattled Freya.


    "It pains me to do this," Micah muttered under his breath.


    Then, with a sharp inhale, he grit his teeth and leaped over the line, officially joining the trial.


    Freya winced as she watched him cross.


    She realized why he had done it¡ªhe was ensuring he wouldn''t be stuck in the last position.


    The beast, Baranga, immediately swiveled its hulking form toward Micah, its gaze locking on him.


    But Micah stood firm.


    Unlike the others before him, he didn''t flinch.


    He had been paying attention, learning from their mistakes.


    Before making his move, Micah had already shut his eyes tightly, anticipating Baranga''s trick.


    He wouldn''t allow himself to be caught off guard like Isaac, who had fallen when the beast suddenly appeared in front of him.


    Ahead of Micah, more players moved cautiously.


    And Baranga''s attention snapped toward them, the monstrous eyes tracking their steps like a predator watching its prey.


    Seeing the momentary distraction, Micah took a deliberate step forward.


    His movements were calm and calculated, each step a gamble with his life.


    Freya, still standing outside the trial zone, began to panic.


    Her breathing grew erratic, and she clutched her arms tightly, watching the others progress further ahead.


    She was the only one left outside the trial.


    At this rate, they were going to leave her behind.


    Her mind raced as Dorion''s words echoed in her ears:


    "The slowest one ends up being the sacrificial pawn."


    If she started now, she would already be at a disadvantage.


    She''d fall behind the others, and her fate would be sealed.


    Freya clenched her fists tightly, nails digging into her palms as a wave of dread surged through her.


    She didn''t want to be the sacrificial pawn.


    Her legs felt heavy like they were weighed down with chains, but she forced them to move.


    Step by trembling step, she inched toward the line.


    Her breathing was shallow, her heart pounding so loudly it echoed in her ears.


    And then she crossed it.


    But the instant her foot touched the trial zone, Baranga''s gaze....

 Chapter 108 - 108: Desperate Gamble

    But the instant her foot touched the trial zone, Baranga''s gaze snapped to her.


    Its monstrous eyes bore into her, unblinking and cold.


    Freya froze, every instinct screaming at her to run, but the beast didn''t charge as it did with Micah and Isaac.


    Instead, Baranga turned slightly, positioning itself in front of Marcus while keeping Freya in its sights.


    The two of them were now caught under its watchful eyes.


    Further ahead, the four players who had already gained distance saw this as an opportunity.


    They exchanged quick glances and stepped forward, testing their luck while the beast''s attention was divided.


    But then, something changed.


    Baranga''s massive head twisted sharply, far quicker than before, its focus narrowing like a predator spotting fresh prey.


    The sudden movement was jarring, and it locked onto George, who had just landed from a leap forward.


    "No!" George''s voice cracked as panic seized him.


    He stumbled slightly, spinning around to see the beast''s gaze fixed solely on him.


    Baranga''s towering frame shifted, its hand beginning to rise in preparation for an attack.


    George''s eyes widened in sheer terror, his body trembling as he realized what was about to happen.


    "No, I will not die like this!"


    George roared in defiance, his trembling hand gripping the hilt of his sword.


    His fear burned away, replaced by a desperate determination.


    And he charged straight at Baranga, letting out a war cry, his sword raised high.


    But Baranga''s burning gaze remained steady, and without even flinching, the beast unleashed its fiery wrath.


    And flames erupted around George, engulfing him completely.


    "Aaaargh!"


    His screams pierced the air as his body was consumed by fire, his sword clattering uselessly to the ground.


    And then, silence.


    George was reduced to ashes in mere moments.


    And then there were five.


    Freya''s hands trembled, but her mind was racing.


    The beast had turned its back toward her as it loomed over George''s remains. It wasn''t looking at her anymore. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was her chance.


    Contrary to what anyone might think, Freya wasn''t just standing still, paralyzed by fear.


    She had been observing¡ªstudying, every movement Baranga made, every second it spent focused on its victims, she memorized it all.


    Baranga always lingered for a few precious seconds after killing someone before turning its attention to the others. That delay was key.


    Freya gritted her teeth, determination sparking in her eyes.


    "If that''s how it works," she muttered under her breath, "then I can cover more ground during those seconds."


    Her plan formed quickly: instead of taking one cautious step at a time like the others, she would use those few seconds to dash forward.


    Not just a little, but far enough to surpass Marcus, the last player ahead of her.


    Marcus hadn''t told Freya to join because he cared about her safety.


    No, his words had been selfish, a ploy.


    He needed her alive so he wouldn''t end up in last place.


    Like he said, they could only move forward.


    She was just going to be ahead.


    Freya clenched her fists, her body trembling.


    This was her moment.


    In one swift motion, she activated her movement skill.


    A burst of energy surged through her, and she dashed forward, her eyes locked on Baranga''s hulking, furry form.


    Her breath came fast, adrenaline coursing through her veins.


    The ground blurred beneath her feet, but her focus remained unbroken.


    Then it happened.


    Freya''s heart skipped a beat as she noticed Baranga twitch, a subtle but ominous movement.


    Her instincts screamed at her to stop.


    She skidded to a halt, crouching low as her chest heaved.


    Her eyes squeezed shut, and her hands trembled at her sides.


    Did it see me?


    The question pounded in her mind like a war drum.


    The air felt heavy, suffocating as if the beast''s gaze had locked onto her.


    Her entire body froze, fear rooting her in place.


    Seconds stretched into eternity.


    Then, nothing.


    Freya slowly opened her eyes, her pulse still racing.


    Baranga''s fiery gaze wasn''t on her.


    Instead, it had shifted toward another player further ahead who had moved at the same time.


    The beast had missed her reckless maneuver entirely.


    Freya exhaled shakily, relief flooding her.


    She wiped the sweat from her brow, her heart still pounding, but she couldn''t relax for long.


    It was a gamble, but it had paid off.


    She was still in the game.


    Freya was now in fourth position, just a few feet ahead of Micah, who had fallen to fifth.


    His face twisted in irritation as he realized he was now at the back.


    He barked, his tone sharp with annoyance:


    "Hey, Freya, what are you doing?"


    "Joining, like you told me to," Freya shot back, her gaze focused forward, unshaken.


    Then her lips curled into a defiant smirk:


    "What''s wrong? Does it piss you off that you''re in last place?"


    Marcus''s jaw tightened his saintly facade cracking as he hissed under his breath, venom dripping from his words.


    "You bitch!"


    Up ahead, Baranga''s fiery gaze locked onto Ezekiel and Dorion, who had slowed down.


    Their every move was carefully calculated, as they each tried to avoid the beast''s wrath.


    Suddenly, Conny made her move.


    She leaped forward, hoping to take advantage of the moment when Baranga seemed distracted.


    But her timing was off.


    The beast''s head snapped toward her in an instant.


    "No!" Conny''s panicked cry echoed across the trial, but it was too late.


    Flames engulfed her in seconds, her screams cutting off as her body turned to ash.


    And then there were four.


    Freya watched, her heart pounding, but she knew this was her chance. She steadied herself and prepared to dash forward again.


    But before she could move, a sharp, searing pain tore through her leg.


    "Ahh!" she cried out, collapsing to the ground. Her hands instinctively reached for her injured leg as waves of agony coursed through her.


    "What just happened?" she gasped, her breath ragged.


    Her gaze darted back, and her blood ran cold.


    A blade was embedded deep in her leg, crimson staining the ground beneath her.


    And there he stood¡ªMarcus¡ªwith a twisted, evil grin on his face.


    Freya snarled, her voice trembling with rage:


    "You piece of shit!"


    "No¡­" Marcus growled, his eyes wild and unhinged. "There''s no way I''ll be a pawn for others to live. No way!"

 Chapter 109 - 109: Paybacks a Bitch

    Freya''s fury burned hotter than the pain in her leg.


    Micah''s betrayal was a cowardly, desperate move¡ªa dagger to her leg to ensure she''d be the one left behind.


    Her hands trembled as she clutched the wound, blood pooling beneath her.


    Ezekiel caught sight of the attack and clenched his fists in anger, his jaw tightening.


    He looked like he was about to act, but then his gaze flicked forward. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His resolve hardened.


    Helping Freya now could cost him his life.


    He forced himself to stay focused and take another step.


    Dorion, on the other hand, snickered. "Guess I''m not the only one willing to play dirty to survive," he muttered, amused by the chaos.


    Baranga''s fiery eyes remained locked on Ezekiel and Dorion, its massive form moving menacingly toward them.


    This shift in attention left Micah and Freya behind¡ªan opening they could use to move.


    But Freya''s situation was dire.


    Her leg throbbed with sharp, relentless pain, and the wound made it nearly impossible to stand.


    She realized she couldn''t take even a single step with the blade still lodged in her flesh.


    Her hands shot to the dagger.


    She gritted her teeth, determined to act.


    One hand pressed firmly over her mouth to stifle the scream threatening to erupt.


    With a deep breath, she yanked the blade free in one swift motion.


    Pain exploded through her leg like fire.


    Tears streamed down her face as she fought against the urge to thrash and cry out.


    Every muscle in her body screamed for release.


    Then, Baranga''s glowing eyes snapped toward her.


    The beast had noticed her movement.


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    She forced herself to stay completely still, even as the pain in her leg threatened to overwhelm her.


    Her lips trembled against her palm, but she didn''t make a sound.


    Freya''s muffled cries of pain escaped under her arm as she glared at Micah, her fury unwavering despite the agony shooting through her leg.


    Blood dripping onto the ground.


    Ahead, Ezekiel and Dorion took cautious steps forward.


    Baranga''s blazing eyes followed them, its monstrous head swiveling in their direction.


    Freya exhaled slowly, relieved that the beast''s attention wasn''t on her¡ªfor now.


    Then, behind her, the sound of a footstep broke the tense silence.


    Freya''s eyes snapped to Micah, who had taken a step forward.


    She turned sharply, her glare like daggers piercing through him.


    The rage bubbling within her almost made her forget the pain in her leg.


    For a split second, all she could think about was lunging at him and plunging the dagger he''d left in her leg straight into his throat.


    But she knew better.


    Any rash move now would cost her everything.


    Micah, noticing her deadly stare, held up his hands as if pleading for forgiveness.


    His face twisted into an apologetic expression, but his words only fanned the flames of her anger.


    "Listen... I''m really, really sorry, Freya, but you gave me no option," he said, his voice trembling with faux sincerity.


    "You piece of shit!" Freya hissed, her voice low and venomous. "Say one more word, and I swear I''ll kill you!"


    Micah flinched but didn''t back down.


    "I''m sorry! I really am!" he repeated, his tone desperate.


    Freya clenched her fists, shaking with fury.


    Every nerve in her body screamed to silence him, but the trial demanded her focus. She couldn''t afford to let her anger control her¡ªnot yet.


    Up ahead, Ezekiel and Dorion moved again, and Baranga''s attention shifted with them.


    Micah took advantage of the moment and stepped forward again, inching closer to Freya''s position.


    "Can you walk? I really need you to be able to walk. So I can make it to the end."


    Micah''s voice had a pitiful tone, but his words carried a selfish edge that made Freya''s blood boil.


    Freya frowned, biting her lip in frustration.


    Her glare never left Micah.


    If it came down to just the two of them still in the trial, she''d rather die than let him use her as a pawn for his survival.


    Baranga''s attention returned to Ezekiel and Dorion up ahead, the beast''s fiery eyes tracking their every cautious step.


    Micah seized the opportunity and stepped forward, moving dangerously close to Freya.


    Too close.


    Freya''s muscles tensed as she realized how close he was¡ªclose enough to strike.


    And he didn''t hesitate.


    "Hey, Freya, you need to keep moving. I need you to¡ª"


    THUD!


    Before Micah could finish, Freya pushed up with her hands, twisting her body, and drove her foot backward with everything she had. Her heel slammed into Micah''s chest.


    "Ummph!"


    Micah let out a strangled gasp as the force of the kick knocked him off his feet. He stumbled backward, his arms flailing before he crashed to the ground.


    Groaning, Micah clutched his chest, his face contorted in pain. His eyes were wide with shock, as though he couldn''t believe what had just happened.


    "No!" he shouted, his voice trembling with panic.


    His breathing quickened as the beast''s fiery gaze fell squarely on him.


    "No... no!" he stammered, his voice trembling.


    His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, paralyzed with fear.


    Baranga''s massive hand began to rise, a searing glow emanating from its claws as flames sparked to life. The air around Micah grew hot, the fiery judgment about to descend.


    Micah''s terror reached its peak. He screamed, his voice shrill and desperate.


    "No! No! This isn''t fair! You should kill her instead!"


    He spun around, pointing a shaky finger at Freya, his face contorted with rage and panic.


    Freya, still propped awkwardly on the ground from her earlier kick, stared at him with pure disdain.


    She was in pain, her leg throbbing, but she didn''t care.


    She met his gaze with an unflinching glare, as if daring him to keep talking.


    The corners of her mouth curled in disgust.


    "You bitch!"


    Micah spat venomously, his desperation morphing into fury.


    With nothing left to lose, he lunged toward Freya, arms outstretched in a frenzied attack.


    He had abandoned all sense of reason, consumed by his anger and fear.

 Chapter 110 - 110: Furys Price

    But before he could reach her, Baranga''s flaming claws ignited, the inferno engulfing Micah in an instant.


    WHOOSH!


    The fire roared to life, and Micah''s screams pierced the air.


    "Aaaargh!"


    His body writhed in agony, the flames consuming him mercilessly. His flailing arms reached out as if searching for salvation, but there was none to be found.


    Micah stumbled erratically, flames licking at his body as he flailed, trying to catch Freya. His movements were wild and desperate, but Freya managed to dodge, narrowly avoiding his grasp each time.


    He lunged once more, but his strength was failing. The fire was relentless, consuming him from the outside in.


    Freya watched, her heart pounding as he missed her entirely. She pressed her injured leg into the dirt, gritting her teeth against the pain.


    Micah''s screams began to fade, replaced by the crackling of flames. After a few agonizing seconds, he collapsed to the ground, unmoving. The fire continued to burn for a moment longer before it finally extinguished, leaving behind only ash and silence.


    Micah was dead.


    And now, there were three.


    Two in the lead.


    Freya, injured and barely holding on, trailed behind.


    "Yikes," Dorion muttered, his voice low and uneasy. He shook his head at the grim sight, but he didn''t linger. Without hesitation, he took another step forward, inching closer to the finish line.


    Ezekiel, who had been standing beside him, froze. The weight of the moment had left him stunned, and by the time he realized he should have moved too, it was already too late.


    His jaw clenched, and he grit his teeth in frustration.


    What happened to keeping your gaze forward, Ezekiel? he chastised himself internally, his fists tightening.


    Baranga''s attention shifted between the two of them, its smoldering eyes unblinking and predatory. The beast loomed over them, radiating an overwhelming pressure.


    Neither Dorion nor Ezekiel dared to move now. The tension was unbearable, the silence so thick it felt like it could crush them.


    Dorion''s eyes darted toward the finish line, just within reach. Sweat poured down his face as his frustration mounted. He was so close, but the monstrous presence of Baranga kept him frozen in place.


    Ezekiel, too, was rooted to the spot, his breath coming in shallow bursts.


    The two of them remained under Baranga''s watchful gaze, unable to act.


    Behind them, Freya gritted her teeth, her leg still throbbing in pain.


    She knew she was supposed to move to ease the pressure off the two ahead of her, but she couldn''t, or rather wouldn''t.


    How could she? When she''d only be aiding the two ahead.


    Becoming a sacrificial pawn.


    Dorion''s voice rang out, cutting through the tense air like a blade.


    "Hey, Freya! Gotta admit, watching you take down that damned priest was impressive, but if you want to survive, you''d better start moving again."


    Freya clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing at his audacity.


    "Shut up!" she snapped, her voice dripping with venom.


    Dorion smirked, ignoring her anger. "Come on, you just need to catch its attention two more times, then I''m out of here. Easy, right?"


    "I said, shut your mouth!" Freya spat. Her fury burned hotter than her pain, and her glare was sharp enough to cut. "You''re a shameless bastard! You just want to use me as bait to escape. I''d rather see us all die than let you make it out alive!"


    Dorion raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading slightly. "You hate me that much?"


    "Stop it, Dorion!" Ezekiel interrupted his voice firm and commanding.


    Dorion turned to him, rolling his eyes:


    "Don''t start acting like some goody-two-shoes now, Ezekiel. Some leader you are. You''ve been moving ahead this whole time, staying in the lead while knowing full well your allies were going to be sacrificed. So don''t lecture me about doing what it takes to survive."


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened, but he kept his gaze forward.


    "I''m only one man, kid. At this point, the best thing I can do is keep moving forward."


    Dorian''s frown deepened, frustration clear in his voice.


    "I''m going to pretend that makes sense, but still, man. There has to be a sacrifice, Ezekiel. And since she''s one behind, it''s only fair she be the one."


    Ezekiel didn''t even look at him, his tone calm yet resolute.


    "Well, she has to be the one to make that choice. And you talking about it isn''t exactly helping."


    Freya, stuck in her awkward position with one leg stretched out behind her, felt the weight of the situation sinking in.


    She knew she was screwed¡ªthere was no way out.


    Her body trembled, each second feeling like an eternity.


    But she couldn''t afford to move.


    Shifting into a more comfortable position would only draw Baranga''s attention, giving Ezekiel and Dorian the chance to advance even further.


    She clenched her teeth, feeling the tremors in her legs. It was only a matter of time before her body betrayed her, and she fell. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With no other choice, she made a split-second decision. Lowering her leg swiftly, she slid into a sitting posture, hoping to stabilize herself.


    As soon as her position changed, Baranga''s gaze snapped toward her, its three eyes locking onto her with a chilling intensity. Freya''s heart skipped a beat.


    But before the beast could react further, Ezekiel made his move, dashing ahead, forcing Baranga''s attention to split between the two of them.


    "Dammit!" Dorian cursed under his breath.


    He had missed his chance, and now things were even more complicated.


    Freya, still sitting, didn''t waste a second.


    She summoned a bottle of healing potion¡ªthe one she''d bought from the skeleton vendor on the first day of the trial.


    It was a risk, but she had no choice.


    With a swift motion, she stood up, uncorked the bottle, and poured the contents into her mouth.


    The cool liquid slid down her throat, offering a brief but much-needed relief.


    But Baranga''s gaze snapped towards her, staring intently as she held the potion bottle in her mouth, trying not to make any sudden movements.


    She dared not move, not even an inch.

 Chapter 111 - 111: Unexpected Arrival

    Gritting her teeth, she winced as the pain from her injury surged, but a wave of relief followed as the healing potion worked its magic. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wound began to close, her flesh knitting itself back together.


    She exhaled slowly.


    200 Nightmare Points for this.


    It had been a hefty price, and she thought bitterly of the skeleton vendor who had gleefully taken her hard-earned points.


    Points she had bled, sweat, and nearly died to collect.


    Damned vendor, she thought, gripping the now-empty potion bottle tightly.


    But... it was worth it.


    Freya steeled herself, her fingers curling into fists.


    She had made a decision¡ªa promise to herself. If she was going to go down, it wouldn''t be without a fight.


    Her sharp gaze flicked ahead to Ezekiel and Dorion.


    The two were inched forward cautiously, and as they moved, Baranga''s glowing eyes snapped toward them.


    That''s when Freya noticed something.


    Baranga reacted much faster to movements from those closer to the finish line compared to those lagging behind.


    The beast''s gaze lingered longer, its movements sharper, as if proximity made the threat more urgent.


    A spark of hope ignited in her chest.


    So that''s how it works. If it sees them as more of a threat, I can use that.


    It wasn''t much, but it was something. She could work with this.


    Freya weighed her options. It was risky¡ªa gamble, just like the countless others she had taken to survive. But she was out of alternatives.


    Her mind raced as she planned her next move. If she could distract Baranga by using its priority for the frontrunners, she might have a chance to advance.


    All or nothing.


    Without hesitation, Freya moved.


    She activated her movement skill, her body surging forward with a burst of energy.


    Her heart raced as she crossed the ground, but she stopped abruptly, cutting the distance in half compared to what she normally covered with the skill.


    Then stopped abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest wondering if she had overdone it.


    Baranga''s glowing eyes locked onto her, its massive form still as a statue.


    For a moment, it felt like the beast might attack, but it didn''t.


    It worked.


    Freya exhaled sharply, relief flooding through her.


    Her gamble had paid off.


    Ahead of her, Ezekiel and Dorion seized the opportunity, moving forward. Their quick steps caught the beast''s attention, its gaze snapping toward them as they progressed closer to the finish line.


    Freya used the opening.


    Summoning her strength, she activated her movement skill again, her body propelling forward in a controlled burst of speed.


    This time, she stopped right beside Baranga.


    The sheer size of the beast was overwhelming, its shadow swallowing her whole as she stood close enough to see the strange energy pulsing beneath its hide.


    She was near the center now, dangerously close to where the beast had positioned itself.


    Dorion noticed immediately.


    His expression twisted with frustration as he saw how her movements complicated things.


    He was so close to the finish line, but Freya''s bursts of movement could throw everything into chaos.


    "Hey!" Dorion shouted, his voice sharp. "Don''t move into its line of sight like that! If you do, it''ll be able to spot all three of us at once without needing to move. You''ll make it impossible for anyone to advance!"


    Freya''s lips curled into a cold smile as she turned her gaze toward him:


    "Oh, Dora, I must''ve missed the part where that''s my problem."


    "You dumb bitch! The name is Dorian!"


    Freya scoffed, rolling her eyes.


    "Like I said, I''d rather we all die than let you survive."


    Dorion turned his anger toward Ezekiel, his voice rising with desperation.


    "You¡­ You''re really not gonna say anything to her? This affects you too, you know!"


    Ezekiel sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion.


    He didn''t even bother looking at Dorion as he muttered, "Whatever will be, will be."


    "What are you now, Buddha?"


    Freya didn''t wait for their argument to end.


    Her focus shifted back to the trial as she moved again, but she didn''t dare use her skill this time.


    A wise choice, as Baranga this time, didn''t simply turn toward her like before.


    Instead, the beast vanished in a blink¡ªits massive frame reappearing directly in front of her.


    Freya her breath catching in her throat as she looked up. Baranga''s three glowing eyes were wide open, each pulsating with a hypnotic, unnatural light.


    She froze, unable to move, as the beast loomed over her.


    Her heart hammered against her ribs, but to her surprise, fear wasn''t what she felt. Instead, there was a strange, almost absurd amusement bubbling up inside her. Its eyes don''t even look real, she thought.


    Before she could process the bizarre sensation, Ezekiel and Dorion made their move, using the distraction to slip forward.


    And this time...


    "Freedom!"


    Dorion shouted as he crossed the finish line, his chest heaving with exhilaration.


    He''d done it¡ªhe was out.


    He''d made it first, not because he was the fastest, but because he knew what mattered: be aggressive, think ahead, and take every opportunity. The early bird eats the worm, after all.


    As soon as he crossed, a notification pinged in his mind.


    Ding


    [You have cleared Trial 1 of Nightmare]


    [You have received 2000 nightmare points]


    [You have received 20 upgrade stones]


    The exit to the next trial appeared before him, a bright portal shimmering with promise.


    But instead of rushing through, Dorion did something unexpected¡ªhe plopped down on the ground, grinning like a maniac.


    He wasn''t in a hurry anymore. He turned his eyes back toward Freya and Ezekiel, just to watch the fun unfold.


    "Shit," Freya muttered under her breath.


    Her teeth clenched as she glared at Dorion, who sat there with a smug look plastered on his face.


    He''s out.


    Now, it was just her and Ezekiel left, standing at the edge of the trial''s final stretch.


    Freya exhaled, her breath heavy and filled with frustration.


    She took a step forward, the ground beneath her shifting slightly as she moved. Instantly, Baranga''s gaze snapped to her¡ªfaster than before.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    She had to be cautious now. Every movement mattered.


    Ezekiel, sensing the change in the air, adjusted his pace as well.


    He was no longer rushing, no longer reckless.


    The two of them moved slowly, carefully¡ªeach step calculated.


    Suddenly, Baranga shifted.


    The beast''s massive form blurred, appearing in front of them in an instant.


    But neither Freya nor Ezekiel flinched. They''d anticipated it. They knew Baranga was fast, but this time, they were ready. They moved with precision, staying calm despite the beast''s intimidating speed.


    And then, with one final push, Ezekiel crossed the finish line.


    Dorion, who had been lounging at the sidelines, turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he watched Ezekiel''s victory.


    Ezekiel paused, catching his breath, then spoke in a voice filled with resolve:


    "I need to end this nightmare... for the sake of those who have died. And I can only trust myself to do it."


    Dorion chuckled, a mocking smile curling on his lips.


    "Why be a hypocrite? Just be honest like me."


    With that, Dorion stood up, dusting off his hands as he prepared to leave. The show was over. There was no more waiting, no more playing. It was time to move on.


    Freya stood there, the weight of her situation sinking in.


    She watched as the others disappeared into the exit, most likely heading to the next floor.


    Her heart pounded as she realized the cruel truth¡ªshe was the only one left behind.


    Ezekiel didn''t even spare her a glance, his eyes fixed forward as he moved toward the exit.


    His determination was unshakable, leaving Freya in the dust.


    Damn it.


    Her fists clenched at her sides, frustration building inside her.


    If only she had moved faster.


    If only she hadn''t hesitated or let her fear take control.


    She sighed deeply, the regret washing over her like a wave.


    But it was too late now.


    There was no turning back.


    Her gaze shifted to the finish line, barely a dozen steps away.


    It felt like a cruel joke, knowing that the small distance was now an impossible mountain.


    She''d never make it in time, especially with Baranga''s eyes locked onto her.


    The beast''s gaze felt like a heavyweight, and she could practically feel the pressure closing in around her.


    Dammit.


    Freya exhaled sharply, the tears welling up in her eyes.


    She sniffed, wiping them away, refusing to let them fall.


    She had tried.


    She had really tried her hardest to survive... but it just wasn''t enough.


    And now...


    She closed her eyes, the finality of it all settling in.


    I guess this is the end.


    Freya took a deep breath, her resolve hardening.


    She was ready to make one final move.


    Her heart pounded in her chest as she gathered every ounce of strength.


    The decision was clear: she would take action.


    It would likely mean her death, but she''d rather face it head-on than succumb to the inevitable result of inaction and face the same grim fate without a fight.


    She focused her gaze on the finish line¡ªjust a dozen steps away¡ªand made her choice.


    It''s impossible, she knew.


    But that didn''t matter anymore.


    She was going to make that leap, no matter how unlikely.


    She would die on her own terms, with a smile on her face, even if it was the last thing she ever did.


    She exhaled, her body coiling like a spring, ready to jump.


    This is it.


    But just as she prepared to launch herself, an ear-shattering explosion echoed from behind her.


    Boom!


    The entire place trembled from the shockwave, and instinctively, Freya spun her head around, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    She couldn''t believe what she was seeing.


    The towering guardian statue that had been watching over the entrance out in the snow was now lying face down on the ground, its head completely blown to pieces.


    Standing nearby, as if he belonged in this chaotic scene, was a man wearing a hat, casually dressed in beach clothing and flip-flops, looking completely unfazed by the destruction he''d just caused as he strolled in.


    Freya blinked in utter confusion.


    "What the hell...?" she muttered under her breath.


    The scene before her felt too absurd to be real.

 Chapter 112 - 112: Giant Fall

    A Couple of Minutes Earlier


    Alex yanked his sword free from the massive corpse of a fallen Blight Bear.


    Its dark, corrupted blood stained the blade, steaming in the cold air.


    He exhaled, his breath forming icy plumes that quickly dissipated into the biting chill around him.


    Straightening up, Alex glanced at his system panel, curious about how many Nightmare Points and Tutorial Points he''d racked up. The numbers flashed before him, and his eyes widened in satisfaction.


    {Total Nightmare Points: 10,000}


    {Stats Points: 500}


    A slow grin spread across his face.


    This... this is insane.


    The 500 Stat Points alone were enough to mimic leveling up fifty times¡ªa staggering reward for his efforts.


    The bodies of countless Blight Monsters littered the frozen ground around him.


    They had rushed at him relentlessly, like moths to a flame.


    He had fought and slain every one of them without hesitation, turning the nightmare''s endless onslaught into his personal treasure trove.


    But as satisfying as the bloodshed was, Alex noticed the eerie silence that now surrounded him. It was clear¡ªthe nightmare had run out of monsters to send.


    "Tch," Alex muttered, sheathing his sword. "Guess that''s all the fun I''m getting here."


    With no more creatures to hunt, he set his sights on the looming mountain ahead¡ªthe next step in his journey. It towered ominously in the distance, its peak hidden in swirling clouds. If the nightmare wasn''t done with him yet, it would be waiting for him up there.


    The snow fell heavier as he approached the base of the mountain. Each step brought a sharper chill, the wind biting at his exposed skin like a pack of wolves. The frost would have been unbearable for most, but for Alex, it was as comfortable as a beachside stroll.


    His Cold Resistance skill enveloped him like an invisible shield, dulling the harsh bite of the weather and leaving him unbothered by the freezing conditions.


    As he trudged through the deepening snow, Alex''s mind sharpened.


    The mountain was just the beginning, and whatever challenges awaited him at its peak, he''d face them head-on.


    As Alex approached the mountain''s entrance, his eyes locked onto the first thing that stood out¡ªa towering statue, easily over thirty feet tall, clutching an enormous axe.


    Its stone frame was weathered and cracked, but its presence radiated an unmistakable sense of menace.


    He stepped closer, his boots crunching against the snow, and tilted his head back to take in the massive figure.


    His gaze settled on its eyes¡ªcarved from some strange material that shimmered faintly like they were waiting for something.


    Alex''s instincts flared, sharp and clear.


    This thing''s alive.


    As if on cue, the statue''s eyes snapped open, glowing with an eerie light. Its head tilted downward, locking its gaze onto Alex with an unsettling intensity.


    The air seemed to grow heavier, pressing down on Alex''s shoulders, but he stood his ground, meeting the statue''s gaze with one of his own¡ªfiery, unflinching, and unyielding.


    Then, in a voice that rumbled like an avalanche, the statue spoke.


    "You... you possess a cursed sigil," it said, the awe in its tone dripping like molten lead. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Is that going to be a problem?"


    He suspected it would be.


    The statue creaked ominously, its joints grinding like ancient gears.


    It lifted its colossal axe, the blade gleaming even in the dim light.


    "It is a problem," the statue intoned, its voice heavy with judgment. "Anyone who causes havoc in the nightmare... must be eliminated."


    Alex''s voice was calm, almost bored, as he muttered, "Oh... so you''re going to kill me now."


    He slid one hand casually into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the small, enhanced Blastshard he had kept there.


    "Affirmative," the statue replied, its voice booming like thunder, echoing off the walls of the mountain''s entrance.


    Alex''s lips curled into a faint smirk.


    Without missing a beat, he activated [Dismiss], transferring the energy of the shard directly to the statue''s head.


    The invisible charge was set, primed for destruction.


    "It''s too bad," Alex said, his tone shifting to something sharper, more determined. "I''ve started moving, and I don''t plan to stop until I make it out of this nightmare."


    The statue seemed unfazed by his words. Its massive stone joints groaned as it lifted its enormous axe high into the air. The blade glinted menacingly as it caught the faint light.


    "I see..." The statue''s voice boomed louder, filled with finality. "Then die!"


    The axe came crashing down with a force that could split the earth.


    But...


    SNAP


    Alex triggered the [Blastshard]


    BOOM!


    The explosion erupted directly in the statue''s head, the force so immense it shattered the glowing eyes and sent chunks of stone flying in every direction.


    For a split second, the head seemed to implode inward before the entire upper section of the statue exploded outward, a deafening roar accompanying the destruction.


    When the dust settled, the headless giant''s body stood still for a heartbeat before collapsing with a thunderous thud.


    The ground beneath Alex''s feet trembled as the massive figure fell, shaking the snow-covered landscape.


    Alex stepped forward, now standing over the rubble of the fallen guardian.


    He dusted some debris off his shoulder, his expression as calm as ever as he muttered with a faint chuckle:


    "Well...that was easy."


    Without another glance at the remains of the statue, Alex turned and made his way toward the mountain''s entrance.


    Alex stepped through the entrance, his boots crunching against the frost-coated floor.


    The dim light illuminated a strange sight ahead.


    A monstrous, grotesque creature with three glowing eyes fixed unnervingly on a woman who tilted her head slightly to look at him.


    Shock and terror etched on her face.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, curious.


    Something was certainly going on here.


    He began to move, and as he got closer, he caught sight of something scrawled on the wall to his left. The faint, jagged lettering caught his attention.


    {Rules}


    He paused mid-step, his gaze narrowing as he began to read the scratched-out message.


    Once you step onto the platform, follow the rules:


    When the monster''s gaze is on you, do not move, or you''ll end up a dead fool. You cannot do this alone¡ªdo not try.


    Lest you fall under Baranga''s hand and end up fried.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smirk.


    "What kind of rule is this?" he muttered under his breath.


    The rhyming lines felt oddly out of place in the tense atmosphere.


    He squinted, rereading it carefully, but it didn''t stop him from critiquing the effort behind it.


    Seriously, it sounded like a lazy, half-baked poem that someone just gave up halfway through writing it.


    Despite how terrible the rule was, Alex knew better than to dismiss the warning outright.


    He glanced back toward the woman.


    She hadn''t moved an inch, standing as if her life depended on staying perfectly still.


    Alex''s sharp eyes picked up the slight tremble in her arms, her muscles taut from holding her position for so long.


    Alex didn''t need to guess why she couldn''t move¡ªthe beast''s gaze was fixed on her.


    The rules were clear: if she moved, she''d be fried, just as the cheesy poem on the wall had warned.


    His eyes flicked to the ground near the starting line of this trial.


    Blackened streaks crisscrossed the floor like the remnants of a brutal warning.


    He didn''t need to stretch his imagination to know what caused them.


    "Burnt corpses," Alex muttered, his lips twisting in a grim line.


    Most likely of players who didn''t follow the rules.


    Since Freya was the only one left in the trial, Alex could piece the story together easily enough.


    If anyone had made it out then they must''ve used her as bait to slip past.


    She''d been abandoned, left to keep the beast distracted so the rest could make their escape.


    In other words: A sacrificial pawn.

 Chapter 113 - 113: Calculated Risk

    Alex turned his attention back to Freya, who stood perfectly still, her breaths shallow and her face pale with terror.


    Despite her fear, she was still holding her position.


    Impressive, considering what she was facing.


    "Well," Alex muttered under his breath, "guess I''d better join as well."


    Without a second thought, he stepped forward, heading straight toward the starting line.


    Freya''s eyes widened as she caught sight of him approaching, disbelief flickering across her face. Alex didn''t stop, didn''t even acknowledge her shock.


    As he raised his leg to cross the line into the trial''s madness, one of the beast''s glowing eyes snapped toward him.


    It moved fast¡ªunnaturally fast¡ªand Alex stopped wondering what the beast''s reaction was about.


    The creature was enormous, resembling some kind of orangutan demon with thick, corded muscles and glowing, malevolent eyes.


    Its gaze was intense, radiating an aura of death.


    But Alex was calm and unbothered. by the immense pressure.


    Sure the beast was scary, but... it was not Kraken-level scary.


    Freya exhaled sharply, relief flooding through her body.


    Though she was still under unbearable pressure, she felt at ease a little.


    With him here, her chances of making it out alive had just increased.


    She now had an opportunity to make it out to the finish line.


    But...she frowned feeling conflicted.


    The new player would end up being stuck in this hellish game if she made it out.


    Her mind churned.


    What should I do?


    Freya''s eyes darted between Alex and the beast.


    Should I trick him into helping me? Make him draw the beast''s focus so I can escape?


    No.


    He would eventually realize both of them can''t escape this.


    Her throat tightened at the thought.


    It wasn''t like she hadn''t seen others do the same thing to survive, but this time it was different.


    The guilt crept in, worming its way into her conscience.


    And she hated herself for even considering the idea.


    Why?... Is it so wrong to use someone else if it means I live? Wouldn''t anyone else do the same to me if they had the chance?


    Her fists clenched.


    She hated feeling like this¡ªweak, trapped, unsure of herself.


    She stole a glance at Alex, who had stopped to read the rules written on the wall.


    But then she saw Alex begin to walk towards the starting line, lifting his leg to cross the line.


    And Freya froze.


    Her stomach twisted into a knot.


    Did he not read the rules? Did he really understand what he was walking into?


    One of Baranga''s menacing eyes locked onto Alex and panic surged in her chest.


    Before she could think it through, she yelled:


    "Stop!"


    Alex froze mid-step, his foot hovering inches above the ground.


    Freya''s voice sliced through the tense air, loud and frantic.


    "Are you dumb? Didn''t you read the rules? You''ll get incinerated!"


    Alex turned his head toward her, his sharp gaze meeting hers.


    He didn''t understand the anger behind her words.


    How else was he supposed to move forward without doing this? There was simply no point in thinking much about it.


    Alex exhaled and began to speak, his tone measured:


    "You need two or more people to take turns distracting the beast. That''s how you''re supposed to survive this trial, right?"


    Freya hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.


    "Yes... that''s how it works."


    Alex raised a brow, his expression unreadable.


    "But there''s a catch, isn''t there?"


    Freya opened her mouth to respond, but he finished her thought for her.


    "One of them has to be a sacrificial pawn," he said, his voice dropping a notch. "And if I step past this line, that''s exactly what I''ll become, isn''t it?"


    Her throat tightened, but she nodded.


    "That''s right," Freya muttered under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.


    He wasn''t dumb after all.


    He''d grasped the cruelty of the game almost instantly¡ªjust like Dorion had before him.


    Alex didn''t miss a beat, his tone cutting and direct.


    "In that case, there''s no way you can escape without someone else, yet you told me to stop. That''s not exactly smart, is it?"


    He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp. "Aren''t the dumb one here, lady."


    Freya''s jaw tightened.


    This bastard.


    She wanted to snap back, but she didn''t.


    She knew he was right. If he wanted to live, stopping him wasn''t logical.


    But logic wasn''t what mattered to Freya.


    She clenched her fists, the weight of her decision settling heavily on her.


    If being an idiot meant staying true to what she believed in, so be it.


    She''d rather die for doing the right thing than survive by betraying her values.


    "Maybe I am dumb. But I''d rather be that than become a monster." Freya said firmly.


    Alex took in her word and was stunned.


    And he stared at her remaining silent for a while.


    Freya wondered what he was thinking about, but then his voice broke through her thoughts.


    "Alright... I''ve made up my mind."


    And before she could process his words, he took a deliberate step forward.


    The moment his foot touched the ground, the beast''s glowing eyes snapped toward him like twin spotlights, and with a low, guttural growl, the monster''s massive frame shifted.


    Appearing in front of Alex.


    Its reaction this time was far more aggressive and intense.


    Freya, now free from the crushing pressure of the beast''s gaze, carefully glanced back over her shoulder.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed:


    "What are you doing?!"


    Alex turned his head slightly, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.


    He completely ignored the hulking creature looming over him, its hot breath steaming the cold air.


    "I should be asking you that," he quipped casually.


    Freya furrowed her brow, unable to wrap her head around his lack of fear.


    There wasn''t even the faintest trace of panic or anxiety in his voice.


    Did he even understand the danger he was in?


    Then Alex chuckled, an easy, almost playful sound.


    His fiery eyes locked directly onto Baranga''s glowing, menacing ones.


    "Leap, missy," he said, his tone confident and almost teasing. "Don''t worry about me. I don''t intend to die."


    Freya''s heart pounded in her chest as she shook her head.


    He didn''t get it.


    He''s mistaken.


    If Alex thought Baranga was just another monster to be dealt with, he was dead wrong.


    The beast wasn''t something you could overpower with raw strength.


    Its attacks were swift¡ªunforgiving.


    She''d seen its flames consume players in an instant, leaving nothing but charred marks on the ground.


    Baranga growled louder, its entire frame quaking with rage.


    The air itself seemed to heat up as flames flickered at the edges of its enormous maw.


    Freya swallowed hard, its reaction to Alex certainly was different.


    But then Alex spoke again, his gaze unwavering as he stared the beast down. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I told you not to worry, missy." His grin widened.


    "This scary-looking orangutan is nothing but prey."

 Chapter 114 - 114: Too Fast

    The confidence in Alex''s words sent a chill down Freya''s spine, and she couldn''t hide her confusion.


    She didn''t know whether to call him brave or outright insane.


    He didn''t seem suicidal¡ªhe had been sharp enough to figure things out quickly, after all¡ªbut challenging Baranga directly?


    That was as good as asking to be incinerated.


    Yet, there was something about him that convinced her otherwise.


    That made her believe him.


    The sheer confidence he exuded wasn''t just bold; it was overwhelming.


    It filled the space around him, seeming to bend the atmosphere itself to his will.


    Freya bit her lip.


    She had no doubt he was strong¡ªprobably stupidly strong¡ªbut this wasn''t a trial you could bulldoze through with muscle alone.


    This trial had rules, and from everything she''d seen, brute strength didn''t matter much against them.


    Or... was there something else?


    Had he found a loophole?


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, scanning his every move for some hidden strategy she might have missed. But no, from where she stood, it didn''t seem like it.


    Alex, meanwhile, stared down Baranga like a predator sizing up its prey.


    His fiery gaze was locked on the beast, unflinching, unyielding.


    To Freya, it looked like he intended to face the creature head-on, relying solely on brute strength.


    He can''t possibly think that''ll work... can he?


    She hesitated for a moment longer but then turned away.


    Like he said, I shouldn''t worry about it.


    The stranger had made his choice, and whatever happened next was on him.


    Though she''d been foolish enough to be honest before, she wasn''t foolish enough to ignore an opportunity when it was handed to her.


    Freya gritted her teeth, her mind sharpening with resolve.


    I''ll take it.


    She lunged forward.


    Baranga''s head snapped toward her as usual, but something felt... off.


    Freya''s sharp instincts picked up on it immediately.


    The beast''s reaction was slower than she''d expected.


    Its movements were still dangerous but it lacked the lightning speed she''d seen before.


    Her frown deepened in confusion.


    From what she had seen the closer someone got to the finish line, the faster and more aggressive Baranga became.


    She''d witnessed it herself when Dorion and Ezekiel pushed ahead.


    But now?


    Baranga wasn''t moving nearly as fast.


    Not as fast as it had been when Dorion and Ezekiel had tried to rush through.


    Why?


    The inconsistency gnawed at her as she glanced back, unable to shake the suspicion that the stranger was altering the way the beast behaved.


    Alex shifted his weight and took another deliberate step forward.


    The beast''s gaze snapped toward him instantly, its movements sharp and precise.


    Now that was fast, Freya thought. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She was right. Baranga was certainly more focused on the stranger.


    It was almost like Baranga had a personal grudge against him, its every reaction charged with relentless intent, as though it was determined to catch him off-guard.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Instead, a confident grin spread across his face. He stood tall, like a predator toying with its prey. Each step he took seemed to mock the beast''s efforts, taunting it to try harder.


    Freya watched in disbelief, her heart pounding.


    What kind of lunatic smiles in a situation like this?


    This was no game to her.


    She''d seen too many players fall here.


    Too many scorched into oblivion, their lives extinguished in the blink of an eye.


    And yet, Alex moved as if the threat didn''t exist, like he was enjoying the tension.


    Freya shook her head, forcing herself to focus.


    She shifted her position carefully, testing the beast''s reaction.


    When it stayed fixated on Alex, she took her chance.


    One step.


    Another.


    Just one more leap, and she''d cross the finish line.


    Meanwhile, Alex continued his deadly dance. He moved forward again, his steps calculated yet casual, drawing Baranga''s attention like a moth to a flame.


    The beast roared in frustration, its claws scraping against the ground in sheer annoyance as it tried and failed to catch Alex.


    Freya''s breath hitched. Almost there.


    With Alex holding the beast''s full attention, she was now free to make her final move. The finish line was within reach.


    Freya slowly turned toward Alex, her expression a storm of emotions.


    Her eyes were filled with a complicated mix: of confusion, guilt, and gratitude.


    Alex, standing tall amidst the chaos, simply waved at her with a carefree grin plastered on his face.


    "Go ahead," he muttered, his voice calm and steady, as though the situation was nothing more than a casual stroll.


    Freya hesitated for a brief moment, the weight of the decision pressing on her chest.


    She didn''t know what to feel¡ªsadness for leaving him behind, guilt for taking the opportunity he had given her, or assurance in his confidence.


    But she nodded.


    She couldn''t let his sacrifice be in vain.


    Taking a deep breath, she stepped past the finish line, landing on solid ground with an audible exhale of relief.


    The moment her foot crossed, a familiar sound broke the tension:


    Ding!


    A series of notifications appeared before her:


    [You have cleared Trial 1 of Nightmare.]


    [You have received 2000 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 20 Upgrade Stones.]


    Freya glanced at the words, barely processing them as her thoughts raced back to Alex.


    Her relief was short-lived.


    What''s his plan now? How does he intend to escape?


    Turning around, she scanned the platform, her heart pounding as her eyes sought him out.


    But as her gaze locked on where he had stood moments before¡ª


    Alex was gone.


    He had vanished into thin air, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    "No!" Freya exclaimed, her voice trembling as she stumbled a step backward.


    Her wide eyes scanned the trial zone.


    Only one figure remained standing within the fiery chaos¡ªBaranga, the monstrous beast.


    But where was the stranger?


    Her heart thudded painfully in her chest.


    Did he get scorched? Vaporized in an instant?


    Something didn''t add up. It didn''t feel like he''d been defeated, but...


    "Why do you mean ''No''?"


    The cheeky voice came from her side, startling her.


    Freya whipped her head around, and there he was¡ªthe stranger, casually adjusting his hat and flashing a toothy grin as though they were sharing a harmless joke.


    "I told you not to worry about me," he said, his tone playful and full of swagger.


    Freya''s jaw dropped in disbelief.


    "H-how?!"


    One second, she had seen him standing right in front of Baranga, and in the next, he had completely disappeared.


    Now he was here, calm as ever, like nothing had happened.


    "It''s simple." He shrugged nonchalantly as if explaining the easiest thing in the world. "The moment that ugly orangutan turned to look at you, I ran."


    Freya froze for a second.


    And then responded, incredulous.


    "You ran?"

 Chapter 115 - 115: Line Barrier

    How fast do you have to move to do that?


    Freya thought, her mind racing to make sense of what she had just heard and witnessed.


    Alex, smirked and casually explained, "Blitz. It''s a movement skill."


    Freya''s jaw stayed open.


    A skill.


    The explanation didn''t help much.


    "Blitz?" she repeated, trying to wrap her head around it. His movement didn''t look like running at all. It was more like teleportation.


    Unable to shake her disbelief, Freya turned her attention toward Baranga.


    Even the monstrous beast seemed to be grappling with what had just happened.


    Baranga''s glowing eyes darted around, its expression an almost comical mix of shock and fury.


    One second, its attention had been locked onto Freya as she safely crossed the finish line.


    In the blink of an eye, its focus shifted to Alex, but by the time it turned its massive head, he had vanished.


    Gone. Just like that.


    The beast''s nostrils flared, and its three irises flickered wildly, searching for its prey.


    Then it froze.


    Its rage-filled gaze landed on Alex, now standing outside the trial zone, completely unscathed.


    A guttural roar tore through the air, raw and primal.


    Freya barely had time to register what was happening before the beast charged forward, its massive limbs shaking the ground with each step.


    "Alex, look out!" she shouted instinctively, panic tightening her chest.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Her heart pounded.


    Half-expecting the beast to pounce on Alex¡ªor worse, to suddenly shift its attention toward her¡ªFreya held her breath, paralyzed by the tension of the moment.


    Baranga lunged forward, a blur of rage and power, but suddenly¡ª


    THOMP!


    It slammed into an invisible barrier, a shimmering wall of energy that appeared just atop the finish line. The force of the impact echoed loudly, but the barrier didn''t budge.


    Freya blinked in surprise as the massive beast rebounded, snarling in frustration.


    It clawed at the air where the barrier stood, unable to cross.


    Meanwhile, Alex stood on the other side, calm and collected.


    His posture was relaxed, one hand casually resting in his pocket, the other brushing a speck of dust off his shoulder.


    He grinned¡ªa wide, confident grin that seemed to taunt the raging creature before him.


    His eyes glistened with an eerie light, like he could see far beyond the moment, peering into the future itself.


    "You hate me, don''t you?" Alex''s voice cut through the tension, his tone dripping with mockery. "Why don''t you do something about it?"


    Freya''s jaw dropped.


    "Hey!" she hissed, scolding him in a quiet panic.


    "Don''t provoke it!"


    She glanced nervously at Baranga, whose three eyes burned with fury.


    Her heart raced. Does he have a death wish?


    In horror movies, Freya thought grimly, it was always the cocky ones who died seconds after taunting the monster.


    She didn''t want to see that clich¨¦ play out in real life.


    Baranga''s roar tore through the air, louder and more ferocious than before.


    The ground trembled beneath its fury.


    The temperature around the beast spiked sharply, waves of heat radiating outward.


    Its massive, fur-covered arms began to glow, the orange flames licking up its limbs until they burned like molten steel.


    With a guttural snarl, Baranga unleashed the full force of its rage, slamming its fiery fists against the barrier.


    BOOM!


    The flames exploded outward, spreading like wildfire, but the barrier held firm.


    The shimmering wall didn''t crack, bend, or falter.


    Freya''s scream echoed through the trial zone as Baranga''s flames roared against the barrier.


    Panic took hold, and she scrambled backward, crawling away from the intense heat and the terrifying sight of the enraged beast.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch.


    Instead, he chuckled with low and casual voice like this was nothing more than an amusing inconvenience.


    With a dismissive glance at the raging Baranga, Alex turned his back on the monster.


    "Let''s go. It''s over," he said, his voice calm and steady, cutting through the chaos.


    Freya was still gasping for breath, her body trembling, her clothes drenched in sweat.


    She looked up at him in disbelief as he strolled past her, completely unbothered by the danger they had just escaped. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her heart pounded as she forced herself to stand, her legs shaky but functional.


    She glanced back at Baranga, who was now clawing and scratching at the impenetrable barrier like a wild animal trapped in a cage.


    Despite the separation, the beast''s feral rage sent chills down her spine.


    She couldn''t believe Alex could just walk away so nonchalantly.


    She hurried to follow him, her eyes darting between the monstrous creature and the man in front of her.


    As they neared the entrance to the second trial, something caught her attention.


    There was a strange tattoo on the back of Alex''s neck.


    The dark, intricate markings pulsed faintly, almost like they were alive.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    This guy¡­ He''s not normal. Yep he''s definitely dangerous.


    Her mind raced with questions.


    What kind of person was he? What kind of life had he lived to gain this level of strength and confidence? What had he sacrificed to become the way he was?


    As these thoughts consumed her, Alex suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    Freya froze, nearly bumping into him.


    Her heart jumped at the unexpected halt, and she instinctively glanced around, half-expecting some new danger.


    Alex muttered under his breath, "Oh... I almost forgot."


    Freya blinked in confusion. "Forgot what?"


    He turned to face her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.


    His towering presence made her instinctively shrink back, and her heart skipped a beat.


    "Tell me," Alex said, his tone calm but edged with something dark, "what kind of predator lets their prey live?"


    Freya hesitated, searching for the right answer. "A... bad one?"


    "Exactly," Alex replied, his expression unreadable.


    "I was going to say a kind one. But no such term exists." she laughed.


    But Alex raised an eyebrow, giving her a look that made her glance down awkwardly.


    Why the hell did I say that? she thought, heat rising to her face.


    Turning his attention back to Baranga, who was still relentlessly attacking the barrier, Alex observed the beast''s frenzied attempts with an almost pitying gaze.


    "If there were no barrier," he said thoughtfully, "you might''ve been able to put up as much of a fight as I allowed you before I decided it was time to end it."


    Alex shook his head with a faint, regretful sigh.


    He then raised his hand slowly, almost as if commanding some unseen force.


    "It''s too bad," he murmured, barely audible, then he snapped.

 Chapter 116 - 116: Ronin

    As Alex snapped


    The air seemed to ripple, and Baranga''s body twisted and contorted, like it was being sucked into some invisible vortex, pulled apart by an unseen force.


    Then the next second, the creature exploded in a violent burst, sending a spray of blood outward, staining the barrier with crimson.


    The sheer force of it left Freya in shock.


    She stumbled back, her butt hitting the ground as her heart raced.


    She couldn''t process what she had just witnessed¡ªtoo many shocks, too much happening at once.


    What the hell is this?


    Alex, his posture still relaxed, glanced down at her.


    His voice was eerily calm as if nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred.


    "Aren''t you coming?"


    Freya remained frozen on the floor, staring at him with wide eyes. Her mind was racing:


    "You... what are you?"


    Alex paused, looking at her for a moment as if he were considering how to answer.


    Then, in a tone that was so casual it sent a chill down her spine, he simply replied, "An anomaly."


    Freya''s thoughts ground to a halt, her confusion deepening.


    An anomaly?


    That made no sense to her.


    "An... an anomaly," Freya repeated in disbelief, her voice shaky as she tried to wrap her mind around what had just happened.


    Alex''s grin stretched wider.


    "That''s what they called me. But I''m Alex."


    He casually stretched out his hand, his eyes glinting with a mixture of mischief and something darker.


    "Nice to meet you...?" he said, waiting for her response.


    Freya hesitated for only a second before reaching out, swallowing hard as she took his hand. "Freya. My name is Freya."


    With a single pull, Alex yanked her effortlessly to her feet.


    His grip was strong, and Freya couldn''t help but feel both small and secure in his presence.


    "Freya, huh? Let''s go, shall we?" Alex said, his voice smooth, but the underlying edge was unmistakable.


    "I''ll be powering my way out of here. So if you want to survive, don''t stray too far from me. I''ll leave you behind without a second thought."


    "Yes, sir," Freya replied, her voice louder than she intended, trying to sound more confident than she felt.


    Earlier, she''d thought she was going to die.


    Now, thanks to this strange man, she was alive¡ªand she felt a flicker of hope for the first time since she''d entered this nightmare.


    Unlike the others, who were scrambling to figure out how to survive before the timer ran out, Alex seemed like he was walking straight through every obstacle.


    No hesitation, no fear¡ªjust calm, effortless power.


    Freya couldn''t guarantee that she''d make it out of this hellhole, but with Alex at her side, she was certain she would get closer than she ever could alone.


    And honestly? That was a win in her book.


    Without a word, Alex strode toward the exit, his movements as confident as ever.


    Freya trailed behind, her heart pounding in her chest and her gaze fixed on his back.


    The events of the trial still swirled in her mind, but she pushed them aside, determined to stay close to him.


    Just as they reached the threshold, a sharp chime pierced the silence.


    Ding!


    [To proceed to the next round, you must pay 2000 Nightmare Points.]


    Freya froze, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    "What? That''s the exact amount we just earned for passing!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration.


    Her mind raced.


    She had been counting on those points to stock up¡ªreplenishing the health potion she''d used and maybe grabbing a few more items to help in the next trial.


    Now, all her plans had crumbled in an instant.


    She sighed heavily, staring at the glowing text as if she could will it to disappear.


    This place really knows how to suck the life out of you.


    She knew there was no choice. If she wanted to move forward, she had to pay the price.


    Beside her, Alex remained calm, his expression unchanging.


    If anything, the notification only confirmed what he already expected.


    This place wasn''t about making things easy¡ªit was about breaking you, holding you back at every step.


    But Alex wasn''t one to be held back.


    Not with the advantage of his title, which doubled every reward he earned.


    Without hesitation, he swiped to confirm his payment, the points vanishing from his total.


    He glanced at Freya, whose reluctance was written all over her face.


    Freya stared at the screen for a moment longer, her lips pressing into a tight line.


    "There goes my health potion fund," she muttered bitterly before tapping the confirmation button. The points disappeared, and she let out a small, resigned sigh.


    A blinding flash of light enveloped them, forcing Freya to shield her eyes.


    When the glow subsided, the two found themselves standing in a completely different landscape.


    They had entered the second trial.


    The terrain was harsh¡ªa rocky plain stretched before them.


    The air was thick with heat, and the oppressive wave hit them like an oven door swinging open.


    Freya squinted against the brightness, beads of sweat already forming on her brow.


    They stood on a wide rocky ledge, elevated high above a bubbling pit of molten lava.


    The orange-red liquid churned and gurgled menacingly below, its heat radiating upward in shimmering waves.


    Ahead of them, a series of uneven platforms floated in the air, forming a precarious path toward a massive door embedded in the cliffside ahead.


    The platforms were scattered at various heights and distances, some wobbling slightly as if they would crumble under pressure.


    Freya''s stomach dropped at the sight.


    "Are we... supposed to jump across those?" she murmured, her voice shaky.


    Alex stepped forward, surveying the scene with a calm, calculating gaze. The molten lava hissed and bubbled below, hungry for anything¡ªor anyone¡ªthat might slip.


    He didn''t need long to figure it out.


    Just from the setup, he could already tell what this trial demanded.


    And as if to confirm his thoughts, a familiar chime echoed in the air.


    Ding!


    A notification appeared before both of them, glowing faintly in the blistering heat.


    [Welcome to the Second Nightmare Trial]


    [Rules]


    Use the footholds to cross to the next door. Try not to fall¡ªlest the lava claims you.


    [Reward]


    - You receive 3000 Nightmare Points and 30 Upgrade Points


    Freya read the notification, her face turning pale.


    Her gaze darted from the message back to the unstable platforms and then down to the searing lava below.


    The thought of falling into that fiery pool sent a shiver down her spine, despite the heat.


    Alex, on the other hand, didn''t flinch.


    "Yep, called it," Alex muttered, his eyes scanning the area.


    They weren''t alone.


    Clusters of players were scattered around the rocky plain, huddled together in small groups.


    There were about a dozen of them¡ªsome catching their breath, others cautiously observing their surroundings.


    The tension in the air was palpable like everyone was sizing up the competition.


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    Where did all these people come from?


    Freya seemed equally perplexed, her eyes darting between the unfamiliar faces.


    The players here didn''t match the numbers Alex remembered from what he had seen before he entered the nightmare.


    "The numbers don''t add up," Alex thought.


    Had the forest trial spread wider than he realized?


    Turning his gaze to Freya, Alex noticed her scanning the crowd with a mix of curiosity and anxiety.


    Her head turned left, then right, as if searching for someone.


    Her lips parted as she murmured, almost to herself, "Those two must have left."


    Alex tilted his head, confused. "Which two?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Freya sighed and replied, "The crazy dude with a scythe and the one who used to lead our group. Before he decided to go solo."


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    Kid with the scythe?


    There was only one person who came to mind.


    "Dorion?" Alex asked his tone sharper now.


    Freya''s head snapped toward him, her expression twisting in surprise. "You know that maniac?"


    Alex nodded slowly. Memories of Dorion surfaced¡ªwild eyes, an unsettling grin, and a scythe that moved like an extension of his body. If there was anyone who could thrive in chaos, it was him.


    Freya shook her head.


    Of course, you do. You''re just as much of a psychopath as he is if not more.


    Alex oblivious to her thoughts folded his arms and glanced around again.


    "Well, it seems they either died or moved ahead."


    Freya nodded, indifference in her:


    "I know. I was just searching for them out of curiosity. They abandoned me, so it''s not like I care."


    Alex observed her for a moment, noting the faint edge in her voice.


    Whether she admitted it or not, there was still some lingering bitterness there.


    Before he could say anything else, his attention shifted.


    From the group of players nearby, someone began to move toward them.


    A tall, older man with an aura that seemed to suck the air out of the space around him.


    He was dressed like a ronin, his worn armor bearing scars of countless battles, and his blade rested sheathed at his side. There was something about him¡ªa silent, looming menace that felt heavier than anything Alex had faced before.


    And what was this...


    Though the old man tried to hide it, Alex spotted it:


    Animosity.

 Chapter 117 - 117: Dorions Mess

    The old man''s presence carried a weight that was impossible to ignore, but what stood out more was the subtle yet unmistakable animosity radiating from him.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, narrowing his eyes.


    Why?


    The probable answer sparked fear in Alex''s mind¡ªbut rather intrigue.


    This man wasn''t just dangerous; Alex could sense it.


    The old man was far more powerful than anyone Alex had encountered in the entire tutorial so far.


    But even as Alex acknowledged the old man''s strength, a grin tugged at the corners of his lips.


    Despite his strength, he''s not at my level.


    The tension thickened as the old man''s gaze swept over them. Finally, the old ronin broke the silence, his voice deep and measured, each word deliberate.


    "Greetings... I''m Ralph Onigi. I couldn''t help but overhear. You mentioned a kid with a scythe?"


    Alex''s grin faltered for a split second.


    Dorion? So that''s what this is about.


    Before Alex could respond, Freya spoke up, her voice carrying a mix of eagerness and caution.


    "Yes, Dorion. Did you see him? It''d be hard to miss him¡ªhis craziness stands out a lot."


    The old man considered her words, his expression unreadable.


    Then he nodded slowly as if piecing together a puzzle.


    "He must be from your tutorial, then."


    "Yes, he is..." Freya replied eagerly, but then her excitement faltered as she processed Ralph''s words.


    "Wait... what do you mean by my tutorial?"


    Alex''s gaze remained fixed on Ralph for a moment, his mind working quickly to piece everything together.


    Then he muttered, almost to himself, as he nodded slowly.


    "Oh, I see... that explains it now."


    Freya blinked, still trying to catch up. Her confusion was written all over her face.


    "Explains what? I''m so lost right now."


    Alex let out a short breath, finally turning to look at her.


    "Since this started, I''ve been wondering what happened to all the people who didn''t show up here. After all, the world''s population isn''t just in the thousands. I thought the numbers didn''t add up."


    Freya tilted her head, hanging on his every word but still unsure where he was going.


    "But now it makes sense," Alex continued. "They split everyone into separate tutorials. Some people are going through entirely different trials, like us, but somewhere else."


    Freya''s eyes widened as the pieces finally clicked together in her mind.


    She opened her mouth, then closed it, nodding slowly as her expression shifted to one of realization.


    "Oh... I get it now," she said, her tone thoughtful.


    Her gaze darted to Ralph, and then to the other players in the area.


    Freya had suspected something like this before, but the old man''s words confirmed it.


    Yet, she was still puzzled.


    How did this explanation connect to the new faces they were now seeing in the Nightmare Realm?


    Alex, noticing her confusion, decided to elaborate.


    "They probably had a tutorial boss, just like the one that brought us here. The Nightmare Realm seems to act as a hub¡ªlinking players from different tutorials into one shared space to play out its sick games."


    He turned to the old man, his sharp gaze narrowing.


    "Am I right?"


    The question hung in the air for a moment.


    Ralph''s piercing stare remained locked on Alex, his expression unreadable.


    Then, with a slow nod, he confirmed Alex''s theory.


    Even as he acknowledged it, Ralph''s mind was working.


    Something about this young man didn''t sit right with him.


    He wasn''t like the others here.


    His calm confidence was unsettling.


    His casual clothing seemed almost out of place in a setting where survival was a constant fight.


    It was as if he wasn''t taking the trials seriously¡ªyet Ralph could sense power beneath that relaxed demeanor.


    But special or not, powerful or not, everyone bled the same.


    His hand moved to rest on the hilt of his sword. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex''s sharp eyes caught the movement instantly.


    Instead of tensing, his lips curved into a grin.


    "But that''s not what you came to tell us, is it?"


    Alex''s voice was calm, but the challenge in his words was unmistakable.


    The old man shook his head, his expression grim.


    "No, it isn''t," he replied.


    Freya blinked, confused by his answer.


    But before she could ask what he meant, movement in the distance caught her eye. A group of players was approaching, their expressions dark and hostile.


    There were at least ten of them, and every one of them had the same look of animosity, their attire similar to that of the old man.


    Freya''s chest tightened as she realized they were headed straight for her and Alex.


    The old man''s bitter voice cut through the tension.


    "That kid, Dorion," he began, his tone laced with anger. "I heard he''s the reason my granddaughter didn''t make it to the next trial. She managed to cross the platform... but that lunatic killed her."


    Without missing a beat, Alex responded, his voice sharp and cold. "Oh... and how is that our problem? Knowing the kid doesn''t mean we''re friends."


    Ralph''s frown deepened, the wrinkles on his face hardening.


    "Enemies by association," he growled.


    Freya''s eyes widened, and she stepped forward, trying to explain.


    "Enemies? Wait¡ªno! You''ve got it wrong. The crazy kid isn''t with us!"


    Her protest was ignored.


    Ralph''s gaze stayed locked on Alex, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword.


    His voice was steady, but the bitterness in it was undeniable.


    "Someone must pay," he declared.


    "And it''s only fair it''s you two."


    Freya froze, her heart pounding.


    The approaching group spread out behind Ralph, their weapons at the ready. She could feel the weight of their glares, like a storm building around them.


    Alex sighed loudly, tilting his head back to look at the sky as if searching for patience.


    Freya glanced at him, her voice trembling.


    "What do we do?"


    Alex wasn''t panicking like she was. If anything, he looked annoyed, as if this was more of an inconvenience than a threat.


    Finally, he lowered his head, his sharp gaze locking onto Ralph.


    "I''ll warn you," Alex began, his voice calm but carrying an edge of menace. "I''m not a stranger when it comes to killing."


    Ralph smirked, unfazed by the statement.


    "Is that so?" he replied, unsheathing his sword with a slow, deliberate motion. The blade gleamed under the dim light, its edge sharp enough to cut air. "Then that makes what I''m about to do a lot less difficult."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as they focused on the blade. There was something unsettling about the weapon¡ªits aura felt dangerous, almost alive.


    Freya''s panic spiked as she fumbled to pull out her own blade.


    Her hands trembled, and her voice came out shaky.


    "Alex, what do we do? What''s the plan?"


    Without looking back at her, Alex took a step forward.


    "The plan is simple," he said in a low voice. "I''ll handle this, and you stay as far away as possible."


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    She hesitated, gripping her blade tightly, her instincts telling her to argue.


    But then she remembered the raw power Alex had shown before.


    With a reluctant nod, she backed away, her eyes darting nervously between Alex and Ralph.


    Ralph''s grin widened as he stared Alex down, his eyes glinting with amusement.


    "Oh, you''re quite the arrogant one," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.


    Then with a flick of his wrist, he gestured to the group of players behind him.


    "Get him."


    The men surged forward, weapons drawn, their expressions full of confidence.


    Alex, unfazed, muttered under his breath, barely loud enough to hear:


    "Petrify."


    In an instant, the attackers froze mid-stride, their bodies locking up as if they''d turned to stone.


    Their weapons hovered in the air, gripped tightly in hands that could no longer move.


    Panic spread across their faces as they tried to force themselves to move, but their limbs wouldn''t budge.


    Groans of effort and fear escaped their lips as they realized they were completely immobilized.


    "What... what is this?" one of them stammered, his voice trembling.


    Freya, watching from a safe distance, gasped in awe.


    Her eyes darted between the frozen players and Alex, who was standing there as if he hadn''t just halted an entire group with a single word.


    Ralph''s smirk faltered as he took a step back, his hand tightening on his sword hilt.


    His eyes narrowed, a flicker of tension crossing his face.


    Alex moved forward casually, walking past the frozen attackers.


    Each step he took made their hearts pound faster, their eyes widening in terror.


    They couldn''t move, couldn''t defend themselves.


    If Alex wanted to, he could kill them where they stood.


    Ralph was beginning to come to the conclusion that Alex might be a little too much.


    He had suspected the young man was powerful, but this... this was beyond anything he had anticipated.


    Alex finally stopped a few feet in front of Ralph, his hands slipping into his pockets.


    "I told you I''ve killed before," Alex began, his voice low and steady. "But even though I''ve done it, I''ve never found killing humans...enjoyable."


    Ralph''s grip on his sword tightened, his gaze locked on Alex as if searching for a weakness.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, his eyes sharp and unyielding.


    "But," he continued, "I won''t hesitate to do it if it''s what I need to keep moving forward."


    He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to an icy whisper.


    "So here''s your last chance. Back away... or die."

 Chapter 118 - 118: He knows

    Ralph shuddered as Alex''s words settled in.


    Fear wasn''t something he experienced often¡ªnot in this world, nor the one before it. But this? This was different.


    This was the kind of fear that clawed at his gut, whispering that he had made a mistake.


    But Ralph wasn''t the type to back down.


    Fear was just another wall to break through. Another obstacle to carve apart.


    He tightened his grip on his sword, ready to unsheathe it in a single, fluid motion. His instincts screamed at him¡ªattack first, think later.


    But then¡ªhe felt it.


    The sensation crept up his spine like ice water, sending a violent shiver through his body.


    A presence.


    No¡­ not just a presence. A force.


    Death itself lingered around him, unseen but undeniably real. It coiled around his limbs, pressed against his throat, as if invisible hands were waiting to squeeze the life out of him the moment he made the wrong move.


    Ralph''s breath hitched. His pulse pounded in his ears.


    His entire body froze.


    This wasn''t intimidation.


    This was a death trap.


    One step. One wrong move¡ªand it would end him.


    His fingers twitched near his sword hilt, but for the first time in his life, he hesitated.


    What¡­ what the hell is this?!


    Onigi slowly lifted his head, his gaze locking onto Alex.


    The young man hadn''t moved an inch.


    His hands were still stuffed casually in his pockets. Eyes sharp, unwavering.


    Yet, despite Alex''s relaxed posture, the weight pressing down on Onigi hadn''t lessened. If anything, it had grown heavier.


    It wasn''t just power.


    It was the presence of a monster.


    A beast that didn''t need to bare its fangs to remind you that you were prey.


    Onigi exhaled slowly, then unsheathed his sword with a steady hand.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    But instead of attacking, Onigi did something unexpected.


    He bowed his head slightly.


    "I apologize, young man."


    Alex blinked. "Eh?"


    "I failed to see how powerful you truly are," Onigi continued, his voice calm, and steady. "I hope you forgive me and my clan for challenging you."


    Alex''s brow twitched.


    "Eh?"


    He hadn''t expected that.


    One second, the old man had been radiating killing intent.


    The next, he was surrendering?


    Alex studied Onigi carefully. The old man''s previous hostility was gone. The grudge, the resentment¡ªit had vanished like smoke.


    But something else remained.


    A lingering battle will.


    Like a fire barely contained, waiting for the right moment to burn again.


    Yet, for some reason, Onigi held himself back.


    And that was the part that truly made Alex curious.


    Alex smirked as he casually dismissed the explosion he had been ready to unleash on Onigi. At the same time, the [Petrify] holding the old man''s men in place faded away.


    The moment they regained control of their bodies, one of them¡ªeyes burning with rage¡ªrushed forward.


    His sword blazed with fire, heat radiating off the blade in scorching waves. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a furious roar, he raised his weapon high and swung down with all his strength.


    "Die!"


    The sword cut through the air, a flaming arc trailing behind it.


    But Alex was faster.


    With a smooth step to the side, he avoided the strike completely. The flames exploded against the ground where he had just stood, tearing through the earth and leaving a scorched crater.


    Before the attacker could recover, Alex snapped his hand forward.


    A single slap.


    CRACK.


    The impact sent the man soaring backward, tumbling through the air like a broken doll. He crashed into a rocky wall with a sickening thud.


    "Kato!"


    The others gasped in shock, watching their comrade slump to the ground.


    Anger flared in their eyes, and in an instant, they were ready to strike back.


    But before they could charge, Onigi''s voice cut through the tension.


    "Enough... we''re done here."


    His tone left no room for argument.


    "But sir¡ª!" one of his men protested.


    "Get Kato," Onigi ordered, his gaze locked onto Alex. "And leave."


    The warriors hesitated but ultimately obeyed, rushing over to retrieve their fallen comrade.


    Onigi''s words were law to his men. They didn''t dare disobey.


    The warriors stepped back without hesitation. Two of them rushed over, grabbing Kato by the arms and dragging him away, his body limp from the impact.


    Meanwhile, Onigi took slow, deliberate steps toward Alex.


    The tension hadn''t disappeared completely, but there was no hostility in his eyes¡ªonly something deeper, more calculating.


    As he stopped in front of Alex, he spoke in a calm, measured tone:


    "Forgive my son-in-law. The one Dorion killed was his fianc¨¦e. His anger is still fresh."


    Alex furrowed his brows.


    "And you''re not angry?"


    Onigi''s lips curled into a bitter smirk.


    "I am... but I realized my anger was misplaced."


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh? And what made you come to that realization?"


    Onigi exhaled, his gaze unwavering.


    "Death. It didn''t matter what I did. There was no escaping what you were about to do."


    For a moment, the air was silent.


    Then, Alex''s eyes narrowed, his lips curving into a grin.


    This old man was more interesting than he thought.


    Onigi met his gaze without flinching and continued:


    "If you don''t mind, I''d like to battle you one-on-one when the time is right."


    Alex tilted his head, amused.


    "What happened to ''enemy by association''?"


    Onigi chuckled.


    "Honestly? I was just looking for a scapegoat to quench my anger. But instead, I ended up finding someone... more. A demon, perhaps?"


    Alex smirked.


    "People call me a monster sometimes."


    Onigi nodded, his expression unreadable.


    "It''s fitting."


    There was a moment of mutual understanding between the two before Alex suddenly extended his hand.


    He wanted to test Onigi.


    Could he really detect [Exploding Touch] or did he just had good danger sense?


    "You''re quite the monster yourself. Which is exactly why I''d love to fight you after this as well."


    Onigi paused for a moment, staring at Alex''s outstretched hand. His gaze was steady, unreadable. Then, suddenly¡ª


    He burst into laughter.


    His deep, rumbling chuckles echoed through the battlefield, breaking the tension.


    "Forgive me," Onigi said, amusement lacing his voice. "But I cannot shake your hand unless I want to die."


    Alex smirked.


    He knows.

 Chapter 119 - 119: Misdirected Rage

    Alex grin widened.


    "You know I don''t have to touch you, right?"


    Onigi''s laughter faded into a knowing smirk. "True. But at this range, I could cut off your head before you even try."


    Alex''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Can you? I really want to test that out."


    The two warriors locked eyes, the unspoken challenge crackling in the air like static.


    Then, Alex shrugged. "But like you said¡­ some other time."


    Onigi nodded in agreement before turning away. His footsteps were slow and deliberate, his men parting to let him through.


    Freya hesitated before stepping up to Alex, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What was that about?"


    Alex flashed a grin. "Nothing much."


    Freya stared at him for a second, then sighed, shaking her head once again in confusion.


    It was like the two of them stood in different realms.


    *


    Onigi walked back to his clan, his steps measured and firm. His men, still shaken, parted slightly as he approached.


    Kato, now fully conscious, pushed himself off the rocky wall and stumbled toward him, his expression tense with disbelief.


    "Chief, what are you doing?" Kato demanded, his voice edged with frustration. "Weren''t we going to get revenge?"


    Onigi didn''t respond immediately. His gaze remained steady, unreadable.


    Kato clenched his fists. "His friend killed your daughter! Aren''t you mad?"


    The moment those words left his mouth, a suffocating pressure filled the air.


    A deadly aura exploded from Onigi.


    The force of it hit like a shockwave. Every warrior in his clan froze. Even Kato, despite his anger, found his body locked in place, his breath caught in his throat.


    His leader was furious.


    But just as suddenly as it came, the overwhelming pressure dissipated. Onigi exhaled slowly, regaining control. When he spoke, his voice was calm¡ªbut beneath it, there was steel.


    "I am furious," he admitted, his hand instinctively brushing against the hilt of his blade. "And my sword thirsts for blood. But I will not dishonor myself by letting rage dictate my actions."


    He turned to face Kato directly.


    "I was a fool today. I let my grief blind me. I almost did something unforgivable. That is not our way."


    Kato''s fists trembled at his sides. His leader¡ªthe Onigi¡ªwas backing down from a fight?


    The same man who had once faced executioners without flinching?


    The warrior who stood his ground against monsters, assassins, and kings alike?


    Now, he was yielding¡ªto a young man in flip-flops.


    It didn''t make sense.


    It couldn''t make sense.


    Kato''s frustration boiled over. "This is fear, isn''t it?" he burst out. "You''re saying all this because you''re afraid to face him. Because he''s stronger than you."


    Kato''s accusation hung in the air like a dark cloud.


    Onigi froze.


    The rest of the clan stood in stunned silence.


    No one could believe what they had just heard.


    Kato had just called their chief a coward¡ªout loud.


    It was insane.


    Unthinkable.


    They all braced themselves, expecting Onigi''s fury to explode.


    But instead...


    The old man chuckled.


    A low, knowing laugh, as if he had expected this.


    "I''ll admit it," Onigi said, his voice calm. "I was scared." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gasps rippled through the warriors.


    "There''s no shame in admitting fear," he continued. "It''s that fear that allowed me to see things clearly. So no, I''m not ashamed of it."


    But then...


    The air shifted.


    The temperature seemed to drop.


    A suffocating pressure settled over them like a heavy blanket, pressing against their chests, making it hard to breathe.


    It was cold. And choking.


    A feeling of pure, unfiltered danger.


    Onigi''s expression darkened as he spoke again, his voice now ice-cold.


    "But don''t mistake that for weakness."


    The ground beneath their feet felt heavier.


    Some of the younger warriors shuddered.


    "That is certainly not why I didn''t draw my blade against him," Onigi continued. "I want to battle him free of any emotional weight, with a clear and focused mind."


    He lifted his gaze toward the horizon.


    "He''s best fought when I''m at my absolute peak."


    Kato clenched his teeth, his fists trembling at his sides.


    He hated it.


    He hated how calm Onigi was.


    How collected he sounded.


    He should be seething like he was


    Kato hated it.


    He hated that Onigi had backed down.


    For such a selfish reason.


    Even when it was for his daughter.


    Even when it was for Kiri. His fianc¨¦e.


    Kato''s fists clenched so tight his nails dug into his palms.


    She was supposed to be his wife. They were supposed to have a future together.


    But now...


    She was gone.


    Ripped away from him before they could even start their lives.


    And what was he supposed to do? Just accept it?


    No.


    He needed someone to blame. Someone to slaughter.


    Then they overheard Alex and Freya talking about Dorion.


    And just like that, they had their target.


    Their prey.


    But when the moment came...


    When he had finally faced Alex...


    He had been completely helpless.


    Defeated in mere seconds.


    And worst of all¡ªOnigi had backed away.


    Kato''s emotions were a raging storm inside him.


    Anger. Frustration. Hatred. Grief. Confusion.


    It all twisted together, making him feel like he was going to explode.


    Then, Onigi spoke.


    "We will focus on the actual culprit and get the justice Kiri deserves."


    His voice was steady. Certain.


    But then...


    "But..."


    Kato tensed.


    "If you are so desperate for misplaced revenge, if you truly believe it will ease your pain... then go ahead."


    Onigi turned to face him, his piercing gaze locking onto Kato''s.


    "I will not stop you. Nor will I try to convince you otherwise. My only wish is that you realize the difference between you and him...before it is too late."


    Onigi let out a slow breath and turned away, walking toward a rocky platform.


    He settled onto the stone, crossing his legs, his eyes shutting as he prepared himself for the upcoming trial.


    His posture was calm, collected¡ªcompletely at ease.


    One by one, the rest of the clan followed, taking their places beside him.


    All except Kato.


    Kato stood frozen in place, his body trembling with raw, unfiltered rage.


    His hands clenched into fists so tight that his nails pierced his skin, warm blood dripping between his fingers.


    He barely noticed.


    His burning gaze snapped toward Alex.


    The bastard was standing there, casually chatting with Freya, as if none of this even mattered. As if Kato''s rage¡ªhis loss¡ªwas nothing.


    Kato''s blood boiled.


    And then¡ªas if he sensed it¡ªAlex suddenly turned his head.


    Their eyes met.


    Kato''s breath caught in his throat.


    His instincts screamed.


    Before he could even think, he snapped his head away, his heart hammering in his chest.


    What the hell was that?


    It was like Alex had seen straight through him.


    Forcing himself to look back, Kato saw it¡ª


    That grin.


    A slow, knowing smirk played on Alex''s lips before he simply turned away.


    Kato''s entire body tensed.


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Was he mocking him?


    Taunting him?


    His mind reeled back to the moment he lost Kiri.


    That same smirk¡ªthe one her killer wore just before he disappeared into the next trial''s exit.


    That bastard had turned his back on him just like this.


    Kato''s hands trembled.


    He should''ve torn him apart. Should''ve ripped him to shreds.


    But they had been miles apart.


    And now... it was happening again.


    His fury ignited.


    Misdirected or not, he didn''t care anymore.


    Someone had to pay.


    This bastard was going down first.


    Then the woman.


    And finally, Dorion.


    He''d hunt them all down.

 Chapter 120 - 120: Get Ready

    Alex was completely unbothered by Kato''s simmering rage.


    He could feel the lingering resentment from the rest of the clan¡ªthe silent stares drilling into his back¡ªbut he didn''t care.


    None of them mattered.


    Only Onigi caught his attention.


    Then, Freya''s voice pulled him from his thoughts.


    "Look! A vendor''s shop."


    Alex turned, his eyes narrowing as he spotted it¡ªa small framed stall, eerily familiar in both shape and design.


    It looked just like the one he had visited before.


    The one he had dismantled.


    Before he could say a word, Freya muttered under her breath and suddenly dashed forward.


    "I''m going to see if I can get something useful!"


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    His gaze flicked back to the vendor.


    He remembered.


    That unsettling cackle.


    Those eyes¡ªwild, unhinged, almost possessed.


    The way it had spoken of his dead parents as if it had read its mind.


    At shiver ran down his spine and nothing but rage.


    Clearly, this thing was not to be trusted.


    Nothing from it should be bought.


    But he couldn''t stop others.


    People would do whatever it took to survive.


    Even if it meant making deals with the devil.


    As Alex moved closer, he noticed more and more players flocking toward the vendor.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Now that he was up close, he could see it clearly.


    The vendor wasn''t just similar to the one he had destroyed before¡ªit was nearly identical.


    Almost the exact same undead.


    Then...


    The skeleton vendor lifted its head.


    Its hollow eye sockets seemed to glow as its grin stretched wider.


    A shiver of unease crept up Alex''s spine, then rage and he balled his fist.


    About to charge at the damned skeleton not minding others.


    But then it hit.


    A searing, burning pain flared at the back of his neck.


    The cursed mark.


    It felt like fire licking at his skin.


    "Tsk¡ª!" Alex groaned, instinctively clutching the back of his neck.


    The pain was intense like a brand pressing into his flesh, but not enough to make him collapse.


    Still¡ªhe was pissed.


    If it weren''t for the sheer number of players gathered around the vendor, he would have obliterated the damn thing¡ªjust like he did the last one.


    Just then, movement caught his eye.


    Freya was storming back toward him.


    Her expression? Pure irritation. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She muttered under her breath, grumbling about something as she stomped his way.


    Alex smirked. He already had a good guess about what was bothering her, but he decided to ask anyway.


    "What happened?"


    Freya let out a frustrated huff before launching into an angry rant.


    "I tried to buy the same health potion¡ªbut the price was tripled!"


    Her hands balled into fists.


    "Then that damned skeleton made me an offer. Said I could buy it for the same price as before if I sacrificed 50% of any two of my attribute points."


    She crossed her arms, fuming.


    "Isn''t that ridiculous?!"


    Alex barely reacted, his expression unreadable.


    Not as ridiculous as half your entire attributes and some of your skills.


    That thought still made his blood boil.


    Freya continued her rant, her voice laced with frustration.


    "It''s daylight robbery!" she snapped.


    He crossed his arms and shrugged.


    "Well, it could''ve been worse. It might''ve asked you to sacrifice a vital organ or a limb."


    Freya blinked.


    "What...?"


    Alex simply lifted a finger and pointed toward the crowd.


    "Looks like it does that too."


    Freya turned her head, following his gaze¡ª


    And her stomach dropped.


    A man was walking away from the vendor, his left sleeve empty.


    His entire arm was gone.


    But what made it worse?


    He was clutching a single boot in his remaining hand.


    Like it was the most valuable thing in the world.


    As he disappeared into the crowd, Freya felt a chill creep up her spine.


    She winced, swallowing hard.


    Her voice came out quieter this time.


    "...People are actually that desperate?"


    She knew things were bad. But this?


    This was a whole different level.


    "Oh my God!"


    A sharp gasp suddenly cut through the air.


    One of the players practically shouted, drawing everyone''s attention.


    Freya''s head snapped toward the commotion.


    Without hesitation, she moved to see what was happening.


    Alex took a step forward to follow her¡ªbut the moment he did, the pain in his neck exploded.


    A searing, burning agony.


    His entire body tensed as he instinctively grabbed the back of his neck.


    Motherf....!


    He gritted his teeth.


    The cursed mark.


    The pain had gotten more intensifying.


    And then he realized something.


    The closer he got to the vendor, the worse it became.


    Like an invisible force, pushing him back.


    A defense mechanism.


    A twisted little trick to keep him away.


    Alex exhaled sharply, eyes narrowing as he glared at the skeleton vendor.


    Then he grinned.


    Oh, it was going to pay for this.


    He may not be able to get close but he could still transfer an explosion.


    Meanwhile, Freya had already reached the vendor.


    She glanced around, catching snippets of conversation before one of the players finally pointed.


    "Look at that!"


    Freya followed their gaze¡ªand there it was.


    Sitting on the vendor''s shelf, covered in dust and age, was an old, worn book.


    Curious, she focused on it.


    A glowing description instantly popped up in her vision.


    [Trial Script: Provides useful, guaranteed hints and solutions for passing every trial in the Nightmare.]


    Her breath caught.


    "Oh!"


    No wonder everyone was freaking out.


    Freya''s eyes widened as she took in the item.


    Her shock lasted only a second¡ªuntil she saw the price.


    Her excitement instantly drained away.


    With an annoyed huff, she turned on her heels and stalked away.


    Yep. Ridiculous.


    The glowing price tag hovered in the air:


    [Price: 20,000 Nightmare Points]


    [Or: 10,000 Points + 5 Skills of the Vendor''s Choosing]


    Absolute robbery.


    She wasn''t the only one who thought so.


    The excitement in the crowd faded just as quickly.


    One by one, players shook their heads and walked away, muttering curses under their breath.


    Even some of Onigi''s men hurried back to their leader, eager to report what they had found.


    But Onigi barely reacted.


    With a sharp wave of his hand, he dismissed them.


    "Forget it. Do not approach that vendor again."


    His tone was firm, brooking no argument.


    His men exchanged uneasy glances but ultimately obeyed.


    Meanwhile, Freya made her way back to Alex.


    He didn''t ask about the item.


    Didn''t even glance at her.


    He simply turned away, uninterested.


    That was when Freya finally noticed it.


    Her eyes narrowed.


    A mark.


    Glowing. Searing hot. Right on the back of his neck.


    Like it was burning into his skin.


    Her brows furrowed.


    "I wanted to ask..." she said slowly, pointing at his neck.


    "...What is that mark?"


    Alex casually placed his hand over the mark on his neck, feeling the lingering heat pulsing beneath his fingertips.


    "Oh, this?" He said, his tone almost dismissive. "It''s a cursed mark. I got it by killing a vendor."


    Freya froze mid-step.


    Her brain stalled for a second, unsure if she had heard him correctly.


    Then, slowly, she turned to face him. "I''m sorry... what?"


    "You killed one of them?"


    Alex nodded. "Yes."


    Freya blinked. "Why?"


    "It pissed me off."


    "How?" She asked, voice rising slightly.


    "Can they even be killed?"


    "Yes."


    "How?"


    Alex smirked.


    "I cracked its skull."


    Freya stared at him like he had just casually announced he had punched a god in the face.


    "You say that like it''s normal."


    Alex tilted his head.


    "It isn''t?"


    "NO!"


    Alex shrugged.


    "Well, it''s quite normal to me. Look, I''ll show you..."


    Before she could process what he meant, Alex turned toward the skeletal vendor, raising his hand as if preparing to attack.


    Freya''s eyes widened in alarm.


    "Hey¡ªWait! Stop!"


    Without thinking, she lunged forward, reaching out to grab his arm before he could do something insane.


    "Wait... don''t¡ª!"


    Freya''s warning came half a second too late.


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The entire stall erupted in a massive explosion, flames and debris shooting skyward like a volcanic blast. The shockwave tore through the air, sending a powerful gust in all directions.


    Players staggered back, shielding their faces from the sudden burst of heat and force.


    "Cough, cough!"


    Freya choked on the dust, her eyes watering as she turned to Alex.


    He stood there, grinning like a madman, completely unfazed by the destruction he had just caused.


    Freya could only shake her head.


    She was seriously starting to question if sticking with him was a good idea.


    Before anyone could even process what had just happened, a loud chime echoed through the air.


    And a notification appeared before every player.


    Ding!


    [Players, the Second Nightmare Trial is about to begin.]


    [Get ready]


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Authors Note:


    Hey, readers! The book has been thriving, and it''s all thanks to your incredible support¡ªseriously, you guys keep me going! Every bit of love, from powerstones to gifts, fuels this journey. Huge shoutout to Hypnos_the1, Torque199823 and Phoenix_One, for dropping daily powerstones¡ªyou''re the real MVPs! Let''s keep this momentum rolling!

 Chapter 121 - 121: Lavas Edge

    The second trial was about to begin.


    A notification flashed before every player''s eyes, and in that instant¡ª


    Tension filled the air.


    The nervous chatter from moments ago vanished as reality set in.


    No one paid attention to the exploded vendor''s shop anymore.


    And the culprit behind the destruction?


    Alex.


    He stood there, still grinning like a madman as if he had just finished a work of art.


    Freya, standing beside him, had a look of sheer disbelief on her face.


    "Did you really have to¡ª" she started but stopped herself.


    There was no point.


    Instead, she just sighed and shook her head.


    Meanwhile, every player began moving toward the starting line¡ª


    A narrow cliff''s edge that overlooked a deadly chasm.


    They were anxious. Tense.


    Only a few, like Alex and Onigi, seemed excited.


    Then they saw it¡ª


    The trial itself.


    A path of floating, tile-like platforms stretched across the molten abyss.


    Each platform was separated by wide, uneven gaps.


    Some were close enough for a simple jump.


    Others would require perfect timing, speed, and agility.


    One wrong move... and it was over.


    Below, the lava bubbled and popped, sending up small bursts of flame like a living, hungry beast. It looked alive like it was waiting to swallow anyone who fell, the heat making sweat drip down their faces.


    The players gulped.


    Some clenched their fists.


    Some adjusted their gear.


    But they all felt the same thing.


    Dread.


    A new notification then flashed before everyone''s eyes.


    Ding!


    [Welcome to the Second Nightmare Trial]


    [Rules]


    Use the footholds to cross to the next door. Try not to fall¡ªlest the lava claims you.


    [Reward]


    3,000 Nightmare Points 30 Upgrade Points


    [Note]


    Some footholds will crack immediately upon being stepped on. Others will hurl you sideways or even drag you backward. Some trigger deadly traps. And if that''s not enough¡­ expect Nightmare Bats and aerial monsters to attack mid-jump.


    The moment the players finished reading, panic set in.


    Some sucked in deep breaths.


    Some gulped, suddenly regretting ever signing up for this.


    Others dropped to their knees, unable to handle the pressure.


    The reality of the situation hit them hard.


    One mistake¡­ just one¡­ and they were dead.


    Freya let out a long, slow exhale, trying to steady herself.


    Then, the final notification appeared.


    Ding!


    [Without further ado, let the trial begin.]


    A loud buzzer echoed through the cavern.


    And yet¡­ no one moved.


    Tension hung thick in the air, paralyzing the players.


    Except for one.


    With a powerful leap, Onigi launched himself onto the first floating platform. Then another. Then another.


    He moved like a blur, bounding forward with insane speed.


    His clan members, seeing their leader charge ahead, snapped out of their hesitation and followed, leaping onto the platforms after him.


    But the rest of the players?


    They stood frozen, watching in stunned silence.


    Until...


    SHING!


    A barrier trap snapped into place the moment Onigi''s foot left a platform¡ªdesigned to lock him in and push him backward.


    But it caught nothing.


    Only his afterimage.


    By the time the trap activated, Onigi was already gone.


    Then...


    FWIP!


    A dart shot out of nowhere, aiming straight for his neck.


    In a split second, Onigi twisted midair, blade flashing¡ª


    CLANG!


    The dart was deflected, spinning harmlessly into the lava below.


    The players watching from the cliff''s edge gasped.


    Some in awe.


    Most in terror.


    This trial wasn''t just about jumping. It was a death trap.


    And no one wanted to go next.


    Until, a new notification flashed before their eyes, glowing red,


    Ding!


    [Warning: Any Player who does not begin in the next 5:00 minutes, will automatically be attacked by a limitless amount of Nightmare Monsters]


    "Eeh?!"


    The time began its countdown.


    [4:59]


    Panic erupted.


    Players started rushing forward, scrambling onto the platforms.


    Even Freya, after taking a deep breath, stepped onto her first tile.


    The trial had truly begun.


    Freya turned to look at Alex.


    She had a feeling¡ªa gut instinct¡ªthat he hadn''t moved yet.


    She suspected the madman might wait till the timer ended so he could battle some monsters.


    But when she glanced back she saw he was gone.


    Her eyes darted forward to find him.


    And there he was.


    Already ahead.


    Her breath hitched.


    When did he...?!


    She shook the thought away.


    Why even bother.


    Of course. He had shown insane speed and agility in the first trial.


    It made sense that he could move that fast.


    But then...


    Chaos erupted.


    Two players leaped toward the same platform.


    They crashed into each other, in mid-air¡ªflailing, grasping, panicked.


    SPLAT!


    They tumbled straight down¡ªplunging into the molten lava below.


    Their screams were short-lived.


    The lava swallowed them whole.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    And it was only getting worse.


    Up ahead, one of Onigi''s men stepped onto a platform¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    His foot slipped.


    His balance shattered.


    CRACK!


    He hit his head on the edge of the platform¡ªstunned¡ªbefore his body rolled over the side.


    Another life was lost.


    Then, a woman froze in terror.


    She had made it halfway across, but the gaps were getting wider. The jumps were getting harder.


    Her breathing was ragged.


    Her legs refused to move.


    She hesitated.


    And then¡ª


    CRACK!


    The tile beneath her split apart.


    Her eyes widened.


    She tried to jump¡ªtoo late.


    She plummeted.


    A horrified scream echoed through the cavern¡ªuntil the lava cut it off.


    Someone yelled, desperate, frantic...


    "Don''t stand on a tile for too long! It''ll crack!"


    *


    Onigi was far ahead.


    The only one leading the charge.


    But he felt disappointed.


    He had expected a race¡ªa battle of skill and speed¡ªbetween him and Alex.


    Instead, Alex was taking his time.


    Onigi clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    He turned his head to track Alex but froze on seeing someone else.


    Kato was moving towards Alex.


    His intention was obvious.


    So he has made up his mind huh?


    Onigi''s grip tightened on his sword.


    But then he sighed, shaking his head.


    If Kato had already made up his mind, it wasn''t his problem.


    He turned away.


    But then...


    A piercing screech shattered the air, and Onigi''s instincts screamed at him.


    He spun around and saw a massive bird.


    Tainted black with withered, drooping feathers and withered skin.


    It was bigger than an eagle and it dove toward him.


    Talons extended. Beak wide.


    WHOOSH!


    A flash of steel.


    SHLICK!


    And the Blight bird was split clean in two.


    Onigi calmly slid his sword back into its sheath.


    Then he looked up.


    And saw them.


    More.


    A flock of Blight Birds.


    Their hungry eyes locked onto him.


    And behind them¡ª


    A black cloud.


    A writhing, chittering, shifting swarm.


    Hundreds¡ªmaybe thousands¡ªof nightmare bats rushing toward him.


    Onigi''s lips curled into a grin.


    "Now this is more like it."


    He dashed forward¡ªmeeting them head-on.


    *


    Meanwhile, behind him¡­


    Alex hopped onto a tile.


    Then another.


    Then another.


    His flips flops letting out a swish sound as he landed.


    He hummed with his hands still tucked into his pockets as he smirked.


    So far this had been a breeze.


    Alex glanced at the chaos ahead and noticed Onigi had already was engaged with monsters.


    He grinned.


    He wanted in.


    But first...


    His eyes shifted to the presence stalking him.


    A silent shadow at his side.


    Alex barely tilted his head, catching a glimpse.


    It was one of Onigi''s ronin.


    The one who had attacked him before.


    Kato was it?


    He had heard someone yell the name earlier.


    Kato didn''t speak.


    He just kept moving alongside Alex. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But his glare screamed murder.


    Alex remained casual. Unbothered.


    Then...


    In an instant.


    A fireball exploded toward him, roaring like a beast unleashed, and it came from Kato''s outstretched palm.


    His eyes burned with manic intensity as he poured more power into the flame, swelling it larger.


    But...


    CRACK.


    The tile beneath Kato shattered forcing him to leap to safety.


    He lunged to the next platform just in time, barely escaping a fiery plunge into the lava.


    He whipped his head around¡ªgrinning¡ªexpecting to see Alex burned to a crisp.


    Instead...


    The Alex he had hit¡­flickered then vanished like a mirage.


    An afterimage.


    His grin vanished.


    Then his gaze snapped forward and he saw Alex was already ahead.


    Still humming and moving like nothing had happened.


    Kato''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief.


    It was as if Alex wasn''t taking him seriously.


    Like he couldn''t be bothered to accommodate him.


    This pissed Kato off and his grip tightened around his sword.


    He chased after Alex with more vigor.


    With a sharp breath, he lunged forward towards Alex¡ªhis blade cutting through the air in a blazing arc.


    A fiery slash erupted from his weapon, tearing toward Alex''s back.


    The attack was fast. Precise. Deadly.


    But...


    CLANG!


    The flame shattered against an invisible force.


    Alex untouched and unaffected by the attack kept moving.


    [Aegis Arcane] shimmering around him, dispersing the attack like it was nothing.


    Kato''s breath hitched.


    Then Alex turned towards him and grinned tauntingly.


    Kato frowned.


    That grin.


    Like he was toying with him.


    Like he wasn''t even taking this seriously.


    Kato snapped and he roared, lunging forward.


    "Damn you!"


    His sword rose, ready to cleave Alex apart.


    But then a deafening screech.


    The sky darkened.


    WHOOSH!


    And multiple giant Blight birds descended all at once.

 Chapter 122 - 122: Monstrous Onslaught

    Kato halted his pursuit of Alex, his focus shifting to the swarm of Blight Birds diving toward him.


    His hands ignited, fireballs forming in an instant.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    He unleashed them, blasting the creatures mid-air.


    One after another, the Blight Birds shrieked before crashing into the lava, their bodies consumed by the molten abyss.


    The heat from the lava radiated intensely, making the air shimmer with waves of distortion.


    Kato''s breath came in short, sharp bursts as he prepared for the next wave of attackers.


    WHOOSH!


    Over to Alex, a Blight Bird blindsided him, slamming into him with brutal force. The tile beneath him cracked under the impact, sending shards of stone flying in all directions.


    SHATTER!


    But Alex had avoided the attack, already in motion.


    With a powerful leap, he launched himself into the air, twisting mid-flight with the grace of a seasoned warrior.


    A black flame burned to life in his palm, its dark energy pulsating with an eerie glow.


    He hurled it down at the attacking bird.


    FWOOSH!


    The Blight Bird screeched in agony, its feathers igniting in dark fire. It plummeted, its wings flailing uselessly as it descended into the molten lake below.


    SPLASH!


    The lava swallowed it whole, the flames hissing into silence.


    But there was no time to stop.


    More Blight Birds dived toward him¡ªdrawn by the cursed mark on his neck.


    Instead of dodging, Alex grinned, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.


    He leaped onto the birds themselves, using them as stepping stones instead of the floating tiles, and blasted black flames with every jump, setting the creatures ablaze as he moved.


    The air was thick with the stench of burning feathers and the acrid smoke of charred flesh.


    One Blight Bird suddenly lunged, its razor-sharp beak aiming straight for his head.


    But Alex vanished, a blur of motion too fast for the eye to follow.


    Then he reappeared right at the bird''s side, his fist cocked back.


    CRACK!


    His punch crushed through bone, the impact sending the Blight Bird rocketing downward.


    BOOM!


    The Blight Bird''s broken body crashed against the rocky wall, then slid down into the lava below, leaving a trail of smoke and ash in its wake.


    Alex landed smoothly on a tile, his movements fluid, but then...


    WHOOSH!


    Without warning, flames erupted from beneath, consuming the entire platform in a fiery inferno.


    For a brief second, Alex vanished within the blaze, his figure obscured by the intense heat and light.


    But then he stepped onto the next tile like it was nothing, Aegis Arcane shimmering around him.


    The protective barrier absorbed the attack without a scratch, its bluish hue flickering faintly before stabilizing.


    Above, the sky darkened as a swarm of aerial creatures dived toward him, their shrill screeches filling the air.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He dashed straight at them, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.


    SCHING!


    In one smooth motion, he unsheathed it and slashed.


    The blade cut through the creatures like butter, their bodies splitting apart mid-air before they even knew what hit them.


    His movements a blur of speed and precision.


    He landed on the skull of a Blight Bird, the force of his step crushing it instantly.


    Using the momentum, he lunged even higher, straight into the massive swarm of Nightmare Bats approaching from above.


    And then, he howled.


    A deep, powerful sound erupted from his throat, resonating with a primal energy.


    Then...it shifted into a sonic scream.


    A shockwave rippled through the air, the vibrations so intense that everyone''s eardrums trembled.


    The Nightmare Bats froze mid-flight, their bodies twitching violently as the sound waves tore through them.


    Then one by one, they dropped, lifeless.


    Their bodies rained down from the sky, crashing into the lava below with a series of sickening splashes.


    Kato watched from a distance, frozen in place.


    A shudder crawled down his spine as he witnessed the sheer power Alex wielded.


    What¡­ was this monster?


    He had fought powerful people before, but this? This made no sense.


    How the hell was Alex so strong?! It was almost unreal. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The obstacles that had taken so many lives already¡ªto Alex, they might as well have been cardboard cutouts.


    Kato''s body tensed, his muscles coiling like springs ready to snap.


    For the first time, a terrifying realization sank in.


    Alex could have killed him if he wanted to.


    The thought alone was enough to paralyze him.


    His grip on his sword tightened, the leather of the hilt creaking under the pressure.


    Attacking again? No. That would be suicide.


    Yet, even as the fear settled in, it didn''t quench his resentment.


    Not even a little.


    He still wanted Alex dead.


    But now¡­ he knew he couldn''t face him head-on.


    He needed a new plan.


    A better plan.


    His hatred had transformed into something darker, something twisted.


    It wasn''t just about revenge anymore. It was ego. It was envy. It was an obsession.


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    Far ahead, Onigi tore through the battlefield like an unstoppable force.


    Every monster that dared to block his way met a swift and brutal end.


    SLASH!


    His blade carved through them like paper, its edge gleaming with a cold, deadly light.


    Yet, they didn''t stop.


    The monsters clung to him like magnets, relentless in their assault.


    He was close now¡ªso close to the exit.


    But no matter how many he cut down, more kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.


    Still, Onigi never slowed.


    He never stopped.


    He was enjoying the thrill of it.


    As Onigi moved, his blade flashed like a streak of silver, carving through the monsters that dared to stand in his way.


    Blood sprayed in arcs, painting the air with crimson.


    Limbs flew, severed cleanly from their bodies.


    But despite the carnage, not a single drop stained his clothes.


    He was too fast, too precise, his movements a testament to years of relentless training and battle experience.


    Then he felt it.


    An insane amount of power.


    A presence that sent a thrill through his veins.


    Right behind him.


    Alex.


    Onigi''s lips curled into a grin, his teeth gleaming in the dim light.


    So, the young one was finally taking things seriously.


    His battle style¡ªunorthodox, unpredictable, deadly.


    Yet, so effective.


    Onigi chuckled, his eyes glinting with excitement.


    The kid was special. And¡ªif he was being honest¡ªhe looked like he was having fun. Something stirred in Onigi''s chest. Excitement.


    "Maybe I should have fun too," he mused, his voice low and gravelly.


    But just as he took his next step...


    CRACK!


    The tile beneath him shattered instantly, the sound echoing like a gunshot.


    But it wasn''t enough to catch the old man off guard.


    The moment his foot left the crumbling tile, he had already adjusted, landing on the next with the grace of a cat.


    But then another tile cracked. And another.


    The tiles had gotten weaker.


    Shattering almost as quick as he stepped on one,


    Things had gotten serious.


    Those without movement skills or insane agility would be at a huge disadvantage.


    Good thing he had both.


    With a sharp exhale, Onigi blasted forward, his body a blur of motion.


    Traps snapped at him, their mechanisms whirring with deadly intent.


    Monsters lunged, their claws and fangs bared.


    But his blade was faster.


    SLASH!


    He tore through everything in his path, leaving behind nothing but fallen enemies and shattered obstacles.


    The finish line was just ahead, its outline visible through the haze of smoke and fire.


    And he was still in the lead.


    But Alex...Alex was right behind him.


    Moving at the same pace. Never slowing down.


    Onigi frowned, his brow furrowing in thought.


    At first, he thought it was just chance, but now¡­ it was obvious:


    The Nightmare monsters were targeting Alex more than anyone else.


    Onigi grinned, a sly smirk spreading across his face.


    That just meant less trouble for him.


    But then the air shifted, and a dark presence swelled ahead.


    The Nightmare Bats stopped attacking individually.


    Instead, they swarmed together, twisting and merging into a grotesque, demonic face.


    It had no eyes. Only a gaping mouth.


    And then it screamed.


    A silent, eerie howl that made the very air shudder, sending ripples of fear through the hearts of all who heard it.

 Chapter 123 - 123: Music To My Ears

    Onigi''s sword flashed a brilliant blue as he activated a defensive skill to brace against the incoming attack.


    The air around him shimmered with energy, forming a protective barrier that should have deflected any assault.


    But nothing happened.


    No clash of steel, no explosion of force¡ªjust an eerie, silent howl that washed over him like a tidal wave.


    It wasn''t a physical attack; it was something far more insidious.


    The soundless scream burrowed deep into his mind, clawing at his thoughts and distorting his senses.


    His vision blurred, the world around him twisting into a chaotic mess.


    The tiles beneath his feet, once solid and predictable, now warped and shifted like liquid.


    Patterns swirled and melded together, making it impossible to tell where to step next.


    Onigi gritted his teeth, his instincts screaming at him to move, but his body hesitated. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had missed a step.


    His foot hovered over empty space, and the molten lava below seemed to surge upward, eager to claim him.


    But Onigi was no novice.


    He tightened his grip on his sword, and the blade flared a fiery red.


    Flames erupted around his body, forming a protective cloak that burned away the mental fog clouding his mind. His vision cleared¡ªjust enough.


    With a ferocious roar, he lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with precision and power.


    SHIIING!


    The fiery edge of his sword tore through the massive demonic face that had materialized before him, splitting it clean in two.


    The Nightmare Bats that had formed the monstrous entity burst into flames, their screeches turning into agonized wails as they scattered like dying embers.


    One by one, they plunged into the lava below, their forms disintegrating into ash.


    The battlefield fell silent, save for the crackling of flames and the distant echoes of combat.


    Onigi landed just past the finish line, his knee hitting the ground as he exhaled sharply.


    His chest rose and fell with each heavy breath, his body aching from the exertion. But there was no time to rest.


    A glowing notification appeared before his eyes, its text bright and unmistakable.


    Ding!


    [You have completed the second trial]


    [You have received 3,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 30 Upgrade Points]


    Onigi raised a brow as he read the notification, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield behind him.


    His men were still pushing forward, their numbers visibly thinner than before.


    The relentless waves of creatures had lessened¡ªlikely due to his and Alex''s relentless onslaught¡ªbut it wasn''t enough.


    Many of his men had fallen, their bodies swallowed by the chaos of the trial.


    And now, with the traps growing even more overwhelming, more were still falling.


    Then, a scream pierced the air.


    Onigi''s eyes snapped to the source, where one of his ronin was being snatched up by a Blight Bird.


    The creature''s massive talons dug into the warrior''s armor, lifting him into the air as he struggled in vain.


    Without hesitation, Onigi moved.


    His sword flashed from its sheath, the blade poised to cut the creature down with a single stroke.


    But then his sword stopped mid-air, as if striking an invisible wall.


    Something was wrong.


    A faint shimmer in front of him made it clear: a barrier.


    Just like the one that had stopped Baranga from attacking players who had already cleared the trial.


    It prevented him from attacking the creatures or going back to aid his men.


    Onigi exhaled sharply, a mix of frustration, regret, and realization washing over him.


    He had been so focused on securing first place¡ªon proving his strength¡ªthat he had forgotten his role as a leader.


    He should have stayed behind, guiding his men, ensuring fewer casualties.


    Instead, he had rushed ahead, leaving them to fend for themselves.


    And the worst part? Even after all that, he still hadn''t gotten first place.


    With a sigh, Onigi lowered himself onto the ground, sitting cross-legged in a lotus position. Now, all he could do was watch.


    The notification hovered in his vision, displaying the rewards for clearing the trial.


    [Reward]


    - 3,000 Nightmare Points


    - 30 Upgrade Points


    And then...


    He expected bonus points for reaching first place.


    ¡­But there were none.


    Onigi''s brow furrowed.


    That meant only one thing: he wasn''t first.


    Someone had beaten him to the finish.


    Slowly, he turned, and there, sitting casually on a rocky platform behind him, was Alex.


    The younger man was grinning, his hat tilted in greeting, his eyes dancing with amusement.


    Onigi sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    How? He hadn''t even seen Alex pass him.


    He was about to turn away, letting it go, when something shifted.


    A ripple in the air. A faint, almost imperceptible distortion in Alex''s aura.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed, and then it hit him.


    A chuckle escaped his lips, followed by an amused exclamation:


    "Young man, aren''t you a little too greedy?"


    Alex''s grin widened as he shook his head:


    "You''re a shrewd one, aren''t you?"


    Onigi smirked, muttering inwardly.


    Shrewd? Not quite. I should have sensed it sooner.


    Alex leaned forward slightly, his voice calm and confident.


    "To answer your question..."


    His grin sharpened as he replied:


    "Yes, I am greedy. I want it all."


    *


    [Multiplicity]: Create up to 5 clones of yourself, each possessing 20% of your strength. The original can give remote commands and switch places with a copy.


    Suddenly, at the starting line, another Alex appeared, standing with a grin. He had planned this from the start. Before he even began the trial, he had left behind a clone. Now, he could use the second perk of his skill.


    [Multiplicity]: Switch places with his clone.


    And why go through all that trouble? Well... it all started with a simple notification.


    [Warning: Any Player who does not begin in the next 5:00 minutes will automatically be attacked by a limitless amount of Nightmare Monsters]


    One word stood out to him:


    Limitless.


    Alex''s grin sharpened. That was free stat points.


    A golden opportunity to farm them like crazy.


    No way he was passing that up.


    His plan was simple:


    ? Leave a clone behind at the starting line.


    ? Proceed with the trial as normal.


    ? When the five-minute timer ran out, switch places with his clone.


    ? Get "penalized" for not starting the trial.


    ? Trigger an endless swarm of Nightmare Monsters.


    ? Slaughter as many as possible before swapping back.


    Unlimited enemies. Unlimited rewards.


    And just like that¡ªthe hunt was about to begin.


    Now, it was time. Alex stared at the countdown.


    [0:00:5]


    [0:00:4]


    [0:00:3]


    [0:00:2]


    [0:00:1]


    [0:00]


    A glowing red notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Penalty: For not beginning the round, hordes of Nightmare creatures will hunt you down. Even if you begin now, they will still pursue.]


    Alex''s grin widened. "Music to my ears," he whispered.


    He was no stranger to decimating hordes. No matter the kind of monster.


    His fingers played with the Blast Shard in his pocket as the sky above him darkened. Nightmare Bats swarmed together, blotting out the light.


    Some were massive, others smaller but just as vicious, their eyes glowing with hunger.


    Mixed in were Blight Birds, their skeletal wings slicing through the air like blades.


    Then, a faint glow pulsed at the back of Alex''s neck.


    The creatures snapped their heads toward him, their screeches turning into a unified, bloodthirsty roar.


    Like a single entity, they dove¡ªfast, unrelenting, violent.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    Instead, he stepped forward, took a deep breath, and unleashed a sonic scream.

 Chapter 124 - 124: Absurd Amount

    While Alex battled the endless nightmare creatures at the starting area, things at the finish line were starting to get busy.


    The first to land was Kato.


    He had been right behind Alex, and now that he had arrived, the first thing he did was glare at him.


    Alex, however, barely acknowledged him.


    Kato''s fists clenched. His teeth ground together. His anger was palpable.


    Onigi, watching from nearby, said with a complicated look on his face..


    "I see you''re still burning with rage."


    Kato ignored him and strode forward, his steps heavy with frustration.


    "You told me to do whatever I want... so that''s exactly what I''m going to do."


    Onihi responded:


    "Even if it leads to your death?"


    Kato didn''t respond.


    More players soon arrived.


    One after another, until their number totalled seven who made it to the finish line.


    Five of them were Onigi''s men.


    Some of the ronin bruised, others bloodied, but none seemed to have suffered anything too serious.


    Kyiv, a swordsman, arrived next.


    His sleeve flared making his disability apparent.


    He was missing an arm but he didn''t seem to mind it as he proceeded to the entrance to the next trial.


    Last came Xeno, an archer.


    He clutched his face, his eyes wounded.


    A nightmare bat had attacked him, and from the way he staggered, it was clear the damage was severe.


    Onigi scanned the exhausted group wondering if that was everyone.


    But then a figure appeared in the distance.


    Still undergoing to trial.


    It was Freya.


    She moved swiftly, leaping from tile to tile, her breath ragged but controlled.


    Around her, nightmare creatures swarmed, yet something was off.


    The nightmare bats weren''t attacking her.


    The others stared in shock.


    Whispers of confusion rippled through the group.


    "Why aren''t they attacking?" someone muttered.


    Only a few bats hovered nearby, their eerie eyes locked onto her, but they did nothing.


    Freya pushed forward, her legs burning with exhaustion.


    Then, with a final leap, she landed beyond the finish line.


    Her knees buckled, and she collapsed, breathing heavily.


    When she looked up, all eyes were on her.


    Dozens of people stared their expressions a mix of confusion, suspicion, and unease.


    A nervous shiver ran down her spine.


    What if the ronin tried to kill her again?


    No.


    She doubted they would do that.


    They were probably just stunned by the sight that the nightmare bats hadn''t attacked.


    It was simple.


    From watching she had observed that the more mana you let out the more attracted the monsters are to you.


    And when he had a skill that enabled you to concern yours, then you would be practically invisible.


    The cracked tiles and the traps were the issues though.


    Luckily she had made it.


    She then rose to her feet.


    Her gaze darted across the crowd, searching for someone.


    Then, she found him.


    And without hesitation, she began walking toward him.


    Of course, he made it.


    If there was anyone she was confident would make it, it was him.


    She stepped forward, her breath still uneven from the trial.


    As soon as she reached him, she asked,


    "Why haven''t you left yet?"


    Alex, who had been sitting calmly, raised his head.


    "I thought you would have left." She added.


    Alex didn''t respond only staring at her intently, and her heart skipped a beat.


    A possibility crept into her mind.


    "Don''t tell me... were you waiting for me?"


    The silence only made her thoughts spiral.


    Her imagination ran wild.


    Then, finally, Alex responded.


    "I wasn''t waiting for you."


    For a brief second, relief mixed with disappointment.


    But then he said something absurd.


    "I was waiting for me."


    Freya''s brows furrowed in confusion.


    Wait¡­ What?! What the f*ck does that mean?!


    She wanted to ask but he shook her head, deciding it wasn''t worth figuring out.


    That''s when she noticed a movement towards the exit that led to the next trial.


    A man limped forward.


    His body was covered in scars, his arm missing.


    He looked like he was barely holding on.


    Freya''s eyes locked onto him.


    She recognized the man instantly.


    The swordsman who had sacrificed his arm for a boot.


    She had seen what the boot could do.


    It let him float briefly, giving him a slight advantage.


    But¡­ it hadn''t helped him completely.


    The nightmare monsters still tore into him.


    Yet, somehow, he had kept going.


    His steps wobbled as he staggered toward the exit. His body weary and broken.


    His face was hollow, like a man walking on the edge of sanity.


    He had given everything.


    Since the beginning, he has sacrificed, fought, and bled.


    All for one reason.


    To escape this cursed Nightmare.


    To return to his daughter.


    But then¡­


    His trembling fingers stretched toward the exit.


    Just inches away towards a step to freedom.


    But...


    Ding!


    A notification appeared before his eyes.


    Kyiv''s body stiffened.


    His eyes widened.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    Slowly, he read the message.


    His face twisted in horror.


    "No way¡­" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Kyiv''s eyes darted back to the notification.


    He read it again.


    And again.


    But the words didn''t change.


    His breath hitched.


    Then, his face twisted in disbelief.


    "No f*cking way."


    His legs buckled, and he stumbled backward.


    It felt like that single step had drained years of his life.


    Then, panic set in.


    "No, no, no, no, NO!"


    His voice cracked as frustration surged through him.


    This got everyone attention.


    Xeno, walking towards him, raised a brow.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked.


    Kyiv didn''t answer¡ªhis hands were shaking.


    Frustrated, Xeno pulled up his own screen.


    His eyes widened.


    "¡­Are you kidding me right now?!"


    His fingers clenched into a fist.


    Then, he gritted his teeth.


    "Goddammit!"


    Freya, watching their reactions, felt a pit form in her stomach.


    "What''s happening?" she asked, her voice uneasy.


    Kyiv''s head snapped toward her.


    His face twisted in rage and desperation.


    Then he yelled:


    "5000 POINTS!. We need 5000 Nightmare Points to proceed to the next round."


    A heavy stillness fell over the group.


    For a moment, no one even breathed.


    The trial they had just passed only rewarded them with 3,000 Nightmare Points each.


    If they were to use it they would be short 2,000 points.


    But where were they supposed to get that massive amount of Nightmare?


    There were two known ways to earn Nightmare Points.


    Option One which was the most common method was to hunt and kill Nightmare Monsters.


    But was it realistic now that they had exited the trial and couldn''t go back due to restriction?


    The best solution would be they kill a lot of nightmare monsters during the trial, but most of them, more than anything had been focused on survival.


    Life was lost and the survivors were injured, exhausted, and barely standing.


    The second option was to exchange Points


    Players could trade points with each other.


    But who would willingly give up their hard-earned Nightmare Points?


    No one.


    Kyiv''s breath hitched as his mind raced.


    Unknown to many.


    A third way existed. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A secret, brutal way that only a unique few knew.


    If you killed another player, their Nightmare Points and stat points would automatically transfer to you.


    And the only way to know that is if you had killed someone in the nightmare.


    Kyiv knew.


    And on his knees, his mind spiraled.


    He had done questionable to act like a saint now.


    The first two options were nearly impossible.


    So that left only one way.


    Kill someone.


    His hands trembled.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    Now came the next question.


    Who to kill?


    Kyiv''s eyes darted around frantically.


    Everyone who had made it this far was strong.


    No one would go down easily.


    The Ronins?


    Suicide.


    They''d spot his intent and cut him down before he even raised his sword.


    Even if he killed one of them, he wouldn''t made it out alive.


    Alex?


    Not a chance.


    Kyiv had seen what Alex was capable of.


    Xeno?


    Maybe, since he had lost an eye... but it was still too risky.


    That left only one person.


    His eyes landed on Freya.


    She was weaker than the others.


    She was exhausted.


    She was alone.


    Kyiv''s gaze darkened like a predator who had found its prey.


    He took a deep breath.


    Then without any hesitation, he lunged toward her.


    His grip tightened around his sword.


    His boots that he paid for with his arm activated, boosting his speed.


    He blurred forward, his blade aimed straight at Freya''s back.


    And she had no idea.


    The sword was inches from piercing her, but a cold voice shattered the air.


    "Petrify."


    Kyiv''s body was locked in place.


    His sword stopped¡ªmillimeters from Freya''s skin.


    Freya turned, her eyes widening in shock.


    The realization hit her.


    She stumbled back, watching Kyiv struggle with a manic look on his face.


    He gritted his teeth as he couldn''t move.


    Alex then stepped forward, leaning close to Kyiv.


    His voice was low and dangerous as he muttered:


    "You... what do you think you''re doing?"

 Chapter 125 - 125: Steel Met Steel

    The moment Alex spoke, [Petrify] shattered.


    Kyiv''s body lurched back into motion.


    His instincts screamed¡ªMove!


    And he leaped away, his sword raised high, his eyes burning with fury.


    On seeing this Alex clicked his tongue.


    Tsk.


    This was a problem.


    His clone only had 20% of his real strength.


    That meant [Petrify]''s duration and that of his other skill was weaker.


    His skills were significantly nerfed.


    If that wasn''t the case then the one-armed swordsman shouldn''t have broken free so soon.


    From the sidelines, Kato watched.


    His brows furrowed.


    He had faced Alex before, and he knew how powerful [Petrify] was.


    No one ordinary person could break free from that skill.


    So what the hell was this?


    Kato''s mind raced.


    He could tell Kyiv wasn''t that special.


    There was no way the one-armed swordsman was stronger than him.


    So how?


    How had he broken free?


    His eyes narrowed.


    Something else was at play.


    There was only one explanation that made sense.


    And it was that Alex was weaker than he thought.


    Maybe he had been using a power-boosting skill all this while.


    Onigi, as if reading Kato''s thoughts, then uttered under his breath.


    "Whatever you''re thinking now is an illusion. You will gain nothing from this."


    Kato''s frown deepened.


    His master words were vague, cryptic as always, and useless.


    He had no time for riddles.


    With a scoff, he turned away.


    Focusing his gaze on Alex and Kyiv to understand more.


    There was silence and the air around two seemed to crackle with tension, the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone present.


    Xeno, who was somewhat close to Kyiv, broke the silence.


    "Kyiv¡­ what are you doing?"


    The one-armed swordsman''s jaw clenched.


    His fingers tightened around his sword. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There is no other way," he muttered through gritted teeth.


    "There are no nightmare monsters left to kill. No one is dumb enough to hand over their points. That leaves only one option."


    A deadly silence fell.


    Then Kyiv continued, voice grim.


    "Unlike back in the tutorial, where killing a player only gives you a percentage of their points¡­"


    His breath hitched.


    "Here, you get ALL of their Nightmare Points and Upgrade Points."


    The weight of his words settled over everyone.


    A chilling realization.


    They were stunned expressions.


    But Alex was unmoved by the new info.


    His face remained unreadable.


    Of course, he hadn''t known about this mechanic.


    But he wasn''t surprised.


    This realm was ruled by a twisted being¡ªone that wanted nothing more than to see them all break and fall so their bodies outside will be consumed.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as a thought crossed his mind.


    "I see," he muttered, his voice eerily calm.


    He took a step forward, staring down at Kyiv.


    "The reason you know this¡­ is because you''ve killed before. Is that right?"


    Kyiv''s grip on his sword tightened.


    A flicker of something...guilt?


    No. Resignation...passed through his eyes.


    Then, with a deep breath, he nodded.


    "Exactly."


    His voice held no regret.


    No hesitation.


    Then he turned his gaze locking onto Onigi.


    A smirk played on his lips.


    "That Dorion kid you keep asking about?" Kyiv tilted his head slightly.


    "He probably killed your daughter for the same reason."


    A sharp intake of breath. The Ronins tensed.


    Knuckles whitened.


    Veins pulsed in anger.


    Murderous intent filled the air.


    Alex sighed. This damned place.


    Nothing but death and blood.


    He turned his head slightly, eyes flickering to Freya.


    She was still frozen in shock.


    Her breathing was uneven.


    She had almost died just now.


    Alex sighed once again.


    Was it his problem if she did die?


    Probably not.


    But at the same time¡­


    Someone who walked with him shouldn''t die so easily.


    If anything she would rather die to the nightmare devices than a fellow player kill her.


    More importantly, he had another curiosity.


    He wanted to know.


    How long would his clone, with only 20% of his original strength, last against other players?


    Alex let out a sigh, though inside, he was grinning.


    "I don''t have a choice but to kill someone, so I hope you understand."


    "I don''t to be honest."


    "She is the weakest here so it makes sense she is the one who dies? Is that clear now?"


    Alex tilted his head.


    No way that''s a serious question.


    It was absurd.


    The man in front of him had clearly lost his mind.


    Freya, the target of his word was also reasonably pissed.


    Her expression was cold, as she took out her blade raising it in defense.


    "I''d admit. I''d have zero confidence in making it out alive. But I''d be damned if I let a disabled bastard tell me where my end would be."


    Kyiv gritted his teeth, and then he yelled.


    "I have obligations!"


    "Doesn''t deem your action right," Alex responded.


    "I have a daughter!"


    "I have a daughter so I have no choice. No matter what, I will proceed to the next trial. I will escape this hell¡­ No matter what."


    Alex paused for a second.


    Then he continued.


    "Well, even with that¡­" he said, slowly drawing his weapon [Murzok Fangblade].


    "I still can''t let you kill her. Daughter be damned."


    Kyiv''s mouth widened in disbelief, then it closed and his expression twisted into fury.


    His grip tightened on his sword.


    Then, with a deep breath, he lifted his blade and pointed it directly at Alex.


    "You asked for this," Kyiv said, voice firm.


    But there was a bit of hesitation behind his words after all he had seen Alex in action.


    Alex''s fingers curled around the hilt of his weapon.


    The dark, serrated edge of the blade gleamed.


    Tension crackled in the air.


    Only one person in the crowd truly understood what was happening¡ªOnigi.


    The old man watched in silence, arms crossed.


    He knew.


    He knew Alex was a clone.


    But he didn''t say a word.


    And Alex understood why.


    The old man wouldn''t bother fighting a weaker version of him.


    He also wouldn''t inform the others.


    Because like Alex, Onigi was curious.


    He wanted to see how long Alex''s clone could last.


    To gauge his real strength.


    But there was a problem.


    If Alex lost here¡­


    If his clone was defeated¡­


    What would that mean for him?


    If his clone died, his original body wouldn''t be able to swap in time.


    That meant he''d have to restart the trial.


    Not that he was worried about it and would be any problem.


    But it seemed like such a drag.


    So what were his options?


    Fight, or¡­ Fight.


    A grin stretched across his face.


    There was only one choice he''d ever make.


    He would fight and see how long he could last just for the fun of it.


    Kyiv studied him carefully.


    Alex didn''t seem like was going to back down.


    His face darkened.


    "You know¡­ I only need to kill one person to get the points I need."


    His fingers flexed around the hilt of his sword.


    "If that person is you...so be it."


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "Then what are you waiting for?...come at me."


    His words provoked the swordsman.


    And Kyiv moved.


    In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of Alex.


    His sword flashed downward, aiming for Alex''s neck.


    But Alex was ready.


    He raised his blade in an instant¡ª


    CLANG!


    Steel met steel and shockwave of force erupted from the impact rippling through the air.

 Chapter 126 - 126: Provoking Idiots

    Oh¡­


    Alex gritted his teeth as a dull ache spread through his arm.


    The impact had buckled his stance.


    Damn¡­ he''s strong.


    Even with one arm, Kyiv''s strikes were heavy¡ªfar more powerful than Alex had expected.


    He took a step back, but Kyiv was already there.


    A second strike.


    A third.


    Each one more faster, sharper, and deadlier.


    Alex had no room to counter.


    He barely managed to block, his sword ringing with every desperate parry.


    But he was losing ground.


    Kyiv''s onslaught was relentless¡ªhis attacks flowing together like a storm, giving Alex no time to breathe.


    Yet, despite the pressure, Alex grinned.


    This is fun.


    No matter how fast he moved¡ªno matter how many feints he used¡ªKyiv followed.


    It was almost unnatural.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    The way Kyiv moved was like he was floating.


    And then Alex realized it was the damned boot.


    The same boot Kyiv had sacrificed his arm for.


    "That explains it."


    Alex had no choice.


    He couldn''t win like this.


    If he wanted to win, he''d have to use some of his skills.


    But before he could act...


    BAM!


    Kyiv''s blade swatted his sword arm aside, knocking it upward.


    Alex''s chest was wide open.


    Kyiv''s eyes flashed, and he lunged going for the kill.


    But Alex let out a grin.


    Then, he sank.


    Like a stone in water.


    Almost like the ground had turned to liquid.


    Kyiv''s blade stabbed the air, and his eyes widened in confusion.


    What?


    He looked around wondering where Alex had gone.


    Then he sensed him below.


    Before he could react¡ª


    A vice-like grip clamped around both his ankles.


    Kyiv''s head snapped down, and he saw Alex half submerged in the earth.


    A wicked grin on his face. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then...yank.


    Kyiv''s legs were suddenly pulled downward.


    Panic shot through him.


    His feet were sinking¡ªthe ground swallowing him.


    "Damn it!"


    Both his feet were now trapped beneath the surface.


    He tried to break free but he was stuck.


    Alex then shot up from underground, his sword raised for the kill.


    But, he felt a chill crawl up his spine.


    [Danger Sense] warning him.


    And he reacted immediately.


    Without thinking, Alex threw up his arm and activated [Aegis Arcane.]


    BOOM!


    A searing wave of fire slammed into him from the side, sending him skidding backward.


    His barrier cracked¡ªa massive dent forming on its shimmerings surface.


    Smoke curled from his clothes.


    Then Alex heard a low and mocking chuckle.


    "I knew it."


    Alex''s eyes snapped to the source and he frowned:


    "You again."


    I should have killed this bastard.


    Kato stepped forward with a smirk.


    "I knew it. You''re a fraud."


    Oh..Alex uttered his mouth forming an ''O''.


    He didn''t think Kato was that shrewd to realize he was a clone.


    Kato then began to explain proudly:


    "You must have been using a power-boosting skill or artifact to enhance your strength earlier. Which is why you seemed so powerful earlier. Now I can see it has run out."


    Alex lowered his head. Disappointed.


    He was an idiot.


    Two more Ronins flank him.


    The first was a towering brute with scarred arms and a massive war axe.


    Akio, a barbarian.


    The other was a woman with piercing eyes and hands crackling with raw magic.


    Isla who seemed to be a sorcerer.


    They joined Kato because they still felt resentment.


    Onigi''s daughter had been their friend, and her death wasn''t something they could just let go of, especially now, that they did not have enough Nightmare Points to proceed.


    They only had two choices in other to proceed:


    Beg for Nightmare points from their comrades.


    Or take what they needed.


    Begging would make them a burden as no one knows what the next trial would demand


    So instead of attempting that, they set their sights on someone they already hated.


    A fraud.


    Kato had convinced them Alex was indeed one.


    To them, his death would serve two purposes.


    They would get vengeance for Kiri and the necessary nightmare points to proceed.


    Kyiv who''s feel were still buried, saw the intent of the Ronin and roared in frustration.


    His hands clawed at the ground, trying to yank his leg free.


    "Hey! Back off! He''s mine!"


    Kato gave a mocking shrug.


    "Sorry, buddy. This is personal."


    His smirk deepened.


    "If you''re desperate for Nightmare Points, go after the girl."


    His eyes flicked to the side.


    "Though¡­ it looks like someone already beat you to it."


    Kyiv whipped his head around, and his eyes widened.


    Xeno.


    The archer was locked in a fight with Freya.


    Freya moved fast, her body twisting as she barely dodged arrows.


    Each time she evaded, she lashed back¡ªdaggers whipping through the air.


    Kyiv''s teeth gritted.


    "Damn it!"


    Kyiv cursed under his breath, his frustration boiling over.


    His leg was still trapped, but he wasn''t about to let this kill slip away.


    With a snarl, he stabbed down at the earth around his foot¡ªeach strike chipping away at the dirt and rock, widening the gap.


    He would break free. He had to.


    He was the one who started this.


    The kill was his.


    Meanwhile, Kato took slow, deliberate steps toward Alex, his excitement unmistakable.


    A wicked grin stretched across his face.


    "I''m right aren''t I?" he asked, his voice practically thrumming with anticipation.


    "No, you''re not."


    Kato''s expression was unchanged:


    "It doesn''t matter. What is obvious is that your strength has fallen, I may not know why but I''m certainly going to take advantage of it."


    Alex lowered his hands, allowing his barrier to disperse.


    His gaze met Kato''s, calm yet piercing.


    "I see you''re really are an idiot."


    Kato''s grin faltered.


    "What...?"


    Alex''s eyes flicked to the two standing beside him.


    "And you dragged two more fools into this as well."


    Akio''s face contorted with anger as he raised his massive axe, pointing it at Alex.


    "He didn''t bring us into anything!"


    Beside him, Isla pulled out her staff, its tip glowing with raw energy.


    Her voice was steady.


    "We''re doing this for Kiri."


    Alex''s brows furrowed in confusion.


    "Kiri?" he muttered.


    Then, his lips curled into a taunting grin, his eyes glinting with mockery.


    "Who the hell is that?"


    The reaction was instant.


    "Damn you!" Kato roared.


    Akio and Isla didn''t hesitate.


    In the blink of an eye, multiple magic attacks were hurled toward Alex¡ªflames, crackling lightning, and razor-sharp wind blades streaking through the air, all aimed to obliterate him.

 Chapter 127 - 127: 3 v Clone

    Multiple attacks raced toward Alex¡ªblazing fire, streaks of lightning, and razor-sharp wind blades.


    But Alex just grinned.


    Then, in a flash, he dashed forward.


    Kato''s eyes widened on seeing this.


    Approaching head-on?... Was he insane?!


    Just as it seemed Alex was about to collide with the attacks, he jumped!


    A powerful lunge sent him soaring over the deadly magic.


    Then, the moment he landed, he slammed his foot into the ground, activating [Earth Stomp].


    BOOM!


    The earthquake-like tremor sent Kato, Aikio, and Isla stumbling.


    Even those watching from a distance felt the impact.


    Kyiv, still trapped in the ground, gritted his teeth as pain surged through his already-buried leg.


    Alex took advantage of the chaos.


    He pulled out Shadow Fangs¡ªthe pair of deadly dual blades he had once looted from a goblin scout.


    It had been a while since he used them.


    No time to hesitate.


    His eyes locked onto his first target, Isla.


    Unlike the others, she struggled the most to regain her balance.


    The decision was instant.


    Alex activated [Fast and Furious], his body becoming a blur as he closed the distance in the blink of an eye.


    As Alex closed in on Isla, his blade was already poised to strike.


    But...


    FLASH!


    Her staff glowed, and in an instant, she blinked away, teleporting to another spot.


    Oh?


    Alex muttered after his blade stabbed nothing but air.


    His momentary surprise cost him.


    WHOOSH!


    A sudden shadow loomed over him.


    Akio''s massive axe came crashing down from above in a brutal overhead swing.


    And Alex barely had time to react, as he jumped back!


    CRASH!


    The axe slammed into the ground, cracking the stone beneath it.


    But Alex had landed right into the path of Kato, who was already in motion.


    SHING!


    A quick-draw slash flew toward him, Kato''s blade glowing with fiery energy.


    WHOOSH!


    Alex twisted his body at the last second, dodging by a hair''s breadth¡ª


    But the searing heat of the blade as it whizzed past him still burned his skin.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A magic blast struck him from the side!


    The impact sent him tumbling across the battlefield.


    Alex exhaled sharply, his [Aegis Arcane] barrier flickering, now cracked from the force of the attack.


    Alex let out a heavy exhale, his lips curling into a grin.


    His pulse pounding.


    This was getting fun.


    [Danger Sense] was the only thing keeping him from getting torn apart¡ªit was making him react just fast enough to avoid the attacks.


    But that wasn''t enough.


    He needed an extra layer of caution.


    As he rose to his feet, he activated [Foresight], his vision sharpening, his mind calculating every possible move his enemies could make.


    But then...


    CRACKLE!


    A cage of energy suddenly erupted around him, sparking and hissing like a storm trapped in midair.


    Alex''s eyes snapped toward Isla.


    Her staff was raised, both hands glowing with power.


    Then she clenched her fist.


    The lightning cage twisted, its bars unraveling into a writhing net of energy and it surged toward Alex, ready to bind him like a snake coiling around its prey. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But...


    FWUMP!


    Alex sank into the ground like it was liquid, his body vanishing into the earth just before the net closed in.


    The lightning snapped shut around empty space.


    Then...


    SHOOP!


    He reappeared several meters away from the trio.


    Kato''s eyes widened in shock for a moment¡ªthen he grinned.


    Alex was struggling.


    He was getting pushed back.


    Knew it.


    Alex wasn''t as strong as everyone made him out to be.


    And Kato was going to prove it.


    If they kept this up, Alex wouldn''t last much longer.


    Kato tightened his grip on his sword''s hilt, his eyes locked onto Alex.


    He turned to Akio, voice sharp.


    "Let''s go."


    Without hesitation, the two charged forward, their movements perfectly in sync.


    Above them, Isla raised her staff, summoning a pulsing orb of energy.


    The orb whirled and flickered, before unleashing a continuous stream of energy blasts, each one homing in on Alex''s position as Akio and Kato closed in.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    He had to break their momentum.


    Now.


    He rushed forward, taking two quick leaps, then screamed¡ª


    [Sonic Howl]!


    A powerful shockwave erupted from his mouth, tearing through the air like a hurricane.


    BOOM!


    The force slammed into Akio, sending the barbarian stumbling back.


    But Kato?


    He was faster.


    A blur of movement¡ªthen¡ª


    CLANG!


    His flaming sword clashed against Alex''s Shadow Fangs, sparks flying as the two locked blades.


    Kato grinned, pushing against Alex''s weapons.


    "Hah... I thought you were hot shit... but turns out you''re just trash."


    Alex met his gaze, eyes flashing.


    "Is that so?!"


    With a swift motion, Alex threw a kick¡ª


    His heel slammed into Kato''s chest, forcing him back.


    But before Alex could regain his footing...


    WHAM!


    Multiple streaks of blazing energy slammed into his side.


    Isla''s attack finding its mark.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The battlefield shook with each blast, fire, and smoke swallowing everything in sight.


    For a moment, no one could see through the haze.


    Alex''s fate was unknown.


    Had Alex been hit? Killed?


    Was he injured?


    Was he...


    As the smoke cleared, there was nothing.


    No body. No trace.


    Kato''s instincts flared, a cold sensation crawling up his spine.


    From the side!


    He swung his sword, reacting on pure instinct¡ª


    SWISH!


    Nothing.


    His blade cut through empty air.


    Then...from below.


    THWACK!


    A solid kick struck upward, slamming into his jaw.


    Alex had emerged from below, one hand braced against the ground as he drove his heel into Kato''s chin with his flip-flop.


    Kato''s head snapped back as he was sent flying.


    He crashed in the distance and Alex moved to follow up, his eyes gleaming savagely, but...


    WHAM!


    Akio dropped from above, his massive axe swinging down in a devastating arc.


    CRACK!


    The ground split apart, deep fissures tearing through the battlefield as the force of the attack ripped stone like paper.


    Alex gritted his teeth, twisting his body mid-air before leaping back, just barely dodging the strike.


    He landed smoothly, dust swirling around his feet.


    His eyes flickered between Akio and the recovering Kato.


    He was so close¡ªhe could see the perfect opportunity to finish off Kato but Akio had intervened.


    He had to admit¡­


    Their teamwork was good.


    Akio, the barbarian, came charging forward, his massive axe gleaming under the light as he swung with raw power.


    Alex stayed calm and used.


    [Petrify]


    Akio''s movements slowed, his body stiffening as the spell took effect.


    Alex didn''t waste a second.


    He extended a hand, and a faint gray glow pulsed from his palm,


    Then it ignited, dark flames twisting around his fingertips.


    [Black Flame]


    But before he could release it...


    ZING!


    A sharp, needle-thin energy beam came flying at him¡ªinsanely fast.


    From Isla.


    She had sensed the danger of Alex''s attack and countered immediately.


    Her spell was special¡ªa lethal assassination skill.


    It had almost no mana signature, meaning it couldn''t be easily detected until it was too late.


    A perfect kill shot.


    But¡ª


    To her utter shock, Alex reacted instantly.


    As if he had been expecting it.


    Instead of dodging, he lifted the same hand he had raised for [Black Flame], the energy beam striking his wrist.


    CLANG!

 Chapter 128 - 128: Blazing Duel

    CLANG!


    Isla''s eyes went wide with shock.


    That wasn''t possible.


    Alex had reacted like he had seen her attack coming a mile away.


    And even crazier, he hadn''t dodged.


    But rather, he had raised his hand to block it.


    Her energy beam should have torn through his arm, cutting straight to the bone.


    But instead, it had vanished.


    Like it had never even been fired.


    Alex slowly lowered his arm, staring at his wrist.


    For a brief second, a faint glow flickered¡ªrevealing a bracelet¡ªbefore it dispersed like it wasn''t there.


    [Anti-Magic Gauntlet]


    The gauntlet had an effect that made it invisible to others, and he had been wearing it all along, ever since he first got it.


    But until now, he had never actually been pushed hard enough to use it.


    His expression darkened as his eyes snapped toward Isla.


    The fierce, determined look on her face didn''t change.


    But Alex''s thoughts were clear.


    She needs to go.


    CRACK!


    Akio broke free from the [Petrify] spell, muscles bulging with raw power as he charged at Alex again.


    At the same time, a blur of motion came from behind.


    Kato.


    His katana gleamed, moving in a deadly arc¡ª


    And Alex seemed completely unaware of his approach.


    Kato''s lips curled into a victorious grin.


    This was it.


    He would cut Alex down in one clean stroke.


    His katana whipped forward, Kato''s blade whistling through the air¡ª


    But Alex simply tilted his head slightly, dodging it like he had eyes in the back of his head.


    Then he vanished.


    [Stealth Walk] activated.


    Akio and Kato froze, their eyes darting around.


    Where did he go?!


    The air felt thick.


    Their grips tightened around their weapons, and their senses were on high alert.


    Then a flicker.


    A shadowy blur reappeared, and it was rushing straight for Isla.


    His intent was obvious.


    He was going to eliminate the sorcerer.


    "Shit!"


    Akio and Kato reacted instantly, surging forward to intercept him¡ª


    But before they could, Alex''s hand snapped backward, and he threw something.


    A small, dark object spun through the air.


    Their eyes tracked it.


    A rock?


    No...


    Their instincts screamed at them.


    There was no way it was an ordinary rock.


    Kato''s katana flashed, ready to swat it away¡ª


    But then, Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The [Blast Shard] exploded in a blinding flash of fire and shockwave.


    Kato and Akio were sent flying, their bodies twisting midair before slamming into the dirt.


    Dust swirled.


    Rubble fell.


    And now, Isla stood alone.


    Her body shuddered.


    Her breath hitched.


    And then¡ª


    Alex emerged from the smoke.


    Two black blades in hand.


    His eyes glowed with a predatory glint.


    The sight sent a chill down her spine.


    It was like watching a demon march forward to claim her soul.


    But Isla wasn''t weak.


    She forced a steady exhale, pushing back the fear.


    She could still fight.


    She had to fight.


    Her grip on her staff tightened.


    Then, she thrust it forward and fired a storm of energy bolts.


    WHIZZ!


    WHIZZ!


    WHIZZ!


    They tore through the air, aiming straight for Alex.


    But, Alex didn''t slow down.


    He zigzagged, moving unpredictably.


    He leaped.


    He twisted.


    Avoiding the attack.


    Every single energy bolt missed its target.


    And before she knew it¡ª


    He was almost on her.


    Isla''s heart pounded.


    Her lips moved quickly, uttering an incantation.


    And then there was a deafening crack.


    The ground froze over as an ice golem erupted in front of her.


    A towering figure of frost and stone.


    It slammed its fists together, acting as a living wall, atank, blocking Alex''s path.


    The ice golem towered over Alex, its frost-covered body steaming as it radiated an intense chill.


    Crackling ice spread beneath its feet.


    The air froze.


    It was colossal, a true force of destruction.


    Yet, Alex grinned.


    Unfazed.


    This only confirmed what he already knew.


    Taking Isla out first was the right choice.


    Before the golem could even move, Alex thrust his hands forward.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Black flames erupted.


    A barrage of scorching, cursed fire slammed into the ice behemoth.


    The force pushed it back, its massive form skidding across the frozen ground.


    Then..


    SIZZLE.


    The flames began to consume it.


    Cracks spread.


    Chunks of its frozen limbs melted and crumbled.


    Its arms snapped off. Its legs buckled.


    And then it collapsed.


    A pile of steaming, broken ice.


    Isla''s breath hitched.


    Her body trembled.


    She had poured almost everything into summoning that golem, only to watch Alex burn it to nothing.


    Her skin turned pale.


    She was running on fumes.


    And now, she was completely exposed.


    Her eyes darted behind Alex, and she spotted Akio charging forward frantically, his axe raised.


    But, he wouldn''t make it in time.


    And Alex was already closing the distance.


    Isla''s heart pounded.


    She had to buy time¡ªit was her only chance.


    Desperately, she stepped back and raised her staff, trying to use [Storm Cage] once again.


    Wind howled, crackling with the intensity of a storm, swirling around her staff and she directed it towards Alex.


    The cage should''ve trapped Alex in seconds.


    But, he was too fast.


    He dodged with impossible agility, slipping through the gusts like a shadow, avoiding the stormy snare.


    Isla''s stomach dropped. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dread sank in as she realized wasn''t going to win this.


    Her only choice was to use the last of her mana blink away, to escape.


    She raised her staff high, preparing to teleport.


    But just as the spell formed...


    THWACK!


    A small projectile struck her hand with precision.


    The pain shot up her arm as her fingers slipped, causing her staff to fall from her grip.


    A pebble.


    Alex had used [Minor Telekinesis] to direct the tiny stone, hitting the back of her hand and disarming her in an instant.


    Isla''s eyes widened in panic.


    She lunged for her staff, hoping to reclaim it, but it was too late.


    Before she could react, she heard Alex''s voice¡ªlow, commanding:


    "Petrify."


    Her body froze.


    It wasn''t full strength¡ªnot anymore, not with the energy she had left¡ªbut it was enough to lock Isla in place for a few crucial seconds.


    And in those seconds, she could feel the crushing weight of fear¡ªher body paralyzed, her options slipping away.


    Time slowed.


    Isla''s body was still, trapped by Alex''s skill.


    Fear took over, her breath shallow as she saw him approach.


    Her doom was inevitable.


    In one smooth, fluid motion, Alex reached her.


    His expression was calm, but his gaze¡ªcold and determined¡ªnever left her.


    He raised his blade, without hesitation.


    Then:


    CLEAVE!


    The sound of metal cutting through flesh was sharp and brutal. Alex''s blade sliced through Isla from her shoulder to her waist, a clean cut that left disbelief in her eyes.


    Her body split into two.


    The halves of Isla''s torso fell to the ground, lifeless, in a mess of blood and broken form.


    Alex stood over her, but there was no satisfaction in his eyes¡ªonly focus.


    Then he got a notification, and his eyes flickered to it.


    Ding!


    [You have killed player Isla]


    [You have received 3000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 70 stat points]


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received additional...]


    Before Alex could even read the rest of the message, a shift in the air caught his attention.


    He turned and then saw Onigi rise to his feet.


    The old man was making a move.

 Chapter 129 - 129: Gotcha

    Onigi''s body tensed, his fingers twitching as he saw Alex about to strike Isla down.


    His instincts screamed at him to move¡ªto stop it.


    But he didn''t.


    He couldn''t.


    Isla was a huge asset to their team, but just like Kato, she had made her choice.


    She had fought. She had lost.


    If he were in Alex''s position, he wouldn''t hesitate to kill her either.


    So it would be hypocritical of him to interfere now.


    Instead, he forced himself to stay still. To accept reality.


    Besides, this wasn''t even the real Alex¡ªjust a clone.


    There was no point in wasting his sword on an imitation.


    If he was going to fight, he''d fight the real one.


    He watched as Isla fell, her lifeless body hitting the ground.


    It was unpleasant to see.


    And from the silent tension in the air, he knew his men felt the same.


    Onigi''s jaw tightened.


    He didn''t think he could stomach seeing Aikio and Kato meet the same fate.


    Enough.


    He made his decision.


    Alex, still gripping his weapon tightly, watched Onigi rise to his feet.


    His narrowed eyes locked onto him.


    Was he going to attack?


    Was he mad that I killed one of his ronin?


    His expression was unreadable¡ªhis posture tense.


    Alex braced himself, expecting an attack.


    But then, Onigi spoke.


    "I don''t think I can sit still and watch more of my people get killed."


    Alex''s narrowed eyes relaxed slightly.


    So he wasn''t going to attack.


    Onigi turned to the remaining ronin, his voice firm but calm.


    "We''re leaving."


    His words weren''t up for debate.


    The other ronin hesitated, their faces twisted with displeasure. The weight of Isla''s death still hung heavy in the air.


    But their loyalty to Onigi outweighed their thirst for revenge.


    One by one, they turned and followed their leader.


    As they reached the exit, they paid the necessary points and their figures flickered and disappeared into the next stage.


    Alex exhaled, running a hand through his hair.


    "Whew¡­"


    Relief flooded him.


    For a moment, he had assumed the worst.


    If Onigi had chosen to fight, that could have been the end for him.


    "DAMN YOU!"


    A furious voice then roared behind Alex, but before he could turn¡ª


    BOOM! sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A powerful force smashed into his back, sending him flying.


    THUD! THUD! THUD!


    Alex tumbled across the ground, dirt and debris flying in his wake.


    Pain flared through his body, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to balance, skidding to a stop.


    His mind raced.


    Why did I react so slow?


    He snapped his head up¡ªand locked eyes with the barbarian.


    The towering warrior crouched beside Isla''s lifeless body, his trembling hands gently lifting her head.


    His face twisted in pain.


    His breath hitched, his voice breaking as he spoke.


    "You¡­ how¡­ how could you do this?"


    Alex tilted his head, confused.


    "Do what? It''s kill or be killed. I don''t assume you guys just wanted to beat me up and let me walk away¡­ did you?"


    Akio''s fists clenched.


    His muscles tensed as his expression darkened.


    His voice came out in a low, seething growl.


    "You''re a monster."


    Alex let out a short breath, his voice sharp.


    "Aren''t you coming to this realization a little too late?"


    "Damn you!"


    With a furious roar, Akio charged.


    BOOM!


    The ground cracked beneath his feet as he lunged at Alex with pure rage.


    But Alex was faster.


    In a blur, he disappeared¡ªthen reappeared mid-air, directly above Akio.


    Before the barbarian could react¡ª


    CRACK!


    Alex drove his foot down into Akio''s face, slamming him into the ground.


    The impact shook the earth, dust and debris flying everywhere.


    Pinned beneath Alex''s boot, the barbarian groaned, his arms trembling as he struggled to push himself up.


    Alex pressed down harder, his voice cold and sharp.


    "You don''t have the right to be angry at me..."


    Akio growled, his teeth grinding against each other.


    "You attacked me first¡ªwith the intent to kill."


    Rage burned in Akio''s veins. His vision blurred with fury.


    Isla was gone.


    The weight of her death crushed him, twisting his grief into something dark.


    His breathing grew heavy.


    His muscles bulged, veins pulsing as his body heated up unnaturally.


    Then a deep, guttural growl escaped his throat.


    A red aura exploded around him, pulsing like wildfire.


    He had activated it...Frenzy Mode.


    It was a skill that sacrificed defense for overwhelming offensive power.


    The angrier he got, the stronger he became.


    And right now...


    He was drowning in rage.


    Akio grabbed Alex''s ankle, his fingers like an iron vice.


    His entire body glowed red, raw energy pulsating from his skin.


    Alex felt the pressure on his leg intensify, like his bones might crack.


    His eyes narrowed.


    SHING!


    With a swift motion, Alex swung his blade down, slicing clean through Akio''s arm.


    Blood sprayed into the air.


    But the barbarian didn''t even flinch.


    Alex leaped back, his instincts on high alert.


    His eyes widened.


    What the hell?


    Akio stood there, one arm missing, yet completely unfazed.


    His chest rose and fell rapidly, his body twitching. His face was twisted, his teeth bared like a rabid beast.


    He didn''t feel pain.


    Alex''s mind clicked.


    Berserk mode.


    The barbarian''s breathing turned into a low, guttural growl.


    Then....


    ROOOOOAAAARRR!


    Akio exploded forward, charging like a rocket-powered bulldozer, the ground cracking beneath his feet.


    His eyes burned crimson, locked onto Alex with nothing but pure, mindless bloodlust.


    But Alex¡ª


    He remained still.


    Calm. Unshaken.


    His hand slowly raised.


    This fight was over.


    He had no time to waste on a rampaging beast.


    Alex''s eyes sharpened.


    This had gone on long enough.


    [Black Flame]


    The words left his lips, and instantly black flames erupted across Akio''s body, engulfing him like a living inferno.


    FWOOOSH!


    But there no screams of pain.


    The barbarian kept charging, his pace unwavering.


    His skin sizzled, flesh peeling away as the cursed fire ate him alive, but he didn''t slow down.


    He was more than a man now.


    A monster.


    A mindless force of vengeance, driven by a singular purpose¡ªkill Alex.


    His eyes burned, not from the fire but with sheer rage.


    ROAAAAR!


    And then, with one last, furious battle cry, Akio swung his massive axe¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    The blade cut through the air, aiming to cleave Alex in half.


    But¡ª


    Alex was gone.


    BLITZ!


    In an instant, Alex slipped past him, his blade a blur.


    SCHLICK!


    A brief silence.


    Akio stood frozen, his body trembling.


    Alex turned, his black dagger dripping with crimson.


    Then...


    THUD.


    Akio''s body collapsed, motionless.


    The lifeless barbarian collapsed, his severed head rolling a few feet away.


    The flames continued to burn, but the battle was over.


    [You have killed player Akio]


    [You have received 3200 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 90 stat points]


    Apocalypse Baby Kicking In


    [You have received additional 3200 Nightmare points]


    [You have received additional 90 stat points]


    Alex exhaled, his grip loosening on his blade.


    This¡­ killing people¡­ it wasn''t satisfying.


    But it was necessary.


    He had made a choice¡ªnever to spare anyone who came at him with the intent to kill.


    No matter who they were.


    His thoughts lingered for a moment, and then something felt off.


    His instincts screamed at him.


    His eyes widened.


    Wait...Where the hell was Kato?


    The realization struck like a lightning bolt.


    Then he sense danger.


    Alex moved.


    Too a little bit too late though.


    And then.


    SCHLICK!


    A blade pierced through his chest, its tip bursting out from the other side.


    Pain...sharp, cold and real.


    Alex gasped, blood spilling from his lips.


    Behind him, Kato leaned in, his voice a whisper of pure satisfaction¡ª


    "Gotcha."

 Chapter 130 - 130: Unseen Games

    In the real world¡­


    Oracle stood deep within the Beast Lord''s Forest.


    His fingers flew across his system window, eyes darting between the endless lines of data.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    He had to stop this.


    He had to interfere.


    Somehow.


    This was a disaster.


    His biggest mistake was making nightmare monsters drop upgrade stones as a reward.


    And then there was the cursed mark. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex had everything to exploit the nightmare.


    He needed stat points? Killing nightmare monsters gave him stat points.


    He needed to kill nightmare monsters? The cursed mark attracted nightmare creatures like nails to a magnet.


    It was the perfect combination.


    Oracle''s fingers clenched into a fist, his teeth gritting in frustration.


    What the hell?!


    Did this guy have luck as a hidden attribute or something?!


    His gaze darkened.


    He had to do something. Before it was too late.


    Oracle''s claws clicked against his system window as he worked.


    He couldn''t stop the Nightmare Realm from spawning monsters, that was impossible at this point.


    But he could put a condition in place.


    A way for Alex to remove the cursed sigil.


    If Alex met that condition, the cursed mark would vanish.


    Oracle let out a slow exhale, feeling a small sense of relief.


    Then, he frowned.


    His forehead was damp.


    Moisture?


    He wiped it away with the back of his hand, only to realize¡ªhe was sweating.


    Over a human.


    A damned human.


    His frown deepened. He shook it off¡ª


    But then, something worse happened.


    A patch of his fur peeled off his skin, drifting to the ground.


    Oracle''s eyes widened.


    "What the hell?"


    His fur was falling off.


    From stress.


    Because of one human.


    His gaze snapped toward Alex''s unconscious body, wrapped tightly in a cocoon of vines.


    A deep, burning resentment flared in Oracle''s eyes.


    "If I just kill him now¡­ then all of this will end."


    He raised his hand, preparing to unleash.


    But before he could, a force crashed down on him.


    Heavy. Immense. Overpowering.


    His entire body shuddered, muscles locking up.


    A deep vibration rumbled through his core, his very being trembling under an invisible weight.


    Oracle lowered his hand, and the weight vanished, his claws clenching in frustration.


    If he attacked Alex, it would be his end.


    A punishment so severe it would erase him from existence, replaced by another overseer.


    He couldn''t risk that.


    His eyes narrowed one last time at Alex''s unmoving form, resentment boiling beneath the surface.


    But he quickly looked away, deciding there were other ways to handle this situation.


    Ways that didn''t involve getting personally involved.


    With a deep breath, he vanished into the shadows.


    *


    Back in the Nightmare


    The rocky ground was littered with the lifeless bodies of the Nightmare monsters Alex had slaughtered.


    Big ones, small ones¡ªall of them¡ªsprawled out like a broken swarm of locusts.


    In the middle of it all, Alex stood tall, holding the neck of a Blight Eagle.


    The once-mighty creature''s wings were gone, its sharp caw reduced to a weak rasp as it died in his grip.


    Alex glanced around his brow furrowing.


    No more monsters were coming.


    Alex frowned.


    What the hell happened to Unlimited?


    He gritted his teeth, fuming.


    Just as he was about to break the blight bird, a notification blinked in front of him.


    Ding!


    [You have killed 1000 nightmare monsters.]


    [Cursed Mark has been lifted.]


    Alex blinked, his mind struggling to catch up.


    What?


    He stared at the message, completely thrown off.


    "1000 nightmare monsters?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with confusion. "Where the hell did that condition come from?"


    He scrolled back through his thoughts, trying to recall anything he''d seen. He was sure he hadn''t read anything about this condition before.


    His eyes snapped to the old notification he had gotten when he first received the cursed mark.


    [You have killed the store vendor]


    [You have been branded with a cursed sigil for a day]


    [Nightmare monsters will hunt you relentlessly]


    [Kill 1000 nightmare monsters to get rid of the curse mark]


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he scanned the last line:


    [Kill 1000 nightmare monsters to get rid of the curse mark]


    Wait!


    Alex''s brow furrowed as his confusion deepened.


    There''s no way.


    He stared at the last line in the notification, the one about killing 1000 nightmare monsters to lift the curse mark. It didn''t make sense. There was no way he could''ve missed it before.


    He was sure it wasn''t there when the cursed mark was first placed on him.


    Suddenly, the creature''s eyes snapped open, its body writhing as it came back to life, desperate to break free.


    His grip tightened on the blight bird''s head, and summoned [Black Flame] with a single thought, his hands glowing with dark energy.


    The black fire roared to life, engulfing the blight eagle in an instant.


    The creature screeched, its body burning away under the intense flames.


    Alex held onto it, watching as the bird struggled in vain.


    He let go and watched the body fall to the ground, its form shrinking as it sizzled and popped in the heat.


    With a deep exhale, Alex turned and began walking toward the starting line of the trial, still deep in thought.


    The more he thought about it, the more certain he was: something or someone had changed the rules on him.


    There was no way he would''ve missed such an important condition before.


    And now, he had no doubt.


    It had to be him.


    "That damned bunny!"


    The more Alex thought about it, the more everything clicked into place.


    Oracle had been messing with him from the start¡ª


    Dropping him in a D-rank zone while he was still E-rank.


    Withholding critical information he revealed to other players.


    Allowing deities to toy with him and only stepping in when they pushed the limits.


    And now, this stunt with the cursed mark.


    It was all too obvious.


    Oracle was purposely limiting his growth.


    Alex clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palm.


    Yeah, it pissed him off.


    But it also pleased him.


    Because if he had drawn this much attention from Oracle, from the deities, from beings older than time itself¡­


    Then his potential had to be something truly insane.


    So insane it was driving them all crazy.


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face.


    He raised his head and spoke to the sky, to the unseen overseer watching his every move.


    "Let''s see, you piece of shit¡ªwhether or not you''ll have your way."


    Even though the restriction still irritated him, his eyes gleamed as he pulled up his system window.


    Because staring back at him was a ridiculous amount of nightmare points and stat points.


    {Total Nightmare Points: 33,400}


    {Stat Points: 1500}


    Alex''s eyes scanned the numbers, his focus zoning in on what mattered most¡ªthe stat points.


    He quickly ran the math in his head.


    1500 stat points.


    If he used the attribute converter¡­


    That would give him 30 upgrade stones.


    "Oh..."


    A slow, wicked grin spread across his face.


    He rubbed both palms together, feeling the anticipation build.


    With 30 upgrade stones, he could level up so many of his skills¡ª


    Becoming an even bigger nightmare to the overseer.


    A broken character.


    Exactly the kind Oracle hated.


    Alex let out an amused chuckle, but before he could relish in his victory any longer.


    He felt something.


    A sharp, lingering sensation pulsed through his chest.


    Like a ghostly echo of a wound he hadn''t received.


    His fingers gripped his chest instinctively.


    A stab wound.


    Then, it hit him.


    His clone.


    Kato had landed a serious injury on it.


    Alex exhaled sharply, shaking his head.


    "That clown."


    It was annoying, but no big deal.


    He was done here.


    Alex rolled his shoulders, took a breath, and swapped places with his clone.

 Chapter 131 - 131: You Deserve Death

    "Gotcha."


    Kato''s voice dripped with satisfaction as he twisted the katana deeper into Alex''s back.


    He had been waiting for this moment.


    While Akio had kept Alex''s attention, Kato had used stealth to vanish from sight¡ªmoving like a shadow, silent and unseen.


    By the time Alex realized what was happening, it was already too late.


    Steel pierced flesh.


    The blade drove clean through his chest, the cold metal gleaming as it emerged from the other side.


    Alex''s body tensed.


    His breath hitched.


    Then he felt pain. Sharp and unforgiving.


    Kato yanked the sword free with a sickening squelch, and Alex stumbled forward, blood splattering onto the ground.


    He coughed violently, crimson dripping from his lips.


    Kato burst into laughter, running a hand through his hair in disbelief.


    "And here I thought you were something special¡­"


    He sneered, tilting his head. "Turns out you''re just a fraud."


    He took a step forward, raising his katana and pointing it at Alex''s weakened form.


    "Any last words?"


    Alex grinned, the edges of his mouth curling up despite the blood trickling down his chin.


    His breathing was ragged, his body screaming in pain¡ªbut his eyes held no fear.


    Instead, they gleamed with something far more dangerous.


    Amusement.


    With a strained groan, he muttered:


    "You... you really are an idiot."


    Alex''s words hung in the air for only a moment.


    Then¡ªhis entire body blurred.


    A flicker.


    A distortion in space.


    And in the next second¡­ he was different.


    The Alex standing before Kato now was calm, collected, and completely unharmed.


    He stood tall, hands tucked casually in his shorts, the same cocky grin plastered across his face.


    But the gaping wound in his chest? Gone.


    Like it had never even happened.


    Kato''s eyes widened, his grip on the katana tightening.


    What¡­ just happened?


    His instincts screamed at him.


    This wasn''t the same Alex.


    Or rather¡­ it wasn''t the same version of him.


    Kato''s voice came out sharp and demanding:


    "What did you do?"


    Alex didn''t answer.


    Instead, he turned his gaze toward his previous location where his clone now lay, writhing in pain, its body broken and moments from death.


    A flicker of acknowledgment passed through Alex''s eyes.


    "You did well."


    With a quiet mutter, he dismissed the clone, releasing it from its suffering.


    And as the copy vanished into nothingness, its memories, its pain, its experience, everything merged back into him.


    Alex exhaled.


    He lifted his head, his lips curling into a smirk.


    "Oh, so that''s what happened."


    Kato''s frown deepened. His heart pounded. His palms were slick with sweat.


    "What the hell are you talking about?"


    Something was off. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Alex standing in front of him now felt different from the one he had just fought, like he was an entirely different person.


    But how?


    Kato clenched his jaw.


    No.


    He was overthinking it.


    He tightened his grip on his katana, forcing confidence into his voice.


    "You bastard. I don''t know what trick you pulled to get rid of your injury, and I don''t care. I beat you once, and I''ll do it again."


    Alex snorted.


    "Beat me?"


    He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes.


    "You mean my clone?"


    "What?"


    Kato''s stomach dropped.


    Then Alex dropped the truth:


    "Idiot¡­ The person you''ve been fighting? The one you sacrificed two people just to take down? That wasn''t me."


    Alex let his words sink in before delivering the final blow:


    "It was a clone. A weak version of me¡­ running at only 20% of my strength."


    Kato froze.


    For a moment, his mind went blank.


    Then his body moved on instinct, stepping back as the weight of Alex''s words crashed down on him.


    There''s no way.


    His breathing hitched, but then a memory surfaced.


    Onigi''s words.


    "Whatever you''re thinking now is an illusion. You will gain nothing from this."


    Kato''s eyes widened.


    His pulse pounded in his ears.


    No.


    It couldn''t be.


    But the truth was undeniable.


    Alex wasn''t lying.


    A shiver ran down his spine as the realization sank in.


    So this is what Onigi meant.


    Kato staggered back again, gripping his katana so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    He didn''t want to accept it.


    He had gone all out.


    Pushed himself to the limit.


    Sacrificed two people.


    And barely won.


    Only to find out¡­


    He had been fighting a weaker clone.


    Alex watched Kato''s stunned reaction, his grin widening.


    "How does it feel," Alex asked, his voice laced with amusement, "hearing the truth?"


    Kato''s hands trembled.


    He clenched his teeth, shaking his head violently.


    "No¡­ No, there''s no way. You have to be lying!"


    Kato refused to believe it.


    His ego wouldn''t allow it.


    20%?


    Had they really been that weak? Had he wasted all his strength on just a fraction of his real opponent?


    His hands trembled, but he tightened his grip on his katana.


    No. It wasn''t possible.


    Then Alex started walking forward.


    Step by step.


    His movements were slow, deliberate, like a predator playing with its prey.


    With a sharp flick of his wrist, Alex unsheathed his sword.


    "You were so arrogant earlier when you called me a fraud," Alex said casually.


    Kato''s breath hitched.


    This wasn''t the same person.


    "Stay back!" he barked, stepping away, raising his sword like it could protect him.


    Alex didn''t stop.


    He tilted his head, smirking.


    "In a sense, you were right."


    Kato swallowed hard.


    "But since the original is here now¡­" Alex''s smirk widened, his voice dripping with amusement. "What are you going to do about it?"


    Kato gritted his teeth.


    He wouldn''t cower.


    He wouldn''t run.


    Alex was bluffing. He had to be.


    Fueled by desperation, Kato tightened his grip and prepared to lunge but...


    He never got the chance.


    A blur.


    Then sharp impact.


    Before Kato could even react, Alex''s foot slammed into his chest.


    A sickening crack echoed as Kato''s body launched backward, tumbling across the ground like a ragdoll.


    The air was knocked from his lungs.


    He hit the ground hard.


    Pain exploded in his ribs.


    His vision blurred as he gasped for breath, his chest caving under the force.


    What¡­ the hell¡­ was that?!


    Wheezing, Kato clutched at his ribs, his fingers trembling.


    It felt like a battering ram had slammed into his chest.


    Kato gasped for air, his body screaming in pain.


    His mind raced.


    It wasn''t that Alex''s clone had been weak.


    No.


    It was that Alex¡ªthe real Alex¡ªwas just too strong.


    He then heard footsteps.


    Slow and steady. Getting closer.


    A chill ran down Kato''s spine.


    His instincts screamed at him to flee.


    His legs tensed.


    He tried to turn, to sprint away, but then...


    "Petrify."


    The word was like a command from Death itself.


    Kato''s entire body locked up.


    He couldn''t move. Not even a twitch.


    Panic surged through him.


    His heart pounded.


    "Wait... please don''t kill me!" he pleaded, his voice shaking.


    The sound of metal scraping against stone sent a shiver through his paralyzed body.


    Alex was dragging his sword.


    Each step closer felt like a countdown to the end.


    "If you had a beef with Dorion, you should''ve taken it up with Dorion."


    Kato''s breath hitched.


    "I know that now¡­ please! I''m sorry!"


    Alex kept walking.


    Unfazed. Unforgiving.


    "A little too late for sorry," Alex said coolly. "You tried to kill me. Multiple times."


    Kato strained against the invisible force holding him still.


    "I didn''t know¡­ I''ve learned now! I should''ve never messed with you... Please!"


    His voice cracked with desperation.


    His body was frozen in place, his heartbeat thundering in his ears.


    Then Alex''s voice cut through the tension like a blade¡ª


    "But I''ve killed two¡­ and I hate even numbers. So I wanna make it odd."


    Kato''s stomach dropped.


    "What?! That doesn''t even¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a fistful of his hair was yanked back.


    Pain exploded across his scalp as Alex wrenched his head upward.


    Kato''s eyes widened in terror.


    Alex loomed over him, eyes cold, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "Oh? Doubting me, are you?"


    "No... I''m not¡ª"


    "Shut it."


    Alex''s grip tightened.


    "If there''s anyone who deserves to die, it''s a hundred percent you."


    Kato''s breathing grew ragged.


    He knew there was no way out.


    "You started this," Alex continued, his voice sharp, almost amused. "Riled up those two to join you... then used one as a decoy just to land a fatal hit."


    Kato''s mind reeled.


    "No... I.."


    He tried to form an excuse, an argument, anything.


    But nothing came.


    The weight pressing down on him, and the crushing, unbearable force only grew stronger with his fear.


    He couldn''t move.


    He couldn''t fight back.


    His vision blurred as pure dread consumed him.


    Then Alex''s voice, final and unwavering:


    "Enough. You deserve to die."


    Kato screamed.


    "Wait...NO..."


    But there was no escape.


    Alex''s hand ignited, dark flames bursting to life around his fingers as he activated [Black Flames].


    The fire surged forward, latching onto Kato.


    The moment it touched him, the black inferno devoured him whole.


    Kato''s eyes bulged.


    "AAAAAARGHHHHH!!"


    He collapsed, thrashing, his body rolling as the flames ate away at him.


    The air filled with the sharp, sickening scent of burning flesh.


    Kato''s screams pierced the battlefield.


    Unlike Akio whose berserk state had numbed him from pain, Kato felt everything.


    Every inch of him burned.


    Every nerve in his body screamed in agony.


    Minutes passed.


    His wails weakened.


    His movements slowed.


    Then there was silence and a familiar sound rang in Alex''s ears.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Kato.]


    [You have received 5,500 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 120 Stat Points.]


    Then..


    Apocalypse Baby Kicking In¡­


    [You have received an additional 5,500 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received an additional 120 Stat Points.]


    {Total Nightmare Points: 44,400}


    {Stat Points: 1,740}


    Alex grinned.


    He hadn''t expected much, but the sheer amount of points was insane.


    Here hunting players for Nightmare Points was way more lucrative than taking down monsters.


    Still¡­ he preferred the latter.


    Then he heard footsteps.


    "I see you don''t need my help."


    Alex said as he rose to his feet.


    Behind him stood Freya, her shoulder injured.


    Her face was pale.


    And in the distance was Xeno.


    Or what was left of him?


    The archer who had tried to kill her was dead on his knees.


    His body was riddled with daggers.


    One buried deep in his skull.


    His lifeless eyes wide open as if, even in death, he couldn''t believe he had lost.

 Chapter 132 - 132: Third Round

    Freya stood frozen, watching Alex with a mix of awe and dread.


    Her mind raced, struggling to process what she had just witnessed.


    A clone.


    Kato and the other two had been fighting a clone the entire time.


    Not just any clone¡ªone strong enough to push three opponents to their limits.


    If that was just a fraction of Alex''s strength¡­ how powerful was the original?


    A chill ran down her spine.


    "I see you don''t need any help."


    Alex turned toward her.


    His voice came out steadier than she expected.


    Their eyes met.


    His gaze was calm and unreadable gaze made.


    Freya felt her breath hitch.


    She had never needed her assistance.


    Xeno had been tough.


    Skilled, fast, and precise.


    But he had underestimated her.


    And he had paid for it with his life.


    His body was proof¡ªkneeling, riddled with daggers, lifeless eyes still wide in disbelief.


    Freya exhaled.


    She and Alex were similar in more ways than one.


    She also had a skill that could paralyze her enemies like [Petrify].


    But unlike Alex, she had to make physical contact for it to work. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Freya winced as she felt the sting in her shoulder.


    The arrow had removed the arrow that had pierced there, but it still hurt, a painful reminder of her gamble.


    But it was worth it.


    She had forced Xeno, a skilled archer, into close combat.


    And to her surprise¡ªhe was terrible at it.


    The adrenaline surged through her, fueling her every move.


    She couldn''t fall.


    She wouldn''t fall.


    With ferocity she never knew she had, she attacked¡ªdaggers flashing, cutting through the air, slicing into flesh.


    Xeno barely had time to react as she overwhelmed him, blade after blade piercingg his body.


    But she didn''t stop.


    Not until the final dagger was buried deep in his skull.


    Silence.


    Her breath came in ragged gasps as she stepped back, hands trembling.


    Her first kill.


    Her stomach twisted.


    The metallic scent of blood clung to her.


    She doubled over and hurled.


    But she had done what she had to do.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Xeno Newman.]


    [You have received 3,000 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 120 Stat Points.]


    The notification popped up in front of her, cold and emotionless.


    It made her stomach churn even more.


    This trial was sick.


    She turned at the sound of curses.


    Kyiv.


    Still stuck in the ground.


    His sword, already cracked and broken, was now jammed deep into the earth.


    Frustrated, he stabbed the ground again, but it was pointless.


    His legs were still trapped in the hardened ground.


    He had dented the earth around him, but it wasn''t enough.


    He couldn''t break free.


    Freya exhaled, wiping the sweat from her brow.


    She walked towards him the grip on her blade tighter.


    Her footsteps were slow, deliberate.


    She only needed one clean throw.


    And he''d be dead.


    He had tried to kill her for Nightmare Points...why shouldn''t she do the same?


    Kyiv''s eyes widened in panic on seeing Frey coming holding a blade..


    In a last-ditch effort, he ripped his broken sword from the ground and hurled it like a javelin.


    But Freya turned sharply, and the blade missed.


    "Dammit!" Kyiv cursed.


    Freya turned back, her glare sharp, her anger unmistakable.


    Kyiv saw it¡ªthe cold fury in her eyes.


    He knew he''d messed up.


    His breath hitched.


    He threw up his hands.


    "Wait!" he pleaded.


    "Don''t do this!"


    Freya''s expression didn''t change.


    Her grip on the dagger tightened.


    His voice cracked.


    "I have a daughter."


    "Stop with the excuses, you filth."


    Her voice was laced with disgust.


    "I''m someone else''s daughter too."


    Kyiv lowered his head.


    Guilt weighed on his shoulders.


    "You''re right," he muttered.


    "I''m sorry..."


    His voice was weak.


    "I know it''s pathetic to keep using her as an excuse¡­ but I have to."


    His hands shook.


    "I need to get back to her."


    Freya raised her blade.


    Kyiv squeezed his eyes shut, his breath shaky, his body trembling.


    He let out a quiet sniff, waiting for the inevitable.


    Freya exhaled slowly.


    Her grip on the dagger loosened.


    Then¡ªshe walked past him.


    She didn''t do it.


    She couldn''t.


    Freya clenched her fists.


    There was no reason to kill him.


    She had already gotten the Nightmare Points she needed from killing Xeno.


    If she killed Kyiv now, it would be out of spite.


    And she was no monster.


    But Alex?


    Alex definitely was.


    And the scariest part?


    He could smile afterward like it was nothing.


    Freya shuddered.


    Alex was truly a monster.


    But maybe... being one was the only way to survive here.


    She stood there, frozen in thought, her mind spiraling.


    Then¡ª


    A voice snapped her back to reality.


    "What are you looking at?"


    Freya''s head jerked up.


    Alex was watching her, his expression unreadable.


    She blinked.


    "Nothing..." she muttered.


    "Just lost in thought."


    Alex then walked towards her.


    Her heart raced and she couldn''t help but assume the worst.


    His steps were steady and controlled.


    As he passed Freya, he spoke without looking back.


    "Let''s go then."


    Freya hesitated for a moment before following.


    Behind them, Kyiv''s heart pounded.


    His breath hitched.


    No.


    They were leaving him.


    If they walked away now, he''d be trapped.


    Stuck.


    With no way out.


    Just waiting.


    Waiting for death.


    Kyiv''s voice cracked with desperation.


    "Please... just get me out of here! I swear I won''t attack!"


    Alex snorted.


    Not a chance.


    He had seen the look in Kyiv''s eyes the moment Freya turned her back.


    The flicker of hatred.


    The sharp glint of killer.


    If he had the chance¡ªhe would attack in a heartbeat.


    Alex ignored him and kept walking.


    Kyiv''s pleas turned into choked sobs.


    "Please..."


    His voice cracked, his eyes brimming with tears.


    Freya slowed her steps.


    Her fingers curled into a fist.


    She knew Kyiv was dangerous, but...


    Was leaving him to die really the right thing to do?


    She took a breath.


    "Alex, maybe we should..."


    "You bitch!"


    Kyiv''s sudden scream cut through the air like a knife.


    Freya whirled around, startled.


    Kyiv''s face was twisted with rage.


    "You''re just as bad as me!" he spat. "You killed Xeno! Don''t you feel guilty?! If you do, then give me his points! I need them more than you do!"


    Freya''s stomach tightened.

 Chapter 133 - 133: Player 666

    Freya shook her head, disbelief washing over her like a cold wave.


    Did he really just say that?


    Was this the same man begging for his life seconds ago?


    And to think¡ªshe had almost spoken up for him.


    Kyiv''s voice rose, cracking with hysteria.


    "You''re someone''s daughter?!" he screamed.


    His eyes burned with anger, spit flying as he ranted.


    "How do you think your parents would feel about what you just did?"


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    "You killed a man! Turned him into a porcupine under the facade of survival!"


    Her fingers twitched.


    She could still feel the weight of her dagger in her palm. The sensation of steel sinking into flesh.


    Kyiv''s voice kept hammering into her skull.


    "Admit it! You enjoyed it! You did it for the Nightmare Points!"


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    "If that''s not the case, transfer them! Transfer them, goddammit!"


    His screams echoed in her ears.


    Her pulse pounded.


    Kyiv''s words clawed at her mind, pulling at something deep inside her.


    Then a voice.


    Low, calm and unshaken.


    "Don''t listen to him."


    Freya''s head snapped to the side.


    Alex.


    His eyes held no doubt.


    No guilt. No hesitation.


    Just certainty.


    Freya swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "It''s hard not to when he''s yelling."


    "Then..."


    Alex stepped in behind her, his movements calm, deliberate.


    Then his hands lifted, pressing gently against her ears.


    Freya froze.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    The warmth of his palms against her skin sent a shiver down her spine.


    Then heat rushed to her face.


    Her cheeks burned.


    Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, louder than Kyiv''s shouts.


    She stammered, barely able to form words.


    "Wh-what... what are you doing?"


    Alex''s voice came flat and casual as usual.


    "Covering your eyes."


    A pause.


    "Keep moving, Freya."


    She blinked.


    Wait¡ªwhat?


    Alex stayed right behind her, his hands still covering her ears as they walked.


    Freya''s breath came uneven.


    Her palms felt sweaty.


    Her chest tightened.


    Her voice came out small.


    "Are¡­ are you flirting with me?"


    A beat.


    Then...


    "No!"


    Freya bit her lip.


    That response?


    It was way too fast.


    Freya stayed silent for a moment, her mind racing in confusion.


    Then a sudden realization struck her.


    Her eyes widened.


    Don''t tell me¡­


    Without thinking, she swatted Alex''s hands off her ears.


    Alex blinked, puzzled by her action.


    Then he asked:


    "What was that for?"


    Freya took a step back, staring at him like he was some kind of madman.


    "Are you setting an explosive on my head?!"


    Alex double-blinked.


    "What?"


    A pause.


    "No....why would I do that?"


    Better question: How did she know about my ability?


    His expression stiffened.


    First Onigi, now Freya.


    He sighed, shaking his head.


    He really needed to do a better job at hiding his skill.


    But then again, did it even matter?


    Physical contact wasn''t necessary anymore to use the skill.


    Freya narrowed her eyes, her mind piecing everything together.


    She knew about his ability.


    How?


    Because Onigi had refused to shake Alex''s hand, saying he''d die if he did.


    Because she had seen Alex blow up that vendor shop without even lifting a finger.


    She had put two and two together.


    And now, the lingering warmth of Alex''s touch felt less like a moment of flirty tension¡ªand more like a death sentence waiting to go off.


    Her heartbeat quickened.


    She took a shaky breath and asked, "Answer me... Did you put an explosion on me that I don''t know about?"


    Alex sighed, rolling his eyes.


    "If you keep asking me that, I might actually consider it."


    Freya''s temper snapped.


    "Next time, don''t touch me out of nowhere unless I want you to...or unless I touch you first!"


    Alex froze.


    His brain processed that in real-time.


    Wait. What?


    The last part was... confusing.


    But, after a second, he decided it was fair enough.


    He gave her a small nod.


    "Okay then."


    Alex had already started walking ahead when Freya suddenly processed her own words.


    Wait... Did I sound too rude?


    She frowned, feeling the need to clarify.


    "Wait!" she called out.


    Alex stopped but didn''t turn around.


    "What?"


    Freya took a breath, trying to find the right words.


    "Just so you know... I didn''t mean that I don''t want you to touch me... or that I do want you to touch me."


    Alex slowly turned to look at her, even more confused.


    "Okay?"


    Freya winced.


    That didn''t come out right.


    "What I''m saying is..." she gestured vaguely, struggling. "I don''t want you to touch me, but I also don''t not want you to touch me either?"


    Silence.


    Then Alex threw up his hands.


    "What?!"


    Freya groaned.


    "Listen! If you want to, you can¡ªbut sometimes you need permission! And sometimes I might touch you without permission...?"


    Alex just stared at her.


    "Again, what?"


    Freya groaned and facepalmed.


    Trying to explain was only making things worse.


    Alex, meanwhile, had given up on trying to process whatever she was saying.


    With a simple shrug, he pointed ahead.


    "We''re here, Freya. Let''s go."


    They stood before the glowing exit, its ethereal energy swirling like a gateway to the unknown.


    Freya sighed, her face still in her hands.


    She placed her palm against the shimmering surface, feeling her soul die from secondhand embarrassment.


    No notification.


    No alert.


    The moment they stepped forward, their bodies disintegrated into light.


    5,000 Nightmare Points vanished from their total.


    When they reappeared, the air was heavier. Darker.


    The first thing they saw was a figure.


    An undead in a crisp black suit, standing tall, his hollow eyes glowing faintly beneath a decayed yet strangely dignified face. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He lowered his head slightly, his voice a deep, guttural rasp.


    "Welcome to the third trial, Players 665 and 666."


    The voice was deep and rasping, like dry bones scraping together.


    Alex and Freya stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the figure before them.


    An undead?


    Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he bowed slightly, his hollow eyes glowing faintly. Despite his rotting flesh, he carried himself with an eerie grace.


    "I am the guide for this round of the Nightmare Trial," he continued, his grin stretching wider than any human''s should.


    Freya swallowed hard.


    Alex, however, sighed in annoyance.


    "Another one of these clowns."


    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, fingers tensing, ready to blast the undead to smithereens just like he did the vendors, but...

 Chapter 134 - 134: Death Maze

    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, fingers tensing, ready to blast the undead to smithereens just like he did the vendors, but Freya grabbed his wrist.


    "What are you doing?! Don''t blow him up!"


    The undead chuckled, his teeth gleaming unnaturally white against his decayed skin.


    "I must agree with your companion. I''d appreciate it if you didn''t."


    His hollow gaze locked onto Alex, unblinking.


    "Without me, you cannot begin the trial. My role is to introduce players to the rules."


    His grin widened.


    "And I do so enjoy my job."


    The way he stared at them made Alex''s skin crawl.


    He didn''t want to tolerate this thing''s presence any longer than necessary.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "I think we can find a way around that."


    Alex''s voice was cold, his fingers still twitching with the urge to detonate the undead where it stood.


    Freya''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "No, we can''t!" she shouted. "And neither can the other players who show up after us! So just let him explain the damn rules!"


    Alex let out a slow breath through his nose, lowering his hand.


    She was right.


    As much as he hated it, he couldn''t be selfish.


    He''d blow up the undead later.


    For now, they had to play along.


    Freya clicked her teeth in irritation. She had no idea why Alex had such an issue with the undead, but she wasn''t about to waste time arguing.


    She turned toward their creepy, grinning guide.


    "Alright then," she said. "Can you explain what it is we''re facing?"


    The undead''s rotting lips curled into a grin, revealing jagged, yellowed teeth.


    "Sure¡­"


    His voice dropped into a guttural rasp.


    "This trial is called... the Death Maze."


    "Death Maze?" Freya repeated, her brows knitting together.


    The name alone sent a bad feeling crawling up her spine.


    The undead guide gestured with a skeletal hand, directing their attention to the enormous labyrinth before them. It stretched for miles, its towering stone walls pulsing faintly with magic. A shimmering veil covered the top, likely preventing anyone from seeing what lay inside.


    "The name is self-explanatory," the undead rasped. "Run through the maze and find a way out. Simple, right?"


    He chuckled, the sound dry and hollow, like bones clicking together.


    "Of course, there''s a catch. Monsters will be hunting you. Traps are everywhere. One wrong step, and you''re dead. And scattered throughout the maze, you''ll find undead vendors, eager to sell you items that may or may not help you survive."


    Freya folded her arms. "That''s it?"


    "That''s basically it." The undead flashed another rotting grin.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    Like hell it was that simple.


    Nothing in the Nightmare trials had been easy so far, and he doubted that would change now.


    Especially when the vendors were involved.


    Alex had dealt with these undead vendors enough to know one thing:


    They thrived on desperation.


    And what could be more desperate than players trapped inside an endless maze, running in circles, unable to find a way out?


    His mind was already piecing things together as he asked, "Is there a countdown?"


    The undead shook its head. "None."


    "Are there players who never make it out?"


    "Plenty." The guide grinned, enjoying the tension. "Some have been at it for days. Others... well, they die before they get the chance."


    Alex exhaled sharply. Figures.


    "So we should watch out for our fellow players as well," he muttered, almost as if speaking to himself.


    Freya blinked. "What makes you say that?"


    Alex turned to her, looking almost insulted. "You''re seriously asking that? After everything you''ve just seen?"


    Freya frowned, still not getting it.


    Alex sighed, then explained:


    "Think about the second trial. There were traps. There were monsters. And in the end, the Nightmare forced players to kill each other."


    His voice lowered as he gestured toward the maze.


    "This is no different."


    Freya scratched her forehead, deep in thought.


    Sure, she understood that players would try to kill each other for Nightmare Points, but how did that actually help them escape the maze?


    Then it hit her.


    The vendors.


    Her eyes widened slightly as she turned to look at Alex.


    He smirked, already knowing she had pieced it together.


    "The vendors will sell things you need," he repeated. "And what currency do they trade in?"


    Freya clenched her jaw. "Nightmare Points."


    "And what''s the easiest way to get Nightmare Points?"


    Freya''s fists tightened as she stared daggers at the undead guide.


    "By killing another player."


    "Exactly."


    Alex crossed his arms, nodding in satisfaction.


    As expected.


    This place was twisted.


    It wasn''t just the monsters that were the problem.


    The real danger was how the game forced players to turn on each other.


    The maze wasn''t just a trap¡ªit was a meat grinder, designed to keep players desperate, paranoid, and fighting for scraps.


    Alex had no doubt that things would get even worse from here.


    And the worst possible mistake you could make was going in with someone you cared about.


    He glanced at Freya.


    Somewhat.


    The undead guide''s hollow voice interrupted his thoughts.


    "So, are you two ready to begin?" It raised a bony finger, its grin stretching unnaturally wide. "Just step forward, and I''ll send you to a random starting point in the maze." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, in a tone that was almost¡­ helpful, it added:


    "By the way, you don''t have to go in alone. You can enter as a group."


    It gestured behind them. "There are still players who haven''t started yet. You could wait, form a party, and increase your chances of survival. It''s¡­ advisable, really. The more, the better."


    Freya and Alex exchanged a glance.


    The more, the better?


    Yeah. Like hell.


    Alex crossed his arms, watching Freya bite her nails, lost in thought.


    She was nervous¡ªand with good reason. The game was rigged. There was no good option here, only different flavors of bad.


    Taking a sharp breath, she exhaled.


    "What are the advantages and disadvantages of going in groups?"


    The undead guide tilted its head, as if amused by the question. "If you enter as a group, you''ll encounter fewer traps and weaker monsters. However, the correct path will be much harder to find."


    It paused, then added:


    "If you go alone, the paths will be clearer¡ªbut the number of traps will increase, and the monsters will be much stronger."


    Freya frowned. "¡­So basically, it''s bad or bad."


    The undead shrugged, its bony grin unwavering.


    Thinking about it both options were both terrible.


    If you got fooled by the false safety of a group, it was only a matter of time before desperation set in.


    Frustration would build. No progress. No escape. And when people got desperate?


    They turned on each other.


    Killing for Nightmare Points.


    Going solo, on the other hand, meant tougher monsters and deadlier traps. Only those confident in their strength would take that risk.


    People like Alex. Or the old Ronin.


    Maybe Ezekiel. Dorion?


    Then the undead spoke again. "You can also go in pairs."


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    She exhaled in relief, like an invisible weight had been lifted.


    Now that wasn''t a bad option.


    She could go with Alex.


    He wouldn''t kill her for Nightmare Points as she was sure he wasn''t lacking any.


    But then¡ªbefore she could even ask¡ªAlex stepped forward.


    "There''s no need. I''m going solo."


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Wait¡ªwhat?


    She tried to stop him.


    "Wait... we haven''t¡ª!"


    The undead guide didn''t wait for her to finish.


    "If that''s your choice, then good luck, Player 666."


    Freya''s stomach dropped.


    He was just going to leave? Just like that?


    Her hand shot forward.


    "Wait... don''t¡ª!"


    But it was too late.


    Alex was already gone.

 Chapter 135 - 135: Twisted Paths

    Alex blinked into existence at the starting line of the maze.


    The air was thick. Heavy.


    Like stepping into another world.


    He had heard Freya''s voice just before he left.


    Desperate. Reaching.


    But he ignored it.


    His reasoning was simple.


    He refused to be put in a situation where only one of them could move forward.


    It may not happen now.


    Maybe not even soon.


    But eventually, he had no doubt the game would force them into that kind of choice.


    If Alex were the one designing this nightmare, he''d do exactly that.


    Make people care, then make them choose.


    So he decided it was better to separate now, before attachment took root.


    He exhaled and turned his attention to the maze.


    The walls loomed high, jagged and uneven¡ªtwisted like molten rock frozen mid-eruption.


    Their sheer size made the path ahead feel smaller, and narrower. Like a trap.


    Above, the twin moons hung still in the sky.


    Their cold light drained the world of color.


    Black and white.


    Like an old newspaper from a forgotten era.


    Alex stared at it for a moment¡­ then felt it.


    A pull.


    Not physical, but something deeper. A tug on his mind.


    Like a void, whispering, calling.


    The longer he looked, the stronger it became.


    The world blurred at the edges. The walls seemed to pulse.


    His body tensed. A trap? A hallucination?


    It was like the maze itself was alive.


    Alex shook his head and took a step back.


    No.


    If he let himself get too caught up in this, he''d be leaving himself wide open for traps, for ambushes, for whatever horrors the maze had waiting for him.


    He refocused and turned his attention forward.


    How do you escape a maze?


    Think.


    The most common strategy was to stick to one wall.


    If he kept his hand on either the left or right wall and followed it all the way through, he''d eventually find an exit, assuming the maze didn''t shift.


    Another method? Mark his path.


    If he reached a dead end, he could retrace his steps, knowing exactly where he''d already been.


    Or... what about climbing the walls?


    He tilted his head up, eyes narrowing.


    At the very top, runes pulsed with arcane light, forming an invisible barrier.


    A magical lock.


    A clear message that indicated: no cheating.


    Alex scoffed.


    Then he began cracking his knuckles.


    "Alright then¡­"


    He rolled his shoulders, stretching out.


    Let''s begin.


    He took his first step and then something clicked.


    Alex''s instincts screamed.


    A trap had just been set off.


    WHOOSH!


    CLANG!


    Massive arrows as thick as iron rods launched from hidden slots in the wall ahead, whistling through the air like deadly javelins.


    BAM!


    BAM!


    BAM!


    They slammed into Alex''s barrier, their sharp tips grinding against the invisible forcefield before dropping uselessly to the ground.


    Alex glanced at them, then let out a sharp chuckle.


    "Seriously?" he muttered, a grin creeping onto his face.


    "Right off the bat?"


    If he''d been even a second slower, those things would have skewered him like a kebab.


    And something told him this was just the beginning.


    More traps. More ambushes.


    He needed a better way to deal with this.


    Then it hit him.


    Why should I be the one running through the traps?


    A spark of inspiration lit up in his mind.


    Alex activated his skill [Multiplicity].


    A pulse of energy rippled outward, and five identical clones materialized around him, each one wearing his signature cocky grin.


    They adjusted their hats, cracking their knuckles as they waited for his command.


    Alex smirked.


    "Spread out!"


    The clones went ahead and split up at an intersection.


    Three clones dashed left.


    Two veered right.


    As they moved deeper into the maze, they split off in different directions, covering multiple paths at once, charging into the maze like a pack of shadows¡ªand setting off every trap in their path.


    One of them was bound to find the right way out.


    Alex smirked.


    He didn''t have to do a thing.


    Instead of running around blindly and risking his life, he could just wait it out.


    And when the time was right, he''d swap places with the clone on the right path.


    Simple. Efficient. Zero risk.


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    Freya stood frozen, staring at the spot where Alex had vanished.


    Just like that¡­ he was gone.


    She clenched her fists.


    She thought they had built some kind of bond.


    That, maybe, he saw her as an ally.


    But it turned out she was just delusional.


    A bitter sigh escaped her lips.


    She couldn''t understand him.


    His actions were so unpredictable.


    So frustrating.


    "Would you like to go solo as well?" the undead guide asked, tilting its rotting skull as it studied her.


    Freya shook her head instantly.


    "No."


    Unlike Alex, she wasn''t strong enough to survive alone.


    Which meant she had one option left.


    She turned away and walked toward the gathering players¡ªthe ones who hadn''t entered the maze yet.


    If she was going to make it out alive¡­


    She needed a small team.


    Then, she saw two players approaching the undead guide.


    Ella, a druid clad in a leather garment, gripping a wooden staff.


    Jeremy, a rogue dressed in a hooded cloak, his light armor barely making a sound as he moved.


    They were in the same situation as her, hesitant to go in alone.


    It looked like they had decided to team up and were about to enter as a pair¡ªuntil they noticed Freya.


    She stepped forward.


    "Can I join you?" she asked.


    Ella and Jeremy exchanged glances, then nodded.


    "Sure," Jeremy said.


    "Strength in numbers," Ella added with a small smile.


    From the brief conversation she had with them, they didn''t seem like bad people.


    But Freya kept her guard up.


    Trust was a dangerous thing in a place like this.


    Then, they stepped forward.


    And the Death Maze swallowed them whole.


    They walked cautiously, scanning their surroundings, searching for a way out.


    Following one of the most basic maze survival rules¡ª


    Pick a side.


    Left or right.


    And follow it faithfully.


    So far, so good.


    No traps.


    No monsters.


    It was almost¡­ too easy.


    And that was thanks to Jeremy.


    As a rogue, his trained instincts picked up on small details others would miss.


    He ran his fingers along the walls, feeling for hidden pressure plates.


    He crouched low, checking the ground for tripwires or concealed pits.


    He even used a tiny knife to test for false floors before stepping forward.


    Because of him, they had avoided every single trap so far.


    But Freya had a bad feeling.


    It wouldn''t stay this easy for long.


    From deeper inside the maze, they could hear screams¡ªagonized, bloodcurdling. Some belonged to players. Others¡­ to things not human.


    The chilling echoes bounced off the jagged walls, making it impossible to tell how far or how close the horrors were.


    But worse than the screams was the feeling.


    The sensation of being watched.


    Everywhere.


    Like unseen eyes clung to their backs, waiting.


    Ella''s hands tightened around her staff, her knuckles turning white. Her entire body trembled despite the warmth of her magic.


    Freya wasn''t much better.


    She stayed tense, alert¡ª fingers resting on her sword''s hilt, ready to strike at the first sign of danger.


    Ahead of them, Jeremy led the way, his every step calculated. His gaze swept the ground, the walls, even the air, searching for anything that could trigger a trap.


    His face was grim, focused.


    They moved forward. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Step by step.


    Then, it happened.


    A whisper, soft and faint.


    Right beside Ella''s ear.


    "Hey...over here."

 Chapter 136 - 136: Mazeborn Horror

    Ella froze.


    A violent shiver ran down her spine as she snapped her head toward the sound.


    Nothing.


    Just the dark, twisted walls of the maze.


    Her breathing quickened.


    Freya, noticing the druid''s sudden distress, leaned in:


    "What''s wrong?"


    Ella''s lips barely moved as she whispered:


    "I heard a voice."


    Freya''s brows furrowed, her heart hammering at the words.


    A voice?


    But she hadn''t heard anything.


    Was it a trick of the mind? Or something worse?


    Ella shook her head, trying to convince herself.


    "Maybe I was mistaken."


    Her voice wavered.


    But then she took a step forward¡ª


    WIEEEEE!


    A piercing shriek ripped through the maze.


    Freya''s body locked up.


    The sound was so sharp, so unnatural, it felt like knives stabbing into their skulls.


    Ella, Jeremy, and Freya clutched their ears, wincing.


    And just as suddenly as it came¡ª


    Silence.


    Jeremy whirled around, his voice edged with alarm.


    "What the hell was that?!"


    Ella froze.


    A cold, sickening feeling crawled up her spine.


    Something was moving.


    Beneath her feet.


    It wriggled.


    Ella''s gaze snapped downward and her breath hitched.


    A face.


    Plastered onto the ground.


    Its eyes were wide with terror, mouth frozen in a silent scream.


    She let out a bloodcurdling shriek, stumbling backward and crashing onto the cold stone floor.


    Freya''s entire body locked up.


    Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, an erratic drumbeat of fear.


    What¡­ what is that?!


    Then Freya saw.


    A flicker of movement.


    Behind them.


    Her breath caught in her throat as she slowly turned and saw shrouded figures.


    Standing motionless at a distant corner of the maze.


    Featureless. Faceless. Watching.


    *


    Meanwhile...


    One of Alex''s clones darted through the twisting corridors.


    Arrows whizzed past him. Blades swung from hidden slots in the walls.


    Landmines? Avoided.


    His inhuman speed kept him ahead of every trap.


    But then he reached a dead end.


    He skidded to a stop.


    Crap.


    Just as he turned to retreat¡ª


    THOOM!


    A stone wall slammed down behind him, sealing the path.


    Alex''s clone gritted his teeth.


    The wall in front of him wasn''t just a dead end.


    It was alive.


    Rows of grinding teeth jutted out from the stone, gnashing together in a slow, relentless churn.


    The monstrous wall lurched forward.


    Crap.


    He thrust his hand forward and snapped


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted on the wall.


    Dust and debris burst into the air, shattering some of the grinding teeth.


    But more teeth grew in their place.


    The wall kept coming.


    Alex''s eyes darkened but then he stood firm.


    No more holding back.


    The grinding wall of teeth lurched closer, its jagged edges gleaming under the twin moons'' eerie glow.


    He raised both hands, sparks of energy crackling between his fingers.


    Explosions lined the entire wall.


    One by one.


    Each charged to the max.


    This was it.


    If he miscalculated, there was a high chance he''d be shredded.


    But that didn''t matter.


    He smirked, watching the swirling orange smoke of his explosives in this colorless, lifeless maze before he died was certainly worth it.


    With a sharp snap of both arms, he detonated the blasts.


    KA-BOOOOM!


    A deafening explosion erupted.


    The tunnel shook violently.


    A shockwave ripped through the air, sending chunks of stone flying in every direction.


    A blinding flash of fire and dust filled the space.


    The grinding teeth? Gone.


    The wall? Obliterated.


    Chunks of stone and teeth scattered in every direction.


    But, Alex''s clone was gone.


    Even with his barrier up, the force was too much.


    Yet, in his final moment, he saw something.


    A hole.


    A massive gap was torn into the moving wall, its once impenetrable structure now broken.


    Then there was darkness.


    Alex, still seated at the starting line, suddenly grinned.


    The knowledge from his clone rushed back into him.


    He chuckled, eyes gleaming.


    "Oh¡­ so that can work."


    He''d found his path.


    Straight ahead.


    Alex rose to his feet, eyes locked on the towering wall before him.


    His hand lifted, fingers steady as he conjured multiple explosion disks in the air.


    One after another, they lined up in a deadly sequence, glowing with raw energy.


    But he wasn''t done.


    He amped them up, pouring power into each disk until they hummed with intensity, their edges crackling with unstable force.


    Then he stepped back.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    He kept moving until his back pressed against the invisible barrier that trapped him inside the maze.


    With a deep breath, he summoned [Aegis Arcane].


    A shimmering, translucent shield unfolded around him like an indestructible shell.


    He exhaled.


    And snapped.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The explosions erupted in a chain reaction, each detonation sending shockwaves through the maze.


    Flames roared upward.


    The entire structure shook violently.


    Shattered stone and metal launched in every direction, like razor-sharp projectiles.


    But inside his Aegis Arcane shield, Alex stood firm, untouched as the force of the blast rushed past him, a furious windstorm of destruction.


    As the dust settled, he lowered his shield, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    "That should do it."


    The smoke cleared.


    And then he saw it.


    Not just a hole.


    A massive opening, carved clean through the towering wall, stretching upward like a doorway to the sky.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "I guess my path is indeed straight."


    The walls around the hole quivered, cracks pulsing with energy as they slowly began to mend.


    But not fast enough.


    Not fast enough to stop him from walking through.


    Without hesitation, Alex strode forward, his boots crunching over bits of shattered stone.


    As he was about to reached the opening, he lifted his hand again.


    Another explosion disk formed, glowing ominously against the next wall ahead.


    He was about to snap his fingers, but then...


    He felt it.


    A shift in the air.


    Unnatural. Wrong.


    Alex''s instincts flared.


    His body tensed. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Slowly, he turned his head¡ª


    And there it was.


    An undead vendor.


    No longer grinning.


    The hollow amusement in its skeletal face was gone, replaced by something... else.


    Something worse.


    Its eerie, lifeless eyes locked onto him, unblinking.


    For the first time, it looked serious.


    And Alex couldn''t decide which was more terrifying¡ª


    The vendor smiling.


    Or the vendor not.


    "What are you doing, Player 666?"


    Alex paused.


    Okay, now that he thought about it¡ªwhat was with that number?


    Out of all possible numbers, he just happened to be 666.


    That sounded suspicious as hell.


    The undead guide took a step forward, its hollow eyes locked onto him.


    "Player 666. What you intend to do is not allowed. Go through the maze-like the rest of the players."


    Alex scoffed, cracking his knuckles.


    "Ever heard the phrase ''Work smarter, not harder''? That''s what I''m doing."


    The undead''s bony face twitched.


    It frowned.


    Alex didn''t even know it could frown.


    It had always had a plastered grin on it''s face.


    "Player 666, if you continue with this..."


    "Enough."


    Alex snapped his fingers and the undead head exploded, pieces of bone and dark mist scattering in all directions.


    Its body stood there for a moment as if it hadn''t realized what just happened.


    Then it collapsed.


    Alex exhaled and walked forward, stepping over the fallen guide without a second thought.


    "Not allowed?"


    He snorted, his lips curling into a smirk.


    He strode toward the gaping opening he had blasted into the maze.


    "Who''s going to stop me?"

 Chapter 137 - 137: Abyss

    BOOM!


    Another wall crumbled into dust.


    Alex kept moving forward, blasting through the maze, ignoring whatever tricks or obstacles it threw at him.


    A strange-looking monster lunged at him from the shadows¡ªits many eyes gleaming, tendrils writhing like snakes.


    SNAP!


    Black flames engulfed it instantly, reducing it to ash before it could even make a move.


    He didn''t slow down.


    Nothing was going to stop him.


    Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something.


    A vendor shop.


    It sat at a bend in the maze, its eerie glow standing out in the dim surroundings.


    The undead vendor behind the counter was identical to the one he''d blown up earlier¡ªsame skeletal face, same unsettling expression.


    Their eyes met.


    For a long second, neither moved.


    Then, the vendor opened its mouth.


    "Player 666..."


    SNAP!


    Alex blew it up.


    He didn''t wait for the vendor to finish.


    BOOM!


    The shop exploded into a fiery mess, debris scattering everywhere.


    He grinned, stepping over the wreckage without a care.


    Then, as he turned a corner, he spotted something else¡ª


    Other players.


    They stood frozen, watching him with a mix of fear, confusion, and curiosity.


    Alex barely spared them a glance.


    He had no time for them.


    He snapped his fingers again¡ª


    BOOM!


    Another wall shattered. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And he kept going.


    The players watched as Alex disappeared into the distance, leaving behind nothing but dust and destruction.


    They exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Was that... a fellow player?" one of them muttered.


    "Or a monster?" the other whispered back.


    BOOM!


    Another explosion rocked the maze.


    The two flinched, then hesitantly stepped forward, peering down the ruined path Alex had carved.


    Their eyes darted between the wreckage behind him and the gaping shortcut ahead.


    A realization hit them at the same time.


    They looked at each other, nodded.


    No words were needed.


    Who¡ªor what¡ªAlex was didn''t matter.


    What mattered was the shortcut he was making.


    Why risk the long, dangerous route when they could just follow?


    Without hesitation, they stepped onto his path of destruction.


    Alex, far ahead, felt their presence.


    He knew they were using his shortcut.


    He didn''t care.


    Didn''t slow down.


    Didn''t acknowledge them.


    He just kept moving forward.


    A sharp, agonized scream rang out behind him.


    Alex turned swiftly, eyes narrowing.


    One of the players had collapsed, their body convulsing.


    Standing over them was an undead¡ªbut not just any undead.


    It was the undead guide.


    Its bony fingers were buried deep inside the player''s gut, blood dripping down like a leaky faucet.


    Alex hadn''t sensed its presence at all.


    The guide yanked its hand free with a sickening squelch.


    The player collapsed lifelessly.


    The air grew heavier.


    "Cheating is not allowed," the undead guide intoned, its voice eerily calm, yet edged with something sinister.


    It wasn''t smiling this time.


    Neither had the vendor before it was obliterated.


    "You''ve been warned several times," the guide continued, its hollow eyes glowing an ominous green.


    "And yet, you forced our hand."


    Alex exhaled slowly.


    His fingers twitched.


    A glowing explosion disk materialized in his palm, humming with contained destruction.


    "Like I said¡­" he muttered, flicking the disk toward the undead guide''s head.


    "What are you gonna do about this?"


    The undead''s glowing eyes narrowed.


    It parted its jaw to respond¡ª


    BOOM!


    Or at least, that''s what should have happened.


    Alex frowned.


    The explosion hadn''t triggered.


    His disk was floating midair, mere inches from the guide''s skull¡ª but it hadn''t stuck.


    His eyes sharpened.


    Something was wrong.


    Alex frowned, then slowly pulled his hand out of his pocket and snapped his fingers.


    Nothing.


    His explosion didn''t trigger.


    That didn''t make sense.


    He didn''t need to snap to activate his skill¡ªit was just a habit. But now that his attack hadn''t gone off, he did it instinctively, as if confirming that his ability still worked.


    Yet, even with the snap, nothing happened.


    His gaze darkened.


    The undead guide, watching him closely let out a low chuckle.


    "Just so you know," it muttered, "any attacks you dish out won''t work on me."


    A black, ethereal light suddenly swirled around them, forming a translucent **energy dome.


    Alex''s muscles tensed.


    He studied the shifting barrier, then turned his attention back to the undead guide.


    "Oh¡­?" He tilted his head, voice calm but laced with intrigue. "And why is that?"


    The guide''s skeletal hand slowly slipped into its pocket, mirroring Alex''s own earlier movement.


    "Because," it said, its voice carrying a hint of amusement, "I''m not truly here."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    What the hell does that mean?


    His instincts screamed at him¡ªsomething was off.


    His fingers twitched.


    Then, in an instant, his irises flashed silver.


    [Foresight] activated.


    Whatever this undead was doing, he didn''t understand it.


    But now? He could.


    The undead guide slowly raised its hand.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Even with [Foresight] active, he hadn''t seen that movement coming.


    The undead''s grin stretched wider.


    "Let''s sink, shall we?"


    The moment the words left its mouth, a crushing force slammed down on Alex.


    His knees buckled.


    His muscles screamed.


    It felt like gravity had increased a hundredfold.


    Alex clenched his teeth, trying to resist¡ªbut the pressure was overwhelming.


    Then...


    CRACK!


    The ground beneath him shattered like glass.


    And before he could react he plummeted into the abyss.


    Endless darkness swallowed him as he plunged at terrifying speed.


    [Night Vision] activated.


    His pupils adjusted, and he saw it¡ª


    A base far below, rushing up to meet him.


    Then...


    The pressure vanished.


    Alex barely had a second to register the sudden weightlessness before his arms moved on instinct.


    WHOOSH!


    His [Glider Cloak] flared open, sleek black wings snapping out from his arms.


    He flapped hard, pushing against the descent, forcing himself to slow.


    He stabilized.


    Then, with a final calculated movement, he landed softly on solid ground.


    Silence.


    It was pitch black.


    The only faint glow came from the crack he had fallen through, far above.


    Alex exhaled sharply, glancing up and his expressing darkened.


    The crack was swifting mending itself.


    There was nothing could do.


    But watch as it fully covered up trapping him within.

 Chapter 138 - 138: Hell

    Everything had vanished.


    And a thick, suffocating darkness swallowed Alex whole.


    His breath hitched slightly as he turned in place.


    His fists clenched.


    There was nothing around.


    Not a floor beneath his feet. Not a wall to touch. Just an endless void, black as the abyss.


    It reminded him of the white space where he first met Oracle¡ªexcept this felt... heavier.


    Then a voice boomed, shaking the emptiness.


    It came from everywhere. Nowhere. All at once.


    It was the voice of the undead guide.


    "Player 666, what is your image of hell?"


    Alex''s brow twitched.


    What the hell kind of question was that?


    His eyes darted around, scanning for anything¡ªa shape, a ripple, a sign.


    But the void stayed blank. Silent.


    So he exhaled, kept his cool, and answered, tone casual¡ª


    "I dunno. Fire. Screams. Demons."


    "Well," the voice chuckled, smooth and amused.


    "I hope this meets your expectations."


    As soon as the voice said that, light erupted from the abyss.


    A blinding flash cut through the darkness, searing Alex''s vision.


    Shadows twisted, with shapes emerging from the void as the world around him began to take form.


    Crack!


    The ground beneath his feet splintered apart, deep fissures spreading like veins.


    Molten fire surged up from below, its glow casting flickering orange light across the jagged cliffs and twisted rock formations that took shape around him.


    The lava slithered across the floor, slow and menacing¡ªlike living serpents hunting their prey.


    The air thickened, heavy, and choking. Acrid sulfur. Scorched stone.


    The stench of burning itself.


    Alex inhaled. His lungs burned.


    But it was bearable thanks to [Heat Resistance].


    The searing heat that would have reduced others to nothing but ash was nothing more than an irritating warmth against his skin.


    He watched, wide-eyed.


    Everything had manifested from nothing.


    It was like watching the birth of a world.


    Ash rained from the sky, drifting softly, coating the blackened ruins and crumbling pillars like an eerie snowfall.


    Then a movement.


    In the distance, a familiar figure emerged.


    The undead guide.


    Adjusting his tie with slow, deliberate care.


    The undead guide then spread his arms, motioning to the burning landscape around them as he muttered¡ªhis tone dripping with pride.


    "Well, what do you think?"


    Alex exhaled, eyes sweeping over the hellish terrain. Molten rivers. Crumbling ruins. A sky choked with ash.


    "Amazing¡­" he asked, impressed but then his tone changed. "But how''s this going to stop me?"


    The undead guide chuckled. Low. Amused.


    "Well¡­ I''m glad you asked."


    Suddenly the lava churned.


    Violent bubbles rose to the surface, bursting with fiery cracks.


    Something was moving underneath.


    A ripple. A shift.


    Then they emerged.


    Undead creatures clawed their way out of the molten abyss.


    Grotesque. Twisted. A fusion of burning rock and rotting flesh.


    One rose first.


    A behemoth.


    Ten feet tall.


    Its entire body was encased in thick, molten armor, cracks in the hardened shell glowing with fiery veins of magma. Beneath, its skeletal core flickered, its ribcage like a cage trapping pure hellfire.


    It took a step.


    THUD.


    The ground trembled beneath its weight.


    Its fists¡ªmassive boulders, dripping with lava¡ªcurled into a slow, crushing grip.


    Then came another.


    A humanoid figure strode forward, its form wrapped in blackened, half-melted armor.


    Its skeletal face was locked in a permanent sneer.


    And in its grip was a blade.


    It wasn''t made out of steel or iron. It was a sword forged from pure, solidified lava.


    The edges still burned white-hot.


    Then it appeared.


    A floating, humanoid figure wrapped in a swirling inferno. Flames roared around its form, their flickering light barely revealing the skeletal face lurking within. Hollow eyes burned like dying embers, watching. Waiting.


    But it wasn''t alone.


    More abominations crawled from the fiery abyss.


    A spider, its massive exoskeleton blackened and charred, moved with unsettling precision, its eight legs cracking the scorched earth beneath it.


    A wolf, monstrous in size, its fur replaced with flowing molten lava, stalked forward. Its eyes, nothing but smoldering coals, flickered with an unnatural hunger.


    Most of these monsters were humanoid. Twisted. Writhing.


    And all of them were closing in on Alex, who stood at the center.


    Mute.


    Unmoving.


    The undead guide spread his arms, voice laced with satisfaction.


    "How about it? These are the souls of fallen players, sealed within the very magma itself. My personal creations, handcrafted in my downtime. Impressive, isn''t it?"


    Alex said nothing.


    His face unreadable.


    The guide took his silence as fear.


    He snickered.


    "We warned you to take the normal route, Player 666. At least then, you stood a chance to escape. But no¡­ you just had to be the rebel."


    Alex remained silent for one more second¡ª


    Then, he grinned.


    "Seriously..."


    Alex shook his head.


    The simple motion made the undead guide''s expression shift and his amused smirk faltered into a slight frown of confusion.


    Alex met his gaze.


    "You should have made this place a frozen wasteland."


    The undead guide arched a bony brow.


    "Oh? And why is that?"


    Alex''s grin widened.


    "Because this place¡­"


    He raised both hands.


    Mana ignited, flowing through his veins like liquid fire.


    The air around him rippled with energy as invisible forces locked into place.


    Alex continued:


    "...is about to become hotter than it already is."


    Then...


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Explosions erupted in rapid succession.


    Walls detonated, sending molten rock flying. The very ceiling shook, debris raining down. Blazing shockwaves tore through the battlefield, igniting the monstrous forms around him.


    Flames consumed the lava creatures.


    They howled, their bodies cracking, melting, breaking apart.


    Some of them blasting into smithereens.


    The undead guide was shocked to see so many of his creatures fall in an instant and it furrowed his brow.


    A flicker of something uncertain flashed across his skeletal features before he scoffed.


    "Arrogant talk. I can create endless armies of these monsters. What makes you think you possess enough strength to counter that?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    The heat swirled around him, flames dancing in his wake.


    "One thing you should know about my ability is that¡­"

 Chapter 139 - 139: My Power

    "One thing you should know about my ability is that its power can get stronger at will."


    He snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    More explosions ignited across the battlefield, each one brighter, hotter, stronger.


    The air itself rippled from the sheer force. The ground beneath him cracked, glowing veins of molten energy spider-webbing outward.


    Alex wasn''t just setting off blasts¡ªhe was pushing them to the absolute limit.


    He didn''t know if the undead guide''s domain could be broken from within.


    But if there was even the slightest chance.


    Then this?


    This would be enough.


    The undead guide''s expression twitched.


    His skeletal brow furrowed.


    "Get stronger on will? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    Alex grinned.


    His stance was loose, confident¡ªuntouched by the heat and chaos around him.


    "It means¡­" he said, raising a hand.


    The flames around him spiraled, intensifying, their glow reflecting in his sharp gaze.


    "I can amp my explosions to become as powerful as I want. And most certainly¡­"


    He let the words sink in¡ªdragging out the pause.


    Then, he tilted his head slightly.


    "¡­it would be strong enough to decimate your domain. Wouldn''t it?"


    The undead guide flinched.


    For the first time¡ªa crack in his confidence.


    He could create endless monsters. He could shape the terrain.


    But there was a limit.


    And this domain?


    It wasn''t invincible.


    If pushed hard enough, the domain could be broken.


    Still, the guide scoffed, forcing confidence into his voice.


    "Hmph¡­ Even if you could pull it off, you''d never survive. The power required to do that would consume everything¡ªincluding you. There''s nowhere to run, no way to escape. You''d certainly die."


    Alex didn''t blink.


    Didn''t even flinch.


    Because he wasn''t worried about dying.


    He had an escape.


    Instead, he simply tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement.


    "Maybe you should worry about yourself."


    The undead guide''s expression twisted.


    "Enough of your bluffs! Infernals¡ªATTACK!"


    The command ripped through the air, and instantly¡ª


    The monsters charged.


    A tidal wave of molten fury.


    The behemoth stomped forward, each step sending quakes through the scorched ground.


    The flame-wrapped specter howled, its blazing form warping the air around it.


    The wolf, its molten fur seething, lunged with a snarl, its burning fangs ready to tear through flesh.


    Alex grinned, unbothered by the horde of monsters closing in on him.


    Why?


    Because this was already over.


    His fingers twitched.


    And then, he snapped.


    WHOOM!


    The air twisted.


    Reality warped as an invisible force yanked everything inward, crushing, pulling, devouring like a vortex about to implode.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    The detonation ripped through the domain.


    Flames erupted outward in a blazing tidal wave, consuming everything in sight.


    The explosion didn''t just spread¡ªit surged, climbing higher, hotter, hungrier.


    A fiery inferno shot toward the dome above.


    KAABOOM!


    It shattered on impact, exploding into a storm of debris that rained down like meteorites.


    The maze walls? Gone.


    Obliterated.


    The molten creatures? Disintegrated.


    The force of the blast was so immense, so unstoppable, that the entire Deathmaze trembled.


    Deep underground, every corridor, every pathway shook violently, like a beast awakening from slumber.


    Far off, in unseen chambers, other players froze mid-step, eyes widening as the ground beneath them quaked.


    They had no idea what had just happened.


    But they knew one thing for certain.


    Something big had just gone down.


    Then, the tremors faded.


    Smoke and heat lingered in the air, swirling over the battlefield.


    At the center of the devastation, a massive crater stretched deep into the earth¡ªa scar left by the sheer force of the explosion. The once-solid ground was now a jagged pit of molten rock and broken stone.


    Neither Alex nor the undead guide were anywhere to be seen.


    Then outside the death maze, there was a low, ragged cough.


    A dark figure staggered forward.


    The undead guide.


    His once-pristine form was tattered, black cracks splitting across his skeletal frame. He hacked up black blood, the thick, inky substance splattering onto the ground.


    It was a sight that shouldn''t have been possible.


    Undead didn''t breathe.


    Undead didn''t cough.


    And most certainly¡ªundead didn''t bleed.


    Yet here he was. Weakened. Damaged.


    The sudden loss of his domain had done more than just strip away his control.


    It had hurt him.


    How?


    How was that even possible?


    The undead guide staggered, his skeletal frame trembling as another ragged cough tore through him. Thick, black blood dripped from his mouth, staining the scorched ground.


    He didn''t understand.


    This wasn''t supposed to happen.


    The players standing before him, new arrivals to the trial froze.


    Confusion and fear etched onto their faces.


    The undead guide''s fingers twitched.


    He forced himself to stand, straightening his tattered suit. His usual eerie grin returned, but this time, it was strained.


    He couldn''t show weakness.


    He had a role to play.


    Brushing off the black blood as if it were nothing, he let out a forced chuckle.


    "Welcome to the Third Trial, Player 667, 668, and 669," he announced, his voice eerily calm.


    *


    Meanwhile...


    Deep within the maze, one of Alex''s clones suddenly halted mid-step.


    Then...


    BOOOOM!


    A resounding explosion ripped through the entire structure. The walls groaned as the force of the blast shook the entire maze. Dust rained from above, cracks splintering across the stone pathways.


    Alex''s clone stumbled, nearly losing his balance.


    But he caught himself, just barely, his fingers gripping the brim of his hat as he steadied.


    Then he laughed.


    A low, amused chuckle at first, then a full burst of exhilaration.


    His heart pounded.


    "Interesting..." he muttered under his breath, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    It was the original Alex.


    At the exact moment he had snapped his fingers, he had swapped places with one of his clones, ensuring he wouldn''t be caught in the sheer destruction of his own attack.


    And it was a damn good thing he did.


    The moment Alex had switched places, his clone had been caught in the maelstrom of fire and force, its body ripped apart instantly.


    It never had a chance.


    The explosion tore it to shreds, its form disintegrating into ash and embers, consumed alongside the hundreds of lava undead.


    It didn''t even get the chance to scream.


    Alex shuddered.


    Even though he was safe, he could feel it.


    That brief, horrifying moment of obliteration.


    It lingered¡ªa ghost of pain, an echo of being torn apart.


    His hands clenched into fists.


    He shouldn''t be treating his clones like this. Using them as disposable pawns.


    He''d seen a movie once¡ªwhere the clones turned against their original.


    A rebellion.


    The thought sent a chill down his spine.


    He let out a slow breath, shaking his head.


    He needed a better defense.


    Something solid. Reliable.


    Because right now?


    He was scared of his own power.


    For a defensive skill, [Aegis Arcane] was the top contender.


    And Alex was dead set on ranking it up to the max as soon as he got out of here. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had the points.


    He had the stats.


    Now, he just needed the opportunity.


    {Total Nightmare Points: 29,400}


    {Total Stat Points: 16,500}


    His Nightmare Points had dropped.


    Wait¡­


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he quickly did the math.


    Oh.


    He had lost 5,000 points as that was the entry fee for this trial.


    And had gained 1000 points from killing the infernals.


    Thus this new total.


    He exhaled, rolling his shoulders.


    No big deal.


    His clone¡ªthe one he had swapped with¡ªhad been the one that had made it the farthest ahead.


    And with how much mana he had just burned through, keeping his other clones around was wasteful.


    Alex''s next move was simple.


    Keep going.


    And keep blasting his way through.


    He didn''t bother with twists and turns.


    He didn''t care about dead ends or hidden paths.


    A straight route.


    A shortcut.


    Call it cheating if you wanted, but¡­


    Who was going to stop him?

 Chapter 140 - 140: They Meet

    Not everyone had it as easy as Alex.


    For most players, the Deathmaze lived up to its name.


    Monsters lurched from the shadows.


    Traps sprang from the walls and floor.


    And worst of all, the maze itself fought against them.


    Many got turned around confused.


    Many ran in circles.


    And many found themselves hopelessly lost.


    Among them were Ezekiel and Dorion.


    The two had entered together as Ezekiel thought it''d be safer that way.


    But he was wrong.


    Ezekiel let out a long sigh, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the wall ahead of him.


    There¡ªetched into the stone¡ªwas a mark he had made an hour ago.


    Dorion saw it too.


    And his frustration boiled over.


    "Goddammit¡­ This is your fault."


    He turned to Ezekiel, eyes burning with irritation.


    "You told me to trust your navigation! Now look what happened!"


    Ezekiel clicked his tongue in frustration.


    "Well, I''m not the one who provoked the damn monsters, forcing us to run for our lives."


    He shot Dorion a glare, his patience running thin.


    This guy¡­


    He was like a rabid dog, lunging at every monster they came across as if he was programmed to pick fights.


    And because of that?


    They had been chased, cornered, nearly killed¡ªall because Dorion couldn''t control himself.


    How the hell was Ezekiel supposed to focus on finding a path when he had to deal with this reckless idiot?


    Dorion''s temper snapped.


    "You know what? I''ve had enough of your nonsense."


    His voice was sharp, filled with raw hostility.


    He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with something dangerous.


    "You think you can read me like a book?"


    Dorion cracked his knuckles, his aura flaring.


    "Screw it. I might as well get rid of you now. You''re useless to me anyway."


    Ezekiel exhaled slowly.


    Weary. Irritated and done with this shit.


    With a single motion, he reached behind his back and drew his greatsword.


    The heavy steel gleamed under the dim maze light.


    His voice was calm, steady:


    "Fine then. Bring it. I need all the Nightmare Points I can get¡­ Might as well take yours."


    He raised his blade, planting his feet in a solid stance.


    Dorion''s lips twisted into a wicked grin.


    "Oh? You hypocrite¡­ Finally revealing your true desires, huh?"


    Ezekiel''s grip on his sword tightened.


    "I''m not a hypocrite."


    "Your denial itself is hypocritical," Dorion responded.


    Ezekiel groaned, gripping his greatsword tightly.


    With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, swinging his blade in a sharp arc¡ªbut Dorion was fast.


    He leaped backward, dodging just in time, his feet skidding against the stone floor.


    Dorion smirked. "You scolded me for killing that girl to earn Nightmare Points¡­"


    His voice was taunting, filled with mockery.


    "Yet when I transferred some to you, you didn''t decline them. You used them to move forward."


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened.


    "You call me out for doing the dirty work, but when I offer you the rewards of that dirty work¡ª" Dorion''s eyes gleamed with contempt. "You take it. And then you shame me afterward?"


    He spat on the ground.


    "You''re a f*cking hypocrite, Ezekiel."


    Ezekiel exhaled, keeping his emotions in check.


    "I''m only doing what it takes to survive."


    Dorion''s smirk widened. "Then kill like I do."


    Silence stretched between them.


    Ezekiel sighed, turning away.


    That single act¡ªhis lack of response¡ªignited Dorion''s fury.


    Dorion''s expression darkened, his aura turning ice-cold.


    "Like I said, I''ve had enough of your half-assed behavior." His grip tightened on his scythe. "This partnership ends with your death."


    He surged forward, his weapon gleaming in the dim light.


    But before his attack could land.


    FWOOOSH!


    A piercing gust sliced through the air.


    Sharp icicles, shaped like deadly javelins, streaked past Ezekiel from behind¡ª


    Straight toward Dorion.


    His eyes widened. Shit!


    With a sharp spin, he swung his scythe.


    CLANG!


    The force of his counter sent shards of ice scattering.


    Ezekiel instantly sensed someone behind him.


    His instincts screamed danger.


    Without hesitation, he abandoned his attack, pushing off the ground and landing beside Dorion.


    Just moments ago, they were ready to kill each other.


    But now?


    A new foe had entered the scene.


    Both their gazes snapped toward the approaching figure.


    An old man.


    He wore the tattered robes of a ronin, his posture relaxed yet commanding. In his hand, a blade pulsed with energy¡ªa bluish glow, flowing like liquid metal, shifting like a living current.


    The temperature seemed to drop as he stepped forward, the pressure around them growing unbearable.


    Dorion clenched his jaw. Who the hell is this?


    The old man stopped a few feet away. His piercing gaze locked onto Dorion.


    His voice was deep, unwavering. "Kid with the scythe? Are you Dorion?"


    Dorion''s eyes narrowed.


    His mind raced¡ªhe didn''t recognize this man.


    Not his face. Not his voice.


    But that aura.


    It was monstrous.


    And that attire¡­


    It felt familiar. Like something he had seen before, but couldn''t quite place.


    The old man''s gaze sharpened. "Answer me! Are you Dorion?"


    Onigi spoke calmly, but his aura was anything but.


    It raged around him like a boiling inferno, heavy and suffocating.


    Ezekiel swallowed hard. His instincts screamed at him¡ªthis was no ordinary foe.


    Something about the man''s familiar clothing set off alarm bells in his head. A realization dawned, one he didn''t like.


    He gritted his teeth.


    Traveling with Dorion had been a mistake.


    A big mistake.


    Dorion, unfazed, folded his arms. His voice was casual, almost bored.


    "Yeah, I''m Dorion. Who''s asking?"


    The old man''s grip on his sword tightened. His next words carried the weight of pure vengeance.


    "Kiri... You killed my daughter, Kiri, just to gain enough Nightmare Points to be here."


    Dorion''s eyes narrowed.


    For a second, he seemed confused.


    Then, it clicked.


    Oh.


    So that''s what this was about.


    A slow grin spread across his face, his features twisting with amusement.


    He chuckled, tilting his head.


    His words dripping with mockery.


    "Kiri¡­? Who the hell is that?"


    Ezekiel''s jaw dropped.


    He had no doubts now.


    The kid standing beside him wasn''t just reckless¡ªhe was a maniac.


    A walking disaster who would most certainly get him killed.


    Onigi said nothing.


    His face was calm, his expression unreadable.


    But the silence was worse than any outburst.


    Then in a terrifying blur of motion, he moved.


    FWOOSH!


    He shot toward Dorion like a missile, his blade glowing with lethal intent.


    Dorion reacted instantly, spinning his scythe into position, ready to clash.


    But then... S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BOOM!


    The entire wall beside them exploded.


    A shockwave of rock and dust blasted outward, cutting the fight short.


    Onigi flipped backward, dodging the debris with inhuman reflexes.


    Dorion caught off guard, barely managed to shield himself from the flying rubble.


    Ezekiel wasn''t so lucky.


    He staggered, coughing violently as thick smoke curled around them.


    "What the hell...cough, cough...was that?!" he wheezed, trying to see through the haze.


    Then footsteps.


    Slow. Casual.


    A shadow emerged through the dust, stepping right into the tense standoff.


    His hands stuffed into his pockets.


    Flip-flops.


    Beach shirt.


    Walking in like he just got back from vacation.


    The dust settled, and his face came into view.


    Alex.


    He glanced around, recognizing familiar faces.


    Then, with a lazy grin, he muttered:


    "Oh¡­"


    His gaze flicked between the three players.


    Then he smirked.


    "What the hell is going on here?"

 Chapter 141 - 141: VeilBorne

    Elsewhere...


    Frey''s body froze.


    Her breath hitched as her wide eyes locked onto the shrouded figures before her.


    They stood unnaturally tall, their limbs long and spindly, stretching out like shadows.


    They had no faces.


    Then notification flickered before her eyes glowing eerie red.


    [Veilborne]


    Freya''s breathing quickened.


    "What...what the hell are those?" she whispered, panic creeping into her voice.


    The rogue beside her had snapped out of his own fearful daze.


    Without hesitation, he struck.


    He stepped forward, his hands moving in a blur, launching a flurry of daggers at the creatures.


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    The blades sliced through the air and passed right through them.


    CLANG!


    The daggers clattered uselessly against the maze walls, echoing in the dead silence.


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    They didn''t have physical bodies.


    Yet, they just stood there.


    Their grotesque limbs hanging limply at their sides.


    Watching.


    Waiting.


    Staring.


    Their faces nonexistent faces.


    The eerie red glow where their eyes should have been pulsated, but the Veilborne remained motionless.


    The rogue gritted his teeth.


    "What are you two doing? Attack!" he snapped, gripping another dagger.


    "Wait..." Freya''s voice was sharp. Her gaze narrowed.


    Something was off.


    They weren''t moving.


    She doubted it was because they weren''t hostile¡ªafter all, this was a Nightmare. Everything here was meant to kill them.


    Then why?


    Her mind raced. Maybe they had a restriction. A condition that needed to be met before they attacked.


    She spoke quickly.


    "What if we back away slowly? Maybe they don''t attack unless they''re provoked."


    The rogue hesitated. "We don''t know that for sure."


    "It''s the best plan we''ve got."


    A shaky voice cut in.


    Ella.


    She was struggling to get to her feet, using her staff for support.


    She looked pale.


    Freya could hear the tremble in her breath.


    The three exchanged glances.


    Then, as one they started moving.


    Slow, careful steps backward.


    The Veilborne did not move.


    Their eyes stayed locked on the creatures.


    Not blinking. Not breathing too loud.


    Then...they turned a corner.


    And in that instant...


    They just knew.


    Like an unseen signal had been given, their instincts screamed one thing.


    RUN.


    Freya and the rogue launched forward, their bodies reacting before their minds could process it.


    Their footsteps pounded against the maze floor as they moved in sync, both fast and agile¡ªbuilt for close combat.


    But Ella wasn''t as she was a druid.


    She lagged behind.


    Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as she saw Freya and the rogue pulling ahead.


    Panic clawed at her chest.


    She risked a glance over her shoulder, and froze.


    The Veilborne were following.


    But there was no sound.


    No footsteps. No rustling.


    Just the silent, unnatural movement of their lanky, faceless forms.


    Ella''s breathing hitched.


    Her legs trembled.


    She tried to move faster, but panic made her clumsy.


    Her foot caught on the uneven ground.


    She tripped.


    THUD!


    Pain shot through her hands and knees as she hit the cold floor.


    Up ahead, Freya heard it.


    The sharp groan of pain.


    She turned and her stomach dropped.


    Ella was down, and the Veilborns were right behind her.


    How were the Veilborne moving without a sound?


    Not a single footstep.


    Not even the faintest whisper of motion.


    It was like they were gliding through the air¡ª


    Like ghosts.


    Maybe they were ghosts.


    They had no faces. No weight.


    And worse¡ªthey couldn''t be touched.


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    Her instincts screamed at her to keep running, but another voice in her head stopped her.


    Something felt off.


    She spun around and yelled, "Wait!"


    Her boots screeched against the stone as she came to a sudden stop.


    Jeremy, ahead of her, skidded to a halt as well.


    Both of them turned and saw it.


    Ella was still on her knees, frozen in place.


    And right behind her were the Veilborns.


    Ella''s breath came out in ragged gasps.


    She barely managed to push herself up, legs trembling.


    Then, as if something compelled her.


    She turned her head.


    And locked eyes with the faceless creature.


    Her body locked up.


    Her hands started to shake.


    Her chest rose and fell in rapid, uneven breaths.


    Like she couldn''t get enough air.


    Freya''s stomach sank.


    Ella was panicking.


    Jeremy''s eyes widened in panic.


    "Ella! What are you doing?! Get up and move!"


    His voice cut through the air like a whip, but Ella didn''t respond.


    She just knelt there, trembling.


    Frozen.


    Freya clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her sharp gaze locked onto the Veilborns.


    Something was off.


    Why weren''t they attacking?


    They had been fast enough to catch up, moving like silent wraiths through the maze.


    So why were they just¡­standing there now?


    It didn''t make sense.


    A dozen thoughts rushed through Freya''s mind.


    Was this an illusion? Were these creatures even real?


    She didn''t know.


    And she didn''t want to find out the hard way.


    Then it hit her.


    They weren''t moving¡­because they were being watched.


    Her breath hitched.


    It made sense.


    As long as someone had their eyes on them¡­they wouldn''t move.


    Freya took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking.


    "I''ve figured it out."


    Jeremy, still shouting at Ella, snapped his head toward her, his brow furrowing.


    "Figured what out?"


    Freya''s eyes stayed locked on the Veilborne as she answered.


    "If we keep our gazes on them¡­ they won''t move."


    Jeremy''s confusion deepened.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Freya didn''t look away from the creatures as she clarified, her voice firm.


    "Exactly what I said. As long as we keep watching them, they can''t move. That''s why they were able to follow us before¡ªno one was looking at them."


    Jeremy''s mind raced, quickly piecing it together.


    "So one person has to watch them while the others move¡­"


    Freya gave a slight nod, tension coiling in her chest.


    This situation¡ªthis eerie, silent game¡ªfelt too familiar.


    It was almost exactly like Baranga in the first trial.


    Too similar.


    A sacrificial pawn was needed¡ªsomeone had to keep watching the monsters so the others could escape.


    But unlike the first trial, fleeing wouldn''t guarantee safety. More monsters lurked ahead, traps waited to be triggered, and the maze itself could easily lead them astray.


    Freya''s forehead dripped with sweat. She wiped it away instinctively¡ªjust for a second.


    And in that split moment, she swore the Veilborne moved.


    An inch or two.


    Her stomach twisted.


    No way.


    She muttered under her breath, heart pounding.


    Did they have to keep their eyes on them without blinking?


    If that was the case¡­ then there was no way to do this for long.


    Jeremy clicked his teeth in frustration. His fists clenched.


    This was Ella''s fault.


    He regretted stopping for her.


    The druid was too cowardly to even help herself. She was a burden.


    And burdens needed to be discarded.


    As long as they could get Ella to look at the Veilborne, they would stay frozen.


    Jeremy exhaled sharply before speaking, his voice firm.


    "No matter how I look at this¡­ it won''t work. Our best option is to outrun them."


    Freya remained silent, her gaze fixed on the creatures.


    Jeremy continued, his tone more insistent.


    "If we can convince Ella to keep her eyes on them, our problem is solved."


    Freya''s frown deepened.


    He was basically saying they should sacrifice Ella.


    Leave her behind.


    Let her stall the monsters while they ran.


    Freya clenched her fists. Was that really the only choice?


    She turned to Jeremy, her voice laced with disbelief.


    "And if we reach a dead end?"


    Jeremy''s expression didn''t waver.


    "Then we fight."


    Freya narrowed her eyes.


    "Why not fight now? They aren''t attacking at the moment."


    Jeremy scowled, frustration clear on his face.


    "You saw what happened earlier. My blade went straight through them."


    His jaw tightened.


    "We don''t stand a chance."


    Freya''s voice was firm.


    "I doubt we''d be able to outrun them. And if we do, we''ll still have to fight them later. So why not deal with them now?"


    Jeremy clenched his teeth, frustration boiling over.


    "Don''t ask dumb questions, Freya. I know you''re not naive enough to misunderstand what I''m saying."


    Freya''s expression darkened.


    "Oh, I understand just fine. And to be honest? I''m disgusted."


    Jeremy blinked.


    "What¡­?"


    Her eyes burned with disappointment.


    "If you want to leave, then go. But let''s not run into each other again."


    Jeremy frowned, hesitating for just a second.


    His grip on his weapon tightened.


    Then he scoffed, shaking his head.


    "Fine. If you want to risk your life for that coward, be my guest. I''m leaving. Not that it matters but I doubt we''ll ever meet again. You''ll be dead before that happens."


    Without another word, he spun on his heels and bolted into the darkness.


    Freya exhaled heavily, her shoulders tense.


    What did she expect?


    Freya couldn''t exactly blame him for his decision.


    There was seemingly no way out.


    This place was merciless and only the strong or the ruthless would make it out alive.


    Up ahead, Ella slowly lifted her head. Her breathing had steadied, the trembling in her hands now gone. Her wide, terrified eyes locked onto the Veilborne, refusing to look away.


    Then, in a shaky voice, she spoke.


    "Is¡­ is anyone there?"


    She had heard the sound of footsteps fading, someone leaving.


    She knew what that meant.


    Freya had explained it, if no one kept their eyes on the Veilborne, they would move. They would get closer. They would attack.


    But Ella couldn''t bring herself to look back to see who had stayed.


    If she was alone¡­ if no one had remained¡­ then she was already dead.


    Freya stood frozen, watching Ella''s small, trembling figure as she held her ground.


    She was staring down death itself.


    Freya clenched her fists.


    Leaving her behind was the logical choice. The smart choice. The kind of decision that would keep her alive.


    But she couldn''t do it.


    She just¡­ couldn''t.


    Why?


    Hadn''t she already proven she could be ruthless?


    Hadn''t she killed Xeno for Nightmare Points without hesitation?


    Wasn''t she supposed to be a monster?


    She could easily justify it¡ªtell herself that she only killed because she had been attacked first.


    But that didn''t change the fact that she had taken a life.


    A killer doesn''t get to play the hero.


    So why was she hesitating now?


    Why should a monster like her act like some selfless fool just to save someone else?


    Freya''s gaze flicked to Ella.


    She was small, fragile...helpless.


    She sat on the cold ground, staring up at the towering Veilborne, her body trembling but her eyes locked onto them, frozen in fear.


    Freya clenched her jaw.


    She looked just like her.


    Like Freya when she had been left alone with Baranga.


    Maybe¡­ that was the reason.


    Maybe it was because she knew exactly how it felt.


    To be abandoned.


    To feel that soul-crushing despair as hope slipped away.


    That pain had burned itself into her.


    And now, she was watching someone else suffer the same thing.


    Her fists tightened.


    Then, without a word, she moved.


    She stepped forward.


    One step at a time.


    Toward Ella.


    Freya''s breathing remained steady and controlled.


    She didn''t waver. Didn''t flinch.


    The towering Veilborne loomed over them, their featureless faces locked in an eerie stillness. But she refused to let fear take hold.


    They won''t move as long as we''re watching.


    Slowly, she lowered herself onto one knee in front of Ella, never breaking eye contact with the creatures.


    Then, gently, she placed her hands on Ella''s trembling shoulders.


    Ella flinched at the touch.


    Her body tensed as if expecting to be abandoned all over again.


    But then, cautiously, she turned her head¡ªjust enough to see who it was.


    Her wide, fearful eyes met Freya''s calm ones.


    "You¡­ stayed."


    Ella''s voice was barely more than a whisper, filled with disbelief.


    Freya didn''t answer right away. Her focus stayed locked on the Veilborne.


    Then, she finally spoke, her voice even and measured. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "One question, Ella."


    Ella swallowed, still shaken.


    "W-What?"


    "Do you have any spell that can make light?"


    Ella blinked in confusion, her mind sluggish from fear.


    But after a moment, she stammered out a response.


    "Y-Yeah¡­ I do."


    Freya''s lips curled into a confident grin.


    "Then¡­ we''ll be fine."

 Chapter 142 - 142: Let There Be Light

    Ella''s mind raced.


    Light?


    How was that supposed to help?


    She tilted her head slightly, confused and curious, but Freya didn''t explain. She just kept grinning, her sharp eyes locked onto the Veilborns.


    Watching. Studying.


    She''s got a plan, Ella realized. But what is it?


    Freya''s grip on her weapon tightened.


    If her theory was correct, then this idea might work.


    Most likely.


    ¡­But she wasn''t completely sure.


    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself.


    The details clicked together in her mind.


    The Veilborns didn''t have shadows.


    That didn''t make sense.


    The moonlight was shining down on them, so why weren''t they casting any?


    Unless...


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    Because they are shadows.


    It made too much sense.


    They moved without sound.


    They were immune to physical attacks.


    They were living darkness.


    And if that was true¡­ then there was one thing they couldn''t stand.


    Freya knew she was taking a gamble.


    Sure, the Veilborns could be something else entirely. There were plenty of other possibilities.


    But she was willing to bet everything on her suspicion.


    That these creatures were shadows.


    And what was the best way to destroy a shadow?


    Light.


    That was why she had asked Ella the question.


    Of course, she wasn''t completely sure. This was all just a theory.


    The worst-case scenario?


    They weren''t shadows at all¡­ and both of them would die.


    Freya swallowed hard but didn''t back down.


    Better to take a risk than to run aimlessly into another trap.


    Her eyes never left the Veilborns.


    She took a deep breath.


    "Alright, Ella," she said, voice steady. "Let''s do this."


    Ella hesitated for a fraction of a second before pushing herself to her feet.


    She had no idea what Freya was planning, but at this point, she didn''t care.


    If it meant survival, she was willing to try anything.


    Tightening her grip on her staff, she raised it high.


    A faint glow flickered at the tip.


    Then, she began to conjure a ball of light.


    A soft glow flickered to life at the tip of Ella''s staff.


    The magic swirled, gathering into a small, pulsing ball of light.


    Then there was movement.


    The Veilborns flinched.


    Their reaction was eerie, unnatural.


    They didn''t stumble or lurch like normal creatures.


    Instead, they jerked backward in quick, precise steps, then froze in place, bodies contorted in odd, twisted positions.


    Like a glitch in reality.


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Ella''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "They''re¡­ moving away," she whispered.


    Her heart pounded.


    It was working.


    It was actually working.


    A wave of relief crashed over her.


    "It worked," she exhaled, barely believing it herself.


    "Of course it did," Freya replied, trying to sound confident.


    But inside?


    Her legs were shaking.


    She had gambled everything on this theory.


    And it had paid off.


    She forced herself to stand tall, keeping her gaze locked on the Veilborns.


    "Can you make it brighter?" she asked.


    Ella nodded eagerly.


    She tightened her grip on her staff, pouring more energy into the spell.


    The ball of light expanded¡ªgrowing bigger, brighter, stronger.


    The Veilborn recoiled even further, their eerie retreat almost hypnotic.


    Their movements were unnatural¡ªgliding back in sharp, jerky steps before freezing mid-motion.


    Ella, heart pounding, felt a rush of courage.


    She took a step forward.


    The glowing orb of light hovered above her staff as she cautiously guided it toward the Veilborn.


    They shrank away, slipping backward like shadows fading from sunlight.


    The more she advanced, the more they retreated.


    Freya watched closely, her body still tense.


    The creatures were moving away, but she didn''t dare relax yet.


    Ella continued her slow, deliberate march forward.


    The Veilborns drifted back until¡ªthey vanished around a corner at an intersection.


    Gone.


    Ella exhaled a shaky breath, sweat clinging to her skin.


    She left the glowing orb floating in the middle of the intersection, ensuring the Veilborn wouldn''t be able to return through that path.


    Only then did she finally clutch her chest, feeling the rapid thud-thud-thud of her heartbeat.


    She turned to Freya, who met her gaze with a triumphant grin.


    Without thinking, Ella threw her arms around Freya in a tight hug.


    "Thank you, ma''am¡­ You saved me."


    Freya stiffened.


    "Ma''am?!" she exclaimed. "I''m not that old!"


    Ella trembled, her relief spilling over into sobs.


    "I¡­ I thought I was going to die¡­" sob sob "¡­Thank you¡­"


    Freya stiffened at the sudden embrace, caught off guard by the wave of emotions crashing into her.


    Ella clung to her tightly, shoulders trembling, tears dampening Freya''s sleeve.


    For a moment, Freya hesitated.


    Then, with a small smile, she let out a sigh and gently patted the back of the girl''s head.


    "It''s no problem," she murmured.


    As she held Ella, she took a closer look.


    Now that she wasn''t just seeing her as a burden or a liability, she realized she had been mistaken.


    Maybe it was the way she dressed, or the fear that had made her seem older before.


    But Ella was younger than she had thought.


    A teenager, probably.


    Freya cleared her throat, shaking off the sentimental moment.


    "Hmm... let''s not stay here too long," she said firmly. "This is a death maze. Relaxing isn''t a good idea."


    Ella wiped her eyes, nodding quickly.


    "Right," she said, her voice still a little shaky but determined.


    She stepped back, finally releasing Freya, and the two turned to move forward.


    They walked in silence.


    Neither of them spoke about Jeremy.


    Freya and Ella moved cautiously, their footsteps light against the cold stone floor. Every step was deliberate, their eyes scanning for hidden traps. The last thing they needed was to trigger some deadly mechanism.


    As they turned a corner, a sickening crunch echoed through the passage.


    They froze.


    Up ahead, hunched over a mangled corpse, was a creature unlike anything they''d seen before.


    A ram.


    But not just any ram. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Its jagged horn looked like it had been chipped away by battle, rough and uneven. Veins of molten light pulsed along its cracked skull, giving off an eerie glow. Its eyes burned a deep, molten gold, flickering like living flames.


    [Shard Ram]


    Freya stiffened.


    A ram? Eating a corpse?


    She had always thought rams were herbivores. Clearly, this thing didn''t get the memo.


    Her eyes flicked to the glowing text above its head. Unlike the Veilborns, whose names had shone a threatening red, this creature''s name glowed green.


    That was interesting.


    Freya was starting to piece something together.


    Red meant the monster was far beyond their level¡ªa death sentence if they tried to fight.


    Yellow probably meant tough, but not impossible.


    Green?


    Green meant they had a chance.


    Freya tightened her grip on her blades, her stance steady.


    The Shard Ram looked dangerous, but she was confident she could take it down.


    The creature scraped one hoof against the ground, its jagged horn beginning to glow with a fierce golden light. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat before¡ª


    Boom!


    The ram charged.


    Fast.


    Too fast.


    Freya braced herself, ready to strike¡ª


    But before she could move, Ella stepped in front of her.


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    "Whatare doing?!"

 Chapter 143 - 143: Crazy Enough

    Ella slammed her staff into the ground.


    A magic circle flared to life beneath the charging ram.


    From the glowing glyphs, thick, thorn-covered vines erupted, shooting upward like a living trap.


    The vines coiled around the Shard Ram in an instant, wrapping tightly around its body, its legs, and its glowing horns.


    The beast thrashed violently, trying to break free, but the vines held firm¡ª


    Then came the spikes.


    Razor-sharp thorns lined the vines, pressing deeper and deeper into the ram''s flesh.


    SHRRRK!


    The spikes pierced through, shredding the monster apart.


    A spray of blood splattered against the stone walls.


    Freya stared, stunned.


    She hadn''t expected that. Not from Ella.


    The girl who had been shaking in terror just minutes ago had just annihilated a monster without so much as a flinch.


    Freya''s gaze flicked to Ella''s face.


    Calm. Focused.


    The fear she had shown against the Veilborns was gone.


    Maybe standing her ground against the shadow creatures had done more than just save her life.


    It had changed her.


    On seeing this a question lingered in Freya''s mind, gnawing at the edges of her thoughts.


    She turned to Ella, her expression serious.


    "Ella."


    The druid looked up, still catching her breath from the battle.


    "Yeah?"


    Freya hesitated for a second, then asked:


    "What color was the identity notification on the Shard Ram?"


    Ella blinked, confused:


    "What?"


    "The name above its head. What color was it?"


    Ella furrowed her brows, thinking back:


    "Green... Why?"


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Her eyes widened slightly.


    Just as I suspected...


    So it really was different for each player.


    The system wasn''t just marking monsters based on their overall power¡ªit was comparing them to the strength of the player looking at them.


    Which meant...


    Another unsettling thought crept into Freya''s mind.


    She hesitated, then shook her head, almost as if trying to dismiss the idea.


    But she needed to be sure.


    "And what about the Veilborns?" she asked, her voice quieter this time.


    "What color did you see?"


    Ella furrowed her brows, thinking back.


    Then she answered hesitantly:


    "Green as well?"


    "GAAH!"


    Freya let out a sharp cry, making Ella jump in alarm.


    "Ma''am?! What''s wrong? Are you hurt?!" Ella''s voice wavered with concern.


    Freya clutched her chest dramatically, breathing heavily as if she''d just taken a punch.


    Then she shook her head:


    "No... I''m fine. Just... shocked."


    How could this be?


    Ella tilted her head, confusion clear on her face.


    Freya narrowed her eyes at the young druid.


    If the Veilborns appeared green to her¡­ then that meant Ella was strong enough to face them.


    But from what Freya knew, the only thing that could harm those creatures was fire.


    Which meant¡­


    Freya took a steady breath, then asked carefully, "Ella¡­ do you happen to have an ability that lets you use fire?"


    Ella nodded. "Yes."


    Freya sucked in a sharp breath.


    Of course she has fire magic.


    Her mind raced.


    "Then¡­ you could''ve dealt with the Veilborns easily."


    Ella awkwardly scratched the back of her head, looking embarrassed. "I was too scared¡­ And besides, we only figured out their weakness too late, so¡­"


    Freya sighed, nodding. "That''s true¡­"


    But still. If Ella had acted sooner, they could''ve wiped those shadowy creatures out. No need for all that fear.


    Freya glanced at Ella again. She was way more powerful than she let on.


    As long as she had the confidence to act, she''d be a force to be reckoned with.


    A reliable partner.


    That thought reassured Freya.


    But then...


    As they turned the next corner, Freya''s stomach twisted.


    The sight before them sent a chill crawling up her spine.


    Jeremy was hanging on the wall...impaled.


    Thick wooden thorns jutted out of his chest, piercing straight through his body.


    His head hung low, arms limp, fingers barely curled.


    Blood dripped from his lips, a slow, steady trickle that stained his torn shirt.


    Freya froze, her breath catching in her throat.


    Ella shuddered, gripping Freya''s hand tightly as if grounding herself.


    Freya''s voice came out barely above a whisper:


    "What... what the hell happened?"


    They inched closer.


    Jeremy wasn''t moving.


    He was dead.


    Freya''s mind raced.


    Was it a trap? A monster? Was it still here, watching them?


    Her eyes darted around, scanning every shadow, every crevice.


    Nothing. No movement.


    No monsters lurking in the dark.


    She exhaled, pressing her lips into a thin line.


    Whatever happened here, it was too late to change.


    And dwelling on it wouldn''t keep them alive.


    It was unfortunate.


    Freya had told Jeremy they shouldn''t cross paths again.


    And now... it seemed like they never would.


    "Let''s go," Freya said, her voice firm but quiet.


    Ella clung to her arm, pressing close as they walked beneath Jeremy''s lifeless body.


    She kept stealing glances at the corpse, her face pale, her grip tightening with each step.


    Then...They heard it.


    A faint, creaking sound. Like old wood bending, twisting... moving.


    They turned.


    It was crawling.


    Dark, gnarled roots slithered across the ground like tendrils, twisting together, rising up.


    Forming something.


    A humanoid figure took shape, its entire body made of hard, knotted wood.


    It turned toward them, slow and deliberate.


    Its eyes¡ªhollow. Empty. Dark.


    A notification flashed in front of Freya.


    She already knew.


    It would be red.


    But before she could even read the name¡ª


    The wooden creature attacked.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted right beside the monster.


    The blast shook the ground, a shockwave ripping through the air.


    Freya stumbled back, barely keeping her balance, while Ella yelped and clutched her arm for support.


    The creature was gone.


    Obliterated in the blast.


    Before Freya could even process what happened, another explosion roared, this time blowing a massive hole in the maze wall ahead.


    BOOM!


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    Who the hell would be crazy enough to use explosions to get through this death trap?!


    Then she heard footsteps. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Slow. Casual. Unbothered.


    Freya''s breath caught.


    There was only one person reckless enough to take on the trial like this.


    The dust settled.


    And she saw him.


    Alex.


    Of course. It had to be him.


    Alex didn''t look towards their direction.


    He walked forward, calmly stepping through the hole he had just blasted into the wall.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    Another explosion rocked the maze.


    Freya flinched, but her focus shifted as she caught sight of Ella.


    She wasn''t moving.


    Her eyes were locked on Jeremy''s lifeless, thorn-ridden corpse.


    Freya didn''t hesitate.


    She grabbed Ella''s arm and yanked her forward.


    "This isn''t the time to freeze up," she muttered under her breath.


    Survival was right in front of them, and they weren''t going to waste it.


    She pulled Ella along, hurrying after Alex.


    They reached the next hole¡ªa fresh blast still crumbling at the edges.


    Alex had just stepped through, pausing for the first time.


    Freya saw him glance left.


    Then right.


    Then, with a tone that somehow carried both mild surprise and complete indifference, he muttered:


    "Oh¡­ what the hell is going on here?"

 Chapter 144 - 144: Dramatic Reunion

    "Oh... what the hell is going on here?"


    Alex muttered, his eyes scanning the area as he turned his head left, then right.


    The people standing before him were all too familiar.


    Onigi¡ªthe old Ronin, standing firm as ever, his hand resting lightly on his sword''s hilt.


    Dorion¡ªthe scythe-wielding teen, the one with ties to the Blood Monarch, his expression unreadable.


    And then there was another guy.


    A warrior clad in heavy armor, gripping a massive greatsword.


    Alex could feel the tension crackling between Onigi and Dorion, the way their stances were slightly angled toward each other, their fingers twitching toward their weapons.


    It wasn''t hard to guess what was going on.


    A fight was brewing.


    But it wasn''t his fight.


    He had zero intention of getting involved.


    Whether they killed each other or not?


    Not his problem.


    He just wanted out of this damned maze.


    Then¡ª


    Footsteps.


    He turned.


    Another familiar face emerged.


    Freya.


    "Seriously." Alex muttered under his breath.


    "What the hell was happening?"


    A reunion or something?


    Freya stepped into the tense scene, but she wasn''t alone.


    A new face was with her¡ªa mage or something similar, from the looks of it.


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the newcomer. Something felt¡­ off about her. He couldn''t put his finger on it, but he made a mental note to stay cautious.


    Meanwhile, Ezekiel and Dorion had also noticed Freya.


    Their reactions were instant.


    Ezekiel''s face twisted in shock¡ªhis mouth opened slightly as if the words had been stolen from him. Guilt flickered across his expression.


    "Freya?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Dorion, on the other hand, had a very different reaction.


    He grinned. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re alive. I didn''t think you''d survive that."


    Freya clicked her teeth in irritation. Seeing either of them again was the last thing she expected. And judging by the way they stood next to each other, it was clear¡ªthey were working together.


    "Well, I did," she said, crossing her arms. "Happy to see me?"


    Dorion''s smirk didn''t waver.


    "No, not really."


    Then, without missing a beat, he turned to Alex.


    "But I am happy to see him, though."


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    "What was that about?"


    Dorion''s words had rubbed him the wrong way, but before he could dwell on it, another voice cut in.


    "Alex," Onigi spoke up, his voice carrying an edge. "I thought you said you didn''t know each other?"


    The old ronin had been watching their exchange carefully, his expression darkening. Something wasn''t adding up.


    They all seemed familiar with each other. Too familiar.


    And yet¡­ if Onigi recalled correctly, Alex had denied ever being associated with Dorion.


    So what was this now?


    His grip on his katana tightened.


    Alex turned toward him with a deadpan expression and answered,


    "We don''t. He tried to kill me. Told me a tree is taking people to a dream realm. Passed out. Then I passed out. Now we meet again. That sums up our interactions."


    There was a brief silence before someone else replied.


    "Oh, is that so¡­?"


    The voice came from Freya.


    "Then tell me, Alex¡ªhow would you sum up our interaction?"


    Alex''s brain stalled.


    Where the hell is that coming from?


    Freya''s words cut through the tension, her tone sharp with frustration.


    "You just left me. Without even saying anything."


    Alex exhaled through his nose, turning slightly but not fully facing her.


    "Did I have to?"


    His response only made Freya''s eyes narrow.


    From the side, Dorion let out a chuckle, clearly enjoying the exchange.


    "Oh, you two know each other?" he remarked, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    Alex ignored him, but before he could respond, Onigi spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of exhaustion and anger.


    "Alex," the old ronin sighed, rubbing his temple. "Are you going to get in my way? I''ve lost too many, and the only thing I feel right now is rage. I don''t want to unleash it on the wrong person."


    Alex turned his head, meeting Onigi''s steely gaze.


    "Why do you keep dragging me into this?" he muttered. "If you wanna kill him, go right ahead."


    He waved a hand dismissively.


    "I''m leaving."


    Alex was just about to take a step when suddenly¡ª


    A pair of arms wrapped around his.


    Alex froze.


    What. The. Hell.


    Dorion had locked him in a tightly, his grip unnervingly strong.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Alex muttered, completely baffled.


    Dorion''s voice came next, dramatic and pleading.


    "Brother, don''t do me like this."


    HUH?


    Alex''s entire body stiffened.


    "Brother?!"


    "Alright, you''re insane. Get off me!"


    With a sharp motion, he shoved Dorion''s arms off, stepping back as if trying to shake off the lingering awkwardness.


    And as if things weren''t already dramatic enough, a voice echoed from behind.


    "Player 666."


    The chilling voice cut through the air, making everyone freeze.


    They all turned at once.


    An undead stood before them.


    Unlike the vendor or the guide they had encountered before, this one was different.


    It wore no clothes.


    No robes, no armor¡ªjust bare, bones.


    Its hollow eyes locked onto Alex.


    "Player 666. You cannot keep breaking the rules."


    Alex sighed, completely unfazed.


    "This again."


    Ezekiel, on the other hand, was visibly confused.


    "Who''s Player 666?" He frowned. The number alone sent a shiver down his spine.


    Freya, arms crossed, gave a casual nod toward Alex.


    "It''s the one and only..."


    Dorion''s eyes widened.


    He took a sharp breath.


    "Seriously? You of all people got the number 666? That is both strange and cool. One heck of a coincidence."


    Is it?


    Alex barely had time to question Dorion before the undead spoke again.


    "Player 666, you..."


    Boom!


    Alex sighed and snapped his fingers.


    The undead''s head exploded in an instant.


    Flesh and bone scattered, dissolving into dark mist before it even hit the ground.


    He was so damn tired of hearing that same monotonous voice every single time.


    But then...


    Footsteps.


    More of them.


    His eyes flicked around.


    Undead.


    They were everywhere.


    Emerging from the shadows, stepping through cracks in the walls, forming from black mist.


    Left. Right. Front. Back.


    The group was completely surrounded.


    Then, in a voice that sent a shiver down their spines, all of the undead spoke in unison.


    "Since Player 666 has refused to listen and has broken the rules, disrupting the trial, he is to be eliminated....along with the players with him."

 Chapter 145 - 145: Youre Crazy, Hes Crazy, Everyones Crazy

    "Since Player 666 has refused to listen and has broken the rules, disrupting the trial, he is to be eliminated....along with the players with him."


    There was a brief silence.


    And then...


    "What?"


    Ezekiel exclaimed in shock.


    The rest were also stunned by this as well.


    Ezekiel turned toward Alex, eyes filled with frustration.


    "Seriously?!"


    He didn''t even know the guy.


    Freya frowned, stepping closer to Alex with narrowed eyes.


    "Alex, what did you do this time?"


    Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "Well, in case you didn''t hear, apparently blasting my way straight through the maze is considered cheating. The undead guide wasn''t happy about that, so it tried to drag me to hell. I killed it, caused a mini-earthquake, and¡­ well, now we have this."


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened.


    "Wait. You were the reason for the earthquake?!" he practically shouted.


    A mix of shock, frustration, and disbelief crossed his face.


    Who the hell was this guy?


    Surprisingly, he was the only one who seemed visibly upset. Which was rather odd.


    Freya just shook her head, sighing deeply.


    "You¡­ why is it always chaos with you?"


    Alex shrugged, raising both hands in surrender.


    "Hey, it''s not my fault. I just tend to have that effect on everything."


    Freya''s expression darkened.


    "Is that why you left me behind?"


    Alex shrugged, his voice low and indifferent.


    "Who knows."


    Freya''s forehead creased.


    What the hell was she supposed to do with that answer?


    Before she could press further, Dorion smirked and chimed in.


    "Okay, I''m sensing some tension here. Did you two hook up or something?"


    WHOOSH


    SLICE


    A sharp flash of steel cut through the air.


    Onigi struck.


    Dorion barely reacted in time, whipping up his scythe to block the attack. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed.


    Dorion''s smirk vanished.


    His frown deepened as he took a couple of step back.


    "Hey, old man, now''s not the time for this! We''re surrounded by undead monsters! Shouldn''t we, I don''t know, postpone whatever beef you have with me?"


    Onigi''s grip on his katana tightened, his eyes cold and unwavering.


    "No," he said, voice firm.


    "Now is the perfect time."


    His stance lowered, blade steady.


    "I''m taking your head right now. No matter the interference."


    Dorion turned to Alex, his expression exaggerated¡ªlike a kid whining to his mom.


    "Brother."


    Alex''s eye twitched. His patience was wearing thin.


    "Cut the ''brother'' crap already. It''s getting on my nerves."


    Dorion scoffed, clicking his teeth in annoyance. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tch."


    Ezekiel, who seemed to be the only one actually concerned about their situation, finally snapped. His voice rose slightly, laced with nervous energy.


    "Alright¡­ You guys do realize we''re literally surrounded by hundreds of undead, right?"


    Alex barely spared a glance at the horde. He waved a dismissive hand.


    "They''re after me. You guys can leave."


    Ezekiel''s jaw clenched.


    "Leave? Where? We can''t leave! We''re surrounded."


    Alex shrugged as if it wasn''t his problem.


    Dorion, on the other hand, seemed far more entertained by the chaos. He cracked his neck, gripping his scythe with a grin.


    "Well, I don''t intend to miss out on free Nightmare Points."


    Ezekiel was losing his patience. His voice came out sharp and exasperated.


    "Kid, you have bigger problems."


    Dorion tilted his head, grinning like he had just heard the funniest joke.


    "Bigger? Eh¡­ I wouldn''t call it that. The undead seem way more interesting."


    Ezekiel clenched his fists.


    "You''d be dead before you even take down one of them."


    Dorion''s grin widened. He twirled his scythe with practiced ease, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh.


    "Oh? Is that a bet? Now that''s exciting."


    Despite his cocky words, his focus was razor-sharp. His eyes locked onto the approaching undead, but Onigi wasn''t fooled.


    The old warrior shifted into a battle stance, katana at the ready. His expression hardened.


    He could sense Dorion''s carefree attitude was an act.


    A distraction.


    Onigi could feel it¡ªthe true intent lurking behind Dorion''s playful grin. The scythe-wielder wasn''t just watching the undead.


    He was watching him.


    One misstep, one moment of underestimation, and Onigi would be the one lying dead on the ground.


    Meanwhile, standing slightly behind the chaos, Ella¡ªwho had been silently observing all this insanity¡ªleaned closer to Freya and whispered:


    "Ma''am¡­ who are these crazy people? And more importantly, what are we going to do about the monsters?"


    Crazy people?


    Freya muttered inwardly, shaking her head.


    Seriously, who in this damn place wasn''t crazy?


    She exhaled, then turned to Ella. "Honestly? I don''t know. This place somehow threw us all together."


    Ella nodded slowly, still trying to make sense of it all.


    Freya continued, her tone a little lighter. "But as for the monsters¡­ there''s no need to worry. Not when he''s around."


    She gestured toward Alex, who stood there, arms crossed, looking as unbothered as ever despite the swarm of undead closing in.


    Ella let out a relieved sigh, but just as she was about to relax, her expression turned serious again.


    "Ma''am, I have something to share with you."


    Freya''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Share what?


    What the hell was this about?


    And why now of all times? The timing was suspicious, making her mind race with possibilities.


    Before she could ask, a glowing notification flickered into view in front of her:


    [Ella wants to share Nightmare points with you.]


    [Do you want to accept?]


    Freya frowned, eyes fixed on the glowing notification hovering in front of her.


    "What is this?" she asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.


    Ella had used a system feature that allowed players to share Nightmare points. It wasn''t an uncommon function, but almost no one used it.


    Nightmare points were everything in this place¡ªpower, survival, the difference between life and death.


    So why the hell was Ella giving hers away?


    Freya''s mind raced.


    Was it that she didn''t think she would survive this?


    Ella noticed the confusion on Freya''s face and gave a small, almost shy smile.


    "Well," she said, rubbing the back of her neck, "the points I''m sharing¡­ are the ones I got from killing Jeremy."

 Chapter 146 - 146: Ronin vs Teenager

    Freya froze.


    The words hit her like a slap, her mind struggling to process them.


    "I''m sorry, what?" she asked, her voice sharp with disbelief. Maybe she misheard. Maybe she was just imagining things.


    She squinted at Ella. Did she really just say¡ª


    "You killed who?"


    Ella hesitated, shifting awkwardly. Her fingers fidgeted, her shoulders slightly hunched. She looked¡­ embarrassed?


    "The points I got from killing Jeremy," she repeated, softer this time. "I want to share them with you."


    Freya blinked. Once. Twice.


    She was stunned. Confused.


    For a split second, she wondered if this was some kind of joke. If it was, Ella''s sense of humor was completely broken.


    But Ella wasn''t laughing.


    "You killed him?" Freya asked, her tone slower, more careful now.


    "Yes."


    "Jeremy?"


    "Yes."


    "When did that happen?"


    "Well, he was already dying, so I¡ª"


    Ella started to explain, but before she could finish¡ª


    A deafening explosion shook the ground, cutting her off mid-sentence.


    BOOM!


    The sound of bones clattering followed as shattered skeletons crumbled to the floor.


    Alex had snapped, wiping out multiple undead in an instant. His sudden attack practically declared the start of the fight.


    The remaining undead let out an eerie screech, their hollow eyes glowing brighter. Provoked, they charged with even more aggression, their bony limbs moving unnaturally fast.


    Freya tensed, her grip tightening around her blades. She shot Ella a sharp look.


    "We''ll talk about this later," she said firmly. There were more pressing matters now.


    Even though Ella''s words had rattled her, Freya forced herself to push it aside. She needed to focus. Hesitation could get her killed.


    Beside her, Ella raised her staff, standing her ground without a hint of fear.


    She had no regrets.


    She had done it while Freya was too distracted by Alex''s arrival to notice.


    Jeremy was going to die anyway. So why waste the chance?


    Taking his life meant securing more nightmare points¡ªpoints that could help those still alive.


    And in this place, survival was the only thing that mattered.


    The undead let out guttural snarls and broke into a sprint, each wielding a different melee weapon¡ªrusted swords, jagged axes, chipped spears.


    Their hollow eyes locked onto the group, hungry for destruction.


    At the same time, Onigi and Dorion had already started battling.


    CLANG!


    Blade met scythe, ringing through the air as the two warriors engaged in a deadly dance.


    They weaved through the maze, their weapons colliding in rapid succession, sparks flying with every impact.


    Any undead unlucky enough to step between them was instantly cut down¡ªsevered limbs and shattered bones littering the ground.


    They reached an intersection, both pausing just for a second.


    An undead lunged at Dorion from behind, swinging a rusted axe. Without looking, Dorion drove his elbow backward¡ªCRACK!¡ªshattering the creature''s neck and sending its skull flying off its spine.


    As the undead''s lifeless body collapsed, Dorion smirked and kicked it like a ball toward Onigi.


    Onigi reacted in an instant.


    SWIPE!


    His blade slashed clean through the airborne corpse, splitting it in half. But before he could reset his stance¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    Dorion''s scythe was already coming down, aiming to cleave him in two.


    Onigi harrumphed.


    "Petty tricks."


    At the last second, he tilted his body sideways, just enough to let the scythe sail past him.


    CRASH!


    The weapon slammed into the ground with such force that it shattered the stone beneath, the impact sending a burst of debris flying.


    The momentum carried Dorion forward.


    Onigi''s eyes sharpened as he turned toward Dorion, gripping his katana tightly.


    With a swift motion, he slashed¡ªbut this wasn''t an ordinary attack.


    FWOOOSH!


    The blade glowed sky blue, radiating an icy aura, and in an instant, multiple thin ice blades erupted from the swing, streaking toward Dorion like deadly shards.


    Dorion''s grin widened. Interesting.


    Spinning his scythe in a blur, he deflected the first wave with sharp, precise movements.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    The ice blades shattered on impact, spraying frost into the air.


    But one blade slipped through his defense.


    SWOOSH!


    It streaked past his face, so fast he barely had time to react.


    At the last second, Dorion tilted his head, just enough to dodge a fatal strike. The blade sliced across his chin, leaving a thin but deep mark.


    For a moment, he stood still.


    Then, slowly, he reached up and touched his chin. His fingers came away wet. Blood.


    His grin faltered¡ªonly for a second.


    Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he dropped his hand.


    The wound vanished.


    Not a scar, not a single drop of blood remained.


    Dorion grinned again, this time wider.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed. What the hell was that?


    A healing skill? A regeneration ability?


    Whatever it was¡­ it would be a problem.


    "Grr..."


    The undead skeletons rattled and groaned, emerging from the shadows, their hollow eyes glowing with eerie light. They closed in from behind, forming a tightening circle around Dorion and Onigi.


    But the two warriors didn''t even glance at them. Their focus was locked on each other.


    A breath...


    Then...


    They resumed once again.


    Dorion''s scythe swung in a deadly arc. Onigi''s katana met it midair. Sparks flew.


    The force of the impact cracked the stone beneath them as they pushed against each other, neither willing to back down.


    Meanwhile, Alex stood amidst the swarm of undead, his fists clenched.


    More and more skeletons staggered toward him from all directions, weapons raised. His usual method¡ªsnapping and setting off controlled explosions¡ªwould have been the easiest way to take them all down.


    But there was a problem. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were too scattered.


    If he kept using his explosions, the shockwaves would spread too far. The others might get caught in the blast.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head.


    This is why he worked better alone.


    Fine. Hand-to-hand it is.


    A smirk crept onto his face.


    If he had to fight them up close, he might as well make it enjoyable.


    He wanted to feel their bones crumble under his fists, hear the cracks as he shattered them one by one.


    His eyes flicked to his inventory.


    He needed something that would help him get up close and personal.


    Reaching out, he selected an accessory¡ªone designed to make his punches hit harder.

 Chapter 147 - 147: Attack on Titan

    [Fury Gauntlet]


    "It''s been a while," Alex muttered, flexing his fingers before slamming his fists together.


    CRACK!


    A metallic ring echoed as the spiked gauntlets clashed, sending tiny sparks flying.


    He hadn''t used this accessory since his battle with the Cockatrice King. Back then, it had helped him shatter a beast twice his size.


    The Fury Gauntlet wasn''t just for show.


    It boosted his strength and defense boosted by 10%.


    And it had a special effect:


    He could dish out a punch that landed with three times its usual force and the cooldown for it was 10 minutes.


    Alex grinned.


    Without hesitation, he charged forward, the ground beneath his feet cracking slightly as he launched himself at the nearest skeleton.


    Freya caught sight of him moving and didn''t hesitate. She followed suit, gripping her blade tightly, her sharp gaze locked on the incoming wave of undead.


    Behind them, Ella raised her staff, her lips moving rapidly as she whispered an incantation.


    A magic circle appeared on the ground beneath her feet, glowing with an eerie green light.


    From within, vines sprouted¡ªthick, writhing, and lined with razor-sharp thorns.


    With a single flick of her hand, the vines lunged forward, twisting and coiling toward the skeletons like hungry serpents.


    Ezekiel stood behind them, watching as they all rushed into battle.


    His hands clenched into fists.


    He gritted his teeth.


    He watched as Dorion and Onigi clashed ahead, their weapons slicing through the air at blinding speeds.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Every strike sent sparks flying, leaving deep gouges in the walls and floor.


    Any undead foolish enough to step between them were reduced to scraps¡ªsevered limbs and shattered skulls littering the battlefield.


    It was intense.


    He had always known Dorion was powerful, but not like this.


    And the grin on Dorion''s face?


    That was pure madness. The guy was enjoying it.


    Then there was the other maniac.


    The one who had dragged them all into this chaos.


    The one causing this massive ruckus.


    Alex.


    Done with blowing things up, he had switched to raw, unfiltered violence.


    He plowed through the undead like they were made of paper, each punch turning skeletons into airborne piles of bones.


    One unlucky skeleton tried to lunge at him¡ªbig mistake.


    Alex caught it mid-attack, slammed it to the ground with a sickening crunch, then yanked it back up by the leg.


    And then...


    He began to spin.


    Faster and Faster. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bones clattered, undead screeched, and Alex just cackled like a madman, whirling the skeleton around like a living wrecking ball.


    As Alex swung the undead around like a club, bones shattered on impact, taking down the swarm that surrounded him.


    Then, with a grunt, he hurled the battered skeleton straight into the wall.


    BOOM!


    It exploded into pieces, ribs and skull fragments scattering across the battlefield.


    Danger.


    His instincts flared.


    Alex''s head snapped up¡ªundead archers had taken position above, bows drawn, arrows flying straight at him.


    TCH.


    His hand shot up.


    A faint ripple in the air¡ªMinor Telekinesis activated.


    The arrows froze mid-air, trembling, their momentum stolen.


    Alex smirked. "Not today."


    With a flick of his wrist, the arrows spun around and shot back at their senders.


    THUD! THUD!


    The undead archers crumpled to the ground, permanently dead this time.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    He let out a battle cry, his voice echoing through the battlefield as he punched through another wave of skeletons, sending bones flying.


    Then, in a blink¡ªhe vanished.


    A second later¡ªhe reappeared elsewhere.


    Another wave of undead collapsed as he tore through them at impossible speed.


    Ezekiel clenched his jaw.


    What the hell kind of monster is this?!


    Alex was using multiple high-tier skills effortlessly like it was nothing.


    And now, Freya was getting involved too.


    Freya flicked her wrist¡ªa flurry of blades shot through the air.


    THUNK!


    The daggers buried deep into the undead''s foreheads, dropping them instantly.


    Before the rest could react¡ªshe vanished.


    Stealth.


    The next moment, more skeletons crumpled to the ground, their skulls pierced by daggers that seemed to come from nowhere.


    Then¡ªshe reappeared.


    In a single, fluid motion, she drove both blades into an undead''s skull.


    CRACK.


    She twisted the hilts. The skull fractured under the force, splitting apart.


    But another undead raised its rusted sword¡ªready to swing.


    Before it could¡ªvines erupted from the ground.


    SHRRK!


    They snaked around the skeleton, tightening it like a vice, then tore it apart limb by limb.


    More vines slithered across the battlefield, ripping through undead like living whips.


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply.


    Watching all this unfold, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was just standing there, useless.


    He muttered under his breath, "Why''d I have to get dragged into this mess?"


    He thought about leaving.


    But then he remembered the undead''s chilling words:


    "Everyone with Alex will be eliminated."


    If he ran, would they chase him? Would he even make it out?


    Not worth the risk.


    Ezekiel sighed again, then rolled his shoulders.


    "Guess I should join in too."


    Ezekiel rushed into the horde.


    As soon as he reached them, he swung his heavy blade¡ªSHING!¡ªthe steel carved through multiple skeletons, splitting them clean in half. Bones clattered to the ground.


    But he wasn''t done.


    With a flick of his hand, he summoned a shield.


    WHAM!


    He swung it like a battering ram, smashing through more undead. Skulls snapped like brittle twigs as the impact sent skeletons flying.


    Then something changed.


    A few steps ahead, two¡­ three skeletons began to merge.


    Their bones twisted and fused, cracking as they melded into a single, hulking figure.


    A towering abomination with a massive spiked mace in hand.


    It turned its hollow gaze toward Ezekiel.


    THUD.


    It took a step forward.


    Ezekiel sighed, shifting his stance. Seriously? Why did this happen right when he finally decided to join in?


    The creature lunged.


    BOOM!


    The mace came crashing down!


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, raising his shield.


    CLANG!


    The impact rattled his entire arm, forcing him back a step. Dirt and dust kicked up around him.


    Meanwhile...


    Alex was in his own world of destruction.


    His fists crushed skeletons like paper, sending bone fragments flying in every direction. He moved like a whirlwind, every punch tearing through wave after wave of undead.


    Then, mid-punch, he saw something.


    A stronger undead.


    It was huge, powerful-and was fighting Ezekiel.


    Alex grinned. That was his kind of fight.


    But before he could charge in¡ª


    More skeletons started merging.


    One... Two... Twenty...


    A hundred.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Now this was going to be fun.


    The undead continued to merge and grow, stacking bones upon bones¡ªuntil it reached titan level.


    A colossal undead now stood before them, its skull brushing the ceiling, shoulders as broad as fortress walls. In its massive, decayed hands, it gripped a sword the size of a building.


    Alex licked his lips, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Now we''re talking.


    The Titan roared, its hollow bellow shaking the maze itself. Then, with a slow yet terrifying rise of its sword, it lifted the massive blade overhead.


    And then...


    SWOOSH¡ªBOOM!


    The sword came crashing down!


    The sheer force of the attack split the ground apart, carving a massive trench that tore through multiple maze walls. Debris exploded into the air, dust clouds swallowing the battlefield.


    But¡­


    Did the attack land?


    Nah.


    A voice rang out above.


    "Hey, you missed."


    Through the swirling dust, Alex hovered midair, a cocky smirk on his face.


    He had dodged at the last second, using sheer agility to leap high into the sky.


    Now, it was his turn.


    Alex drew back his fist.


    His breath steadied.


    Then he activated the [Fury Gauntlet]''s special triple effect.


    Power surged through his arm. The gauntlet glowed red-hot, its metal groaning under the sheer force building up inside. Energy shot out, trembling with energy.


    His muscles tensed.


    And then he swung forward, his fist rocketing toward the Titan''s skull like a meteor crashing to earth.


    The air shook. The force rippled outward.


    And then...

 Chapter 148 - 148: A Crazy Idea

    KABOOM!


    Alex''s fist connected with the undead titan''s skull.


    A shockwave erupted, splitting the air like a thunderclap.


    The titan''s massive face cracked, and then shattered completely.


    BOOM!


    Its head blew apart into nothingness, fragments of bone and glowing embers scattering like fireworks.


    The towering body swayed, cracks racing down its entire skeletal frame.


    Then...


    CRASH!


    The colossal undead collapsed, its sheer weight smashing through multiple maze walls like a wrecking ball.


    Dust and debris shot up in thick clouds, filling the battlefield.


    Silence followed.


    Then Alex exhaled sharply, a torrent of air rushing from his lungs.


    He landed softly, the sole of his slippers touching the cracked stone floor with ease.


    His fingers flexed.


    His muscles hummed with residual power.


    Behind him, Freya, Ella, and Ezekiel stood frozen, eyes wide in shock.


    The strength needed to deliver a punch like that¡­ was beyond normal.


    Especially since the titan wasn''t just one enemy¡ªit was made of hundreds of undead.


    With its fall, their numbers had been drastically reduced.


    Now, the remaining undead were scattered, disorganized, easy to pick off.


    They finished the fight.


    And Ezekiel, still exhausted, still processing what he just witnessed, let out a strained breath.


    His voice wavered, a mix of awe and worry.


    "What are we going to do now?" he asked.


    His eyes darted around, paranoia creeping in.


    "Our actions will provoke retaliation. We might never make it out of here."


    Alex grinned, eyes glinting with mischief.


    "We won''t? I wonder about that."


    Ezekiel narrowed his eyes.


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Freya, on the other hand, exhaled sharply, already bracing herself.


    She knew that look.


    Whatever Alex was planning, it was going to be crazy.


    And then...


    FWOOSH!


    Alex activated [Multiplicity].


    In an instant, five identical clones of himself burst into existence, surrounding them.


    They flickered into view, each one wearing the same cocky smirk.


    Then the clones scattered in every direction, moving fast.


    Ezekiel''s jaw dropped.


    He can create clones too?!


    His mind reeled.


    What else could this guy do? Breathe fire? Control time? Summon dragons?!


    "What was that about?" Ella asked, eyes wide.


    Alex waved it off casually.


    "Nothing you should be concerned about."


    Ezekiel wasn''t having it.


    "I think we should. You pulled us into this mess! How is creating more of you supposed to help?!"


    Alex sighed, like explaining something to a child.


    Then, with an easy smirk, he simply pointed.


    "Over there."


    Alex pointed ahead.


    The three turned to look and what they saw made their eyes widen.


    The fallen titan undead had smashed through countless maze walls, leaving behind a massive, gaping path.


    One of his clones continued to blast his way straight through, with [Exploding Touch] creating an easy path that led to the direction of the maze exit.


    Alex smirked.


    "Just keep going straight to the end, and you''ll escape."


    Ezekiel blinked:


    "Wait¡­ seriously?"


    Ella said nervously:


    "But isn''t that¡­ breaking the rules?"


    Alex raised an eyebrow, looking at her like she had just said something ridiculous.


    "You''re seriously worried about that now?" he asked, voice dripping with amusement.


    He gestured at the destruction around them¡ªthe crumbling walls, the shattered skeletons, the sheer chaos.


    "At this point, everything''s already gone to hell. Why not finish it with even more chaos?"


    Ezekiel and Ella just stared at him, dumbfounded.


    Freya, meanwhile, sighed, shaking her head.


    Yep. Crazy.


    She had more experience with this.


    But as she stood there, feeling the adrenaline, the thrill, the sheer insanity of it all¡ª


    She realized something.


    Compared to before when she had been confused, and scared by Alex action.


    Now? She felt excited.


    Freya groaned, rubbing her forehead.


    Maybe the madness was getting to her too.


    Alex continued, completely unfazed.


    "The undead guide never told us how we had to get through the maze. So technically? Anything counts."


    He chuckled.


    "Honestly, I find it funny that he called me a cheat when I did nothing wrong."


    "So, what do you intend to do while we escape?" Freya asked, her voice steady. She knew he was planning something crazier.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then Alex finally answered¡ªhis tone casual, almost amused.


    "Blow this place up. Why?"


    A tense beat followed.


    Ezekiel froze.


    Then, without even looking back, he turned on his heel and walked away.


    "Yeah, I''ve had enough of this."


    Alex''s actions were too much.


    Too reckless.


    Too insane.


    Ezekiel wasn''t about to stick around for whatever crazy plan came next.


    Alex watched him go, then looked at Freya.


    "You should leave too."


    Freya studied him for a second. Then she sighed.


    "Just come out alive."


    With that, she turned and followed Ezekiel, Ella trailing close behind.


    As soon as they were at a safe distance, Alex muttered under his breath.


    "I can''t die. I''m too broken."


    He slowly raised both hands, fingers flexing, power crackling around him.


    His grin widened.


    "Alright then... why don''t we begin setting things up?"


    *


    Meanwhile, Dorion and Onigi were still locked in battle.


    The ground was littered with shattered bones, the remains of countless undead.


    Onigi''s breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling rapidly. A deep slash marked his torso, blood seeping into his clothes.


    Dorion, in contrast, stood tall. Untouched.


    No wounds. No hesitation. Just a few rips in his clothing.


    Onigi clicked his teeth in frustration.


    He had landed multiple attacks¡ªbut they meant nothing.


    Each time his blade struck flesh, Dorion healed instantly. Wounds sealed as if they never existed.


    Onigi was at a disadvantage.


    The longer the fight dragged on, the worse it got.


    And it wasn''t just the regeneration¡ªDorion was fast, slippery. He wielded his scythe with frightening precision, twisting and shifting like a shadow, always just out of reach.


    But Onigi had seen his chance.


    For just a moment, Dorion was distracted, when the colossal undead titan fell (courtesy of Alex), the impact shaking the battlefield. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A split second of vulnerability.


    Onigi struck.


    His blade sliced across Dorion''s neck.


    For a brief instant, Dorion''s eyes widened.


    His fingers flew to his throat, clutching at the wound.


    Blood gushed between his fingers.


    Victory?


    No.


    Then came the grin.


    An eerie, bone-chilling grin.


    Dorion''s eyes burned with vigor.


    Before Onigi could react, Dorion manipulated his own blood¡ªwarping it into the shape of a blade.


    And then...


    SLASH!


    A crimson arc had torn across Onigi''s chest.

 Chapter 149 - 149: The Maze And The Guide

    Onigi clutched his wound.


    It wasn''t healing.


    His breathing grew heavier as pain pulsed through his body. His regeneration¡ªit wasn''t working.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Dorion''s blood had done something.


    A special effect? A curse? Whatever it was, it was stopping him from healing.


    And knowing Dorion, this wasn''t his only trick.


    Dorion tilted his head, a wicked smirk tugging at his lips.


    "Are you done, old man?" he taunted. "I still have a lot more to dish out."


    Onigi tightened his grip on his weapon.


    The kid was dangerous¡ªtoo unpredictable.


    His mind raced. But his heartbeat was calm.


    ''Should I use that?''


    But before he could decide, another presence arrived.


    A sharp shift in the air.


    Alex.


    No...not Alex.


    A clone.


    Onigi''s frown deepened. "What is he up to this time?"


    Alex''s clone glanced at the battlefield, his gaze flicking from the scattered bones to Onigi''s wound.


    "Oh..." Alex muttered, a grin creeping onto his face.


    "This scene was certainly not what I was expecting."


    This fight wasn''t going the way he expected.


    Dorion somehow was winning.


    Alex''s gaze sharpened. He looked at Dorion differently now.


    The kid was way stronger than he had seemed at first.


    No doubt because of his connection to a deity.


    That power, that affiliation, gave him an edge.


    Did Onigi have something like that?


    Alex doubted it.


    With a sigh, he decided to cut straight to the point.


    "Alright, listen up. I plan to blow the entire maze up, so you two might wanna put this little fight on hold and get to stepping."


    Dorion blinked.


    "Huh?"


    The words clearly caught him off guard.


    Alex pointed behind him.


    "Follow the straight path I made, and you''ll be fine."


    Then he smirked.


    "But hey, if you two wanna keep fighting, be my guest."


    Alex placed his hand against the maze wall setting an explosion disk.


    A smirk played on his lips.


    "But I''d advise you to leave. My explosion doesn''t discriminate."


    With that, he turned and ran off, leaving both of them staring after him.


    Dorion exhaled, then turned to Onigi, a sharp grin forming on his face.


    "Well? What''s it gonna be, old man? Temporary truce?"


    Onigi didn''t even hesitate.


    He lifted his sword and pointed it straight at Dorion, his gaze unwavering and cold.


    "Like I said earlier, I''ll be taking your head. No matter the interference."


    Dorion''s grin faltered slightly.


    What a troublesome geezer.


    He really wished Onigi would just wait. The last thing he wanted was to get caught in Alex''s explosion.


    There was also something off about Onigi''s aura now.


    Something unsettling.


    For the first time, he wasn''t sure he''d win this fight without nearly dying himself.


    Onigi took a step forward, his voice low and firm.


    "One of us isn''t leaving this place, kid."


    His grip on his sword tightened.


    "So raise your weapon."


    *


    As Alex''s clones sprinted through the maze, setting up explosives, the real Alex stood before the fallen titan undead.


    He extended his hand, using [Dismiss] to transfer his explosion disk all over the maze, the energy spreading like wildfire, saturating the ruins with unstable mana.


    This action rapidly burned his mana.


    And he was running out quickly.


    But he didn''t care.


    The destruction he was about to unleash would be a masterpiece.


    This sight of it was something he''d love to see.


    More undead swarmed toward him, but Alex barely acknowledged them.


    One punch. That''s all it took.


    Bones shattered, skulls crumpled, and bodies collapsed like broken puppets.


    Then there was a shift.


    A heavy presence filled the air, thick with rage and vengeance.


    The big boss had arrived.


    The Undead Guide.


    And he was furious.


    Alex spotted him through the haze of broken walls and dust, casually lifting a hand in greeting.


    "Oh¡­ hey there." He waved like he was running into an old friend. "If you could just wait a sec while I finish up here, that''d be awesome."


    The Undead Guide''s skeletal frame tensed, his glowing eyes burning with fury.


    "Damn you! You''ve ruined it all!"


    He roared, his voice shaking the very foundations of the maze.


    Alex unfazed, tilted his head as he asked in a casual tone:


    "Ruined what, exactly?"


    "The entire trial!" the Undead Guide roared.


    A dark rift split open beside him, and from it, a sword of pure void energy materialized in his grasp.


    Without hesitation, he lunged at Alex, moving faster than expected.


    CLANG!


    Alex barely had time to draw his own blade, meeting the strike with a powerful parry.


    Sparks flew as metal scraped against metal.


    The Undead Guide didn''t let up.


    His sword became a whirlwind of deadly strikes, slashing from all directions.


    Left. Right.


    A downward cleave.


    A twisting thrust.


    But Alex deflected every attack, stepping back with each strike, keeping his cool.


    "Now, because of you¡­" the Undead Guide growled, pushing harder, "I''ll make sure every single player in this maze doesn''t make it out alive!"


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh? Are you sure you want to do that?"


    With a sudden burst of speed, he twisted his wrist, swatting the Guide''s sword aside. Then, in one smooth motion, he drove his boot into the undead''s chest, launching him backward.


    The Undead Guide staggered, backwards.


    His skeletal teeth clenched in pain.


    "You''ll regret this¡­" he snarled.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk as he raised his hand.


    "Would I?"


    He snapped.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Explosions ripped through the maze, shaking the ground.


    Walls crumbled.


    Flames roared.


    Thick smoke twisted into the air as entire sections of the labyrinth collapsed into rubble. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And that was just the start of it.


    The Undead Guide gritted his teeth, his hollow eyes burning with fury.


    He lunged at Alex, sword raised but Alex simply snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The Undead Guide''s body detonated, chunks of bone and shadow scattering into the air.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then his body reformed.


    Bone snapped back together, shadow tendrils stitched his form whole once more.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "This is why I hate you guys. Your annoying asses just keep coming back."


    The Undead Guide uttered darkly.


    "I''m undead. It''s what we do."


    Alex folded his arms.


    "Yeah? Well, let''s see how long that lasts."


    The Undead Guide twitched. A flicker of unease crossed his face.


    Alex smirked.


    "I can sense it, you know. The energy leaking out of you."


    The Guide stiffened.


    "You''re the one sustaining this place, aren''t you?" Alex continued. "An anchor the Nightmare is using to keep the maze together. To generate monsters. To keep this trial running."


    The Undead Guide''s glowing eyes widened.


    "What¡­? How''d you¡ª?"


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    "Come on. It''s obvious. You''re more than just a ''guide'', you''re the body. The maze is the heart. You can''t exist without it. You''re both linked."


    The Undead Guide took a step back.


    For the first time, a hint of fear flickered in his expression.

 Chapter 150 - 150: Despair And Await

    This was why the undead guide was hurt after his first battle with Alex.


    The destruction of the domain had damaged him.


    The area of the maze where the domain had formed also gone, and with it, his strength had weakened.


    He gritted his teeth.


    The Death Maze was connected to him.


    Its destruction was his destruction.


    Alex crossed his arms, watching the Undead Guide''s reaction with amusement.


    He took a step forward, his voice taking on a teasing edge.


    "Though, of course, this is all just an assumption," he continued. "But I bet it''s pretty close to the truth, isn''t it?"


    The Undead Guide''s glowing eyes narrowed.


    He didn''t respond.


    Not because Alex was wrong, but because he was right.


    Alex grinned, watching the hesitation flicker across the Guide''s face.


    "Oh? No rebuttal?" He let out a chuckle.


    "Guess I must''ve hit the mark, huh?"


    The Undead Guide''s grip on his sword tightened, but his silence betrayed the truth.


    Alex tilted his head, eyes gleaming with mischief.


    "Now, here''s a fun question..." He tapped his chin


    . "What happens if the maze is completely wiped out?"


    The Undead Guide stiffened.


    Alex''s smirk widened.


    "Will the Nightmare keep pumping you full of energy to fix it?" He shrugged. "I doubt it. After all, its energy isn''t limitless."


    The Undead Guide''s hands trembled.


    Alex had noticed it the moment the cursed mark vanished.


    One second, it was there¡ªhis personal tool for farming stat points.The next? Gone. Just like that.


    It didn''t sit right with him. It felt like manipulation.


    "Bullshit." That was the only way to describe it.


    A condition was suddenly slapped onto him out of nowhere.


    Someone clearly didn''t want him taking advantage of the curse.


    But it was more than that.


    His mind pieced it together.


    The more monsters he killed, the weaker the tutorial boss behind this nightmare became. He didn''t have the full picture yet, but he was willing to bet it would affect the trials ahead.


    And there was no way the beast lord behind the nightmare would let that happen.


    Alex clenched his fists.


    But there was one thing he knew for sure.


    The Beast Lord¡ªthe supposed ruler of this twisted place¡ªwasn''t a god.


    It was a beast.


    A damned tree.


    Not a deity.


    And that meant... its energy wasn''t limitless.


    No matter how terrifying it seemed, no matter how much power it claimed to hold¡ªit had a breaking point.


    And Alex was going to find it by blowing the whole place up.


    The undead guide froze for a moment.


    Then, its body jerked violently.


    A low, unnatural crack echoed as its spine twisted, and its head snapped upward.


    Its eyes began to glow¡ªan eerie, unnatural green.


    Alex''s grin faded slightly as he watched.


    Possession.


    That wasn''t the undead guide any more.


    It was eerily similar to what had happened to the undead vendor when he had first appeared here.


    Something else had taken over.


    Alex smirked, his voice laced with mockery.


    "Nice of you to show your face."


    He was sure it was the Beast Lord speaking now.


    The undead''s head tilted at an unnatural angle before straightening.Then, it grinned.


    That same creepy, unnerving smile.


    "Human..."


    The voice that came from it was deeper, layered, inhuman.


    "You think you''re smart. That you''ve figured things out."


    Slowly, the possessed undead raised its hand.


    The ground trembled.


    Behind it, shadows stretched unnaturally.


    Then, one by one, massive figures rose.


    Undead titans.


    Their bodies towered over the maze, bones cracking, joints snapping into place.But these were different.


    Unlike the one Alex had crushed before, these dripped with lava.


    Molten rock leaked from their bodies like blood, sizzling as it hit the ground, burning holes into the stone floor.


    The possessed undead''s grin widened as it looked at Alex.


    "Despite all your knowledge..."


    Its glowing eyes pulsed with a sickening green light.


    "You still won''t leave this place alive."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, cracking his knuckles.


    This... was going to be interesting.


    The possessed undead took a slow step forward, its molten titans looming behind it like giants of destruction.


    Its eerie green eyes glowed brighter as it locked onto Alex.


    "Alex Hunt."


    The voice was deep, guttural, layered with something far beyond human.


    "I''m ending your journey here before you''re causing nothing but havoc. Your death will be great sustenance for all the energy I''ve lost."


    Alex chuckled, shaking his head. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sorry to break it to you, but you''re about to lose even more energy."


    He casually cracked his knuckles, a smug grin spreading across his face.


    "I''ve sent my clones all over the maze to set up explosions¡­ for a big bang."


    "If anyone is ending things here... it''s me."


    The possessed undead froze.


    Then, its eerie glow flared.


    "Bastard!" it roared, fury lacing every word.


    Its skeletal hands clenched into fists.


    "Don''t you care about the lives of your fellow players?! They''ll get caught in the crossfire!"


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Players?" he scoffed.


    Then, with a casual shrug, he continued:


    "The ones still alive are already heading toward the path I made. Straight toward the exit line of the maze."


    For a moment, the air was still.


    Then, the possessed undead''s lips curled into a wicked grin.


    A sinister, unnerving smirk.


    "Really...?" it drawled, voice dripping with malice.


    "Do you think I''d let them escape just like that?"


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    *


    Over at the fleeing players...


    The ground rumbled beneath them.


    A deep, guttural groan echoed through the maze.


    Then...


    THUD!


    THUD!


    Multiple giant undead rose from the earth, their grotesque forms blocking the path forward.


    They weren''t as massive as the titan undead Alex had fought, but they were just as terrifying.


    Their glowing eyes burned with hunger.


    Their jagged claws twitched in anticipation.


    "Seriously?!"


    Ezekiel, who had been leading the group, skidded to a stop, his boots grinding against the dirt.


    With a quick motion, he unsheathed his greatsword, the blade gleaming under the eerie maze light.


    Beside him, Freya and Ella didn''t hesitate.


    Freya''s twin daggers gleamed, and Ella''s staff raised ready to cast a spell.


    Behind them...


    A swarm of surviving players¡ªthe ones Alex had guided toward the escape route¡ªstood frozen.


    Some gripped their weapons, while others hesitated, fear gripping their chests.


    But they had no choice.


    The finish line was just ahead.


    And standing between them and freedom?


    A horde of giant undead.


    The undead let out a monstrous growl.


    Then they attacked.


    Their massive hands swung downward, ready to crush them.


    But...


    SNAP!


    A blinding blur appeared right in front of them, multiple Alex clones appearing.


    And with a single snap of its fingers.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Multiple giant undead collapsed, their bodies hitting the ground with earth-shaking force.


    The players barely had time to process what happened before more undead formed.


    But then...


    A blitz of pure speed tore through them like a phantom.


    SLASH!


    A couple of the undead collapsed instantly, their massive bodies crumbling into dust.


    Then there was another blur.


    BOOM!


    More undead exploded apart, their twisted forms torn to pieces.


    The surviving players froze in shock.


    Their eyes darted around, confused.


    Who was doing this?!


    Then they saw them.


    Dorion and Onigi.


    The crazy teen and the old Ronin.


    But instead of working together, Dorion was running for his life.


    And Onigi?


    Chasing him. Sword in hand. Eyes burning with fury.


    "Where are you running off to, kid?!" Onigi bellowed. "You cannot escape death!"


    Dorion, still sprinting, glanced back with a cocky grin.


    "You shouldn''t run too much, old man. You''ll give yourself a heart attack."


    Freya blinked.


    What the hell were these two doing?!


    Earlier


    Dorion had dodged Onigi''s attack and instead of fighting back, he had taken off running.


    He wasn''t about to let himself get cooked by Alex''s nukes.


    Onigi, refusing to let him go, charged after him. His expression?


    Pure rage.


    The chase was a blur of speed and near misses, the two weaving past the undead, almost dancing through the battlefield.


    And then Dorion crossed the finish line first.


    Right behind him, Onigi followed his blade inches from the teen''s back.


    And thanks to their unintentional distraction, the rest of the players.


    Made it out alive.


    Alex clones stood firm, battling with the endless horde of undead spawning at a rapid pace.


    Their mission? Aid their escape and hold the line.


    The other players had to escape. No matter what.


    *


    The possessed undead guide clenched his teeth, his eerie green eyes flickering in frustration.


    He could feel it.


    Multiple players¡­ escaping.


    One after another, crossing the finish line.


    Never before had so many survived this round of the nightmare.


    It was unprecedented.


    And it was infuriating.


    Then a cold, chilling voice cut through the chaos like a blade:


    "Your defeat is inevitable, you damned tree. Give up."


    The undead guide snapped his head up.


    Alex stood there, calm and composed, his hand raised high.


    He was about to detonate every single explosive he and his clones had planted across the maze.


    The undead guide''s eyes widened, and it roared sending a wave of undead forward, an army of towering abominations rushing Alex all at once.


    "Damn you!"


    Their rotting bodies thundered across the battlefield, weapons raised, shadows stretching like a tidal wave of death.


    But Alex simply grinned.


    Then he snapped his fingers.


    "Despair¡­ and await."

 Chapter 151 - 151: Burnt Out

    "Damn you!"


    The possessed undead let out a furious shriek, its grotesque form twisting unnaturally as it lunged for Alex, stretching its decayed limbs toward his face.


    But it was too late.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk. "Despair and await."


    Snap.


    The sound echoed through the crumbling maze.


    In an instant, Alex''s body blurred, vanishing¡ªswitching places with one of his clones.


    He reappeared mid-stride, now facing the massive undead giants that were relentlessly chasing after the escaping players.


    He took a quick glance.


    They were all gone. Safe.


    Good.


    His eyes flicked to his remaining clones.


    Only two were left. They had been fighting non-stop, holding back the monstrous horde.


    The one he had just swapped with steadied itself, standing its ground.


    The second clone¡ªbruised, battered, and barely holding together¡ªturned its head toward Alex. Its expression was clear.


    It was ready.


    Alex met its gaze and grinned. He raised two fingers in a mock salute.


    The clone gave a final nod.


    Then Alex bolted¡ªfeet pounding against the stone floor as he sprinted toward the exit line of the death maze.


    Behind him, a chain reaction of explosions ripped through the maze¡ªthunderous, earth-shaking blasts that tore through walls, shattered pillars, and obliterated everything in their wake.


    The shockwaves rushed forward, heat licking at Alex''s back, but he didn''t slow down.


    He had done what he came to do.


    And he wasn''t looking back.


    KABOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    A chain reaction of explosion disks ignited simultaneously, each blast tearing through the maze like a miniature nuke.


    The air twisted violently, creating a vacuum that sucked in debris, dust, and even flames before unleashing a catastrophic shockwave outward.


    The earth-shaking impact sent cracks spiderwebbing through the stone floors.


    Walls crumbled.Monsters disintegrated.Traps were obliterated before they could even trigger.


    Everything in its path was consumed by the inferno.


    Meanwhile, the possessed undead guide, gripping Alex clone by the throat, snarled. It tightened its grip, attempting to crush the life out of it.


    But before it could succeed... Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Poof.


    The clone vanished¡ªdismissed by Alex in an instant.


    And in the next second, the undead guide, along with every lava-coated abomination nearby, was engulfed in the explosive fury.


    At the Finish Line¡­


    Alex stood just behind the barrier, the only thing keeping the destruction contained within the maze.


    The transparent energy field flickered a protective wall that prevented anything¡ªliving or dead¡ªfrom escaping.


    Alex exhaled, grinning as he admired his work.


    Fire. Smoke. Absolute devastation.


    The maze was now an inferno of chaos, its once towering walls now nothing but rubble.


    His masterpiece.


    He crossed his arms, watching as yet another explosion erupted in the distance, sending a plume of flames and debris soaring into the sky.


    "My ability really is a thing of beauty," he mused, smirking.


    After the explosions finally settled, silence took over.


    Everything was gone.


    The maze? Erased.


    In its place was nothing but darkness.


    A bottomless abyss.


    It was as if the labyrinth had never existed in the first place.


    That was the power of [Exploding Touch].


    And Alex hadn''t even maxed it out yet.


    He exhaled, arms crossed, still watching the chaotic void he had created. But then¡ª


    Something shifted.


    A faint dragging sound.


    At first, it was barely noticeable, like a whisper against the rubble.


    But soon, it became clear¡ª


    Something was moving.


    Something was still alive.


    Alex narrowed his eyes and took a few careful steps back from the barrier.


    Then, he saw it.


    A skeletal hand clawed its way past the scorched ground.


    It dragged itself forward.


    It was the possessed undead.


    How the hell did it survive that?


    Its once-imposing frame was now reduced to almost nothing.


    Only its upper body remained, one bony arm, and a cracked skull barely holding itself together.


    The undead coughed, a wheezing rasp, as it continued to crawl forward, pulling itself past the barrier.


    But then, it stopped.


    A shadow loomed over it.


    A heavy presence.


    The undead froze, its remaining eye socket flickering with faint energy.


    Then it slowly looked up.


    And there he was.


    Alex.


    Standing tall, arms crossed, staring down at him.


    The possessed undead felt its entire body shudder.


    That grin on Alex''s face¡ªarrogant, unfazed.


    A nightmare in human form.


    Alex crouched down, resting his elbows on his knees as he sighed.


    "You just had to drag your ass over here, huh?"


    His voice was calm, almost amused.


    "Haven''t you had enough?"


    The undead didn''t respond.


    The greenish glow in its hollow eyes flickered weakly, barely holding on.


    Then it let out a low, rattling groan.


    "This¡­ this isn''t over¡­"


    Alex exhaled, shaking his head.


    "You''re right, it isn''t¡­"


    He rolled his shoulders, then smirked.


    "We''ll meet again, won''t we?"


    His voice dropped, steady and final.


    "Don''t disappoint me next time."


    Then¡ªAlex raised his hand.


    His fist clenched tight.


    And with one brutal strike¡ª


    CRACK!


    He slammed it down, shattering the undead''s skull into dust.


    Ding!


    A sharp chime echoed in Alex''s mind.


    Then, notifications flooded in¡ª


    [You killed Overseer of the Third Trial]


    [You have received 10,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 100 Stat Points]


    Another set of alerts popped up.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 10,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received an additional 100 Stat Points]


    Alex''s lips curled into a satisfied grin.


    The points from killing the undead guide were great, but that wasn''t all.


    He had racked up more from cutting down the hordes of undead and monsters in the maze.Not to mention, the reward for clearing this trial.


    [You have cleared the Third Trial]


    [You have received 5,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received 50 Stat Points]


    And, again, his ability kicked in.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 5,000 Nightmare Points]


    [You have received an additional 50 Stat Points]


    Alex quickly pulled up his status to see the total.


    A number flashed before him:


    [Total Nightmare Points: 61,000]


    [Total Stat Points: 2950]


    Alex nodded to himself.


    The stat points were all he cared about.


    Upgrading his skills.Pushing past his limits.


    That was the goal.


    But first¡­


    A deep exhale left his lips.


    "Rest."


    He muttered the word softly, then let himself fall backward.


    His magic point was at zero.


    And if he wanted to end this nightmare he needed to recover first.


    But just before he hit the ground...

 Chapter 152 - 152: A Condition

    But just before he hit the ground a soft, warm hand caught him.


    He was pulled into an embrace.


    A gentle warmth surrounded him.


    His body tensed for a moment, then relaxed as he inhaled a familiar scent.


    It was Freya.


    And she..


    *Sniff *Sniff


    She smelled... nice.


    Alex blinked up at her, slightly dazed.


    "You haven''t left?" he asked.


    Freya shook her head, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.


    "No."


    Behind her, Ella stood quietly, watching the exchange.


    Ahead, Ezekiel was talking to some of the players Alex''s clones had saved.


    In total, there were about a dozen survivors.


    Alex''s eyes swept over them, then narrowed slightly.


    "What about Onigi and Dorion?"


    He hadn''t seen those two anywhere.


    Freya''s expression shifted slightly as she answered.


    "They took their fight to the next trial. The old man seems hell-bent on ending his life."


    Alex sighed.


    Whatever was going on with Onigi and Dorion had nothing to do with him. He''d had people trying to kill him for something he knew nothing about. And that wasn''t exactly pleasant.


    Right now, he had bigger concerns.


    Freya''s voice broke the silence.


    "What do we do now?" she asked.


    Alex ran a hand through his hair, still feeling the weight of exhaustion.


    "We wait for a while and recover," he said simply.


    Freya nodded.


    "That''s probably a good idea. A lot of people are injured, and the vendor is nowhere to be seen to buy potions."


    Alex shot her a look.


    "You''re still thinking about those overpriced potions after seeing the ridiculous amount they charge?"


    Freya shrugged.


    "Well, they''re our only option since the system shop is still locked."


    Alex sighed again.


    He doubted a vendor would even show up.


    Not after the damage he had caused.


    Not after the massive loss the Beast Lord had suffered.


    But just as that thought crossed his mind¡ª


    A faint glow flickered in the air.


    A shop materialized out of nowhere, its neon-like signs flashing to life.


    A moment of stunned silence passed before one of the players shouted excitedly, pointing toward the newly appeared shop.


    "The vendor''s here!"


    Alex froze.


    Had he heard that right?


    He turned his head sharply¡ªand sure enough, there it was.


    The vendor''s shop stood fully set up, its eerie glow flickering against the darkness.


    And then¡ªits eyes locked onto him.


    A sickly, unnatural green light burned within them, staring straight at Alex.


    Seriously?


    Alex''s thoughts raced.


    The Beast Lord had just suffered a massive loss. Yet, it still spawned these guys?


    There was no way this was a coincidence.


    Alex had no doubt¡ªthe Beast Lord was up to something nasty.


    His instincts kicked in.


    He raised his hand, ready to obliterate the shop.


    But then¡ªhe hesitated.


    Damn it.


    His mana hadn''t recovered enough.


    Even if he wanted to destroy it, he couldn''t.


    With a frustrated sigh, he lowered his hand.


    Besides¡ªit was already too late. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Players had gotten too close to the vendor shop. If he attacked now, they''d be caught in the blast.


    Alex''s gaze flickered toward the group.


    Ezekiel was at the front¡ªleading them.


    One of the players rushed ahead, excitement gleaming in his eyes as he reached the vendor.


    "I''d like to purchase a health potion!" he blurted out.


    SMACK!


    Ezekiel slapped the back of his head.


    The player staggered forward, rubbing the spot where he was hit.


    "Idiot," Ezekiel scolded, "shouldn''t you check how much you need to go to the next round before spending all your points?"


    The group fell silent.


    He had a point.


    The second trial had demanded more Nightmare Points than most players could afford, forcing them to turn on each other.


    Who was to say the same thing wouldn''t happen here?


    The young man gritted his teeth, clearly annoyed about getting hit¡ªbut after a moment, he nodded.


    "You''re right. We should check first."


    Alex watched the exchange, stunned.


    Somehow, Ezekiel had taken charge.


    He had only just met these players, yet they were already following his lead.


    Impressive.


    Ezekiel then turned toward another player, making a subtle gesture with his hand.


    The player understood immediately, nodding before heading toward the exit to check what they needed to advance.


    Before the player could check the requirements, the undead vendor suddenly spoke.


    "There''s no need to worry about points. You''ll certainly have enough."


    The words hung in the air, heavy with suspicion.


    Ezekiel''s brow furrowed.


    Like hell, he''d just take its word for it.


    His voice was sharp as he demanded, "What do you mean by that?"


    The undead vendor, unbothered, simply cleared its throat¡ªa dry, raspy sound like bones scraping together.


    Then, it spoke again.


    "I have an offer."


    The moment those words left its mouth, a notification window flashed in front of every player.


    Alex frowned.


    His eyes swept over the group, watching as each player¡ªFreya included¡ªread the message.


    But him?


    Nothing.


    No notification. No message.


    Yeah¡­ the Beast Lord was definitely up to something.


    He stood back, observing.


    At first, the players'' faces were filled with curiosity.


    Then shock.


    Finally, disbelief at whatever they had just read.


    Item: Exit Key


    Description: A special key that can be used on the door to the next trial, unlocking an exit that would take a player out of the Nightmare.


    The players'' eyes widened, stunned by what they were seeing.


    A key to escape the nightmare they were trapped in.


    Who wouldn''t want it?


    But as their gazes locked onto the glowing key, they all knew from experience that nothing comes easy in this twisted game.


    The price¡­ would be insanely high.


    Ezekiel''s face twisted into a frown, a clear sign that he wasn''t about to get excited over something this good.


    "What''s the price?"


    The undead vendor''s voice was low and unsettling, but it carried a strange calm.


    "Not a price, a condition," it corrected, its green eyes glowing as if to emphasize the weight of the next words. "And it''s a simple condition, really."


    Ezekiel''s frown deepened, his instincts screaming that simple was the last thing this would be.


    The vendor''s eerie grin stretched wider, its glowing eyes scanning the group with amusement.


    "In fact," it continued, voice smooth and deliberate, "not all of you need to participate for the condition to be met. As long as you received the notification, you get a free pass¡­ even if only one of you completes it."


    The players exchanged uneasy glances.


    That wording¡­was setting them up for something bad.


    Ezekiel''s patience wore thin.


    His jaw tightened, his fingers curled into a fist.


    "What is the condition?" he demanded, voice sharp.


    The vendor didn''t answer right away.


    Instead, it turned its gaze, slow, deliberate, until it landed directly on Alex.


    Then, it grinned.


    Alex''s own lips curled into a smirk, his fists balling at his sides.


    He already knew what was coming.


    This damn beast¡­


    And then, the vendor said it out loud:


    "As long as you take out Player 666 over there¡­" its bony finger pointed straight at Alex, "then all of you will receive an Exit Key and walk free."

 Chapter 153 - 153: Bad Choice [1]

    Alex sighed the moment he heard it.


    His head tilted downward, shoulders slumping slightly.


    Called it.


    The beast lord always had a trick up its sleeve, something twisted, something designed to mess with him. He''d seen this kind of setup before¡ªbeen through it. And if the people around him made the wrong choice, he wouldn''t hesitate.


    When he finally lifted his gaze, his eyes scanned the room¡ªand immediately, he saw it.


    Hostile stares.


    The players, the very ones who had fought alongside him, were now eyeing him like a prize, calculating, hesitating, their minds already spinning with possibilities.


    Alex sighed again, this time more tired than annoyed, his voice a quiet mutter:


    "Seriously? I have to do this again?"


    Ezekiel''s reaction was immediate. He clicked his tongue, his jaw clenching as he processed the condition. His disbelief turned into irritation before he finally spoke:


    "This has to be a joke, right?"


    But the undead vendor was unfazed, its eerie green eyes gleaming with amusement.


    "It isn''t," it said, completely serious. Then, it repeated itself, word for word¡ªjust to drive the point home:


    "As long as Player 666 is dead, every single one of you gets an Exit Key."


    Exit Key?


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he turned toward Freya.


    Out of everyone here, she was the one he was most curious about. Her choice mattered the most to him.


    But first, there was something more pressing.


    "Freya, what the hell is an Exit Key?"


    She frowned, confusion flickering across her face.


    "You didn''t get the notification?"


    Alex shook his head.


    Freya''s expression tightened. Then, she nodded in understanding.


    Figures.


    Since the condition to get the Exit Key was to kill Alex, why would the system even bother showing it to him?


    Taking a deep breath, she explained:


    "The Exit Key can be used on the door to the next trial. But instead of moving forward, it lets us escape the Nightmare entirely."


    Alex''s eyes widened. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a grin.


    Ah. Now it made sense.


    No wonder the others were staring at him like that.


    Conflicted. Hesitant. Tempted.


    Some had even gulped, their hands twitching at their sides, weighing their choices.


    He couldn''t blame them.


    But if anyone made the wrong choice¡­


    He wouldn''t forgive them.


    Ezekiel felt a cold shiver run down his spine.


    Kill Alex to get a way out?


    Was that even possible?


    His mind raced, recalling everything he had seen so far.


    Alex was a monster.


    He had wiped out a Titan Undead with a single devastating attack. His explosion ability alone was enough to turn the battlefield into ash.


    There was no way any of them stood a chance.


    But then, a dangerous thought crept in.


    Alex was weakened now.


    Ezekiel''s hands clenched into fists.


    Wait¡­ Are you actually considering it?


    He felt his chest tighten. His own reaction startled him.


    If he wasn''t thinking about it, then why was he worried about how powerful Alex was?


    A sense of unease settled in his gut.


    Slowly, he turned to face Alex.


    Their eyes met.


    Alex didn''t look angry. Didn''t look scared.


    Instead, he just grinned.


    Completely unfazed.


    His expression was unreadable, but one thing was clear¡ªhe knew exactly what was going through Ezekiel''s head.


    And that alone sent a chill down Ezekiel''s spine.


    But did that even matter?


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened.


    Alex wasn''t normal. That much was obvious. Maybe this was the price for breaking the rules¡ªfor causing chaos in the maze.


    But was that really an excuse?


    Now you''re just looking for a reason.


    Still, he needed to confirm.


    Ezekiel took a step forward, his voice steady but laced with doubt.


    "If I may ask¡­ why do we have to kill him? Did he do something wrong?"


    Does it matter? Ezekiel thought to himself.


    The undead vendor tilted its head slightly, its glowing green eyes locked onto him.


    Then, it spoke.


    "Does it matter?"


    Ezekiel''s breath hitched.


    That was the exact thought that had just crossed his mind.


    The undead grinned wider, its voice like a whispering taunt.


    "Your freedom lies in killing that man over there. It''s either you do it¡­ or you don''t. It''s as simple as that."


    Ezekiel''s hands curled into fists.


    It wasn''t simple.


    Not at all.


    But the undead was right about one thing¡ªhe was stalling.


    Deep down, he was dragging this out to avoid making a choice.


    And looking around at the others, he could see the same hesitation reflected in their eyes.


    None of them wanted to be the first to decide.


    Because once someone did¡­


    Everything would spiral out of control.


    A player crept closer to Ezekiel, voice low, barely above a whisper.


    "He''s right. We should do it."


    Ezekiel''s head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing.


    It was the man Ezekiel had gestured to check out the exit, named Kieran.


    Kieran swallowed, then added, staring at Alex nervously:


    "Especially now that he seems exhausted."


    Ezekiel turned his gaze toward Alex, who was sitting on the ground, still and silent.


    It was the perfect opportunity.


    Ezekiel had witnessed Alex fight firsthand. The explosive power, the raw strength, the abilities far beyond what any of them could handle.


    But now?


    Alex looked drained, his body slumped, his breaths slow. The sheer effort it must have taken to blow the maze to oblivion had clearly left him burnt out.


    If they waited and he recovered¡­


    They wouldn''t stand a chance.


    So why not strike now?


    The air grew thick, the tension spreading like wildfire.


    Freya felt it.


    She felt the weight of the moment crushing down on her as every set of eyes in the room slowly turned to Alex, gazes filled with hostility, greed, and fear.


    She could tell what they were thinking, and she hated it.


    She had heard Alex mutter his complaint earlier, that annoyed sigh, the way he had muttered, "Seriously? I have to do this again?"


    And that pissed her off.


    That he even had to make this choice in the first place.


    The players murmured among themselves, their hushed voices buzzing like an uneasy swarm.


    All eyes kept flicking toward Ezekiel, waiting. Watching.


    He stood at the center of it all, his stance unreadable.


    Was he for this? Against it?


    Freya''s stomach twisted.


    Her image of him¡ªthe leader who wanted everyone to survive¡ªhad cracked. Shattered.


    She had no idea what the tank was thinking anymore. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back in the first trial, he had made it clear that every action he took was about his own survival¡ªwhich, at the time, was justifiable.


    But now?


    Now, she wanted to see just how far he''d go.


    Would he stay true to that mindset?


    Would he cross that line if it meant saving himself?


    Her gaze locked onto Ezekiel''s.


    Silence.


    And in that brief exchange¡ªthe flicker in his eyes, the way his fingers twitched¡ªFreya understood.


    He had made his choice.


    Ezekiel sighed and reached for his sword.


    The quiet scrape of metal filled the air.


    Around him, others followed suit¡ªhands hovering over their weapons, hesitating, but ready.


    Freya''s jaw clenched.


    Her fists tightened.


    Rage burned inside her.


    She gritted her teeth, barely holding back the fury threatening to explode.


    They were really going to do this?

 Chapter 154 - 154: Bad Choices [2]

    Damn it all.


    Freya couldn''t hold back her frustration any longer.


    Her blood boiled.


    With a sharp inhale, she rose to her feet¡ªher movements abrupt, furious.


    Then, she snapped.


    "Are you people seriously¡ª?!!" she shouted, her voice raw with rage.


    Her glare burned as she whipped her head around, staring down each of them.


    "The only reason we even made it out of that hellhole was because of him!" she yelled, pointing toward Alex.


    "He made the path to escape!"


    "He took down the monsters in our way!"


    "And this is how you repay him?! By stabbing him in the back?!"


    A heavy silence followed.


    Then, a voice cut through it.


    Kieran.


    His tone was flat. Emotionless.


    "If he dies, we all get out. The answer is pretty obvious."


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    A few others nodded in agreement.


    Then, the first player who had rushed to the vendor spoke up, his expression hardened.


    "I''ve done too much shit to start playing hero now," he said, rolling his shoulders.


    "Let''s kill him¡ªand get this nightmare over with."


    Freya''s fists clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms.


    Her jaw locked.


    Her heart pounded.


    Their words dripped with nothing but selfishness.


    She couldn''t believe it.


    This was who they really were?


    She had never hated a group of people more in her life.


    Then, Ezekiel finally spoke.


    His voice was low. Tired.


    "I''m tired, Freya. We all are."


    He exhaled slowly, shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion.


    "Who knows what the next trial will throw at us? We''ve already lost too many people. And if we keep going¡­"


    His gaze darkened.


    "More of us will die."


    Then, he lifted his head¡ªhis expression cold.


    "Why not end it now?"


    Freya''s eyes narrowed.


    "At the cost of someone''s life?"


    Ezekiel took a step forward.


    His boots scraped against the ground, the sound heavy. Unyielding.


    "That sacrifice is worth it."


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    Her fingers twitched at her side.


    Then, without hesitation, she drew her blade.


    Steel flashed.


    Her stance was firm, eyes locked onto Ezekiel. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then you''ll have to go through me first."


    Ezekiel let out a frustrated sigh.


    His patience was running out.


    "Move, Freya."


    His tone was sharper now. Warning her.


    "No one sent him to piss off the Nightmare."


    His jaw tightened.


    "This is just the result of his recklessness."


    Freya''s grip tightened around her weapon.


    "That ''recklessness'' is the only reason any of you are still alive right now."


    Ezekiel''s expression hardened.


    "Enough¡­"


    A new voice suddenly cut through the air.


    Then¡ª


    Thud.


    A staff struck the ground.


    The sound echoed.


    The floor rumbled beneath them.


    Then, like snakes slithering from the depths¡ª


    Vines erupted.


    Dark green tendrils shot out of the earth, twisting and curling through the air before latching onto Freya and Alex.


    They had no time to react.


    The vines wrapped tight, locking them in place.


    Freya struggled, gritting her teeth¡ª


    But the more she fought, the stronger the vines squeezed.


    Alex, still silent, barely even moved.


    The air around them grew thick with tension.


    Someone had made their move.


    And now, everything was about to change.


    The vines tightened.


    Thick, rough tendrils coiled around their bodies like serpents, wrapping their arms, legs, and torsos until only their heads remained uncovered.


    The pressure was suffocating.


    Freya''s breath hitched as she struggled, but the vines only constricted further, locking her in place.


    Her heart pounded.


    Then she turned her head, eyes wide with shock as realization slammed into her.


    It was her.


    "Ella?!"


    Her voice cracked with disbelief.


    "What are you doing?"


    Ella stood firm, her expression cold. Unwavering.


    Her grip on her staff was tight, her knuckles slightly pale from the pressure.


    Her response was simple.


    Flat. Emotionless.


    "What needs to be done."


    Freya felt her stomach drop.


    A chill crawled up her spine.


    She wanted to deny it, to believe she had misheard.


    But deep down¡ª


    She knew.


    She should have seen the signs.


    She should have known this would happen.


    The moment Ella killed Jeremy, Freya should have realized.


    But she had ignored it.


    She had wanted to believe that Ella was still the young, innocent girl she appeared to be.


    That she hadn''t been broken by this nightmare.


    That she hadn''t been twisted into believing that mercy was a weakness.


    But she was wrong.


    And now she couldn''t help but wonder.


    What does that make me?


    For choosing to show mercy¡­


    Was she a fool?


    Ella''s voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.


    "I like you, Freya." Her expression was unreadable, her grip on her staff firm. "But you''re too much of a saint, always obsessing over good and bad."


    Freya''s jaw tightened.


    "I''m not a saint, Ella. No one is."


    Ella''s eyes narrowed.


    "Then stop acting like one and let us do what needs to be done."


    Freya''s fingers curled into fists.


    She bit her lip, frustration boiling inside her.


    "I cannot."


    Ella''s lips pressed into a thin line.


    "Then sit still while we make the right choice."


    Alex still wrapped in vines, he let out a scoff.


    Right¡­ more like selfish.


    Ezekiel stepped forward, his boots crunching against the dirt.


    The other players followed, closing in, their eyes locked on Alex like predators circling prey.


    He stopped just a few feet away.


    "You''ve been awfully quiet, Alex."


    Alex tilted his head, his expression unreadable.


    "Yeah¡­ I''m just taking it all in, really." His gaze flickered over them, sharp and calculating.


    Ezekiel''s grip on his sword tightened. "And what do you think?"


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face.


    "I think you''re making a foolish choice."


    "This piece of..."


    Kieran stormed forward, fury flashing in his eyes, his hand tightening around his weapon as he moved toward Alex. But before he could take another step, Ezekiel''s hand shot out, stopping him with a firm grip on his shoulder.


    Alex''s voice cut through the tension like a blade.


    "Just so you know, unlike Freya, I''m not a saint." He leaned his head back slightly, casually meeting their stares.


    His tone was cold, yet calm. "If you come at me with the intent to kill, then be prepared to be killed as well."


    A sigh escaped Alex''s lips as he glanced around at the players, his expression unbothered by the mounting hostility.


    "She warned you, but you wouldn''t listen."


    Ezekiel''s eyes narrowed in confusion.


    Kieran, barely able to control his temper, snapped, unable to comprehend Alex''s nonchalant attitude:


    "This bastard. What is he talking about?"


    Ezekiel''s gaze shifted to Freya, his frown deepening.


    She clicked her teeth, her face turned away, unwilling to meet his eyes.


    Their fate was no longer hers to worry about.


    "Just so you know, the reason she tried to stop you is not because she''s trying to help me," Alex continued, his tone lighter now. "She''s doing it for your sake."


    Ezekiel''s brows furrowed even more.


    "Don''t bluff, man. With that kind of massive explosion you cast there, there''s no way you aren''t on red right now."


    Ezekiel''s voice was sharp like he was trying to make Alex see reason.


    But Alex just smirked, his expression almost mocking.


    "Oya, oya, you don''t catch me." Alex''s eyes gleamed with mischief before his face twisted into a wide grin.


    "But just so you know, I don''t need any ability to get rid of you clowns."


    Before anyone could react, the vines holding Alex in place burst apart.

 Chapter 155 - 155: Bad Choices [3]

    With a sudden burst of power, Alex tore through the vines that had been binding him. The thick, green restraints exploded outward, shredded into pieces that fluttered to the ground like dying leaves.


    A stunned silence washed over the players.


    Ella''s eyes widened in disbelief, her heart pounding.


    That shouldn''t have been possible.


    Her vines weren''t just meant to hold him¡ªthey were laced with sharp spikes, meant to tear into his flesh and grind his body into pulp. But instead of blood, they had met something unbreakable.


    A skill.


    A defensive skill.


    Ella stiffened, her mind racing.


    Didn''t he run out of mana?


    That explosion from earlier¡ªit should have drained him completely. But if he was still standing, did that mean his mana regeneration was insanely fast?


    Or worse¡ªhad he already recovered?


    If that was the case, they stood no chance.


    She swallowed hard, hoping for the former.


    Alex let out a slow exhale, his muscles relaxing as he deactivated [Aegis Arcane]. A faint glow faded from his skin, the protective barrier dispersing.


    He rolled his shoulders, stretching out his arms like someone waking up from a nap.


    "There goes the mana I recovered," he muttered to himself.


    His Danger Sense had warned him just in time. If he hadn''t reacted, those vines would have shredded him apart. Using his last bit of mana to shield himself was the right call.


    His eyes lifted, gaze sweeping over the stunned players.


    Alex''s gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Ella.


    Cold. Unforgiving. Merciless.


    She didn''t hesitate to turn on him.


    But too bad for her¡ªshe picked the wrong person to mess with.


    He took a slow step forward, his movements deliberate.


    Thud


    The sound of his foot hitting the ground sent a ripple of unease through the group.


    Instinctively, they stepped back.


    Even Ezekiel.


    Alex chuckled, low and sharp.


    "What the hell are you waiting for?" His voice carried through the silence like a blade slicing the tension. "Weren''t you going to kill me?"


    No one moved.


    Ezekiel''s jaw tightened, his fingers twitching over the hilt of his sword.


    Alex''s smirk widened. "Is your resolve this weak?" His voice was mocking now, taunting. "Freedom is right in front of you, and you''re too scared to take it. Seriously¡­ what a pathetic bunch."


    That last line stabbed right into Ezekiel''s pride.


    His teeth clenched as anger flooded through him, his grip on his sword tightening.


    Enough.


    With a sharp inhale, he stepped forward¡ªready to strike.


    But Alex was faster.


    In a blink, he was gone.


    Before Ezekiel could even process what happened, Alex was already in front of him¡ªhis movement a blur, his fist pulled back, ready to strike.


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened in disbelief and horror.


    It was too late.


    He hadn''t even seen the punch coming.


    BOOM!


    Instinct kicked in.


    Ezekiel barely had time to raise his shield, bracing for impact.


    The moment Alex''s fist connected a deafening shockwave exploded through the air.


    His entire body was lifted off the ground.


    His shield bent inward, the once-sturdy metal caving like paper under the sheer force of the blow.


    Pain ripped through his arm.


    His shoulder twisted unnaturally¡ªdislocated.


    He was flying.


    The world spun violently, sky and ground flipping over and over as he tumbled.


    Then...


    CRASH!


    His body slammed into the wall.


    The impact rattled his bones, a sharp burst of pain radiating from every nerve.


    His head slumped forward, blood dripping from his lips.


    His arms and legs were numb.


    It felt like he had just been hit by a truck.


    Reality sank in.


    They had made a mistake. A huge one.


    There was no way they could defeat Alex.


    Run!


    Ezekiel wanted to scream it¡ªwarn them.


    But no words came out.


    His throat was dry. His chest ached. Fear choked him silent.


    The other players stood frozen, their eyes locked on Ezekiel''s crumpled body against the wall.


    Then, slowly Alex turned toward them.


    His gaze was sharp, cold, merciless.


    "Last warning."


    His voice was calm, yet filled with finality.


    "Leave now¡­ and you won''t have to die."


    There was a brief silence.


    But then...


    "Don''t be a fool!" Kieran snapped, his voice strained with desperation. "None of us is making it out of this damn place. This is the best choice!"


    The players hesitated.


    Their grips tightened on their weapons.


    But no one lowered them.


    Alex sighed. A slow, tired exhale.


    "Alright then..."


    Step.


    Alex began to walk forward.


    Each step echoed through the room.


    His expression darkened.


    His presence felt heavier¡ªmore suffocating.


    "Who''s next?"


    Kieran''s fingers tightened around his sword.


    His teeth dug into his lip, as if biting back fear¡ªforcing himself to act.


    Then¡ª


    With a loud cry, he charged!


    The others followed, yelling, weapons raised.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t a battle.


    It was a rabbit throwing itself at a tiger.


    Kieran lunged first, swinging his sword with all his strength.


    But his blade sliced through nothing but air.


    Alex was already gone.


    SWISH


    SWISH


    Kieran barely registered what happened.


    Then¡ªhe felt it.


    A strange lightness in his body.


    His vision blurred.


    His mind screamed at him to move.


    But something was wrong.


    He turned his head¡ªand that''s when his body fell apart.


    Shredded.


    Split clean.


    His mouth opened to speak, but no words came.


    He was already dead.


    A notification flashed before Alex''s eyes. One down.


    But he wasn''t done.


    Alex moved like a ghost, slipping between them, his blade flashing like lightning.


    More bodies dropped.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five.


    Each step, each swing, each kill¡ªflawless.


    By the time the survivors realized what was happening, it was already over.


    The remaining players stood frozen.


    Their weapons shook in their hands.


    What they just witnessed was horrific.


    They thought Alex was dangerous before¡ªbut this?


    Even without using his explosive abilities, he was still a monster.


    Charging him head-on was suicide.


    Alex exhaled, flicking his wrist.


    Blood sprayed off his blade.


    His sharp eyes scanned the terrified faces before him.


    "Why?" His voice was calm, almost mocking.


    "You''re not coming at me?"


    Silence.


    Not a single one dared to step forward.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Then I''ll come to you instead."


    He stepped forward¡ª


    THWIP!


    Vines lashed out, coiling around his leg.


    His movement stopped instantly.


    Again.


    This girl.


    Alex''s gaze snapped to Ella.


    She stood tall, her staff raised, her expression hardened.


    "Come together, everyone!" she yelled. "So he doesn''t pick us off one by one!"


    Alex reacted instantly.


    His blade flashed as he sliced through the vine wrapped around his leg.


    But before he could move...


    BOOM!


    A fireball exploded against the ground where he stood.


    BOOM! BOOM!


    More came, raining down like meteors, scorching the air around him.


    Alex dodged, weaving through the chaos, his body a blur of motion.


    Then¡ªhe shot out of the smoke, unscathed.


    His sharp eyes locked onto a new figure¡ªanother mage.


    Figures.


    They were teaming up.


    Ella and the mage kept up the relentless barrage, trying to pin him down.


    But Alex had already made his decision.


    He''d pick them off first.


    Moving with calculated precision, he weaved through fireballs and vine whips, getting closer, step by step.


    Then...


    "Wait¡­ please don''t kill me!"


    A young woman, one of the players, dropped her weapon, tears spilling down her face.


    She trembled, pleading for her life.


    But Alex''s gaze didn''t waver.


    SLASH.


    A clean, merciless cut.


    Her body collapsed to the ground.


    No hesitation.


    He had warned them. Given them a choice.


    They refused to listen.


    Mercy was no longer an option.


    An arrow shot through the air, aiming straight for him.


    Alex''s hand snapped up and the arrow froze mid-flight.


    Suspended.


    Hanging in the air like time itself had stopped.


    His eyes glowed faintly.


    [Minor Telekinesis]


    Alex smirked, tilting his head.


    Then, with a flick of his wrist¡ª


    The arrow reversed course, firing straight back at the archer.

 Chapter 156 - 156: Bad Choices [4]

    With a flick of his wrist, Alex sent the arrow flying back.


    It whistled through the air.


    THUNK!


    The archer''s eyes widened in horror just before the arrow pierced through their skull.


    They dropped instantly.


    Another one down.


    Alex barely had time to recover before more fireballs rained from above. Vines lashed out, trying to coil around him like hungry serpents.


    But he was already moving.


    Ducking. Twisting. Slipping through gaps in the attacks like a phantom.


    One by one, he tore through the stragglers, slicing them down until only a handful remained.


    Now, the battlefield was almost empty.


    Only the strongest were left standing.


    In front of him stood Ella, her cold gaze unwavering.


    Beside her, Freya remained bound, vines wrapped tightly around her body.


    Behind him, a squad of five¡ª


    Two tanks, a swordsman, a spearman, and the fire mage.


    Alex exhaled sharply, assessing the situation.


    He had a choice to make.


    Then¡ªhe moved activating [Fast and Furious.]


    His body blurred forward, wind howling in his wake as he charged straight at Ella.


    She was the biggest threat. She had to go first.


    BOOM!


    His fist slammed into her barrier¡ªa compact, shimmering magic shield that materialized just in time.


    The ground cracked beneath their feet from the sheer force.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    She blocked it?


    Most shields would have shattered on impact.


    Instead, hers absorbed the force, rippling but holding firm.


    Tsk.


    She''s tougher than I thought.


    Without hesitation, Alex unleashed a flurry of sword strikes, each one a blur, each one aimed to break through.


    CLANG


    CLANG


    CLANG.


    Each hit struck the barrier like a hammer against steel, sending waves of energy outward¡ª


    But still, it didn''t crack.


    Instead, it pulsed, absorbing everything.


    Alex''s lips curled slightly.


    "Oh¡­"


    Now this was interesting.


    He could feel it¡ªher magic shield was even stronger than his [Aegis Arcane].


    But he bet it cost a lot of energy to maintain.


    Ella lashed out.


    Vines shot toward Alex, twisting like whips, aiming to ensnare him¡ª


    But he lunged backward, dodging with a sharp, fluid motion.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A fireball streaked toward him from behind, its heat searing the air.


    Alex barely twisted out of the way, the flames brushing past where he stood just moments ago.


    His eyes flicked toward the source.


    The fire mage.


    Tch.


    If he couldn''t take down one, he''d eliminate the others first.


    More spells came, streaking through the air like deadly comets.


    But Alex was too fast.


    His body became a blur¡ªmirages trailing behind him as he darted sideways, slipping past every attack.


    A shadow on the battlefield.


    Then¡ªhe dropped low, dashing toward the ground, picking up speed.


    "He''s coming this way!" The spearman''s voice cracked with panic.


    "Stop him!"


    The two tank-like players immediately moved to intercept.


    The first barely had time to raise his weapon before...


    SLASH!


    His head hit the ground before his stance was even complete.


    The second tank swung his shield forward, aiming to bash Alex with full force.


    But his attack hit nothing.


    His eyes widened.


    Alex was gone.


    Then a sharp presence tingled at his back.


    Before he could react...


    SHINK!


    A blade pierced through his chest.


    His breath hitched. His vision blurred.


    Alex yanked the sword free as the tank collapsed.


    Three left.


    The swordsman, spearman, and mage.


    The two melee fighters roared and charged together.


    Alex didn''t even spare them a glance.


    He ignored them completely.


    Speeding past.


    Straight toward the mage.


    Panic flickered in her eyes.


    She raised her staff, desperately trying to cast a spell.


    But it was too late.


    Alex''s foot slammed into her chest with a brutal kick.


    WHAM!


    She flew backward, tumbling across the ground.


    Then a furious scream came from behind.


    "You bastard!"


    The spearman.


    His spear lunged toward Alex''s back, the swordsman attacking at the same time.


    Alex''s hand shot out...


    SNATCH!


    He caught the spear mid-thrust.


    Before the spearman could react...


    CRACK!


    Alex''s elbow smashed into his nose, a sickening crunch echoing through the battlefield.


    The spearman staggered back, dropping his weapon, clutching his face in agony.


    Alex, now holding the spearman''s weapon, didn''t hesitate.


    SHINK!


    In one fluid motion, he slashed the throat of the swordsman.


    Blood sprayed as the swordsman staggered, gasping. His knees buckled. He collapsed, lifeless.


    But Alex was already moving.


    Without breaking stride, he lunged the stolen spear toward the mage, who was crawling away, desperate to escape.


    THWACK!


    The spear impaled her, pinning her to the ground.


    She let out a strangled gasp. Then silence.


    Two dead. In an instant.


    "Damn you!"


    The spearman, now recovered, roared in fury.


    Rage twisted his face as he threw a wild punch straight at Alex''s head.


    But Alex barely moved.


    His hand snapped up, catching the fist mid-air with effortless ease.


    The spearman''s eyes widened.


    Alex tilted his head. Smirked.


    "You call that a punch?"


    The spearman trembled, despair creeping in.


    Alex tightened his grip.


    "This is how you throw a real punch."


    Then...


    BANG!


    Alex''s fist slammed into the spearman''s gut.


    But it didn''t just hit, it pierced.


    Flesh ripped.


    Bone shattered.


    Alex''s arm went straight through, his bloodied fist bursting out the spearman''s back.


    The spearman coughed, his body convulsing.


    Then, like a puppet with cut strings¡ªhe dropped.


    The spearman groaned, blood dripping from his mouth as his body trembled.


    Alex ripped his hand free, pulling it out with a wet, sickening sound.


    The spearman''s body shuddered. His knees buckled.


    Then, he collapsed.


    Dead.


    Alex exhaled, shaking the blood off his hand as he surveyed the battlefield.


    Two left.


    He turned his gaze toward Ezekiel, but he was gone.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Then, a low chuckle escaped his lips.


    "Smart," he muttered.


    Ezekiel must have fled to the next trial. He knew they stood no chance.


    That left only one person.


    Alex turned to her.


    Ella.


    She stood there, her grip tight on her staff, hesitation flickering in her eyes.


    Alex took a step forward.


    Ella''s breath hitched.


    She suddenly raised her staff, pointing it at Freya, who was still trapped.


    "Don''t move!" she screamed.


    Alex stopped. His eyes narrowed.


    Ella''s voice was sharp, filled with desperation.


    "One more move..." she tightened her grip on her staff, her magic crackling with raw energy.


    "¡­and I''ll grind her into pieces."


    Ella lifted her staff, her eyes burning with determination.


    She spoke, and the vines wrapped around Freya twisted tighter¡ªthreatening to crush her.


    Alex paused for just a moment.


    Then, he grinned.


    "Do it...if you can."


    Ella''s expression darkened.


    But before she could react Alex vanished.


    In a flash, he was right in front of her.


    Her breath caught in her throat.


    Too fast.


    Her instincts screamed, but it was too late.


    WHOOSH!


    The blade swung.


    THUD.


    THUD.


    Ella''s eyes widened in horror.


    Her hands...


    They were gone.


    Both hit the ground, her staff clattering beside them.


    A moment of stunned silence.


    Then....


    "AAARRRGHHH!"


    A piercing scream ripped through the air as Ella fell to her knees, clutching her bleeding arms.


    Freya shuddered, frozen in fear.


    Ella''s scream was bone-chilling.


    The vines strangling Freya began to shrivel and crack.


    Within seconds, they withered into dust.


    She was free.


    Freya stumbled forward, breathing heavily, her heart still racing.


    Then, she looked up.


    Alex was already walking toward Ella.


    His blade dripped with fresh blood.


    His cold, merciless gaze locked onto Ella''s trembling form.


    He was going to finish the job.


    No hesitation.


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    She moved before she could think, stepping between them and throwing up her hands.


    "Wait!"


    Alex halted.


    His expression darkened.


    He tilted his head slightly, frowning.


    "What the hell are you doing?"


    His voice was low and sharp.


    Freya swallowed, her hands trembling.


    "Wait...don''t kill her."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    "Why?"


    "You... don''t have to." Freya''s voice was urgent.


    "She can''t cause any more trouble. Not like this."


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    A tense silence.


    Then, his expression turned cold. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His next words were like ice.


    "Freya, the fact that you chose to remain naive after everything you''ve faced¡­"


    He exhaled sharply, his gaze filled with disdain.


    "Is quite irritating."


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat.


    Then...dark flame erupted from Alex''s palm, surging toward her like a vengeful specter.

 Chapter 157 - 157: Her Death

    Freya''s breath hitched.


    Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Alex fire an attack straight at her.


    Her entire body froze.


    A chill ran down her spine, her mind screaming at her to move.


    But she couldn''t.


    Her legs locked in place.


    She shut her eyes tight, bracing for the burning pain of the incoming dark flames.


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion shook the air.


    Freya flinched, but...the pain never came.


    Confused, she opened her eyes.


    She turned sharply, her heart pounding.


    That was when she saw it:


    A second fireball, one she hadn''t noticed, had been coming straight for her from behind.


    Alex''s attack hadn''t been meant for her.


    He had blown the fireball away.


    The smoke thickened, swirling in the air.


    Then...


    Whoosh!


    Another fireball shot out of the haze, streaking toward her like a meteor.


    Freya gasped.


    But before it could reach her¡ª


    FWOOSH!


    A surge of black flame roared past her shoulder, clashing mid-air with the fireball.


    BOOM!


    The impact sent a wave of heat blasting outward.


    Freya instinctively shielded her face as the force pushed against her.


    A tense silence followed.


    Then the smoke began to clear.


    And Freya knew.


    There was only one person who could have attacked her.


    As the smoke thinned, Freya''s eyes locked onto Ella.


    The woman''s face twisted in pain, yet she still stood, her staff clutched tightly in her grip.


    Freya''s heart skipped a beat.


    She had seen it¡ª


    Ella had lost her hands.


    Yet, somehow, she was still holding her staff.


    Freya''s gaze sharpened.


    And then¡ªshe noticed it.


    Those weren''t her real limbs.


    Vines.


    Twisting, pulsing green tendrils had sprouted from her severed wrists, taking the shape of hands.


    Freya''s stomach tightened.


    Ella had regrown them.


    And now she could still fight.


    A sudden glow pulsed from Ella''s staff.


    Magic energy gathered and the next moment, she attacked.


    A blast of pure force raced toward Freya.


    Freya gritted her teeth, barely dodging as the air sizzled beside her.


    Her hands clenched.


    She had stopped Alex from killing Ella.


    And yet now¡ªthe very person she had saved was trying to kill her.


    Her chest tightened with frustration.


    "Ella, you don''t have to do this!" she shouted.


    Ella''s expression darkened.


    "Don''t give me that shit," she spat. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her vine-like fingers tightened around her staff, green energy crackling at its tip.


    "I''m only doing what I believe to be right. If killing means I get to escape this hellhole, even by an inch, then I won''t hesitate."


    Freya''s stomach churned.


    Ella''s glare burned into her.


    "So what are you gonna do?" Ella continued.


    "Will you let me escape? Or will you kill me?"


    Freya''s breath caught.


    Before she could respond¡ª


    A cold, familiar voice cut through the tension.


    "I don''t think you should be concerned about her decision."


    Freya stiffened.


    Alex had appeared beside her.


    Ella gritted her teeth.


    The pain of her severed limbs still burned¡ª sharp, unrelenting.


    Her healing magic had closed the wounds, but it couldn''t erase the agony.


    She knew the truth.


    If Alex was determined to kill her, there was no escape.


    She had seen it¡ª his ruthlessness, his precision.


    If he made up his mind, it was over.


    But¡ª


    If anyone could stop him, it was Freya.


    She had noticed it before.


    Something about the way Alex looked at her¡ª there was a connection.


    A bond.


    Clenching her vine-forged hands, Ella swallowed her pride.


    Her voice trembled as she stepped forward.


    "Freya¡­ please."


    Her red-rimmed eyes locked onto Freya''s.


    "Please understand. I was only doing what I had to. I acted out of desperation, out of fear. But now¡ª"


    Her breath hitched.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced herself to continue.


    "Now I see it. What I did before¡­ it was wrong. It was pathetic."


    She winced, her body trembling.


    "But I want to make things right. I''ll do it the hard way. I''ll face the next trial and fight to survive."


    Ella''s voice cracked.


    "Please, just let me go."


    She took a shaky step back.


    "You don''t have to let him kill me. I swear¡ªI''ll never come near you again."


    Freya stood there, frozen.


    Her chest tightened.


    A mix of emotions swirled inside her.


    Ella was begging. Pleading for her life.


    But Freya shook her head.


    She clenched her fists.


    It didn''t matter.


    She had no control over Ella''s fate.


    Freya exhaled sharply.


    If she wanted to survive, she should be pleading with Alex not her.


    But deep down, Freya knew the truth.


    Alex wouldn''t listen.


    And besides, why should she care?


    Ella had just tried to kill her.


    Yet, as she stared at the desperate girl before her, a strange heaviness settled in her chest.


    Then, Alex''s voice cut through the silence.


    His eyes never left Ella.


    "So¡­" he said calmly, almost too calmly.


    "What are you going to do, Freya?"


    His fingers flexed slightly.


    "Do you still want me to spare her?" His voice dropped lower. "Or end it now?"


    Freya turned her gaze toward him.


    Her breath hitched.


    Why was he asking her this?


    Before she could respond, Alex raised his hand.


    Freya''s eyes widened as she realized¡ª


    He had recovered enough to use Exploding Touch.


    A single dismissal command, and he could set off an explosion right on Ella''s head.


    He was ready to end her.


    Ella saw the motion.


    She didn''t understand what it meant, but instinct screamed at her¡ª danger.


    Pure, suffocating fear gripped her.


    She staggered back.


    Her voice trembled, almost breaking.


    "Freya?"


    Freya didn''t move.


    She didn''t speak.


    She didn''t even look at her.


    Ella''s eyes darted toward the exit.


    There was no hope.


    Freya wasn''t going to stop him.


    She had to run.


    Without hesitation, she spun on her heel and sprinted toward the gateway to the next trial.


    Her heart pounded. Faster. Faster.


    She could make it.


    She had to make it.


    Behind her, Alex watched in silence.


    His gaze was cold. Unbothered.


    Then, in a calm voice, he spoke to Freya.


    "What are we doing, Freya?"


    Freya froze.


    Alex''s tone was unreadable, but she could feel the weight in his words.


    "She''s getting away."


    Freya shuddered.


    She knew what he wanted to hear.


    She just couldn''t say it.


    Her lips trembled. What should she do?


    Then Alex''s voice sharpened.


    "Freya?!"


    Freya clenched her fists.


    She couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Do whatever you want!" she finally burst out.


    And the moment the words left her mouth, Alex moved.


    Ella had almost reached the gate.


    Her fingers stretched forward, inches from salvation.


    But then...


    BOOM.


    Her head exploded.


    A sickening burst of blood and flesh splattered across the floor.


    Her lifeless body crumpled at the threshold.


    So close. Yet so far.


    Freya winced, her whole body recoiling at the gruesome sight.


    She clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to suppress the rising nausea.


    It was so abrupt.


    So swift.


    So brutal.


    So merciless.


    Her legs trembled before giving out, and she collapsed to her knees.


    Tears burned at the corners of her eyes.


    Her breath hitched.


    It was too much.


    The sheer violence of it.


    The way Ella''s life was erased in an instant.


    Freya''s shoulders shook. She couldn''t hold it in.


    She turned to Alex, eyes red, tears streaming down her face.


    Her voice broke as she spoke:


    "How¡­

 Chapter 158 - 158: Grim Lord

    "How¡­ how can you do this kind of thing without even batting an eye?"


    Alex looked down at her.


    Then, with a casual shrug, he replied:


    "I don''t know. I guess I''m just done with hesitating."


    His voice was eerily calm.


    "They tried to kill me, and that wasn''t forgivable. Simple as that."


    Freya''s fingers tightened into fists.


    "But you spared Kyiv¡­" she said weakly.


    At this, Alex turned toward her.


    His face was unreadable.


    His gaze, cold.


    Then he spoke¡ª


    "Did I...?"


    Freya''s brow furrowed, her mind racing.


    What did he mean by that?


    Her eyes locked onto Alex, searching his expression, trying to pry the truth from him.


    But his face remained unreadable.


    His words weren''t a lie.


    A cold, sinking feeling twisted in her gut.


    Her heartbeat quickened. He wasn''t lying.


    When¡­? When did this happen?


    Alex''s voice was eerily calm as he answered:


    "I snapped right before the exit pulled us into the next trial. There was no way you would have known."


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    Her hands pressed against the cold ground as she instinctively crawled backward.


    She couldn''t comprehend how he could be so ruthless, so completely unbothered by the things he had done.


    Her body shuddered.


    Her voice trembled as she whispered:


    "How¡­ how did you get to this point?"


    Alex''s gaze didn''t waver.


    "I dunno," he said, voice flat. "Like everyone else, I''m just doing what it takes to survive."


    Then, his expression darkened, his next words sending a chill down her spine:


    "And thinking of the threats I''ll have to face¡­ I''d say what I''ve done so far is just the bare minimum of what it''ll take."


    Freya stood frozen, her mind swirling with a storm of emotions.


    What threat was he talking about?


    She let out a slow sigh, her gaze dropping to the ground.


    There was so much she didn''t understand about this tutorial.


    Too much.


    Alex had been right about one thing¡ªshe was too naive. She lacked the sheer brutality needed to survive.


    If this place had taught her anything, it was that becoming a monster was the only way to make it out alive.


    And not just here¡ªbut in the real world too.


    People like her? People who still clung to morals and hesitation?


    They didn''t live long.


    But¡­ was it so wrong for her to refuse to become like him?


    Freya clenched her fists, her heart aching with the weight of that thought.


    Alex watched her for a moment, his gaze unreadable.


    Then, without another word, he turned away.


    He wasn''t going to waste time convincing her.


    Instead, he dropped to the ground, crossing his legs.


    He wasn''t moving on to the next trial just yet.


    His mana was drained. And he knew better than to rush in recklessly¡ªnot when the next trial could be even worse.


    As he sat, he swiped his hand in the air, pulling up his system interface.


    Kill notifications and rewards flooded his screen.


    A dozen. Maybe more.


    A small smirk touched his lips.


    "Not bad."


    A series of blue system notifications flooded Alex''s vision, each one appearing in rapid succession.


    [You have killed Kieran Darcel.][You have received 5,200 Nightmare Points.][You have received 150 Stat Points.]


    [You have killed Jon Evergreen.][You have received 5,000 Nightmare Points.][You have received 95 Stat Points.]


    [You have killed...]


    The messages kept coming, one after another, a grim tally of his victims.


    Then, the final notification appeared.


    [You have killed Ella Sundown.][You have received 12,000 Nightmare Points.][You have received 400 Stat Points.]


    Alex''s breath hitched ever so slightly.


    Twelve thousand?


    His brows furrowed. That was more than anyone else he had killed.


    For a moment, he was surprised. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.


    Ella wasn''t as innocent as she pretended to be.


    She had attacked him without hesitation.


    She had tried to kill Freya without remorse.


    There was no way she had gathered that many Nightmare Points just from hunting monsters.


    No. She had targeted other players.


    Naive ones. Like Freya.


    Alex''s eyes darkened.


    The irony of it all was almost amusing.


    He dismissed the other notifications about his title boosting his abilities¡ªhe already knew what they said.


    Instead, he checked his updated total.


    [Total Nightmare Points: 275,000][Total Stat Points: 7,850]


    Alex''s eyes widened slightly as he scanned the numbers.


    A slow smirk played on his lips.


    Not bad. Not bad at all.


    His points had skyrocketed.


    Compared to what he had before, the increase was massive.


    Killing fellow players paid far more than killing monsters. As sick as it was, it was the truth.


    The tutorial had it backward.


    Instead of rewarding teamwork or survival, it favored betrayal.


    He let out a small exhale, shaking his head. It didn''t matter. He had adapted.


    A few more minutes passed as he sat in silence, feeling the familiar energy return to his body.


    His mana was full.


    Time to move.


    He pushed himself to his feet, stretching his arms briefly before turning his gaze to Freya.


    What would she do now?


    She had seen everything. His ruthlessness. His lack of hesitation.


    Would she stay away, now that she understood what he was?


    Freya slowly rose as well, her movements stiff, her expression unreadable.


    Then, to his surprise¡ªshe walked toward him.


    Alex tilted his head, watching her approach before speaking in a calm, almost amused tone:


    "Seeing as how you looked at me like I was a demon, I don''t think you''d still want to associate with me. Would you?"


    For a moment, she said nothing.


    The silence stretched between them.


    Then, with a deep sigh, Freya finally spoke:


    "I mean¡­ at this point, I''d be a fool not to follow you."


    She met his gaze, determination flickering behind her exhaustion.


    "Things are only going to get harder from here. And if I can rely on your strength¡ªeven for a little while¡ªthen I will."


    "Even if that puts you in dangerous situations?" Alex asked, his tone unreadable.


    Freya met his gaze, her expression steady. "Nothing''s more dangerous than being alone. Naive as I am."


    Alex chuckled, low and amused. "You''re not afraid I''ll kill you, just like I did the others?"


    Freya didn''t flinch. "Unlike them, I wouldn''t dream of attacking you."


    Alex''s lips curled into a grin. "I guess you''re not as big of a fool as I thought."


    Freya bit her lip, eyes narrowing slightly. "I''d rather you not call me that."


    Alex smirked. "Freya the Fool. Kinda has a ring to it."


    "Don''t."


    Alex let out another chuckle, shaking his head before turning toward the exit. The swirling energy pulsed, waiting.


    "Alright..." He stretched his arms behind his head, his posture relaxed, completely at ease.


    "Let''s go, then."


    With his hands resting at the back of his neck, he walked toward the portal like he had all the time in the world.


    Freya hesitated for a second before following him, her decision made.


    Only three people had entered the gate.


    Dorion, Onigi, and Ezekiel--who had abandoned the others.


    Alex shook his head.


    Then he noticed an emerald gaze on him watching.


    He stopped:


    "Thats right...I almost forgot."


    Freya covered her ears.


    Alex snapped and the undead vendor along with his stall exploded.


    BOOM!


    They continued and Freya who had covered her ears shook her head.


    Alex''s action didn''t surprise her anymore.


    The moment they reached the exit, they slammed their hands against the portal.


    And just like that¡ªthey vanished.


    No notification. No warning.


    Alex narrowed his eyes. That was different. Usually, the system would confirm their transition. But this time? Nothing.


    Then, in the blink of an eye¡ªthey reappeared.


    A rocky plain stretched endlessly around them, rough and cracked like the remnants of an ancient battlefield.


    Above them, two moons glowed ominously in the sky.


    The air was heavy and unnatural. It felt like they were no longer inside the trial mountain¡ªor maybe¡­ they had reached its peak.


    Alex frowned. Something was off.


    Then, he saw it.


    Them.


    Ahead, an army of monsters stood in formation¡ªwaiting.


    And at the front of them all¡ªa massive beast.


    It towered over everything else, its presence suffocating. A skull-shaped mask covered its face, hiding its true features. In its hand, it clutched a long, rusted chain that clanked as it moved.


    Just then, a system notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Welcome to the Final Trial of the Nightmare]


    [Due to an anomaly, all previous trials have been scrapped.][You have been transported to the mountain''s peak at the cost of all the Nightmare Points you possessed.][Prepare to face the final boss¡ªGrim Lord¡ªand his army.]


    Freya''s voice trembled as she took a step back.


    "Is that... the Grim Lord?"


    Alex''s gaze locked onto the towering figure ahead.


    Yeah¡­ the description fits the name perfectly.


    He then let out a small, amused chuckle, feeling a rush of pride.


    His actions had forced the system''s hand.


    So much so that the Beast Lord had decided to speed things up.


    He lifted his head, smirking as he locked eyes with the monstrous entity before him.


    The Grim Lord let out a guttural growl, his massive frame steaming like a furnace. Green light flickered in the sockets of his skull-shaped mask, a telltale sign of possession.


    Alex''s grin widened:


    The Beast Lord wanted to end this now?


    "Good."

 Chapter 159 - 159: Immortal Body

    The moment Ezekiel saw Alex and Freya standing before the Grim Lord and its monstrous army, he froze.


    His breath hitched.


    His entire body went stiff.


    The sheer horror on his face wasn''t just because of the nightmare-fueled creatures looming ahead.


    It was Alex.


    Alex scared him more than the Grim Lord itself.


    A shiver ran down Ezekiel''s spine. It didn''t take much to put the pieces together.


    No other players had appeared.


    Only Alex and Freya.


    Which meant¡­


    Alex had killed them all.


    Ezekiel swallowed hard, his throat dry as sand.


    A part of him wanted to run.


    To bolt in any direction, even if it meant throwing himself into the Grim Lord''s army.


    But there was nowhere to go.


    Nowhere to hide.


    They stood at the peak of the mountain.


    The terrain was like a vast, circular arena, its edges glowing faintly with a shimmering magic barrier that loomed over them like an unbreakable dome.


    There was no way out.


    No hidden exits. No tricks. No escape.


    One path remained.


    Kill the final boss¡ªGrim Lord.


    That was the only way to survive.


    The only way to leave this nightmare behind.


    But for Ezekiel, that fight was already out of reach.


    He wasn''t thinking about the Grim Lord.


    He was thinking about Alex would do to him.


    Slowly, Alex turned his head.


    And he froze.


    Alex was staring directly at him.


    That gaze¡ªcold, unreadable, piercing through him like a dagger.


    Ezekiel felt his body tense, a shudder running down his spine.


    His instincts screamed at him to move.


    To run.


    To do something.


    Because if Alex decided to kill him now¡ªnothing could stop him.


    Ezekiel had seen what he was capable of.


    He knew what Alex had done to the others.


    His breath came in shaky gasps.


    He braced himself, waiting, expecting the worst.


    But then, Alex looked away.


    Just like that.


    Ezekiel blinked, stunned.


    Alex ignored him.


    He turned his back and focused ahead¡ªon the battlefield, on the towering beast waiting beyond.


    Because to Alex, Ezekiel didn''t matter anymore.


    After blasting the tank away, Alex had given the other players a chance to flee.


    They didn''t take it.


    They chose to attack him instead.


    And now, they were dead.


    Ezekiel didn''t attack and chose to flee.


    And that¡ªthat single decision¡ªwould be what saved his life.


    Alex had already noticed him when he first appeared.


    But it wasn''t Ezekiel that made him turn.


    It was the sound of battle.


    The clash of steel.


    The grunts of exertion.


    The unmistakable sound of two warriors still fighting in the distance.


    Alex''s gaze shifted.


    Way behind them¡ªDorion and Onigi were still at it.


    Still locked in combat.


    Despite everything.


    Despite the nightmare unfolding before them.


    Despite the beast lord and his army waiting just ahead.


    They fought as if none of it mattered.


    Had they lost their minds?


    Their weapons clashed again, sparks flying in the dim light of the twin moons.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    The old man¡ªOnigi¡ªwas clearly in bad shape.


    His breathing was ragged, his robes torn, and deep gashes marked his arms and legs. Blood dripped steadily onto the rocky ground beneath him.


    And yet¡­


    He looked thrilled.


    Dorion, on the other hand, was physically fine.


    His body was mostly untouched¡ªonly a few minor cuts on his clothes, barely a scratch compared to Onigi''s state.


    By all logic, Dorion should have the advantage.


    But his expression said otherwise.


    He looked¡­ uneasy.


    Worried.


    His stance was rigid, his grip on his weapon too tight.


    Meanwhile, Onigi only grinned.


    A wild, manic grin¡ªlike he had already won.


    "It''s only a matter of time, isn''t it?" Onigi said, his voice eerily calm despite his wounds.


    Dorion''s expression stiffened.


    "What are you talking about?" he asked, struggling to keep his composure.


    Onigi''s grin widened.


    "At first, I thought you were immortal."


    His bloodstained fingers twirled his blade, the motion smooth, almost casual.


    "But then¡­ I realized something."


    "You''re not."


    He took a step forward, his eyes sharp, predatory.


    "You can only activate your immortality skill a certain number of times, can''t you?"


    Dorion''s jaw clenched.


    The amusement in Onigi''s eyes intensified.


    "And once that limit is reached¡­All fatal injuries will remain fatal."


    Dorion clicked his teeth in frustration.


    His eyes narrowed, locking onto Onigi.


    How¡­? How had this damn old man figured it out?


    Dorion had been careful.


    He hadn''t given away any tells¡ªno hesitation, no slip-ups.


    And yet¡­ Onigi knew.


    Dorion clenched his fists.


    It wasn''t a guess.


    Onigi had confirmed it with his own body.


    This mad geezer.


    Instead of playing it safe, he threw himself into the fight.


    Taking reckless risks.


    Letting himself get hit.


    All just to see how many times Dorion could recover. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And because he was a far better fighter, he could land fatal hits¡ªwounds that should have killed Dorion instantly.


    But thanks to a skill Dorion possessed called [12 Immortal Body], Dorion had healed every time.


    And Onigi had watched.


    Studied.


    Then struck again.


    Again.


    And again.


    Pushing Dorion to activate his ability over and over.


    Dorion''s stomach twisted.


    He was running out.


    The skill had a limit.


    A fixed number of uses.


    And now, he had burned through most of them¡­


    And that terrified him.


    Because now more than ever, he needed that skill as a backup.


    Behind him stood the Grim Lord¡ªthe final boss.


    A towering, unstoppable monster with hundreds of powerful creatures waiting at its command.


    Dorion''s heart pounded.


    He needed [12 Immortal Body] for that battle.


    Not for this.


    Not for some pointless fight with an old man who was willing to die just to prove a point.


    And yet, here he was¡ªburning through his last chances of survival.


    It was frustrating.


    But what pissed Dorion off even more was that the old man was holding something back.


    Something powerful.


    He could feel it.


    A pressure lurking beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to explode.


    Dorion''s grip on his scythe tightened.


    If Onigi unleashed it, if he used up everything his body had left¡ªThat would be the end.


    The old man grinned.


    Then he attacked.


    His blade became a blur.


    Dorion barely had time to react.


    His instincts screamed as he blocked, parried, and dodged with everything he had.


    His scythe clashed against Onigi''s sword in rapid succession, sparks flying as metal met metal.


    And all the while, Onigi was grinning.


    Mocking him.


    "What''s wrong young man?" Onigi teased between strikes. "I thought you were having fun earlier."


    Dorion clicked his teeth.


    Another flash of silver.


    He narrowly avoided the blade, stepping back just in time.


    He couldn''t counter.


    Not without taking another fatal wound.


    He was running out of options.


    Onigi''s smirk widened.


    "You fraud," he sneered. "You act like a maniac, but you''re not."


    Dorion''s heart pounded.


    "You only play the part," Onigi continued, his blade moving even faster. "But the moment your life is actually on the line..."


    A heavy slash forced Dorion to retreat.


    "...Your little facade breaks."


    Onigi''s eyes gleamed.


    "You''re easy to...

 Chapter 160 - 160: Final Battle

    "You''re easy to read, kid. Like a book."


    Onigi''s blade came down like a hammer.


    Dorion barely had time to react.


    He swung his scythe up, metal clashing against metal with a sharp clang.


    His arms trembled as Onigi pressed down, the weight behind the strike forcing him to grit his teeth.


    "You''re no warrior," Onigi sneered. "You''re only a child."


    Dorion''s grip tightened.


    He refused to flinch.


    "Old man, are you seriously going to kill a child?" he shot back, voice laced with mockery.


    Onigi chuckled, dark and amused.


    "Wouldn''t be the first."


    Dorion gulped.


    That wasn''t a bluff.


    A cold chill ran down his spine, and in a flash of panic, he swung wildly, knocking Onigi back.


    The man barely stumbled before flipping into a smooth retreat, landing light on his feet.


    Dorion sucked in a breath.


    His heart was pounding.


    His scythe pointed at Onigi as he barked:


    "Haven''t you seen the armies ahead of us?! We need our full strength to face him!"


    Onigi didn''t move.


    Didn''t blink.


    Then, he sighed.


    "Young man¡­" he muttered, voice almost disappointed. "Have you gone deaf?"


    Dorion''s frown deepened.


    Something in Onigi''s demeanor turned sharp, the casual playfulness draining from his face like ink washing off paper.


    Then, his eyes darkened.


    "Didn''t I tell you?"


    He lifted his katana. Icicles bloomed along the blade, glistening in the dim light, the air around them turning frigid.


    "It doesn''t matter what happens around me."


    He stepped forward.


    "I am taking your head¡ªno matter what."


    Dorion gritted his teeth as Onigi attacked again, meeting the old man blade in a shower of sparks.


    Alex watched the fight.


    Without another glance, he turned away, focusing back on the real threat¡ªthe Grim Lord and its army of monsters.


    Then, a notification flashed before his eyes.


    [All players now available for the final trial]


    [Final Trial Beginning.]


    RROOOOAARRR!


    A monstrous bellow shattered the air.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes blazed, golden light burning in its sockets. It threw both hands to the sky, and the effect was instant.


    A wave of power rippled through the battlefield.


    The creatures behind it howled and shrieked, their bodies thrumming with newfound energy.


    The very ground shuddered beneath their voices, a deep, unrelenting tremor that sent loose stones tumbling down the mountainside.


    Behind the Grim Lord were more monsters.


    Some looked just like it¡ªtowering, skeletal beasts with armor plating their bodies.


    But there were also twisted creatures, animal-like but wrong, their fur and flesh fused with gnarled branches and rotten bark.


    Their eyes glowed a sickly green, their breaths slow and heavy.


    Then there were the humanoid undeads, the players were used to, their faces frozen in grotesque grins just like the vendor.


    Then came the lava monsters.


    They lurched forward, their bodies a chaotic mess of molten rock, jagged stone, and flickering embers. Their limbs melted and reformed with every step, like they had no solid shape¡ªjust pure, burning destruction.


    They were hideous.


    A tangled mismatch of horrors, oozing heat so intense that the very ground beneath them sizzled and cracked.


    Enough to make any sane player hesitate.


    Freya muttered, her voice tight with fear.


    "Are we really going to face them all?"


    Alex stepped forward. Unbothered. Unshaken.


    "Yeah."


    He watched the monsters, eyes scanning their movements. Sizing them up. Calculating.


    What''s the best way to deal with them?


    Blow them up? sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Maybe.


    But something nagged at him.


    The Beast Lord had already seen his power back in the earlier trials. It wasn''t stupid. If it expected him to use explosions, then it would have something prepared.


    Still¡­ no harm in testing it.


    Alex raised his sword, the blade gleaming under the eerie glow of molten bodies.


    He tapped into [Exploding Touch].


    Then, with deliberate precision, he stacked explosion disks onto the blade¡ªone after another.


    Each one a promise of destruction.


    Then, with a flick of his fingers, Alex activated [Dismiss]


    The explosion disks vanished from his sword¡ªonly to reappear mid-air, streaking toward the monster army like silent, invisible bombs.


    But the Grim Lord reacted instantly.


    Its glowing eyes flashed, and both of its massive hands shot up.


    A barrier snapped into existence¡ªa shimmering, translucent wall of raw magic. The disks slammed into it¡­ and vanished.


    Blocked.


    Alex''s brows furrowed.


    That barrier...


    It felt familiar.


    Like the skill the Cockatrice King had used before¡ªa defense skill that rendered all mana-based attacks useless.


    From behind the barrier, the Grim Lord let out a low, rumbling laugh.


    "Puny human, your tricks will have no effect on me."


    Then it moved.


    With one fluid motion, the Grim Lord raised its colossal sword and swung.


    WHOOSH!


    The blade sliced through the air, a monstrous arc of force ripping toward Alex.


    Alex twisted his body just in time.


    The sword missed¡ªbarely¡ªbut the sheer force of it wasn''t just for show.


    BOOM!


    The ground where he''d stood exploded, chunks of rock and dirt launching into the air. The impact tore a deep scar into the battlefield, the edges still trembling from the blow.


    The shockwave rushed past Alex''s face, sending his shirt whipping behind him.


    A few feet away, Ezekiel''s breath hitched.


    He could feel it now¡ªthe sheer, overwhelming power they were up against.


    Freya took a sharp step to the side, eyes locked on the massive crater left by the Grim Lord''s attack.


    The sheer force of it¡­


    She gulped.


    If she wanted to survive this final battle, then one thing was clear¡ªgoing anywhere near that thing was a death wish.


    Meanwhile, Alex exhaled slowly.


    The lingering heat from the attack brushed against his face.


    That was close.


    If that sword had connected, there''d be no second chances.


    He''d be split clean in half.


    Even [Aegis Arcane] wouldn''t save him from that kind of raw power.


    But instead of fear¡­


    Alex grinned.


    The Grim Lord was strong.


    And with its barrier nullifying mana-based attacks, there was only one solution¡ªclose combat was inevitable.


    Alex raised a hand using [Multiplicity]


    Instantly, his copies materialized behind him, stretching their arms with cocky grins.


    Each of them was eager, ready.


    Then, Alex activated [Foresight].


    As soon as he did, the Grim Lord reacted.


    Its burning eyes narrowed as it saw multiple Alexes appear.


    Then, with a deep growl, it began to move.


    The massive chains wrapped around its arms dragged across the battlefield, sparking against the stone.


    Alex stepped forward.


    The Grim Lord''s steps grew faster.


    Alex matched its pace.


    The air between them thickened.


    The ground trembled.


    Then there was a pause.


    A single heartbeat stretched between them.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    They exploded into motion at the same time.


    Weapons raised.


    The force of their charge churned the air into a vortex of power.


    Then....


    CLANG!


    Their blades collided and the force of impact shook the entire battlefield.


    The final battle had begun.

 Chapter 161 - 161: Annoying Shield

    The Grim Lord swung its twin massive blades, the chains linking them rattling like thunder as it spun them with terrifying speed.


    Each strike ripped through the air, the sheer force tearing through the ground, carving deep trenches with every slash.


    The speed. The precision. The sheer power behind every swing¡ªit was enough to send most warriors into a panic.


    But Alex was unfazed.


    His agility stats were too high, and with [Foresight] activated, he saw the attacks coming before they even happened.


    He moved like a ghost.


    Weaving. Dodging. Slipping past every monstrous strike with inches to spare.


    Then there was an opening.


    One that only someone with Alex speed could take notice of.


    His eyes flashed.


    Now.


    With a swift counter, he angled his blade, [Shadow Fang], and deflected one of the Grim Lord''s swings.


    Sparks flew.


    The impact rattled his arm¡ªthe thing was absurdly strong¡ªbut he used the momentum to launch himself forward.


    His body blurred.


    [Blur] activated.


    He shot through the air like a missile, blade aimed straight at the beast''s glowing eyes.


    One clean strike.


    That''s all he needed.


    But then...


    CLANG!


    A barrier snapped into place, identical to the one that had blocked his explosions earlier.


    Alex''s blade slammed into the invisible forcefield, stopping dead.


    His pupils shrank.


    "Dammit!"


    He gritted his teeth and immediately kicked off the air, flipping backward.


    As he landed, he dismissed [Shadow Fang] and summoned [Murzok Fangblade].


    The twin dagger wasn''t ideal for defending the Grim Lord''s chain blade. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Grim Lord raised its massive blade, pointing it straight at Alex.


    "This is where you fall, Alex Hunt."


    Alex tilted his head, his expression unreadable.


    Then, with a smirk, he replied,


    "Oh? There is no advantage you have over me that would give you the imagery of your victory."


    The Grim Lord scowled.


    "If you have nothing useful to say, then keep quiet," Alex''s grin widened. "Silence is far scarier."


    The Grim Lord''s frown deepened.


    A low growl rumbled from its throat as its armies surged forward, a wave of monstrosities charging with bloodlust.


    Their numbers were overwhelming.


    Hundreds¡ªno, thousands.


    The ground shook beneath their thundering steps, their roars filling the battlefield like a storm about to break.


    From above, they must have looked like a swarm of death itself, rushing straight for the enemy.


    But Alex just grinned.


    Slowly, he curled his fingers.


    Click.


    He had planned for this.


    Earlier, when his explosion disks failed to reach the armies, he had summoned more and redirected them.


    Planting them on the battlefield ground¡ªwaiting.


    And now?


    The enemy was mindlessly stepping directly unto his trap as they frantically attacked.


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted.


    A chain reaction of explosions ripped through the battlefield, blasting massive craters into the earth.


    Flames erupted in a violent bloom, engulfing the undead army in waves of scorching fire.


    BOOM!


    Another detonation sent shockwaves rippling outward, shaking the very ground.


    BOOM!


    A third explosion roared to life, the force obliterating the weaker undead, scattering their remains into ashes.


    Then more exploded, turning the battlefield into an inferno.


    Smoke billowed, rising in dark plumes as charred remains crumbled to the ground.


    But even with the devastating power of the explosions, some undead still stood.


    Unshaken. Unbroken.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    More were still coming.


    Without hesitation, he snapped a command.


    Immediately, his clones burst forward, sprinting across the scorched earth with wild grins on their faces.


    Each clone wielded a different weapon¡ªmassive broadswords, twin daggers, spears, and a magic staff¡ªall drawn from Alex''s vast arsenal, thanks to his loot from the Cockatrice King''s cave.


    The Grim Lord, watching the destruction unfold, frowned.


    Its glowing eyes flickered with fury as it took in the scene¡ªits undead horde diminished, scattered, burning.


    Then, its expression twisted into rage.


    With a guttural snarl, it gritted its teeth and lunged forward.


    Runes flared to life along its massive arms, glowing an eerie red.


    Then...


    FWOOSH!


    Fire exploded from its hands.


    The flames crawled down its arms, surging toward the hilt of its enormous blade.


    The steel turned molten, glowing red-hot as the flames coiled around it like a living creature.


    The air around the weapon twisted and warped from the unbearable heat.


    Then it attacked.


    Alex''s eyes flashed with focus as he narrowly dodged the Grim Lord''s devastating strike.


    WHOOSH!


    The sheer force of the attack split the air, the speed even greater than before.


    Alex vanished in a blur, reappearing instantly beside the Grim Lord, his blade poised for a counterattack.


    There!


    With precise aim, he drove his sword toward the beast''s ribs¡ª


    CLANG!


    The blade slammed into an invisible wall.


    A magic barrier. Again.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    The way the barrier activated¡ªalmost instant, as if it was automatic.


    Before he could react further¡ª


    The Grim Lord swung a massive backhand, aiming to swat him like an insect.


    WHAM!


    But it only hit a blur¡ªan afterimage.


    Alex had already moved.


    In the next instant, his arm latched onto the Grim Lord''s massive limb, gripping it tightly.


    The beast growled in frustration, trying to shake him off, but Alex held on like unbreakable steel.


    Then...


    SHRRRK!


    The Grim Lord''s arm suddenly shifted.


    Dark vines shot out from its flesh, twisting like writhing snakes¡ª


    Each tipped with razor-sharp edges.


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    There was no choice but to let go.


    He kicked off, launching himself away just as the deadly tendrils lashed through the air where he had just been.


    SLASH!


    A massive blade came next, tearing downward.


    Alex twisted in midair, barely dodging.


    Before he could land, the Grim Lord charged again, its massive body closing the gap instantly.


    It wasn''t giving Alex any room.


    No space to breathe. No chance to counter.


    Alex''s heart pounded.


    Then..


    His mouth opened, and he screamed using [Sonic Howl]


    WHOOOOOM!


    A powerful shockwave erupted from his lungs, ripping through the air like an explosion.


    The attack hit the Grim Lod pushing it backward, but there was no damage.


    Once again, the magic barrier shimmered to life, blocking the force completely.


    Alex clicked his teeth in frustration.


    This confirmed it.


    The defense was automatic.


    No conscious activation, no delay¡ªjust an unbreakable shield that triggered the moment an attack made contact.


    Annoying.


    But Alex wasn''t done yet.


    He raised his hand, fingers poised to snap.


    A single movement and the explosion disks he had placed on the Grim Lord''s arm would detonate.


    That was the plan.


    Except...


    Nothing happened.


    Alex''s brows furrowed.


    He snapped again.


    Still nothing.


    His eyes flickered to the beast''s arm.


    The disks were gone.


    Vanished. Just like before.


    The Grim Lord let out a low, cracked laugh.


    "I told you earlier, human¡­Your puny tricks won''t work on me."

 Chapter 162 - 162: Clone Show

    Alex clenched his jaw.


    The Grim Lords defense was starting to piss him off.


    Before he could think of another plan¡ª


    CLANG!


    The Grim Lord drove both of its massive blades into the ground.


    A deep rumble followed.


    The battlefield shook.


    Then¡ªlava.


    It spread out like twisting vines, glowing veins of molten fire crawling across the ground.


    And from within the molten depths, figures began to rise.


    Undead knights.


    Their bodies were charred black, their armor searing hot, their weapons dripping with molten embers.


    One by one, they stepped forward, their empty eyes glowing with a burning rage.


    Alex''s expression darkened as he lowered his hand.


    He wasn''t worried about the undead knights.


    He was worried about the Grim Lord.


    As long as the monster remained standing, this battle would never end.


    But there was a problem.


    If he couldn''t land a hit, how was he supposed to win?


    Meanwhile


    BOOM!


    His clones had already engaged the army of undead monsters.


    Swords clashed.


    Explosions erupted.


    Creatures shrieked as they were cut down.


    Away from the original Alex and the final boss, his clones fought like a team of seasoned adventurers, each wielding weapons from his personal arsenal.


    Since [Multiplicity] couldn''t duplicate weapons, they each geared up with the real ones stored in Alex''s inventory.


    One clone stood tall, clad in [Spectral Warden Armor], the high-end armor Alex had specifically purchased to fight the Cockatrice King.


    It wielded a massive axe, one it had ripped from the hands of a giant undead.


    BOOM!


    The clone charged forward, meeting the horde head-on like an unstoppable juggernaut.


    Axe swinging.


    Feet stomping.


    With each brutal strike, monsters were split in half, their bones scattering across the battlefield.


    Another clone, armed with [Eclipse Edge]¡ªAlex''s very first weapon¡ªmoved like a storm through the undead.


    SLASH!


    The sword tore through rotting flesh and brittle bones in elegant, sweeping motions.


    Three undead creatures lunged at it from different directions.


    But the clone didn''t panic.


    It activated [Petrify].


    A dull glow pulsed from its eyes.


    CRACK!


    The three monsters froze mid-motion, their bodies stiff as stone.


    Then...


    SHING!


    A single, precise swing split them clean in half.


    Meanwhile, a third clone used [Stealth Walk], its form blurring into the darkness.


    Equipped with [Shadow Fangs], it silently maneuvered through the battlefield, targeting the undead that hadn''t even noticed its presence.


    Then, like a phantom, it struck.


    A blur of flashing blades.


    An explosion of severed limbs.


    By the time the monsters realized what had happened, it was already too late¡ªtheir bodies crumbling to the ground.


    The fourth clone, wearing [Fury Gauntlets], rings that boosted strength, faced down a lava-coated undead.


    The fiery creature raised a molten hand, hurling a wave of scorching lava straight at it.


    But the clone was faster.


    WHOOSH!


    It sidestepped in an instant, appearing at the monster''s side.


    Then...


    BAM!


    A powerful punch collided with the undead''s ribs.


    The force was devastating.


    The monster was blasted off its feet, slamming into a pile of its own allies.


    But the clone wasn''t finished.


    It turned its sights to an Undead Titan towering over the battlefield.


    The colossal creature swung a massive fist, trying to swat the clone away.


    But before the blow could land the clone leaped into the air.


    Fists clenched.


    A trail of wind followed its movement.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A single, earth-shattering punch tore the titan''s head from its shoulders.


    The gigantic body lurched, then collapsed with a thunderous crash, flattening the smaller undead beneath it.


    Dust and debris filled the battlefield.


    The last clone stood behind the others, gripping a staff with both hands.


    It wasn''t just any staff.


    This was the [Staff of Power], a relic Alex had looted from the Cockatrice Cave.


    A weapon that boosted magic by 30%.


    Its purpose in battle? Pure destruction.


    With a steady stance, the clone raised the staff high, raw energy channeling into his body


    FWOOOSH!


    A wave of black flames erupted from Alex''s hands, sweeping across the battlefield and engulfing the undead in dark, searing fire.


    The creatures shrieked and writhed, their bodies turning to ash as the flames devoured them whole.


    Some monsters, unfazed by fire, tried to break through the defenses, charging straight for the mage clone.


    But it was ready.


    The clone opened its mouth and used [Sonic Howl]


    A deafening shockwave blasted from its lungs, hitting the incoming undead with brutal force.


    CRACK!


    Bones snapped.


    The sheer impact sent them flying backward, crashing into their allies.


    Still despite the sheer power of Alex''s clones¡­


    They weren''t enough to stop the entire horde.


    Some undead slipped past, heading toward the other players.


    Freya stood frozen, her jaw slackened in shock.


    The battle before her was beyond anything she had ever witnessed.


    Especially the fight between Alex and the Grim Lord.


    Every undead that dared approach him was obliterated instantly.


    The sheer intensity of his movements, the precision of his strikes, and the unstoppable power behind his attacks sent chills down her spine.


    But what truly shook her: were his clones.


    Though they were vastly outnumbered, they were holding their ground.


    Dominating.


    Each one fought with a different weapon, a different style.


    How many weapons did Alex even have?! How many skills did he possess?!


    Freya''s hands tightened around her own weapon.


    But no matter how hard they fought¡ªthey couldn''t stop them all.


    Some of the undead slipped past the clones, their rotting forms moving with terrifying speed.


    And they were coming straight for her.


    Freya''s breath hitched. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her fingers tightened around her weapon, but her palms were slick with sweat.


    No matter how many battles she had fought, facing monsters like these was always terrifying.


    Their feral eyes glowed with hunger, twisted grins stretching across their grotesque faces.


    Their jagged claws clicked against the ground as they advanced.


    Her heart pounded.


    She hated this.


    Her mind screamed at her to run but she wasn''t going to.


    She wondered if she would have even made it this far without Alex.


    And the answer was a resounding No.


    She would have died in the first trial of Baranaga if not for his intervention.


    And now, he was up there, fighting the Grim Lord alone.


    She was going to fight too. Even if it was her last.


    A sudden presence then appeared beside her, snapping her out of her spiral.


    Freya turned her head.


    Ezekiel.


    He stood rigid, gripping his weapon tight.


    His sharp eyes were locked onto the incoming undead.


    His expression was serious, unreadable.


    Neither of them spoke.


    They didn''t need to.


    It didn''t matter what they thought of each other.


    Right now, they had a common enemy.


    And their lives were on the line.

 Chapter 163 - 163: Tag Team

    The undead rushed toward them, their movements frantic, their growls feral.


    GRR¡­ GRR¡­


    The sound of bones rattling and flesh squelching filled the air as they closed in.


    Ezekiel exhaled, gripping his greatsword tighter. Freya did the same.


    There was no time for hesitation.


    They had to hold the line.


    As the horde reached them, Ezekiel muttered under his breath:


    "Don''t die."


    Freya''s grip on her blades tightened. Her gaze was sharp, unwavering.


    "I won''t."


    And then...


    The undead were right on top of them.


    Ezekiel moved first.


    He stepped forward, planting his feet firmly into the ground.


    With a powerful swing, his greatsword carved through the air and smashed into a charging skeleton.


    CRACK!


    Bones splintered and shattered, the undead collapsing into a pile of dust.


    Without missing a beat, he charged forward, shield raised, and slammed into the next wave of enemies.


    The force sent several undead stumbling backward, their snarls turning into pained hisses.


    Freya inhaled sharply, then leaped back, creating space.


    Inhale. Exhale.


    Her body tensed.


    Then¡ªshe lunged.


    Moving like a streak of silver, she weaved through the gaps Ezekiel had created.


    Her blades flashed.


    SHING! SHING!


    Like hot knives through butter, they tore through undead skeletons and beasts alike.


    One creature lunged at her¡ªshe ducked.


    Another came from behind¡ªshe twisted, spinning her blades outward, slicing through its neck.


    Each strike was precise.


    Each movement was flawless.


    Ezekiel powered forward, his greatsword a blur as he swung, hacked, and sliced through the horde.


    Freya stayed close behind him, her movements swift and precise. Each time an undead tried to swarm Ezekiel from behind¡ªshe was there, cutting them down.


    Together, they carved a path of destruction through the monsters.


    Then¡ªthe last of the undead fell.


    For a fleeting moment, they paused, sucking in sharp breaths.


    But their respite didn''t last long.


    A new wave of undead monsters surged forward, their sheer numbers doubling, tripling.


    Across the battlefield, Alex and his clones were pushed to their limits, their relentless fight leaving gaps in the defense.


    More undead slipped through.


    The battleground was too vast, too chaotic.


    The clones couldn''t cover everything.


    And now, Ezekiel and Freya were facing another onslaught.


    Without hesitation, they readied themselves again.


    Ezekiel roared, throwing himself forward.


    His greatsword tore through the first skeleton in his path, shattering it into dust.


    He barreled ahead, plowing through the horde with sheer force, his shield smashing into anything that stood in his way.


    Freya moved behind him, using him as a shield.


    She didn''t have Ezekiel''s raw strength or unyielding defense.


    Instead, she darted in and out of openings, picking off zombies with deadly precision.


    A slash¡ªone fell.


    A spin¡ªanother collapsed.


    Her movements were quick, clean, and efficient.


    But then..


    A low, guttural growl made her stiffen.


    She turned and saw pack of undead wolves was charging straight for her.


    Their eyes glowed with eerie hunger, their decayed bodies twisted and unnatural.


    Freya''s heart pounded.


    They were fast.


    And they were coming right for her.


    One of the undead wolves lunged, its jaws wide open, yellowed fangs bared¡ªready to tear into Freya.


    But before it could land¡ªshe vanished.


    Like a ghost.


    The wolf landed on empty air, its rotten paws skidding across the dirt.


    The rest of the pack snapped their heads around, searching.


    Their ears twitched. Their noses flared. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nothing.


    Freya was in stealth mode.


    Then...


    SHING!


    A sickening slash tore through one of the wolves.


    The beast shuddered, its body splitting apart before it even realized what happened.


    The others froze, their glowing eyes flickering with confusion.


    Then another fell.


    And another.


    They couldn''t see her.


    Couldn''t hear her.


    Couldn''t sense her.


    Freya was everywhere.


    Her movements were a blur, a shadow, a whisper of death.


    With crazy speed, she sliced through the undead beasts and skeletons one by one, her blade striking like lightning¡ªsilent, swift, and merciless.


    Ahead of her, Ezekiel rampaged.


    With Freya holding her own behind him, he let loose.


    His greatsword cleaved through the undead like they were made of paper.


    Swing. One fell.


    Hack. Another crumbled.


    Crush. Bones shattered beneath his boots.


    His attacks were relentless¡ªbut so were the undead.


    The monsters swarmed, their sheer numbers threatening to bury him alive.


    But Ezekiel refused to back down.


    Instead, he threw his head back and roared.


    A deafening, earth-shaking roar.


    A shockwave rippled outward, blasting the undead back like ragdolls.


    The horde staggered, stunned for just a moment.


    That was all he needed.


    With a ferocious battle cry, Ezekiel raised his sword high¡ªand swung with all his might.


    One.


    Two.


    Three devastating slashes.


    And the last skeleton crumbled to dust.


    Again, the two barely had a moment to breathe.


    Before them¡ªmore undead.


    A swarm of skeletal warriors clattered forward, weapons raised¡ªbut the real problem loomed behind them.


    A lava giant.


    Its massive, molten body cracked and sizzled, glowing veins of fire running through its rocky form. Every step it took sent tremors through the battlefield, the ground beneath it melting into liquid stone.


    Ezekiel''s brows furrowed.


    Skeletons? Easy.


    But a lava giant? That was trouble.


    Still, he planted his feet, gripping his greatsword tighter.


    Then...


    Freya sprinted past him.


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened.


    "What the...?"


    Before he could even ask, she shouted over her shoulder:


    "Follow me!"


    Ezekiel hesitated.


    But only for a second.


    Freya wasn''t reckless. She wasn''t the type to charge in without a plan.


    Trusting her, he rushed after her.


    Freya reached the skeletons first.


    They reacted instantly, their crude blades slashing toward her.


    But she was faster.


    She twisted, ducked, and spun, weaving through their attacks like a ghost slipping through the cracks of reality.


    And as she passed them¡ª


    She slapped her palm against their skulls.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    Each touch was deliberate.


    Each movement¡ªprecise.


    All of a sudden the undead stopped moving.


    Every skeletal warrior stood frozen in place, their weapons raised mid-strike, but completely motionless.


    Ezekiel''s eyes widened.


    Then it hit him¡ª


    Freya''s ability.


    She must''ve used a skill that froze whatever she touched.


    Realizing the effect wouldn''t last long, he reacted instantly.


    With a fierce battle cry, Ezekiel swung his greatsword, cleaving through the immobilized skeletons as he sprinted after Freya.


    Freya charged ahead, weaving through the battlefield.


    But Ezekiel''s focus shifted as he saw the mouth of the lava giant gurgled.


    A deep, bubbling sound echoed from its molten throat¡ªa warning.


    Ezekiel''s instincts screamed at him that it was about to attack.


    Freya was right in its path.


    And she realized too late.


    The lava giant lurched forward, its massive mouth opening as a fiery glow surged within.


    Then a torrent of lava erupted.


    Freya skidded to a halt, eyes wide.

 Chapter 164 - 164: Escape=Death

    There was no time to dodge.


    But Ezekiel reached her first.


    With a powerful lunge, he grabbed her shoulder, yanking her behind him.


    And in the same motion, he raised his shield.


    A magic barrier flickered to life, shimmering in front of them.


    The lava crashed against it¡ªa flood of molten rock, hissing and burning against the shield''s surface.


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, his muscles tensed as he held firm against the impact.


    The force was immense.


    The lava spray ceased, the last embers hissing into the ground.


    Freya didn''t hesitate.


    She dashed forward, her body a blur as she closed the distance between her and the lava giant.


    Then, she dove.


    Her momentum sent her sliding beneath the towering undead, barely avoiding the molten drips that fell from its hulking form.


    As she passed under, she thrust out both palms.


    Slap!


    Her hands connected with the giant''s bony legs.


    Immediately, her ability activated.


    The giant''s body was locked in place, unable to move.


    But...


    "Hot!"


    Freya winced, yanking her hands away. Even though she had only touched it for a second, she got burnt. It was like its bones were burning, like touching a stove right after it''s been taken off the fire.


    Her hands stung, but she gritted her teeth.


    The mission was done.


    Ezekiel saw his opening.


    He lunged forward, his greatsword raised high.


    With a powerful swing.


    SHRAAK!


    The blade carved through the lava giant, slicing it clean in half.


    For a moment, time seemed to pause.


    Then...


    Its massive body collapsed.


    Molten lava spilled from its core, hissing as it splattered onto the ground.


    The glow in its burning eye sockets faded.


    The undead titan was dead.


    Catching Their Breath


    Ezekiel landed with a heavy thud, his body tense with exhaustion.


    He planted his sword into the ground, leaning on it, breathing heavily.


    Freya approached, rubbing her palms, trying to shake off the sting.


    She glanced at him, then gave a small nod of approval.


    "Good job."


    A simple compliment.


    But after that fight, it meant everything.


    Ezekiel''s grip tightened on his sword, his expression tense.


    "Don''t relax yet. More are coming."


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    She turned her head and froze.


    A new wave of undead surged forward, their bodies crawling, limping, and sprinting toward them like a swarm of insects drawn to blood.


    Her frown deepened.


    They were endless.


    Relentless.


    Each time they cut one down, more took its place.


    Like flies, they kept spawning.


    And their numbers?


    Way more than Alex''s clones could hold back.


    Ezekiel let out a frustrated sigh. His gaze flickered toward Dorion and Onigi, still locked in battle.


    The two warriors fought like they were in their own world, oblivious to the chaos raging around them.


    Ezekiel''s teeth clenched.


    "If those two would just work together instead of trying to kill each other, things would be way easier."


    But he knew better.


    There was nothing they could do about it.


    Onigi''s rage was all-consuming. His thirst for revenge was absolute, and from the way they fought, it was clear¡ª


    Either he or Dorion would leave the fight battlefield alive.


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply.


    As much as he wanted to ignore it, he couldn''t.


    And whether he liked it or not, it concerned him too.


    Because he knew exactly where the Nightmare Points he''d received from Dorion came from.


    He watched it happen yet he couldn''t bring himself to do anything.


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply, forcing himself to push aside his frustration.


    No time to dwell on what-ifs.


    He turned back and saw more monsters were closing in.


    Freya stepped forward, moving beside him.


    For a brief second, neither of them spoke.


    Then, as if reaching a silent agreement¡ª


    They stood their ground once more, weapons raised, ready to meet the next wave of undead.


    It was only going to get tougher from here.


    *


    "Seriously?!"


    Dorion gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse as he clutched his throat.


    Warm blood oozed between his fingers.


    Another cut. Another wound was left by Onigi''s blade.


    His vision wavered as he staggered back, feeling the hot liquid pour down his chest.


    No matter how hard he pressed his hand against the wound¡ª


    The blood wouldn''t stop.


    "Damn it." He cursed under his breath.


    [12 Immortal Body] was running out.


    He had been trying to hold back.


    Trying not to use it. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now, he had no choice.


    The taste of iron filled his mouth as blood seeped past his lips.


    His breath hitched.


    His chest tightened.


    His vision blurred.


    And his consciousness began to fade.


    Then he heard footsteps.


    Slow. Heavy. Unyielding.


    Each step crunched against the frozen ground, echoing through the dead silence.


    Dorion''s heart pounded. A slow, dreadful rhythm hammering in his ears.


    He turned and there he was.


    Onigi.


    Advancing without hesitation, his expression as cold as the ice forming beneath his boots.


    Every step left behind a trail of frost, the very ground freezing solid in his wake.


    The air crackled, charged with something unnatural.


    Something deadly.


    Dorion''s breath hitched.


    A shiver crawled up his spine, sinking into his very bones.


    His teeth clenched in frustration.


    He didn''t want this.


    But, there was no other choice.


    With a grimace, he activated [12 Immortal Body].


    A searing pain shot through his veins as his wounds knitted back together.


    The gaping slit across his throat was sealed shut.


    The blood vanished.


    His body was whole again.


    But the price¡ª


    Another life lost.


    Dorion exhaled shakily, watching the reality of it sink in.


    He was running out.


    And this time, it was serious.


    How did it come to this?


    How did he end up facing a monster like this alone?


    His fingers tightened around his scythe, the cold metal biting into his palm.


    He forced himself upright, legs trembling beneath him.


    Not from fear, but from the cold.


    The kind that seeped into his bones, his lungs.


    Like death itself.


    His breath came in shaky, white puffs, dissolving into the frozen air.


    His instincts screamed at him:


    Run.


    Flee.


    Give up.


    And then...


    SHING.


    A flash of silver.


    The old man raised his sword.


    And instantly the temperature plunged.


    A wave of suffocating cold wrapped around Dorion''s lungs, squeezing the breath from him.


    The ground beneath him creaked and split, frost spreading like veins across its surface.


    Dorion staggered back, his chest tightening, his fingers stiff from the biting chill.


    His pulse thundered in his ears.


    He was trapped.


    And the only way out...


    Was death.

 Chapter 165 - 165: Dorion Dead?

    The two locked eyes.


    Dorion trembled, his breath uneven.


    Onigi, in contrast, stood calm and composed, his expression unreadable.


    Then¡ª


    He tilted his head slightly.


    A silent observation.


    If Dorion was this shaken¡­ then the skill that allowed him to regenerate must be running out.


    A realization settled in Onigi''s gaze.


    Dorion gulped.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    Onigi vanished.


    Dorion barely had time to react before the old man was upon him, his katana slicing down in a deadly arc.


    Too fast!


    Dorion''s body moved on instinct, and then...


    CLANG!


    A sharp, metallic sound rang out¡ªlike a sword striking solid rock.


    Onigi''s hand throbbed from the impact.


    His eyes narrowed.


    What the?


    His blade hadn''t hit metal.


    It had hit Dorion''s blood.


    Dorion had hardened it, forming an armor around the spot where the blade had struck.


    Onigi took a step back, stunned.


    Then, a slow smirk formed on his lips.


    "Oh¡­" He muttered, tilting his katana.


    "You still have more tricks."


    Dorion lunged forward, his scythe swinging down in a deadly arc, aiming to cleave Onigi in half.


    But, the old man lunged backward, avoiding the attack with swift precision.


    Dorion didn''t let up.


    His eyes were filled with desperation.


    He couldn''t die. Not this time.


    Gritting his teeth, he swung down again.


    But Onigi had already darted back, causing the strike to miss.


    Then, the scythe shifted.


    Before Onigi''s eyes, its form morphed, stretching and twisting into a long spear.


    And it shot forward.


    The spear''s blade elongated, stabbing straight for Onigi''s chest.


    His eyes widened in disbelief.


    This kid¡­


    Even with that look of fear and desperation, he was still dangerous.


    But, Onigi''s instincts were sharper than steel.


    At the last second, he twisted sideways.


    The spear missed, slamming into the ground with a sharp CRACK.


    But Dorion wasn''t done.


    With a flick of his wrist, he whipped the spear sideways, its blade slicing toward Onigi once more.


    The old man''s katana flashed.


    CLANG!


    He parried the attack with expert precision.


    Then he countered.


    A precise, forceful strike that sent Dorion staggering backward.


    Dorion''s arms blurred as he spun his weapon, blocking each strike in a frantic attempt to keep up.


    But Onigi was relentless.


    The old man''s attacks came at him faster and sharper, like a raging storm.


    Every time Dorion tried to counter, Onigi would sidestep, duck, or weave, evading the attacks as if he could read Dorion''s movements like an open book.


    Then, Onigi smirked.


    "You''re getting desperate."


    Dorion''s anger flared.


    "Shut up!" he roared, stepping forward to attack¡ª


    But, his foot slipped.


    The ground was slick.


    His balance wavered.


    "Eh?"


    Dorion''s eyes widened in confusion as his body tilted forward.


    Then he fell.


    His mind raced.


    What just happened?!


    That''s when he noticed it.


    The ground around them had turned to ice.


    Onigi had frozen it.


    Dorion had been so focused on defending that he hadn''t even realized the battlefield had changed.


    Then a sharp chill filled the air.


    Dorion looked up, and saw Onigi''s sword flash.


    With a single swing, a wave of icy slashes exploded forward, racing toward him.


    Dorion''s eyes widened in panic.


    Dorion''s heart pounded. He had seconds to react.


    With a flick of his wrist, his weapon shifted¡ªthe spear retracting, reshaping into a scythe.


    More coverage. More defense.


    But...


    SLICE!


    SLICE!


    SLICE!


    "AAARGH!"


    Blood splattered into the air.


    Dorion''s scythe had deflected some attacks¡ªbut not all.


    Pain exploded across his body.


    Deep gashes tore through his skin.


    A searing cut split his cheek.


    Another slashed across his arm and leg.


    And, one of his ears:


    Gone.


    Dorion''s body trembled as he stumbled backward, rolling across the icy ground.


    Everything hurt.


    Every breath burned.


    He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to rise.


    The fight wasn''t over¡ªOnigi was still coming.


    But, his legs wobbled.


    His body refused to move properly.


    And Onigi?


    The old man didn''t hesitate.


    He blitzed forward like a blur¡ªhis sword raised, ready to finish it.


    Dorion was out of time.


    Dorion''s heart pounded.


    In a pure panic, he threw up his arm to block with his scythe.


    But...


    SHING!


    Onigi''s blade was too fast.


    SLICK!


    A flash of silver¡ªthen pain.


    Dorion''s arm was gone.


    "AAARGH!"


    A scream tore from his throat as he staggered backward, his severed limb falling to the icy ground¡ªhis weapon slipping from his grasp.


    Blood poured from the wound, spilling down his side.


    His vision blurred.


    His balance wavered.


    He tried to retreat¡ªstep back, run, anything¡ª


    But...


    STOMP.


    Onigi slammed his foot down, sending a wave of ice rushing forward.


    The frost coiled around Dorion''s feet in an instant¡ªfreezing him in place.


    Dorion gasped.


    His legs refused to move.


    His entire body ached.


    And Onigi?


    He was still coming.


    His cold, deadly gaze locked onto Dorion as he closed the distance, sword in hand.


    Dorion''s breath hitched.


    This is bad. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His mind raced, scrambling for a way out¡ªanything.


    But, there was nothing.


    He was trapped.


    Dorion''s eyes widened in terror.


    His breath came in shaky gasps as he raised a trembling hand.


    "W-Wait¡­!"


    A desperate plea.


    A last-ditch effort.


    But...


    SHING!


    Onigi''s katana flashed.


    One clean, merciless stroke.


    SLIT.


    Dorion''s head separated from his body.


    A torrent of blood sprayed into the air, painting the frozen ground crimson.


    His head spun before hitting the earth with a sickening thud.


    A second later, his body collapsed.


    Motionless. Lifeless.


    Silence settled.


    Onigi exhaled, icy fumes escaping his lips.


    He stood still, eyes locked on Dorion''s fallen form.


    Waiting.


    Did that do it?


    He couldn''t be sure.


    He had no idea how many times this kid could come back to life.


    But judging by Dorion''s panic-stricken face in his final moments¡­


    This had to be the last one.


    Still, he needed to be absolutely certain.


    Onigi didn''t lower his blade.


    He waited. Watching. Listening.


    Dorion''s regeneration was always instant.


    The moment he took fatal damage, his body stitched itself back together like it was second nature.


    And each time, he struck back immediately.


    It had caught Onigi off guard more than once.


    So this time, he stayed extra cautious.


    But¡­


    Nothing happened.


    No glow. No healing.


    Dorion''s body remained still.


    No sign of his usual automatic rebirth.


    Onigi''s frown deepened.


    "Is he¡­ really dead?"


    He didn''t trust what he was seeing.


    He had to be sure.


    Gripping his katana, Onigi stepped toward Dorion''s corpse, preparing to hack it to pieces.


    But then¡ª


    THUD


    THUD


    THUD.


    The ground shook.


    A massive shadow loomed over him.


    Onigi turned, his instincts flaring.


    A towering undead giant built like a fortress of muscle and bone was charging straight at him.


    Too fast.


    Too close.


    "Tch¡ª!"


    He barely had time to react¡ª


    BOOM!


    The undead behemoth slammed into him.


    The impact was like getting hit by a runaway train.

 Chapter 166 - 166: Never Killed

    Onigi was launched off his feet, gritting his teeth as his body tumbled through the air.


    But before he could fully crash, he lunged forward, twisting midair at the last second.


    His boots skidded across the frozen ground, absorbing most of the impact.


    He slid back a few meters before coming to a halt, one knee bent, hand pressing into the ice to steady himself.


    He exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the frigid air.


    That was close.


    Lifting his head, he finally took a proper look at his attacker.


    A massive, skeletal undead, its hollow eyes burning with eerie light.


    Onigi''s frown deepened.


    He had been so focused on fighting Dorion that he hadn''t realized what was happening around him.


    His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield.


    Alex and his clone were still locked in combat with the Grim.


    Freya and Ezekiel fought alongside them, their weapons flashing as they struck down lesser undead.


    The battle was raging on.


    His chest heaved, his body shaking from exhaustion.


    Their fight had drained him.


    The undead were charging toward him, their rotting forms sprinting across the icy battlefield.


    Onigi glanced at them, but he wasn''t worried.


    He still had enough strength to deal with the lesser undead.


    The Grimlord, however¡­


    His gaze flicked back to Dorion, eyes narrowing.


    Dorion''s severed head lay still on the ground. His body remained motionless, lifeless.


    The undead ignored him completely.


    That meant only one thing:


    He was truly dead.


    Onigi let out a slow, relieved exhale, his breath visible in the cold air.


    It''s over.


    He had won. He had gotten his revenge.


    But there was no time to celebrate.


    The battle wasn''t finished.


    He gripped his katana tightly, feeling the strain in his tired muscles.


    With what little mana he had left, he channeled it into his body, reinforcing his movements. His limbs felt heavier than before, exhaustion creeping in, but he forced himself to move.


    His sharp eyes locked onto the undead beast barreling toward him.


    With a thunderous roar, it swung its massive arm down, aiming to crush him.


    Onigi dodged in a blur, sliding to the side with practiced ease.


    Then...


    SHING!


    His blade sliced clean through the monster, parting flesh and bone like butter.


    The beast didn''t even have time to react¡ªits body fell apart, collapsing in a heap.


    But more monsters emerged, their grotesque forms closing in on him.


    Onigi remained calm.


    Unlike his fight with Dorion, where he had pushed himself to his absolute limit, this time, he conserved his energy.


    His movements were sharp and efficient.


    Minimal steps. Precise slashes.


    Each swing of his blade cut down an enemy in a single stroke. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He moved like a seasoned warrior, his every motion flowing like poetry¡ªlethal, yet beautiful.


    In a matter of moments, the battlefield was littered with corpses.


    Only one enemy remained.


    A lava giant.


    Its molten body crackled with heat, glowing like a living furnace.


    Onigi steadied his breath, raising his blade once more.


    He sidestepped the stream of molten lava the giant unleashed, the scorching heat singeing the air around him.


    With a swift motion, he swung his katana, slicing through the lava giant''s bony limb.


    CRACK!


    The severed limb crashed to the ground, molten rock splattering in all directions.


    But the monster wasn''t finished.


    Its mouth bubbled, flames surging from within its throat, building up for a devastating attack.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed.


    I have to end this now.


    He dashed forward, his blade poised to strike.


    With a single, powerful swing¡ª


    SHING!


    His sword cut through the beast.


    But, something was wrong.


    Onigi''s instincts screamed.


    A presence¡ªdangerous, familiar¡ªright behind him.


    And before he could react...


    SHNK!


    A curved blade burst through his chest, piercing straight through his body.


    Cough¡ª!


    Onigi''s breath hitched. Blood spilled from his mouth.


    His vision blurred, his body paralyzed in shock.


    Slowly, painfully, he turned his head.


    Dorion.


    Alive. Smirking. Eyes filled with malice.


    The young warrior grinned wickedly, his scythe still impaled through Onigi.


    Blood dripped from the blade.


    Dorion lifted Onigi off the ground, his grip unrelenting.


    The old man winced, feeling his strength fading.


    He had been so sure Dorion was dead.


    But he had been wrong.


    Dorion tilted his head, a smug smirk curling on his bloodstained lips.


    "I don''t think you''re dumb enough not to realize," he said, voice dripping with mockery.


    Onigi gritted his teeth, struggling to breathe as blood trickled from his mouth.


    Dorion leaned in slightly, his voice lowering into a chilling whisper.


    "Or don''t tell me¡­ you''ve never killed here before?"


    Onigi''s eyes widened slightly.


    Dorion chuckled darkly.


    "That''s it, isn''t it? You didn''t know¡­ because you''ve never done it."


    The old man remained silent, his body trembling from pain and realization.


    Dorion''s smirk deepened.


    "Whenever you kill someone, you get a notification. Didn''t see one, did you?"


    Onigi frowned, his mind racing.


    A notification?


    He was supposed to see a notification. He never knew that.


    Onigi sighed in deafed.


    He had never killed anyone in the Nightmare.


    Not even in the Tutorial.


    He had always avoided unnecessary bloodshed, preferring to hunt monsters instead of taking another person''s life.


    Whenever there was conflict, he left it to Kato.


    But this time was different.


    His daughter had been killed.


    Murdered.


    For Nightmare Points.


    And he had snapped.


    For the first time, he had wanted revenge¡ªnot just any revenge, but death.


    Dorion''s death.


    And yet¡­ he had failed.


    Because he misunderstood.


    Because he had been careless.


    Because he had underestimated the boy''s ability.


    He thought Dorion''s regeneration was automatic.


    But now he realized¡ªDorion could control the timing.


    Onigi let out a weak, bitter laugh, despite the agony searing through his body.


    What a broken ability.


    Dorion''s eyes narrowed as he noticed the grin spreading across Onigi''s bloodied face.


    His frown deepened.


    Why the hell was this old man grinning?


    Inside, Dorion was boiling with rage.


    His body tensed, and his fingers tightened around the bloodstained scythe.


    Then, he opened his system window¡ªand his heart sank.


    [12 Immortal Body]¡ªgone.


    Not on cooldown.


    Not disabled.


    Completely erased.


    His breath hitched.


    That was his last revival¡ªhis ultimate trump card.


    The skill granted by the Blood Monarch himself meant to make him unstoppable.


    A warrior who could never truly die.


    And he had burned through all of it in a single fight.


    His teeth clenched hard.


    "Damn it!"


    Dorion could hardly believe it. He had wasted his most powerful ability¡ªone that should have made him invincible.


    And the worst part?


    It was all thanks to this old man.


    Just thinking about Onigi made his blood boil.


    He had planned to be the unkillable nightmare, the enemy who always came back, but now¡ª


    Now, if he died...


    He would die for good.


    Dorion exhaled sharply, forcing himself to push the frustration down.


    Then...


    THUD


    THUD


    THUD


    Heavy footsteps echoed through the battlefield.


    Dorion''s gaze snapped to the side¡ªmore undead were approaching.


    He stiffened.


    He wasn''t at full strength, and his chances of survival had just plummeted.


    "Damn it."


    Frustration burned inside him as he jerked his scythe free, sending Onigi flying off the blade.


    THUD!


    The old man groaned in pain, tumbling across the ground before slamming into a wall with a sickening crunch.


    Dorion didn''t waste another second.


    He whirled around¡ªhis eyes locked onto the horde of undead advancing toward him.


    His grip on the scythe tightened.


    He had already lost his strongest skill¡ªthe one thing that made him unstoppable.


    His frustration boiled over, his teeth gritting hard as he cursed under his breath.


    Damn it!


    With a fierce roar, Dorion lunged forward, scythe raised high, charging straight at the undead horde.


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    Freya and Ezekiel were locked in battle, their movements a blur as they cut down the undead one after another.


    But no matter how many they killed, more kept coming.


    The battlefield was becoming a nightmare.


    And there was no end in sight.


    Ezekiel swung his blade, cleaving through the wave of undead skeletons swarming in front of him.


    CRACK!


    He bashed another with his shield, shattering its ribcage into a spray of brittle bone.


    But in the heat of battle, he missed one.


    WHAM!


    A skeleton on his blind side swung a massive hammer¡ªslamming it into his side with bone-crushing force.


    Ezekiel was launched off his feet¡ªhis body hurtling through the air before crashing hard onto the ground.


    THUD!


    Pain exploded through his body. Blood dripped from his lips. His muscles throbbed in agony.


    More undead were closing in.


    He had to move. Now.


    But his body wouldn''t respond.


    Freya saw it happen.


    Her eyes flashed cold.


    She instantly activated Ghost Mode¡ªher form flickering like a phantom as she vanished from sight and reappeared mid-dash.


    SLASH!


    She cut down two skeletons without breaking stride, their bodies collapsing into dust behind her.


    She reached the attacker in an instant.


    SHINK!


    Her blade pierced its skull, the undead jerking before going limp.


    But then...


    A massive shadow loomed over her.


    Freya''s eyes snapped upward.


    Above her, a giant undead had raised a colossal hammer, ready to bring it crashing down on her.


    She had no time to dodge.


    WHOOSH!


    SLICE!

 Chapter 167 - 167: Undead Players

    Freya had no time to dodge.


    Her heart pounded as the massive hammer came crashing down toward her.


    WHOOSH!


    SLICE!


    A circular blade-like object suddenly whizzed through the air, slicing clean through the undead''s thick, rotting neck.


    SHNK!


    The head separated from its body, flipping once before crashing to the ground.


    THUD!


    The giant''s lifeless corpse toppled over, the hammer slamming into the dirt with a heavy clang.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    She immediately whipped her head around, searching for the source of the attack.


    Then¡ªshe saw it.


    The spinning blade boomeranged back, arcing through the air before landing perfectly in the hand of its thrower.


    It was one of Alex''s clones.


    But as Freya''s eyes locked onto the weapon, she realized something.


    That wasn''t a blade at all.


    It was¡­ a hat.


    The same hat he always wore.


    The clone casually flipped it in his hand, then placed it back onto his head as if nothing had happened.


    The sharp gleam that once flashed across its surface was now completely gone.


    As if it had never been a weapon at all.


    Behind Alex, more undead shrieked and charged, their decayed limbs clawing forward with terrifying speed.


    But...


    SNAP!


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted behind him, sending chunks of dirt and shattered bones flying through the air. The blast tore through the undead, silencing their roars in an instant.


    Ezekiel, watching from a distance, clicked his teeth.


    "Tch. Showoff."


    Unfazed, he jogged up to Freya, raising a casual hand.


    "Yo... Here to help."


    But Freya barely noticed him.


    Her gaze was locked onto Alex¡ªor rather, his clone.


    Her expression was frozen in stunned disbelief.


    It looked exactly like the real Alex.


    Same stance.Same sharp eyes.Same confident smirk.


    If she hadn''t seen him use [Multiplicity] to create five clones, she would''ve sworn this was the real one.


    What a powerful skill!


    She muttered inwardly, but then¡ª


    A deep, guttural groan echoed behind them.


    Freya, Ezekiel, and the clone snapped their heads around¡ª


    Huff. Huff.


    Dorion stood there, breathing heavily, his grip tightening around the cracked skull of an undead. His entire body was covered in wounds, fresh cuts and bruises marking his skin like battle scars.


    He looked like hell.


    Fatigue weighed down on him, his body sluggish from both exhaustion and the crippling debuff of his own skill. It had left him weaker than usual, and because of that, the swarm of undead he had fought had managed to land multiple brutal hits.


    Despite this, he was still walking towards them.


    Still alive.


    Freya''s eyes widened the moment she saw him.


    She had been expecting to see the old man¡ªnot this teenager in front of her.


    Her brows furrowed.


    "You''re alive?"


    Dorion scowled at her tone.


    "What? You want me to die or something?"


    Freya blinked slowly, studying him.


    Something about this exchange felt... familiar.


    Her lips curved into a smirk.


    "Is that a serious question? Of course, I do."


    Dorion''s eye twitched.


    His fingers curled into a fist.


    "You bitch..."


    Dorion cursed under his breath, stepping toward Freya with clear frustration.


    But before he could get close.


    CAW! CAW!


    A piercing cry echoed from above.


    Freya''s eyes shot up.


    From the darkened sky, a swarm of undead Blight Birds came diving toward them, their decayed wings beating rapidly, their hollow eyes glowing with eerie malice.


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    A sudden blast of black flames roared through the air, consuming the birds mid-flight. BOOM!


    BOOM!


    One by one, their burning bodies crashed down around them, reduced to nothing but scorched husks.


    Alex lowered his hand, smoke rising from his fingertips¡ªhe had fired off his Black Flames just in time.


    One of the charred corpses plummeted straight toward them¡ªbut before it could make an impact, Ezekiel swung his shield, knocking the burning remains aside with a single powerful strike.


    He turned, eyes locking on Dorion.


    His expression darkened.


    "You... you really won against the old man?"


    Dorion grinned smugly, placing a bloodied hand on his hip.


    "Of course I did," he said with pride. "I pushed my blade right through his chest."


    Silence.


    Alex''s brow furrowed deeply at those words.


    The old man lost?


    His fists clenched as he studied Dorion more carefully.


    Something didn''t add up.


    No matter how he looked at it, Onigi was definitely stronger¡ªhe was sure the Ronin would win. But now¡­


    His sharp gaze swept over Dorion''s battered body.


    The wounds, the blood, the exhaustion¡ªit was obvious.


    It was a close battle.


    And yet... Dorion was standing here.


    Something wasn''t right.


    Dorion noticed Alex''s stare and gave a casual wave.


    Alex clicked his teeth in annoyance.


    Onigi had the advantage.


    And yet, Dorion still won.


    Alex knew exactly why.


    The Blood Monarch.


    That was Dorion''s backing.


    Alex had almost forgotten¡ªbut now, as he studied Dorion carefully, the realization weighed on him like a warning.


    Dorion wasn''t just some reckless fighter.


    He was linked to something far more dangerous. Onigi was unaware of this danger which was why he had lost.


    Alex''s jaw tightened.


    It sucked to lose someone with potential for this maniac.


    ROOOOAR!


    A monstrous cry tore through the battlefield.


    Alex''s gaze snapped to the distance.


    More undead poured forward, their hollow eyes glowing, their decayed bodies moving with unnatural speed.


    Another wave had broken through the defensive line.


    His chest rose and fell as he let out a heavy sigh.


    This wasn''t ending.


    Unless the original Alex could defeat the Grim Lord, this battle would go on forever.


    He turned toward Freya and Ezekiel.


    Both of them were worn out, their armor dented, their bodies battered from endless fighting.


    They wouldn''t last much longer.


    Alex''s grip tightened around the accessories in his hand.


    He could ensure their survival¡­ or at the very least, increase their chances.


    Without a word, he pulled out a couple of stat-boosting rings and handed them over.


    Freya''s tired eyes flickered with surprise.


    She glanced down at the rings, then at their descriptions.


    Her expression hardened.


    Without hesitation, she slid them onto her fingers.


    She didn''t need to be told twice.


    Even if the boost was small, in a battle like this¡ªevery bit of power mattered. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex then lifted a thin pendant toward Freya''s neck.


    It was another accessory with a special effect.


    For some reason, Freya assumed he was about to put it on her.


    Her heart skipped.


    Her face flushed a deep red as she instinctively turned her back to him, tilting her head slightly to the side.


    A soft blush crept up her neck.


    Alex blinked.


    Then, in a low, deadpan voice, he asked:


    "Freya... what are you doing?"


    Dorion, watching from the side, sighed and shook his head.


    "This fool."


    Freya froze.


    Her breath hitched as realization slammed into her like a brick wall.


    Oh.


    He wasn''t putting it on her.


    He was just handing it over.


    Her entire body stiffened.


    She whipped around so fast it was almost comical, snatching the pendant from his hand with stiff, jerky movements.


    Her cheeks were so hot she swore they might burst into flames.


    Meanwhile, the undead were getting closer.


    Alex, unfazed, tossed a few rings toward Ezekiel, who caught them mid-air.


    Ezekiel stared at the ring in his hands.


    His brows furrowed.


    His fingers curled tightly around them as a conflicted look crossed his face.


    "Why help me¡­?" he muttered, voice low. "I tried to kill you."


    Alex didn''t answer.


    He simply turned away.


    They had no time for this conversation.


    There were bigger threats.


    Still, as he turned back toward the approaching undead, he noticed something.


    Dorion was staring at him.


    Expectant.


    As if waiting for something.


    "Brother? What about me?"


    Dorion''s voice carried a mix of expectation and entitlement.


    Alex had so generously handed over accessories to Freya and Ezekiel¡ªsurely, he had something for him too?


    But instead of reaching into his inventory, Alex frowned.


    His gaze darkened.


    The audacity of this clown.


    Maybe he thought they were actually siblings.


    Alex''s voice was cold. Unforgiving as he responded:


    "You... you can die for all I care."


    Dorion''s mouth dropped open.


    The savagery of that response left him speechless.


    He opened his mouth to protest, but...


    Grrr. Grrr.


    Low, guttural growls echoed through the battlefield.


    The undead were closing in.


    Dorion snapped his head toward them.


    A twisted, ugly smile pulled at his lips.


    He wasn''t grinning because he was confident.


    He was grinning because he was nervous.


    Because deep down, he was scared for his life.


    His body still hadn''t fully recovered.


    The backlash from using [12 Immortal Body] was weighing him down like chains, making every movement sluggish.


    Right now¡­ he couldn''t fight at full strength.


    Dorion hated to admit it, but there was no way he could survive this alone.


    Like it or not, he had to rely on the others¡ªespecially Alex.


    It sucked. Really sucked.


    But for now? He''d play along.


    At least until he found a way out of this mess.


    And get revenge for this insult.


    Ezekiel slipped the rings onto his fingers and exhaled heavily.


    The stat boost wasn''t much¡ªjust a small increase.


    But even that little bit made a difference.


    It gave him just enough confidence to stand a little taller and grip his weapon a little tighter.


    Meanwhile, out of the three, Freya felt something different.


    It wasn''t just confidence. It was reassurance.


    And that was because she was standing behind Alex.


    Strange.


    Even though this was just a clone, he still exuded the same unshakable presence.


    That same quiet confidence.


    It was like the battlefield didn''t faze him. Like he''d already figured out how this fight would end.


    Then, Alex gripped his sword firmly.


    His voice was calm but carried the weight of command.


    "Get ready."


    *


    Meanwhile¡­


    The original Alex stood motionless.


    His sharp gaze was fixed on the Grim Lord, who had its massive chain blade buried in the ground.


    At first glance, it looked stuck.


    But then¡ª


    CRACK!


    Veins of lava-red energy spread across the battlefield like fractures in the earth itself.


    Something was coming.


    From the cracks, shapes began to rise.


    But these weren''t just any undead.


    They were¡­ different.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Two figures emerged first, clad in armor.


    Their armor was worn, and cracked, but familiar.


    Too familiar.


    Then he saw their faces.


    Recognition hit him like a sledgehammer.


    A slow chuckle escaped Alex''s lips.


    "Seriously?"


    The undead were players.


    Players he had fought before.


    Players he had killed.


    One by one, they crawled out of the nightmare itself.


    Each one wearing the face of someone he had slain.


    Kato. Kyiv.


    And the most recent¡ªElla.

 Chapter 168 - 168: Fallen Archfiend

    The Grim Lord took note of the flicker of unease on Alex''s face.


    A deep, guttural chuckle rumbled from its skeletal throat before it finally spoke:


    "Recognize them?"


    Its voice was like a death rattle¡ªslow, deliberate, filled with dark amusement.


    "These are the players whose lives you''ve stolen."


    Alex''s expression remained cold, but his fingers tightened slightly around his sword.


    His eyes flicked over the undead players crawling free from the lava-cracked earth¡ªtheir empty gazes locked onto him, their once-living bodies twisted into grotesque imitations of their former selves.


    But then¡ª


    He frowned.


    "So?" he asked, voice unwavering. "You think this makes a difference?"


    The Grim Lord tilted its head, chains clinking as it shifted.


    "We''ll see, won''t we... human?"


    A test, then.


    Alex''s thoughts moved fast.


    Did the Grim Lord think he''d hesitate?


    That he''d feel guilt?


    That the sight of these former enemies¡ªnow puppets of undeath¡ªwould make him falter?


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face.


    Not quite.


    He felt nothing for them.


    Not regret. Not sorrow. Not even remorse.


    And even if he did feel these things, the monstrous, hollow look in their undead faces was enough to snuff out any chance of guilt.


    Then...


    RUMBLE.


    Another undead clawed its way out of the ground.


    But this one was different.


    As it fully emerged, the air around it crackled with energy.


    Alex''s eyes sharpened.


    It was massive.


    Its humanoid form was covered in thick, bulging armor-like scales.


    Two gigantic horns curved backward from its skull.


    Electricity danced across its body, crackling between its shoulders and fingers like a living storm.


    A true powerhouse.


    And from the sheer pressure it radiated¡ª


    Alex knew.


    This one wasn''t like the others.


    This was a real threat.


    [Varkos, the Fallen Archfiend]


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    The new undead before him wasn''t like the others.


    It towered over the battlefield¡ªits massive, hulking frame covered in blackened, armor-like flesh. Its jagged horns curved menacingly, crackling with unholy lightning that danced across its body.


    This thing didn''t just look like a demon.


    It felt like one.


    Alex''s grip tightened on his sword.


    Out of all the undead he had faced since coming here, this was by far the strongest.


    Only one other presence felt heavier.


    The Grim Lord.


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    "If those two team up... this could be bad."


    Then...


    SHING!


    With a slow, deliberate motion, Varkos unsheathed its weapon.


    A massive blade, nearly as long as its own body, pulsed with violent arcs of electricity.


    Then it grinned.


    A creepy, twisted grin¡ªits sharp teeth glinting beneath the glow of blue lightning.


    And then¡ªIt moved.


    Bolted. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not towards Alex.


    His eyes widened.


    It was rushing past him.


    Straight toward¡ªHis clones.


    Freya.


    Ezekiel.


    Dorion.


    "Shit¡ª!"


    Without hesitation, Alex thrust his sword forward.


    An ethereal explosion disk he had set on his blade shot out, spinning like a deadly saw blade as it raced toward the charging archfiend.


    The disk landed on the demon.


    But...


    Whoosh


    The attack was dismissed the instant it stuck.


    Alex clicked his teeth.


    "Not good."


    That thing had the same defense skills as the Grim Lord.


    Alex grip on his sword tightened.


    There was no time to hesitate.


    He activated [Fast and Furious]¡ª!


    BOOM!


    He launched forward like a bullet, his body blurring from sheer speed as he shot toward Varkos.


    But...


    THUD!


    Something massive crashed in front of him, blocking his path.


    Alex''s eyes flicked up and saw rhe Grim Lord.


    A towering shadow of death.


    It tilted its head slightly, its eerie, glowing eyes locked onto him.


    "Where do you think you''re going, human?"


    Then...


    WHOOSH!


    Its chain blade lashed out¡ªfast, precise, and deadly.


    The air screamed as the attack cut through it, a razor-thin wave of destruction trailing behind the blade.


    BOOM!


    The strike was so powerful that it didn''t just carve through the ground¡ª


    It kept going.


    Tearing through stone.


    Shattering everything in its path.


    A wall far in the distance exploded from the impact, debris raining down like a meteor storm.


    But Alex wasn''t there.


    He had already dodged, flipping backward just before the blade could reach him.


    He landed in a crouch, skidding slightly as dust kicked up around him.


    Then he hissed.


    "Damn it¡ª"


    The Grim Lord wouldn''t let him pass.


    And Varkos was still charging straight toward the others.


    Alex''s mind raced.


    "I can''t reach them in time."


    His only option was too use his clones.


    But¡ª


    "They''re too weak."


    Each one only had 20% of his strength.


    Would that be enough?


    Would they survive against something that powerful?


    His grip tightened.


    Alex was lost in thought for only a second¡ª


    But that was enough.


    SHAAA!


    From the ground, multiple vines suddenly shot out, twisting and lunging toward him like living snakes.


    A trap.


    Alex''s instincts kicked in immediately.


    His hand snapped up, and with a thought¡ª


    FWOOSH!


    A black flame erupted from his palm, spreading like wildfire.


    The vines screeched and curled, instantly scorched to ash.


    Alex glance at the attacker and saw who it was...


    Ella.


    She raised her staff, her eyes cold and filled with undead malice.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A fireball dropped from the sky.


    Followed by another.


    And another.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Alex sucked his teeth, twisting his body, dodging as the blazing projectiles rained down like meteors.


    Each impact was brutal, the sheer force shattering the ground and leaving behind smoldering craters.


    The heat licked at his skin, but he stayed sharp.


    Then he frowned.


    "I know this attack."


    His eyes flickered as he processed the fiery assault.


    This wasn''t Ella''s magic.


    This was Isla''s.


    A sorcerer who had attacked along with Kato.


    A woman with a twisted sense of justice¡ªJustice that had gotten her killed.


    Alex exhaled sharply.


    When he had dismissed his clone, he had absorbed all of its memories and experiences.


    He remembered the power behind Isla''s fireballs.


    But...


    "They weren''t this strong."


    The flames burning before him were hotter, brighter, more destructive than anything his clone had experienced.


    And that could only mean one thing.


    The undead were stronger.


    Their Grim Lord hadn''t just revived them, they had been enhanced.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as multiple undead players let out eerie growls, their once-human faces now twisted with malice.


    They rushed at him.


    He gritted his teeth, setting explosion disk on the ground.


    "Fine."


    Then he snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    A shockwave of explosions tore through the battlefield, flames erupting in a perfect chain reaction.


    The ground shook violently.


    Smoke and debris filled the air.


    He should have taken them all out.


    But then¡ª


    Through the smoke¡ª


    They were still in one piece.


    Unscathed by the attack.


    Still charging at him.


    Alex''s eyebrows shot up.


    "No way."


    A dark chuckle then came from the Grim Lord.


    Raising its massive chain blade, the undead ruler grinned.


    "I told you your puny trick is futile. As long as my minions are within my range¡­"


    Its voice was mocking, filled with cruel amusement.


    "I can extend my defense to all of them."


    The reveal hit Alex like a punch.


    Grim Lord''s magic barrier extended to the undead.


    "That''s why they weren''t affected."


    Grim Lord''s glowing red eyes locked onto him as it lifted its chain blade¡ª


    "Despair, human¡­And die."

 Chapter 169 - 169: Weird Accessory

    Grim Lord unleashed a flurry of deadly slashes¡ªeach one powerful enough to rend steel apart.


    Alex dodged swiftly, but tension crept up his spine.


    A single sweat drop rolled down his forehead.


    "Too close."


    Before he could react, Grim Lord closed the distance, their weapons clashing in a brutal exchange¡ª


    Sparks ignited as steel met steel.


    Alex gritted his teeth, parrying another vicious strike.


    But it wasn''t just the Grim Lord.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Fireballs rained from above¡ª


    A lightning-fast energy bolt shot from the side¡ª


    Isla and Ella had joined in.


    The battlefield became a chaotic storm of explosions, fire, and steel.


    Alex barely had time to think as he weaved between attacks, his sword flashing like a blur.


    And yet¡ª


    He still found time to mock.


    "You know¡­" he huffed between swings, "you need to stop talking like a final boss from a shitty game."


    The Grim Lord roared, furious.


    It raised its chain blade, preparing to strike¡ª


    Alex pulled his sword back, feigning a counterattack.


    But instead¡ª


    He whispered.


    "Petrify."


    The invisible paralyzed the Grim Lord''s body.


    For a second, it froze.


    Alex''s eyes flashed.


    "Now!"


    He shifted his weight, ready to deliver a devastating blow.


    But then¡ª


    A glow.


    A flicker of danger.


    His instincts screamed.


    He barely turned his head¡ª


    Just in time to see a massive fireball rocketing toward him.


    "Tch."


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    With a sharp thrust, he drove his sword straight into the Grim Lord''s throat.


    At the same time, he activated [Aegis Arcane], summoning a protective barrier around himself which received the attack.


    The smoke cleared.


    And Alex was shook.


    Despite Alex''s sword lodged in its throat, its ghastly eyes burned with malice.


    And then¡ª


    WHAM!


    The Grim Lord''s massive blade came crashing down.


    Alex''s barrier shattered instantly.


    KABLAAM!


    The impact sent shockwaves through the air.


    Alex was blown backward, his body smashing against the ground.


    Pain shot through his shoulder.


    Blood.


    A fresh cut.


    Meanwhile, the Grim Lord bled from its wound, but its flesh began to stitch itself back together.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    His own wound was already healing, [Minor Heal] kicking in but...


    He felt it.


    Danger.


    His instincts screamed at him to move.


    Above¡ª


    A storm of fireballs rained down.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Explosions erupted as the scorching flames torched the battlefield.


    Alex pushed off the ground, sprinting sideways as fireballs slammed into the spot he had just been.


    The heat scorched his back, but he didn''t stop.


    No time to rest.


    No time to breathe.


    Isla and Ella were responsible for the barrage.


    And Alex knew he had to get rid of them ASAP, but¡ª


    Something else nagged at his mind.


    The Grim Lord.


    More specifically, the neck chain it wore¡ªa dark, rusted chain with three skull pendants.


    He hadn''t noticed it before.


    But now?


    One of the skulls glowed with an eerie green light when he had used [Petrify].


    Alex tilted his head slightly.


    What are those?


    He barely had time to think¡ª


    GRRAAAGH!


    A chorus of growls snapped him back.


    He was surrounded.


    Undead players closed in, their rotten faces twisted in rage.


    Leading them was Kato.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    The first wave lunged.


    Alex raised his hand.


    [Aegis Arcane].


    A shimmering shield formed around him.


    CLANG! CLANG!


    Weapons struck, but every attack bounced off his magical barrier.


    Then he moved.


    Like a blur, Alex phased through them.


    His sword flashed.


    And the undead collapsed instantly, their bodies falling apart as he cut through them with precision.


    One by one, they dropped.


    Then he saw Kato.


    The last one standing.


    He snarled, raising his weapon to strike¡ª


    Too slow.


    Alex''s sword came down in a devastating arc.


    With sheer force¡ª Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BOOM!


    Kato''s body exploded apart.


    But before Alex could even take a breath¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    A ripping force tore through the air.


    A rendering strike¡ª


    From behind.


    The Grim Lord had already recovered.


    Alex reacted instantly, twisting his body in an almost impossible motion¡ª


    Like he had eyes in the back of his head.


    The attack missed.


    He landed smoothly, his grip tightening on his sword.


    But a barreling force closed in from behind.


    Fast. Aggressive.


    And was about to hit him.


    Alex twisted his head slightly¡ªjust enough to catch a glimpse.


    An undead.


    If he remembered correctly, this was Akio.


    One of the three he had killed in the second trial.


    Alex reacted instantly using [Earth Swim].


    WHOOSH!


    His body sank into the ground like a shadow.


    As he disappeared into the earth, his hand shot out.


    GRAB!


    His fingers latched onto Akio''s leg, and the undead was dragged halfway down, its body thrashing, unable to escape.


    Then Alex sprung up.


    His sword flashed.


    CRACK!


    A single stab to the skull.


    The undead''s head shattered, and it stopped moving.


    Again no time to breathe as...


    SHHK!


    Vines suddenly curled around his legs.


    Alex''s blade slashed, cutting them apart.


    But the vines pulsed.


    Moving sudden surge of strength.


    Faster. Tighter.


    They coiled around his ankles before he could react.


    Then...


    WHIP!


    "Whoa.."


    Alex was yanked up.


    Swung into the air.


    And then flung downwards the Grim Lord like a missile.


    The undead tyrant was already waiting.


    Its massive sword drew back.


    The blade glowed red-hot, lava dripping off its edge.


    Like a batter preparing for a home run.


    Only this time, the ball was Alex.


    And if that sword connected¡ª


    He wouldn''t just be sent flying.


    He''d be split into three.


    But...


    Despite plummeting helplessly toward the Grim Lord, Alex grinned.


    A sharp inhale.


    His chest expanded.


    Then...


    A powerful howl.


    BOOM!


    A shockwave of raw sound energy erupted from his mouth.


    The force slammed into the Grim Lord, hitting it like a wrecking ball.


    The towering undead staggered back, its footing nearly lost.


    Alex was still airborne.


    But with the recoil from his own attack he angled his body, adjusted midair, and flipped.


    Then landed on the ground.


    But the moment his feet touched the ground, Alex activated [Blur].


    FWOOOSH!


    His speed exploded.


    His figure became a blur, shooting forward like a bullet¡ª


    Straight for the Grim Lord.


    One arm outstretched.


    Target locked.


    The chain.


    Dangling from the Grim Lord''s neck¡ª


    Three eerie skull pendants.


    He didn''t know what they did.


    But something told him¡­


    They were important.


    And he was going to rip them off.


    WHOOM!


    The Grim Lord''s reaction was instant.


    It arched backward in pure panic¡ªavoiding Alex''s hands.


    Then leaped away.


    Once.


    Twice.


    Three times.


    The undead tyrant put as much distance as possible.


    Alex stopped in his tracks.


    Grinning.


    His eyes locked onto the Grim Lord''s face.


    The undead''s panic faded¡ªbut just barely.


    Alex chuckled.


    "Knew it."

 Chapter 170 - 170: Three Pendant

    Alex had been watching closely.


    The moment he''d reached for the pendant, the Grim Lord had reacted instantly.


    Too fast.


    Too defensive.


    That reaction wasn''t normal.


    Which meant one thing.


    Those pendants were important.


    His mind worked fast.


    They had to be linked to the Grim Lord''s abilities.


    Which meant crushing them would nerf the Grim Lord.


    A slow grin stretched across Alex''s face.


    He straightened up and began walking forward.


    Step by step.


    By step.


    His gaze locked onto the Grim Lord, eyes sharp, calculating.


    The towering undead stood firm, but Alex caught it...a flicker of hesitation.


    Even if it was just for a second.


    Alex tilted his head, smirking.


    Then he teased:


    "You seem really protective of that chain on your neck."


    His eyes flickered toward the pendant. "I didn''t take you to be vain."


    The Grim Lord''s eyes glowed.


    A low, guttural voice rumbled:


    "Taunt all you want, human. Your end will come soon."


    Alex shook his head.


    Then muttered,


    "Again, with the cheesy dialogue."


    The Grim Lord said nothing.


    But its stance shifted into caution.


    Because now, Alex was aware the pendants were special.


    Three pendants.


    Each one a key to the Grim Lord''s overwhelming power.


    The first gave the beast the ability to summon a magic barrier that dismissed any magical attack.


    The second gave the beast the ability to summon an endless army of undead, including the special undead players.


    The third gave the beast a broken concept of regeneration, wounds vanishing instantly, as if they were never there.


    All three were crucial.


    If even one was destroyed, the Grim Lord''s advantage would crumble.


    Grim Lord frowned.


    Its grip tightened on its sword, and with a deep growl, it stabbed the ground.


    A summoning.


    Alex''s eyes sharpened.


    He knew exactly what that meant¡ªMore undead.


    And wasn''t having that.


    FWOOSH!


    With a burst of speed, Alex vanished using [Blur.]


    In an instant, he reappeared right in front of the Grim Lord.


    Grim Lord''s eyes widened¡ª


    CLANG!


    It was forced to stop the summoning and defend itself.


    Alex''s blade clashed against the Grim Lord''s, sparks flying.


    Grim Lord growled, shifting its stance.


    But Alex didn''t let up.


    Another strike.


    CLANG!


    Then another.


    CLANG!


    More.


    Faster.


    Relentless.


    Each attack forced the Grim Lord to react, its sword barely keeping up.


    It wasn''t just that Alex was fast.


    He was ferocious.


    The moment he had realized the importance of those pendants¡ª


    Something inside him switched.


    The Grim Lord had been an overwhelming wall.


    Now e was just a puzzle to break apart.


    And Alex was about to rip the pieces apart.


    Alex swung his blade with deadly focus, each strike precise and unrelenting, forcing the Grim Lord to stumble backward.


    The two clashed in a chaotic dance, their battle tearing apart the landscape.


    Rocks shattered beneath their feet. The air vibrated with each impact.


    Sparks erupted.


    A battle so fierce that Ella and Isla could only watch, unable to intervene.


    The Grim Lord growled, its jagged sword whipping through the air, unleashing a storm of rendering strikes.


    WHOOSH!


    Alex dodged, his movements like a ghost¡ªswift, untouchable.


    Then¡ªhe was gone.


    A blur.


    Reappearing right behind the Grim Lord.


    The undead ruler whipped around, slashing without hesitation¡ª


    But Alex was already ahead of it, using [Petrify]


    A pulse of power.


    The Grim Lord froze, its entire body locking up for just a second.


    Alex grinned.


    This was it.


    He raised his sword, ready to cut deep¡ª


    But¡ª


    BOOM!


    A sudden blast of energy shot toward him from the side.


    An undead mage.


    Its timing was insane.


    Alex clicked his teeth, his instincts screaming.


    He stepped back just as the energy howled past him, exploding into the ground.


    Grim Lord moved.


    Freed from the effect of Petrify, it snarled, raising a massive foot¡ª


    THUD!


    A brutal kick to Alex''s chest.


    Pain exploded through his ribs.


    His body launched backward, skidding across the cracked ground.


    But there was no time to breathe.


    The Grim Lord leaped forward, its towering form blotting out the sky¡ª


    Its blade¡ªraised high.


    Searing hot.


    Lava dripped from its edge.


    Then¡ª


    It swung.


    BOOOOOOM!


    The ground erupted, a shockwave blasting outward, kicking up dust and debris.


    Alex was thrown back, his boots skidding against the cracked earth.


    He exhaled, steady. Unharmed.


    His lungs burned, but not from exhaustion but excitement.


    His passive skill, [Vigor Strike], pulsed through his veins, ensuring that he could keep fighting endlessly.


    In drawn out melee combat, he was unstoppable.


    His lips curled into a grin.


    Then¡ªhe moved.


    A blur, surging forward like a bullet.


    The Grim Lord roared, sensing his approach¡ª


    It swung.


    A miss.


    Alex wasn''t there.


    A feint.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened as it turned¡ª


    Alex had vanished from its path.


    He reappeared beside Isla, the undead sorcerer.


    Her hands glowed, a spell forming.


    Too late.


    Alex''s blade sliced through the air.


    SCHLICK!


    It pierced her skull, snuffing out the eerie glow in her dead eyes.


    Her body collapsed, lifeless.


    Then¡ªa flicker.


    In an instant, Alex was in front of Ella, the undead druid.


    Her eyes widened in shock.


    She raised her staff, desperate¡ª


    A magic shield, forming.


    But Alex was too fast.


    She had no chance.


    Sure, her long-range magic could unleash destruction, but in close combat?


    She was helpless.


    Especially against someone like him¡ªa player with insane physical stats.


    Alex closed the distance in a blink.


    Before she could react, his hand shot out.


    He grabbed her by the face.


    SLAM!


    He drove her into the ground, the impact cracking the earth beneath her.


    A sickening crunch.


    Bones snapped.


    She tried to move, but Alex''s boot came down hard.


    Right on her bony throat.


    CRACK!


    Her skull detached, rolling lifelessly across the ground.


    All of this¡ªin a single breath.


    Alex lifted his gaze, turning toward the Grim Lord.


    The beast growled lowly.


    Its eyes flickered with rage.


    Alex had just annihilated its last support in an instant.


    Now¡ª


    It was just the two of them.


    Alex stepped forward.


    Each movement deliberate. Unshaken.


    A smirk tugged at his lips.


    "Now it''s just you and me."


    The Grim Lord''s frown deepened.


    It knew the truth.


    Without its minions to distract Alex¡ª


    Defeating him would be nearly impossible.


    The Grim Lord was filled with desperation.


    It raised its massive blade in an attempt to summon gain.


    But¡ª


    HAAAARGH!


    Alex unleashed [Sonic Howl].


    A shockwave of sound blasted through the battlefield, slamming into the Grim Lord.


    The beast staggered, its summoning interrupted.


    Alex didn''t waste a second.


    He lunged.


    As he sprinted, his eyes locked onto two fallen blades¡ªweapons from the undead he had already cut down.


    With a swift motion¡ª


    He scooped them up mid-run.


    Then¡ª


    He threw them.


    The two blades spun through the air, slicing toward the Grim Lord.


    The beast gritted its teeth, recovering just in time.


    It whipped its chain blade, preparing to deflect the incoming attack.


    CLANG!


    The first blade collided, knocked aside.


    But¡ª


    The second blade stopped.


    Right in front of the Grim Lord''s face.


    Frozen. Suspended in midair.


    For a split second¡ª


    The beast hesitated.


    Its eyes flicked toward the hovering weapon, confusion flashing across its monstrous face.


    And in that tiny moment of distraction, Alex blitzed forward.


    He shot past the floating blade, his sword whistling through the air, and aimed straight for the Grim Lord''s throat.


    But...


    The beast reacted instantly.


    Its chain blade swung up, knocking Alex''s sword aside with a bone rattling force.


    Then a massive hand clamped around Alex''s neck.


    The Grim Lord lifted him off the ground, squeezing tight.


    "You fool," it growled. "I can read your actions."


    Alex, gasping for air, managed a smirk.


    "Can you?"


    Alex twitched his finger.


    A subtle, almost imperceptible motion.


    [Minor Telekinesis] activated.


    The floating blade shot forward.


    Straight into the Grim Lord''s eye.


    SQUELCH!


    The beast roared in agony, and its grip loosened.


    With a furious snarl, it let go of Alex.


    Alex hit the ground, stumbling backward, gasping for air.


    But he didn''t stop.


    His eyes burned with determination.


    With a swift step forward¡ª


    He raised his blade, aiming to take the Grim Lord''s head off in one clean strike.


    But then¡ª


    SHRRRKK!


    Vines exploded out of the Grim Lord''s body like a living trap, lunging at him.


    Alex''s instincts screamed.


    He jumped back¡ªfast.


    The vines whipped past where he''d just been, nearly snagging his limbs.


    "Dammit."


    Alex landed, skidding backward, gripping his sword tighter.


    He''d been so close. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So damn close.


    But being creative wasn''t enough.


    The vines retracted, slithering back into the Grim Lord''s body as if they had never existed.


    With a sickening squelch, the beast yanked the dagger out of its eye socket.


    A greenish glow flickered to life¡ª


    The wound sealed shut like it had never been there.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    And then he saw it.


    One of the pendants on the beast''s chain pulsed with a faint light.


    Alex''s grin returned.


    Another discovery.


    That pendant was the key to the Grim Lord''s insane regeneration.


    But just knowing that wasn''t enough.


    If anything, it was useless unless he figured out how to destroy them.


    And he would.

 Chapter 171 - 171: Counter

    Grim Lord''s grip tightened around its weapon.


    For the first time, it was starting to feel nervous.


    Alex''s attack had failed, but that didn''t matter.


    Because in the process, he had forced the Grim Lord to reveal one of the pendant''s abilities.


    And now...


    The battle was shifting out of its favor.


    The Grim Lord gritted its teeth.


    Its usual strategy¡ªsummoning powerful undead minions¡ªwas no longer an option.


    It needed a new plan.


    Its mind raced.


    Varkos.


    Grim Lord''s most powerful undead.


    Sending him away was a mistake.


    It didn''t think Alex would be such a chore.


    But now, it needed the undead general back.


    The Grim Lord focused, reaching out with its mind.


    It could feel Varkos''s presence in the distance¡ª


    Locked in battle.


    With who?


    It sharpened its focus.


    The human clones.


    Alex''s clones were keeping Varkos busy.


    The Grim Lord''s frown deepened.


    No matter.


    Grim Lord intended to call him back anyway, as the clones wouldn''t stand a chance.


    But then¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    Alex had noticed his moment of distraction and attacked.


    He knew the beast was up to something.


    But that didn''t matter.


    Because he had a plan.


    The Grim Lord spotted him approaching and instantly lashed out.


    A barrage of brutal, rending strikes¡ªeach one fast, precise, and deadly.


    SWISH!


    SWISH!


    Alex dodged, weaving between the monstrous attacks, his reflexes razor-sharp.


    And then¡ª


    He closed the distance.


    The Grim Lord snarled, sensing danger, and swung its massive blade.


    But Alex was gone.


    Using [Earth Swim].


    In an instant, he sank into the ground¡ªlike a shadow melting into the earth.


    The Grim Lord''s blade sliced through the empty air.


    Its eyes darted around.


    WHOOSH!


    Alex erupted from the ground¡ª


    Behind the beast.


    Blade flashing.


    SLASH!


    But the Grim Lord reacted just in time.


    CLANG!


    Steel clashed against steel.


    Sparks exploded into the air.


    Then, another strike.


    A counter.


    A furious, chaotic exchange of blades.


    CLASH!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Each attack faster.


    More relentless.


    Then, the beast lashed out with a devastating, full-force slash.


    Alex saw it coming.


    But instead of blocking with his blade, he twisted his body and activated [Aegis Arcane].


    The arcane shield materialized and shattered on impact.


    BOOM!


    But Alex just grinned.


    Because he didn''t care.


    Not yet, huh?


    Alex thought to himself, his eyes locked onto the Grim Lord.


    They clashed again¡ªswords colliding in a brutal flurry.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    SWOOSH!


    The Grim Lord roared, swinging its massive blade downward with terrifying force.


    Alex leaned back at the last second, activating [Aegis Arcane].


    CRACK!


    The barrier shattered on impact, fragments of magic fizzling away.


    But Alex just smirked.


    "Third time''s the charm."


    The Grim Lord hesitated.


    What was this human playing at?


    Alex had completely stopped moving.


    His arms were outstretched.


    His magic shield was up.


    And then, he yelled out¡ª


    "Come!"


    The provocation was like pouring oil on fire.


    Furious, the Grim Lord lunged forward and swung down with all its might.


    A strike powerful enough to cleave mountains in half.


    BOOM!


    But¡ª


    Instead of Alex''s shield shattering on impact¡­


    It held firm.


    A radiant glow rippled across its surface, humming with energy.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened.


    Then [Aegis Arcane] special effect activated.


    "Counter."


    SLASH!


    A massive gash tore across the Grim Lord''s body, nearly splitting it in half.


    Purple blood erupted from the wound, splattering onto the ground like a ruptured dam.


    The beast staggered, its monstrous frame trembling from the devastating blow.


    The power of [Aegis Arcane] had activated--A 30% chance to deflect attacks, but with an added 50% damage boost.


    And it had just hit perfectly.


    Alex''s eyes locked onto the skull-shaped pendants.


    This was his moment.


    This was his chance to destroy them.


    But...


    Despite the injuries the Grim Lord received, it managed to react.


    Vines exploded from its body in a desperate, frenzied burst!


    WHOOSH!


    They lashed out, aiming to ensnare Alex.


    But...


    CRACK!


    Alex leaped back just in time, the vines slamming into the ground where he had just stood.


    Then, he looked up, and grinned.


    The Grim Lord''s wounds closed.


    Its body restored.


    One of the skull-shaped pendants pulsed with a sinister glow.


    But¡­one was missing.


    Alex flashed a mocking grin, his fingers tightening around something in his palm.


    Then, slowly¡ªdeliberately¡ªhe turned his hand over, revealing what he held.


    Crushed fragments.


    The shattered remains of one of the Grim Lord''s skull pendants.


    With a smirk, Alex let the pieces fall.


    They crumbled through his fingers, scattering onto the ground like dust.


    "No..."


    The Grim Lord''s voice was a low, guttural growl.


    Its massive frame stiffened.


    Then it stepped forward.


    And roared.


    "NO!!"


    The beast''s fury shook the battlefield, but Alex was already moving.


    SNAP!


    He activated the trap he had set on the ground beneath the monster¡ª


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted in a massive explosion, flames and debris swallowing the Grim Lord whole.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    He had suspected that one of the pendants was responsible for the beast''s magic barrier.


    And he hoped that the one he destroyed was the right one.


    But...


    The Grim Lord emerged unscathed.


    The beast strode out of the smoke, its eyes gleaming with mocking amusement.


    Alex clicked his teeth.


    The barrier was still intact.


    And judging by how the Grim Lord''s wounds had already healed, it wasn''t the pendant that gave it regeneration either.


    So what was the effect of the pendant he had he destroyed?


    The Grim Lord stepped forward, its massive form radiating pure rage.


    Its glowing eyes locked onto Alex, and its voice rumbled like thunder. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You damn human... You''ll pay for what you just did."


    Alex exhaled, rolling his shoulders.


    His grip on his sword tightened.


    "Says every single monster I face."


    The Grim Lord lunged, its body exploding with thorn-covered vines, each one lashing out like a whip of death.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    SHING!


    He spun his blade in a sharp, fluid motion¡ª


    Then, with a sudden burst of speed, he dove in.


    His goal? The last two pendants.


    Using [Blur], he vanished, a streak of motion blowing past the vines as they slammed into the ground, shattering stone.


    He closed in on the beast, his blade aiming straight for its chest¡ª


    Then, something felt off.


    A strange chill crawled up his spine.


    Then...


    Memories flashed through his mind.


    Scenes he didn''t recall experiencing himself.


    A battle. A struggle.


    A final blow.


    Then it hit him.


    "Dang."


    One of his clones had just been killed.

 Chapter 172 - 172: Varkos Arrival

    Earlier...


    Alex''s clones were locked in battle, relentlessly tearing through the monstrous army.


    BOOM!


    Explosions shook the battlefield.


    The ground was littered with shattered bones, the remains of the undead piling up with every passing second.


    Yet, the clones did not slow down.


    They attacked without hesitation, their strikes merciless and precise.


    Each clone wielded [Vigor Strike], making their stamina virtually infinite as long as they remained in motion. They could fight endlessly.


    At the center of the chaos¡ª


    One Alex clone stood out.


    The one clad in [Spectral Warden Armor].


    Unlike the others, this clone was a force of destruction, its movements swift and precise, each strike lethal.


    The armor enhanced its power, turning it into an unstoppable reaper, carving through the undead horde like a death god.


    Then...


    A Titan Undead emerged.


    CRASH!


    It swung its massive weapon down with earth-shattering force.


    The ground split open, dust and debris flying into the air.


    But, itmissed.


    The Alex clone had already moved.


    Before the weapon even landed, he was climbing the Titan''s massive arm, using its bony structure as a path.


    Then alfway up, he twisted his body¡ª


    And hurled his axe in a spinning motion, the weapon slicing through the air, heading straight for its mark.


    The axe spun like a deadly disc, carving straight through the Titan Undead''s skull.


    CRACK!


    A deep fissure split across its head before...


    BOOM!


    The massive creature collapsed like a crumbling tower, shaking the battlefield.


    But Alex was already in motion.


    He leaped.


    Soaring through the air, he caught his midair sword and¡ª


    SLASH!


    He landed with a powerful downward strike, cleaving through several undead as his blade ripped through their bodies.


    The surge of power within him was electric.


    He wasn''t slowing down.


    Another Alex clone, Gauntlet Alex, was tearing through the undead.


    BAM!


    He punched straight through an undead''s skull, his fist shattering bone like glass.


    Then¡ª


    THWACK!


    He caught the heads of two undead, one in each hand, then smashed them together with enough force to splinter their skulls into dust.


    With a sharp inhale, he activated the Fury Gauntlet''s special effect.


    His strength tripled instantly.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    He swung his fist like a meteor, sending the undead flying in all directions.


    Bones shot into the air, scattering like debris from an explosion.


    Another clone, who wielded Eclipse Edge, stayed behind.


    He moved like a shadow.


    A blur of motion.


    Every step was precise, every strike lethal.


    He cut down the undead one by one, his blade leaving black streaks of energy in its wake.


    At the same time, he focused on thinning out any undead that tried to break away and attack Freya and the others.


    The final Alex clone stood behind them, gripping the Staff of Power.


    His voice boomed across the battlefield¡ª


    "You guys, retreat!"


    There was no hesitation.


    The three immediately understood the reason behind his words, them pulled back.


    A relentless wave of rotting bodies rushed toward them, eyes burning with an unnatural glow.


    The staff-wielding clone didn''t flinch.


    He stood firm, gripping the Staff of Power tightly.


    The long, ancient staff pulsed with raw energy.


    It wasn''t just a weapon¡ªit was an amplifier.


    It boosted his mana and multiplied his attack power.


    And he had already set the entire battlefield ablaze with hidden explosives.


    Each one was supercharged.


    He only needed to snap his fingers.


    But instead...


    He lifted his staff high, letting the moment sink in.


    Then, in a voice that echoed across the battlefield, he roared:


    "Let there be explosions!"


    A pulse of invisible force rippled outward, twisting and distorting the space around them.


    For a split second, everything went silent.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    KABOOM!


    A chain reaction of destruction erupted.


    Explosions detonated in perfect succession, ripping through the battlefield like a rolling inferno.


    Hundreds of undead were caught in the blast.


    Their bodies tore apart midair, bones shattering, dust and debris filling the sky.


    The shockwaves surged outward, scorching the land, leaving nothing but craters and flames.


    The force of the explosion rushed toward the four clones like an unstoppable storm.


    But, they were ready.


    In perfect sync, they activated [Aegis Arcane].


    A radiant barrier of energy shimmered into existence around them, absorbing the violent shockwave.


    As flames roared and debris rained down, the four clones stood.


    Unmoved.


    The Staff-Wielding Alex lowered his hand, dismissing the shimmering [Aegis Arcane] barrier.


    The battlefield was a scorched wasteland.


    The air was thick with smoke, embers flickering like dying stars.


    The Alex responsible for this damage tilted his head back and let out a low, victorious cackle.


    His eyes gleamed as he took in the aftermath¡ª a masterpiece of destruction.


    A few feet away, the rest stood watching him with a mixture of awe and concern.


    There was only one thought running through their minds:


    Madman.


    Seeing him like this¡ªlaughing at the devastation¡ª made them realize this was how they looked from the outside.


    This was how insane they were.


    The flames died down.


    The explosions had settled.


    And the battlefield?


    Completely wiped clean.


    Not a single undead remained.


    For a brief moment, the clones let out a sharp exhale.


    Was it over?


    Then a deep rumbling.


    The ground trembled.


    In the distance, a new wave of undead materialized.


    Endless. Relentless. Unstoppable.


    They weren''t coming from the ground.


    They weren''t crawling out of the shadows.


    They were spawning from thin air.


    The clones all sighed at the same time. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was never ending.


    The only way to stop this endless horde was to defeat the Grim Lord.


    And that was exactly what the original Alex was trying to do.


    The newly spawned monsters would take some time to reach them.


    So the clones decided to use this time to let their bodies finally able to relax for just a moment.


    But then..


    A shadow appeared before them.


    It was not one of the undead.


    It was something worse.


    A tall humanoid figure stood before them, its body encased in armor-like scales that gleamed under the eerie battlefield light.


    Two sharp, jagged horns curved from its forehead, crackling with electricity.


    In its grip, a massive sword hummed, sparks of lightning dancing along the blade.


    A demon. No...


    A name burned into their minds:


    [Varkos, the Fallen Archfiend.]


    The air grew heavy.


    The pressure around them shifted.


    This was no mindless undead.


    This thing had intelligence.


    It had power.


    The clones immediately tensed.


    Even without a single movement from Varkos, they could feel it¡ª


    This was not an opponent they could take lightly.


    Stormforged Alex stepped forward, his armor crackling with residual energy.


    Gauntlet Alex clenched his fists, his knuckles glowing with raw strength.


    Staff Alex instinctively took a step back, positioning himself behind the others.


    Varkos'' eyes flickered.


    A cold, calculating intelligence lay behind them.


    Then...


    Varkos moved in an instant, its mouth snapping open¡ª


    A sphere of lightning energy began to form, bright, unstable, and deadly.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    The lightning blast erupted, cutting through the battlefield like a thunderbolt from the heavens, straight at the clones.


    Alex''s clones all had high-speed reflexes, thanks to [Danger Sense].


    They moved instantly, their bodies reacting before their minds could even process the attack.


    The lightning blast struck the ground behind them with a deafening crackle, sending up a storm of dust and debris.


    It missed.


    But, Varkos surged forward.


    And Stormforged Alex barely had time to register the movement before the Archfiend''s lightning-coated sword came crashing down toward him.


    "Tch!"


    With a sharp exhale, Stormforged Alex swung up his axe, intercepting the blow.


    BOOM!


    The impact shook the ground, creating a deep crater beneath them.


    Sparks flew as lightning snapped and hissed around them.


    Varkos pressed down, pouring its monstrous strength into the attack.


    Alex gritted his teeth, muscles straining as he held his ground.


    But he was losing.


    Gauntlet Alex charged in from the side.


    His fist glowed with power, aimed directly at Varkos'' ribs.


    The Archfiend barely reacted.


    It twisted, swatting Gauntlet Alex away with a backhand strike, sending him crashing into a pile of bones.


    But, that brief distraction was enough.


    Stormforged Alex roared, pushing up with all his might.


    Varkos staggered back, losing the pressure on his sword for just a moment¡ª


    And that was all Swordsman Alex needed.


    Like a shadow, Swordsman Alex appeared at Varkos'' blind spot.


    His blade gleamed, slicing through the air.


    He aimed straight for the Archfiend''s neck.


    But Varkos vanished.


    A crackling bolt of lightning shot past them, and before they could react, it was already behind them.


    It wasn''t attacking them.


    It was going for Staff Alex.


    Varkos had been playing them.


    From the start, its real target was Staff Alex, the one who had just unleashed the devastating explosion.


    Why?


    Because out of all the clones, Staff Alex was now the most vulnerable.


    But if Varkos had rushed at him too soon, it would''ve been obvious.


    So it distracted the others first.


    Staff Alex barely had time to process what was happening.


    His instincts screamed at him.


    Move! Defend! Do something!


    His hands shot up as he summoned [Aegis Arcane].


    A shimmering arcane shield materialized in front of him, a desperate attempt to block the incoming strike.


    But...


    He had miscalculated.


    Severely underestimated the power the fiend possessed.


    Varkos'' blade swung down.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    A shockwave blasted through the battlefield.


    The air rippled from the sheer force.


    The ground trembled.


    Dust and debris filled the air.


    And then¡ª


    A sharp, sickening crack.


    The smoke cleared.


    [Aegis Arcane] had shattered.


    The shield had taken the full force of the attack¡ª


    But it wasn''t enough.


    The remaining clones watched in horror.


    Varkos stood there, its lightning-clad sword humming ominously.


    And at its feet was Staff Alex.


    His body, split in half.


    "Damn¡­"


    One of the clones muttered.


    The realization hit them all at once.


    This wasn''t just any enemy.


    Varkos was different.


    It was a monster on a completely different level.


    And it had just wiped out one of them in an instant.


    Varkos saw the shock and tension in their eyes.


    And it grinned.


    A cruel, evil grin.


    Then it spun its sword, lightning crackling around it.


    And in the next instant, it lunged forward, towards the rest, to finish the job.

 Chapter 173 - 173: Alex Fault

    Freya slashed through the last undead, its body crumbling into dust.


    She let out a heavy exhale, wiping sweat from her forehead.


    The battlefield was finally clear.


    But then¡ª


    She noticed something.


    Alex had stopped moving.


    His body was rigid.


    His eyes were locked on something in the distance.


    He didn''t blink.


    Didn''t speak.


    Didn''t even breathe.


    Freya frowned, confused.


    She stepped forward, her boots crunching against broken bones.


    "What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.


    Alex didn''t answer.


    Didn''t even acknowledge her.


    He just stood there.


    Frozen.


    Then, she saw it¡ª


    A subtle tremor in his hands.


    Alex wasn''t just standing still.


    He was shaken.


    His fists clenched as the weight of a single truth crashed down on him.


    One of them had died.


    Alex''s mind raced.


    There was an opponent strong enough to take on four of his clones at once.


    And worse¡ª


    It wasn''t even the Grim Lord.


    That meant there was more than one high-level threat in this battle.


    He Had to Move¡ªNow


    His heart pounded.


    He snapped out of it, scanning his surroundings.


    Freya and the others¡ªthey were safe.


    Which meant¡ª


    He could go.


    Without another word, Alex bolted.


    His body became a blur as he sprinted toward his clones.


    Toward the monster that had just killed one of him.


    Freya''s eyes widened as Alex suddenly took off.


    "Wait!" she yelled, her voice sharp and urgent.


    But he was already gone.


    A blur of motion, disappearing into the battlefield.


    Freya squinted, eyes straining through the lingering dust and flickering embers.


    Up ahead, she saw them¡ª


    Alex''s clones.


    Locked in battle with a dark figure.


    She couldn''t tell exactly what it was, but she could feel it.


    A powerful presence.


    Something dangerous.


    Her fingers twitched, the urge to help nagging at her.


    But then doubt crept in.


    Would she even make a difference?


    Would she only slow them down?


    She exhaled sharply.


    She hated this feeling¡ªbeing a burden.


    Just standing here, useless.


    Their presence was already a strain on the battlefield, and she didn''t want to make it worse.


    But still¡ª


    It sucked to be helpless.


    To just watch instead of fight.


    Freya shook off the frustration and turned her attention elsewhere.


    Her gaze landed on Dorion.


    He lay sprawled on the ground, chest rising and falling in uneven breaths.


    His body was scorched, his skin charred in some places.


    Not just exhausted¡ªhe looked drained.


    Like something was sapping his energy.


    The undead alone couldn''t have done this.


    This was something worse.


    Onigi.


    That thing must have done a number on him.


    Freya''s jaw tightened.


    If she couldn''t fight on the front lines, then she needed to help somewhere else.


    She turned, scanning the battlefield¡ª


    And her eyes landed on Ezekiel.


    He was close by.


    Ezekiel sat on the ground, his back leaning against his massive greatsword, the blade half-buried in the dirt beside him.


    His eyes swept across the battlefield.


    Up ahead¡ªAlex''s clones were locked in a fierce clash with Varkos, the Fallen Archfiend.


    Further away¡ªThe original Alex was locked in combat with the Grim Lord.


    And as if that wasn''t enough¡ª


    Dozens. More. Undead.


    Marching in from the horizon, their soulless eyes locked onto them.


    Ezekiel let out a long sigh, his voice tinged with both awe and unease.


    "That man... doesn''t he ever run out of stamina?"


    He shook his head, watching as Alex continued to fight, his movements still sharp, still precise, still deadly.


    "He''s doing so much, yet he doesn''t even look tired. Seriously... he''s a real monster."


    Freya''s expression darkened at those words.


    She turned toward Ezekiel, her tone sharp, carrying an unmistakable edge.


    "Yeah... a monster."


    Her gaze flickered back to Alex, still fighting, still standing.


    "One that saved our lives."


    Alex''s strength was terrifying¡ªno doubt about that.


    But he wasn''t some mindless killer.


    Every time he struck first, it was because someone had forced his hand.


    He never killed without reason.


    He always gave a warning.


    One that was either ignored¡ªor refused.


    Ezekiel scoffed.


    "Saved lives, yes..."


    His grip on his sword tightened.


    "But then took them."


    "Take them?..."


    Freya''s voice rose, sharp and incredulous.


    She knew exactly what Ezekiel was getting at¡ªthe survivors Alex had killed in the third round.


    But their deaths?


    That was on them.


    "He didn''t take anything," she shot back, eyes narrowing.


    "They threw it all away."


    Ezekiel''s gaze darkened.


    "He could have ignored it. They couldn''t harm him. Yet he still killed desperate people."


    Freya''s jaw clenched.


    "You could have stayed," she countered, her voice laced with frustration.


    "You could have convinced them not to attack. They saw you as a leader. Yet you ran the moment you got hit."


    She took a step forward, eyes burning.


    "You''re at fault too."


    Ezekiel flinched but quickly regained his composure.


    "He turned the nightmare on its head," he argued, his voice steady.


    "But he never thought about the consequences for everyone else. That forced the nightmare to take drastic action, pushing people into desperation."


    Freya''s fists clenched at her sides.


    This guy¡ª


    He was dodging responsibility while pointing fingers at someone else.


    What a coward.


    "How would his inaction have made things any better? Right here, right now, in this moment?"


    Ezekiel responded slowly:


    "You don''t realize it, but the Nightmare wants as few players as possible to survive. And though it didn''t get rid of them directly...Alex helped it."


    Ezekiel''s eyes darkened as he spoke in a low, almost conspiratorial tone.


    "Now that I think about it¡­ maybe Alex is something the Nightmare spawned. A creature designed to make us dependent on him¡ªbefore he kills us all."


    Freya''s head snapped toward him, disbelief flashing across her face.


    "Okay, that''s wild."


    Her voice dripped with frustration.


    "You must have lost your mind. How dare you say that when he literally gave you rings to boost your survival?" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ezekiel let out a slow sigh, his expression unreadable.


    "I am grateful," he admitted, but his tone carried an unsettling edge.


    "But I also can''t ignore my animosity toward him."


    Freya''s anger flared.


    "Isn''t your animosity misplaced? He''s been nothing but generous, and that''s what pisses you off?"


    Ezekiel scoffed.


    "Generous?"


    He said the word like it was the most ridiculous thing he''d ever heard.


    "That''s what you call him?"


    His jaw tightened, voice low and sharp.


    "He selfishly plowed his way through the maze, provoked the Undead Guide and the Nightmare itself. He killed people who just wanted to survive. And now? Now we''re stuck here, fighting endless waves of monsters with no way out."


    His eyes narrowed, bitterness dripping from his words.


    "But hey¡ªseems like we''re all having fun, right? And you call that bastard generous?"


    Freya didn''t hesitate.


    Her voice was sharp, her words like daggers.


    "Oh, and what exactly did you do while all of this was happening, oh selfless one?"


    She clapped back, her arms crossing as she stared Ezekiel down.


    "From Trial One, you prioritized your own survival above everything else. In Trial Two, I don''t even know how you got enough Nightmare Points to proceed, but let''s be honest¡ªthere''s no way you made it through without killing another player. And then, in Trial Three, you used the maze Alex created¡ªthe very one you keep complaining about."


    Ezekiel''s eyes narrowed.


    "There was no other option," he shot back. "He nuked the entire maze and then just stared at it in awe¡ªlike it was some masterpiece. Remember?"


    Freya scoffed, ignoring the remark.


    "And yet, after he got you and a dozen others out, what did you do? You rallied the survivors and tried to kill him. But when you took a single punch and realized you couldn''t win? You ran. Left the rest to die. Yeah¡­ real selfless indeed."


    Ezekiel exhaled slowly, turning to face her fully.


    His voice was calm, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    "Killing Alex would''ve meant escaping the Nightmare," he said, his words deliberate.


    Then, tilting his head slightly, he added:


    "Tell me, Freya¡ªyou never considered it? Not even for a second?"


    Freya''s response...

 Chapter 174 - 174: The Past Wont Stay Dead

    Freya''s response was instant. Her voice didn''t waver.


    "I didn''t."


    She held his gaze, unwavering.


    "Because I know there''s no escape without him. And so far? He''s proving me right."


    Ezekiel was silent for a moment. Then, with a sigh, he finally spoke.


    "Well, not everyone is like you."


    His voice was low, steady.


    "Most people don''t try to see the good in others. They don''t try to believe in it. And they sure as hell don''t make excuses for the bad. Some people are just bad¡ªplain and simple. Being too understanding? That''s a quick way to get killed in a situation like this."


    Freya''s frown deepened.


    Hypocrisy.


    That''s all she heard in his words.


    Before this nightmare began, Ezekiel had been the one trying to do good.


    He had been the one saying they needed to work together, that he would lead them out of this trial.


    But the moment things got rough?


    He abandoned all of that.


    He chose himself over everyone else.


    Sure, maybe his actions were justified.


    After all, when he needed help, no one had stepped forward¡ªexcept Dorion.


    But if he could understand that the people who tried to kill Alex were just desperate...


    Then, shouldn''t he also understand that they were scared?


    He couldn''t have it both ways.


    He couldn''t call others cowards while doing the exact same thing.


    Now, as Freya looked at him, all she saw was someone pathetic¡ªa man who refused to take responsibility for his own actions and only ever found fault in others.


    Freya narrowed her eyes at Ezekiel, her voice sharp and cutting.


    "You... you don''t know how to take accountability, do you?"


    Ezekiel''s lips parted slightly as if he wanted to respond, but before he could¡ª


    "Of course he doesn''t."


    A familiar voice interrupted.


    Freya turned just as Dorion walked toward them, his steps slow and heavy with exhaustion. His body was still battered from earlier, but his eyes burned with anger.


    "That''s why he left me alone to face the old man after we shared the points I got from killing his daughter."


    Silence.


    Ezekiel looked down. His face was unreadable, but his body spoke volumes. Shoulders tense. Fists clenched.


    He wasn''t denying it.


    Freya''s breath caught. Her eyes widened in shock.


    Wait¡­ it''s true?


    She turned fully toward Ezekiel, searching his face, but his gaze never lifted from the ground.


    Freya''s chest tightened. He was worse than she thought.


    Then¡ª


    A guttural, gurgling noise filled the air, low and unnatural, like something choking on its own breath.


    The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.


    What the hell¡ª? Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before she could react, an invisible force exploded outward from the center of their group, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.


    A crushing impact slammed into her body, launching her off her feet.


    "UGH¡ª!"


    She tumbled, her back scraping against the rough ground as she rolled several meters before finally coming to a stop. Dust clouded her vision.


    Pain shot through her limbs as she groaned, forcing herself to push up on shaky arms.


    Her breath was ragged. Her heart pounded.


    They had gotten distracted.


    In the middle of a battlefield, they had let their guard down¡ªcompletely unaware of their surroundings.


    For a brief second, Freya thought an airborne creature had crashed down in the middle of them. But as she forced herself up, wincing at the ache in her limbs, she saw the truth.


    Right in front of her, a glowing energy gate shimmered into existence.


    It looked similar to the trial gates that transported players to the next stage¡ªbut something about this one felt¡­ wrong.


    Then¡ªsomething stepped through.


    A figure emerged from the gate, moving with slow, deliberate steps.


    Freya''s breath caught in her throat as she focused on it.


    The first thing she noticed was the bow it held.


    The second was the way it moved.


    Unlike the usual undead with their stiff, unnatural motions, this one walked with control. Precision. Purpose.


    Then she saw the armor.


    Her stomach dropped.


    The armor was familiar.


    She had seen it before.


    Then, a notification appeared atop it.


    [Undead Player: Xeno]


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    "No way..."


    She recognized this undead.


    The archer from the second trial.


    The one she had killed.


    Her hands trembled.


    She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest.


    "What... what the hell is this?"


    Compared to Freya, who faced only a single undead player¡ª


    Ezekiel was approached by multiple.


    At first, he couldn''t process what he was seeing.


    His mind refused to believe it. But then, one by one, the names began flashing before his eyes:


    [Undead Player Sally][Undead Player Marcus][Undead Player Isaac][Undead Player Micah]...[Undead Player Bart]


    The moment he read the last name, his body froze.


    "No¡­ this can''t be real."


    He recognized every single one of them.


    These were not just undead.


    These were the players who had died in the first round.


    Their lifeless eyes, once filled with desperation and fear, were now empty sockets glowing with a sinister light. Their bodies moved with purpose, not like mindless husks, but like something aware.


    Ezekiel''s breath hitched.


    His fingers twitched around the handle of his weapon.


    "What¡­ what sick game is this?"


    Dorion was still on the ground, wincing in pain. He had spent more time groaning on the ground, and when he finally pushed himself up, it wasn''t by choice¡ª


    The undead attacked.


    Dorion barely had a second to react.


    He gritted his teeth and threw himself backward, narrowly avoiding a vicious swipe aimed at his chest.


    He landed hard but managed to roll to his feet, his breathing ragged.


    Then¡ªhe saw it.


    An undead walking toward him.


    At first, he didn''t pay it much attention.


    But something seemed off about it.


    Unlike the others he''d killed so far, this one moved differently.


    Smoother. More controlled. More alive.


    Dorion''s brow furrowed.


    He narrowed his eyes, scanning the figure.


    The way it walked. The stance. The armor.


    Then a notification flashed.


    [Undead Player Kiri]


    The world blurred.


    His stomach twisted into knots.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    No. No way.


    He recognized her immediately.


    The girl he had killed.


    Onigi''s daughter.


    His fingers tightened around his scythe.


    His breath came out sharp and shaky.


    Then, his expression darkened.


    "You bitch."


    The word spat out before he even realized he had spoken.


    Because of her...


    Because of her, Onigi had marked him for death.


    Because of her, he had lost his most powerful skill.


    His vision turned red.


    A deep, guttural rage boiled up from within him.


    His body moved before his mind could stop it.


    And with a raw shout, he lunged forward, scythe raised high, ready to cut her down again.


    The undead let out a low, rasping growl, a sound that felt almost¡­ resentful.


    Then, with eerie speed, she met him head-on.

 Chapter 175 - 175: 30 Seconds

    One of his clones was dead.


    The realization hit Alex like a punch to the gut.


    He hadn''t expected one to die this soon.


    "How did it happen?"


    The question burned in his mind, but there was no time to dwell on it.


    He wasn''t worried. Didn''t have to be.


    Just curious.


    As he dove forward, vines lashed out at him¡ªthick, twisting tendrils aiming to wrap around his limbs and drag him down.


    Alex twisted midair, narrowly dodging as the vines cracked against the ground where he had just been. Too close.


    His suspicions were right.


    Varkos¡ªthe summoned beast¡ªwas insanely strong.


    Maybe too strong for his clones to handle.


    But they had to.


    He needed them to hold Varkos back, or he''d have no chance of dealing with the real threat standing in front of him¡ª


    The Grim Lord.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    If he wanted to win this fight, he couldn''t just rely on brute force.


    He needed to use everything in his arsenal.


    All of it.


    He surged forward, closing the distance between him and the Grim Lord. The towering creature responded instantly, its massive blade humming with dark energy¡ª


    Then¡ª


    SLASH!


    A Rendering Strike tore through the air.


    Alex ducked, rolling beneath the deadly arc.


    The wind from the swing whipped at his skin as he popped back onto his feet, inches from the monster.


    This was his chance.


    He reached out with his mind, activating Minor Telekinesis.


    His target?


    The skull-shaped pendant hanging around the Grim Lord''s neck.


    Alex yanked.


    For a moment, the pendant shook violently¡ª


    It hummed¡ªa strange, eerie vibration filling the air.


    Then the Grim Lord barrier flared to life.


    Enabling the pendant to resist.


    "Guess that won''t work."


    Alex muttered to himself, eyes narrowing.


    The Grim Lord''s defensive aura didn''t just protect its body¡ªit covered the pendant too.


    A deep, rumbling voice echoed from the monstrous figure.


    "You foolish thief."


    Then they clashed.


    Alex lunged in, blades flashing, but the Grim Lord was fast despite its massive frame.


    CLANG!


    Their weapons met in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent vibrations up Alex''s arms, but he pushed forward, twisting his body to deflect the next blow.


    The heat from the Grim Lord''s body was intense, searing his skin on contact. Flesh sizzled.


    But Alex barely flinched.


    His wounds healed instantly¡ªjust like the Grim Lord''s.


    The difference?


    His healing was nowhere near as powerful.


    He had to be careful.


    He saw an opening when the Grim Lord had overextended its swing.


    And Alex shifted his stance, ready to counter.


    But...


    SHHHLK!


    Vines shot out from the Grim Lord''s body, whipping toward him like spears.


    Alex cursed and abandoned his attack, leaping backward just in time.


    The vines slammed into the ground where he had just stood, leaving deep cracks in the stone.


    He clicked his teeth in frustration.


    Ever since he broke the first skull-shaped pendant, the Grim Lord had changed its strategy.


    Now, it was on high alert.


    Its focus had shifted to defense, making it much harder for Alex to land a decisive blow.


    The beast lurched forward, closing the distance.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    They clashed again.


    Blades rang. Sparks flew.


    Vines sprouted wildly from the Grim Lord''s body, lashing out in every direction.


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    He wasn''t just dodging attacks anymore¡ªhe was fighting against a storm of blades and vines coming at him from every direction.


    His eyes darted rapidly, scanning every movement, predicting every attack.


    Then...


    SWOOSH!


    A massive arm made entirely of vines burst out from the Grim Lord''s back. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex barely had time to register it before...


    THWACK!


    The vine-arm slammed into his side, hitting him like a wrecking ball.


    He went flying.


    CRASH!


    Alex skidded across the ground, wincing as he came to a stop.


    His ribs ached, but he pushed himself up.


    Only to see vines creeping toward him like snakes, spreading across the ground, trying to trap him.


    Alex''s muscles tensed.


    He flipped backward, then again¡ªand again¡ªjust barely avoiding the vines that lashed at his feet.


    But before he could regain his stance, a shadow loomed over him.


    Alex''s instincts screamed.


    He looked up.


    The Grim Lord was descending from the sky.


    It had leaped high above him and was now coming down with a cleaving strike, aiming to split him in half.


    "Tch¡ª!"


    Alex kicked off the ground, throwing himself to the side.


    WHOOSH!


    The Grim Lord''s blade slammed down just inches from where he had been.


    Even though he dodged, the edge grazed his cheek, leaving a thin red line on his skin.


    Alex landed, breathing hard.


    "Dammit." He muttered under his breath.


    But the Grim Lord wasn''t done.


    It spun its massive chain blade, the weapon whirling so fast it blurred.


    Then...


    FWIP!


    The blade shot toward Alex, the chain elongating unnaturally, stretching across the battlefield.


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    Too fast!


    The chain wrapped around his body, the metal links coiling tight before he could react.


    And the blade at the end of the chain was rushing toward him, ready to cleave him in half.


    Alex had only a second to react.


    He dove straight into the ground.


    WHOOSH!


    The blade slashed through empty air, missing its target.


    The chains, now slack, fell to the ground with a metallic clank.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted behind the Grim Lord.


    Flames and smoke burst into the air.


    The monster whipped around, searching for the source.


    But there was nothing there.


    It was a feint.


    Because in front of it, Alex was already moving.


    SLASH!


    He swung his blade, aiming straight for the Grim Lord''s neck.


    But...


    SHHHRK!


    The monster reacted instantly.


    Vines shot out of its body, twisting together at lightning speed, forming a thick shield in front of it.


    Alex''s attack slammed into the barrier, cutting deep¡ª


    But not deep enough.


    More vines surged out, forcing Alex backward.


    He landed a few feet away, exhaling sharply.


    This wasn''t working.


    Without tricks like the one he had just used, he wasn''t getting anywhere.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    The Grim Lord was too alert now.


    There was no way he''d catch it off guard again.


    Not when the monster was this defensive.


    He sighed.


    There was only one way out of this.


    One that came with serious drawbacks.


    Alex sighed again, his hands clenching into tight fists.


    If he used this, then he had to end the fight fast¡ªwithin 30 seconds.


    No hesitation.


    No second chances.


    He took a deep breath.


    Inhale. Exhale.


    Then, he muttered:


    "Titan''s Fury."

 Chapter 176 - 176: Second Pendant

    BOOM!


    A shockwave exploded out from his body, sending cracks through the ground beneath him.


    His muscles tensed, expanding, as if his entire body had been supercharged.


    Steam seeped from his skin, rising in thick, ghostly wisps.


    His breathing grew heavier, his chest rising and falling like a machine preparing for battle.


    Alex''s aura glowed an ominous red, the sheer intensity of it warping the air around him. A raw, overwhelming power coursed through his body, making the ground beneath him tremble.


    The Grim Lord squinted its eerie, emerald-green eyes. Something was off.


    The human in front of it had changed.


    His strength had skyrocketed.


    And that was not a good thing.


    Alex slowly raised his head, locking eyes with the beast.


    The Grim Lord didn''t hesitate.


    It moved instantly, instinct screaming that if it didn''t react now, it wouldn''t survive.


    WHOOSH!


    But even with its speed, it was too late.


    Alex''s blade tore through the air like a meteor, slicing through the Grim Lord''s face in a devastating arc. A massive chunk of its flesh was ripped away, sending black ichor spraying across the battlefield.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened.


    Even though it had reacted instantly, it had still gotten cut.


    That had never happened before.


    Snarling, the beast lord lashed out, summoning dozens of thick, writhing vines, all shooting toward Alex like deadly spears.


    But they all struck nothing.


    Alex was already gone.


    And he was already in front of it.


    So fast.


    The Grim Lord reacted on instinct, exploding in a mass of vines as it leaped backward, trying to create space.


    Something was wrong.


    The human in front of it had suddenly surged in power¡ªa power it didn''t understand. It needed time to analyze.


    But Alex had no intention of giving it time.


    WHOM!


    A shadow loomed over the Grim Lord.


    It looked up¡ª


    And there was Alex, plummeting from the sky like a meteor, a blur of red energy, his blade raised high.


    The beast lord reacted instantly, slashing out with its chain blade.


    SWISH!


    But Alex twisted midair, barely tilting his body, dodging the attack by inches.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    Alex''s sword came down like a warhammer, striking with a force that shook the battlefield. The ground beneath shattered, a deafening explosion ripping through the air.


    A thick cloud of smoke burst outward.


    But from the haze¡ª


    The Grim Lord staggered out, a deep wound on its shoulder already sealing shut, black ichor bubbling over the injury.


    Its eyes held unease.


    The Grim Lord felt it¡ªa sinking sense of dread.


    Alex''s sudden power boost was unnatural.


    It didn''t understand what had happened, but it knew one thing for certain¡ª


    It needed Varkos.


    But before it could do anything...


    YANK!


    A powerful force jerked the Grim Lord backward.


    Alex had seized it by the leg, his grip like iron shackles.


    His eyes burned crimson, glowing with a feral intensity.


    Then he pulled.


    The beast lord was ripped off its feet and dragged toward Alex at a terrifying speed.


    Alex raised his blade, ready to cleave the monster apart¡ª


    But¡ª


    SHLAAK!


    The Grim Lord''s body twisted, morphing into a mass of writhing vines that coiled around Alex in an instant.


    The vines tightened like a serpent, wrapping around his arms, chest, and legs, pinning him in place.


    Alex gritted his teeth, struggling, but the vines multiplied, thickening around him until he was completely covered.


    The Grim Lord grinned.


    In its mind, the fight was already over.


    Alex, despite his power boost, had let himself get caught.


    What a fool.


    The beast lord prepared to crush him...but then:


    BOOM!


    A deafening shockwave erupted from within the vines.


    The entire mass exploded outward, shredded into a storm of green debris.


    Alex stood in the wreckage, his muscles tense, his aura still blazing red.


    He had just torn through the Grim Lord''s trap with sheer strength alone.


    The Grim Lord groaned, its massive body collapsing onto the ground.


    Its pendant glowed, radiating a sickly light as its wounds rapidly healed.


    But healing wasn''t enough.


    It knew now¡ªthis wasn''t the same human it had faced before.


    This thing in front of it was something else.


    Something unstoppable.


    The moment its body reformed, the Grim Lord made its decision¡ª


    Run.


    Survival was all that mattered now.


    It turned to retreat, its monstrous limbs tensing¡ª


    But...


    A shockwave of pure force erupted from Alex''s throat as he used Sonic Howl.


    BOOM!


    The Grim Lord''s body was slammed into the ground.


    The sheer pressure pinned it down, its claws scraping helplessly against the earth. The ground trembled, deep gouges forming as the beast was dragged back, its massive form grating against the dirt.


    And Alex didn''t stop.


    The moment the howl ended, he vanished.


    A blur of movement...


    Then...


    SLASH!


    A clean, merciless strike.


    The Grim Lord''s arm flew through the air, severed completely.


    The beast reeled back, an ear-splitting scream of agony shaking the battlefield.


    Panic overtook its mind.


    There was nothing left but the overwhelming urge to flee.


    But Alex''s voice cut through the chaos.


    A single word.


    "Petrify."


    Grim Lord froze.


    Its body refused to move¡ªnot because of any physical restraint, but because of something far more terrifying.


    Fear.


    The petrification effect took hold for just a fraction of a second¡ª


    But that was enough.


    Enough for Alex to move.


    Enough for him to grab the second pendant.


    RIP!


    With a single, forceful yank, Alex tore the skull-shaped charm off the beast''s neck.


    The Grim Lord''s eyes widened.


    Panic flooded its mind.


    The moment it regained control of its body, it leaped backward, desperately shielding the last pendant with both hands.


    But¡ª


    CRACK!


    Alex crushed the pendant in his grip.


    A wicked grin spread across his face.


    At that moment, he understood.


    Seeing the beast Lord healing, he knew exactly what the effect of the pendant he broke was.


    It was the pendant that enabled the beast Lord to put up a magic barrier that dismissed Alex''s ability.


    The Grim Lord''s body twitched as it healed.


    That was it.


    Its best defense was gone.


    And with that, it did the only thing it could.


    Run.


    The beast Lord turned and fled.


    But Alex wasn''t letting it go.


    His hand shot forward, and in an instant, the Explosive Disk transferred onto the Grim Lord''s back.


    A surge of energy ignited, locking onto its target.


    Sensing the incoming devastation, the Grim Lord instinctively tried to summon a shield.


    But nothing came. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Its magic was gone.

 Chapter 177 - 177: Varkos vs Alexs

    Alex''s clones stood still, tense.


    Their gazes were locked on Varkos, who loomed over the lifeless body of their fallen clone.


    Rage.


    Caution.


    A mix of both burned inside them.


    Slowly, Varkos lifted his head.


    His dark eyes scanned the remaining clones, and then...


    He grinned.


    A mocking, twisted smirk.


    Then..


    WHOOSH!


    Varkos charged forward like a bullet, aiming to finish the job.


    The clones'' fury ignited.


    Stormforge reacted instantly, surging ahead, his hand outstretched.


    SNAP!


    A massive explosion erupted between them, aimed directly at Varkos before he could close the distance.


    But¡ª


    FZZZT!


    A shimmering barrier flickered into existence around Varkos.


    BOOM!


    The explosion detonated against the invisible shield, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.


    But as the smoke cleared¡ª


    Varkos emerged.


    Unharmed. Grinning.


    Stormforge Alex clicked his teeth.


    His blade gleamed in the dim light as he rushed forward, the air around him crackling with power.


    And before Stormforge Alex could react¡ª


    SWOOSH!


    Varkos''s sword came swinging down.


    Stormforged Alex gritted his teeth.


    The moment Varkos''s sword came down, he raised his axe to meet the attack.


    CLANG!


    A shockwave erupted from the collision.


    BOOM!


    The sheer force shattered the ground beneath them, cracks splintering outward.


    Sparks of lightning crackled between their weapons, jumping across their bodies like living veins of energy.


    Stormforged Alex''s arms trembled.


    Even with his enhanced armor, Varkos was stronger.


    His knees buckled slightly under the pressure.


    Gritting his teeth, he pushed back.


    But it was like pushing against a mountain.


    Varkos tilted his head, his eerie grin widening as he took a step forward, shoving Stormforged Alex back effortlessly.


    Then....


    WHOOSH!


    The remaining two clones descended from above, weapons raised to strike.


    Varkos''s grin vanished.


    No more games.


    With a flick of his wrist, he shoved Stormforged Alex backward and then..


    ZRRRK!


    A ball of lightning exploded from his mouth, slamming into Stormforged Alex''s chest.


    BOOM!


    The clone was sent tumbling across the battlefield, armor sizzling from the impact.


    "You ugly demon!"


    A voice roared.


    Eclipse Edge Alex.


    He lunged in, sword flashing, aiming for Varkos''s head.


    SWISH!


    Varkos sidestepped, effortlessly dodging.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Eclipse Edge Alex unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one precise and lethal.


    But, Varkos parried them all with ease.


    The clash of steel rang out in rapid succession.


    Sparks flew as Varkos deflected Alex''s sword upward, then knocked away the downward slash with a burst of lightning.


    The clones reacted instantly, leaping to the side as the electric blast scorched the ground where they had just stood.


    Gauntlet Alex dashed in from Varkos'' flank, his fist cocked back for a powerful strike.


    He aimed for the beast''s ribs, hoping to land a sneak attack.


    But Varkos moved with unnatural speed.


    Twisting its body, it dodged the punch and retaliated with a brutal kick.


    Gauntlet Alex barely had time to brace.


    He crossed his arms, absorbing the impact¡ªbut the force still sent him hurtling through the air, crashing into the dirt with a heavy thud.


    Before he could recover, Eclipse Edge Alex lunged forward, blade flashing.


    Varkos''s eyes gleamed.


    With a guttural snarl, it opened its maw and unleashed a crackling sphere of lightning straight at him.


    Alex reacted on instinct.


    He swung his sword up, intercepting the attack.


    But the sheer power behind the energy ball was overwhelming.


    The moment it made contact, a shockwave erupted, blasting Eclipse Edge Alex off his feet.


    He tumbled backward, rolling across the battlefield.


    Varkos didn''t hesitate.


    It locked onto the tumbling clone and lunged forward, massive claws tearing into the ground as it closed the distance.


    Gauntlet Alex, still recovering from the earlier kick, felt a surge of danger.


    His muscles tensed.


    Without thinking, he threw himself backward just as Varkos landed with a thunderous boom, shattering the ground where he had just stood.


    Dust and debris shot into the air.


    Varkos snarled and lunged at the clone, its attack relentless, ferocious and swift.


    Gauntlet Alex had no choice but to dodge.


    His mind locked onto evasion, his body moving purely on instinct as he sidestepped, ducked, and backpedaled.


    The beast''s strikes came like a storm, leaving him no room to counter.


    But then a sharp claw grazed his chest, tearing through flesh.


    Blood splattered.


    "Argh!"


    And Alex gritted his teeth, pain flaring through his body.


    Before he could react, Varkos'' foot came crashing down.


    BOOM!


    The stomp crushed into his chest, driving him into the ground.


    A sickening crack spread through the stone beneath him, dust rising from the impact.


    The archfiend loomed above, its cold gaze locked onto the fallen clone.


    Varkos raised its crackling blade, dark energy dancing along its length. Without hesitation, it plunged downward, aiming to end Gauntlet Alex for good.


    But just before the blade could pierce¡ª


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    A deafening sonic wave exploded across the battlefield, slamming into Varkos with raw force.


    The beast staggered, knocked off balance, its attack thrown off course.


    Gauntlet Alex gasped for breath.


    That was too close.


    Its savior was another clone¡ªShadow Fang Alex.


    The one who had gone to aid Freya and the others.


    Returning.


    Without hesitation, he stepped forward, gripping Gauntlet Alex by the arm and pulling him up.


    Gauntlet Alex clutched his bloodied chest, breathing heavily.


    The wound was healing¡ªbut too slowly. Pain still lingered, but he pushed through it.


    Meanwhile, Varkos steadied itself, shaking off the force of the sonic blast.


    Its glowing eyes snapped upward, scanning the battlefield¡ªthen narrowed.


    Another clone had joined the fight.


    Then, it sensed it.


    A sharp, urgent pull in its mind¡ªits master was calling for help.


    Grim Lord was in trouble.


    Varkos snarled. There was no time to waste. It turned to leave¡ª


    But stopped.


    Two figures blocked its path.


    Stormforged Alex and Eclipse Edge Alex had recovered from the earlier attack.


    Now, they stood firm, blades drawn, their gazes locked onto the beast.


    Behind them, Gauntlet Alex and Shadow Fang Alex took position, ready for battle.


    The air grew tense.


    Sparks crackled from Varkos'' blade.


    The clones weren''t just stalling.


    They had received a mental order from Alex himself...


    Varkos wasn''t allowed to leave until he was finished with Grim Lord.

 Chapter 178 - 178: Clone Jumping

    No matter the cost.


    But they weren''t just going to hold back the archfiend.


    They were going to kill it.


    Without hesitation, the clones moved, closing in from all sides.


    Their formation tightened, cutting off every possible escape route.


    Then, as one, they spoke.


    "Titan''s Fury."


    A surge of power ignited within them, raw and overwhelming.


    Energy crackled through their veins, flooding their limbs with strength.


    A reddish aura burst from their bodies, leaking out like wildfire.


    The sheer force of it sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield.


    Varkos flinched.


    His eyes widened slightly¡ªnot in fear, but in realization.


    The clones had just gotten stronger.


    His window to escape was shrinking fast.


    Varkos'' gaze darted around, searching for an opening, but the clones had locked in.


    Their stances were solid, their grips tightening around their weapons, their movements sharp and controlled.


    They weren''t going to let him leave.


    And now, they had the power to back it up.


    They had 30 seconds.


    That was all the time the clones had before [Titan''s Fury] ran out.


    Varkos muscles tensed, its stance shifting. It could feel the raw power surging within the clones¡ªthis wouldn''t be an easy fight.


    The urgent call from Grim Lord pulsed through its mind, growing more desperate.


    But Varkos couldn''t leave.


    Not unless it defeated them first.


    Fine.


    It would end this now.


    Without hesitation, Varkos'' maw opened, crackling with violent energy.


    A ball of lightning began forming, crackling with deadly force.


    But the clones moved first.


    Faster than expected.


    And in perfect sync.


    Varkos'' eyes widened.


    The attack halted.


    Its sharp gaze darted between the approaching clones, trying to predict who would reach it first.


    But then...


    Slash!


    Varkos parried the first strike, but the attacks didn''t stop.


    Another slash came¡ªthen another.


    Relentless. Precise.


    Then...


    Slash!


    A blade cut across his back.


    Purple blood sprayed into the air.


    Varkos snarled in pain, twisting to counter¡ªonly to face two more ferocious attacks from the front.


    He barely managed to block, his arms straining against the force of two Alex clones striking at once.


    Then...


    BAM!


    A powerful punch slammed into his ribs from the side.


    Varkos let out a guttural growl, rage surging through him.


    With a roar, he spun his sword in a vicious arc, lightning crackling from the blade, surging outward.


    But the clones were faster.


    One darted past the deadly arc, weaving through the storm of energy and lunging straight for Varkos, forcing the beast back into defense.


    Then, a howl came from above.


    Varkos''s eyes snapped upward.


    Storm-Forged Alex was descending.


    Blade raised.


    And then...


    BOOM!


    The ground shattered beneath the impact.


    Dust and debris erupted into the air as Varkos was sent staggering backward.


    Then¡ªa blur.


    Slash.


    Slash.


    Slash!


    Three Alex clones blurred past Varkos in a flash, moving with frightening speed.


    The beast barely reacted in time¡ªbut it wasn''t enough.


    Blades tore through him.


    A deep gash opened on his ankle. A sharp cut sliced across his arm. And a brutal slash carved across his face.


    Purple blood splattered onto the ground.


    Varkos'' eyes widened.


    His body tensed.


    A low, frustrated growl rumbled from his throat.


    The clones were putting him at a disadvantage.


    "UUURAAA!"


    A battle cry erupted from above.


    Stormforged Alex descended¡ªblade flashing¡ªstriking down with immense force.


    Varkos barely managed to react, raising his sword just in time.


    CLANG!


    The impact sent tremors through his arms, his feet digging into the ground.


    Stormforged Alex pressed down harder, pouring raw strength into his weapon.


    Varkos groaned, muscles straining against the crushing force.


    Then, Stormforged Alex muttered one word¡ª


    "[Petrify.]"


    Varkos'' body froze.


    His eyes flickered with shock.


    His limbs stiffened against his will. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Petrify] worked best on those who were uneasy or afraid.


    And right now¡ªwhether he admitted it or not¡ªVarkos was both.


    The effect wouldn''t last long.


    A being of his strength would break free in moments.


    But a moment was all one of Alex needed.


    Shadow Fang Alex appeared behind Varkos in an instant.


    It saw the opening.


    And he pounced, his blades flashing.


    Stab.


    Stab.


    Stab!


    Each strike sank deep into Varkos'' neck, blood gushing from the wounds.


    "Uaargh! Uaargh! AAAARGH!"


    Varkos howled in pain, his body tensing before he finally broke free of [Petrify].


    A burst of electricity crackled around him¡ªthen¡ª


    BOOM!


    A shockwave of lightning exploded outward, blasting the two clones away.


    Shadow Fang Alex and Eclipse Edge Alex skidded back, their bodies crackling with residual electricity.


    Varkos staggered, breathing heavily, one hand clutching his bleeding neck.


    His healing ability kicked in, but it wasn''t fast enough. Not like the Grim Lord''s.


    Then there was a shift in the air.


    A presence.


    Eclipse Edge Alex had used [Stealth Walk] to get close while Varkos was distracted.


    Varkos''s eyes widened.


    Too late.


    SLASH!


    A blur of movement.


    A clone materialized from nowhere, its blade cutting clean through.


    Varkos''s arm hit the ground.


    For a moment, the archfiend just stared at it.


    Then, the pain hit.


    "GAAAH!"


    He staggered back, clutching the stump, his remaining hand sparking with electricity.


    But he had no time to react.


    Stormforged Alex, the first to recover, leaped high into the air¡ª


    Right over Eclipse Edge, Alex.


    His sword gleamed, surging with power¡ª


    And then...


    BOOOOM!


    The blade slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave that sent Varkos flying back, and then..


    WHAM!


    A devastating punch from the side.


    Fury Gauntlet Alex''s fist connected squarely with Varkos'' jaw.


    BOOM!


    The impact sent the archfiend flying, his massive body tumbling violently across the battlefield.


    Dust and debris scattered.


    Varkos groaned as he slowly pushed himself up, his body aching from the blow.


    He clenched his jaw, and there was a faint crack.


    His teeth clicked together.


    His eyes burned with rage as he turned¡ª


    But the clones were already surrounding him.


    He snarled and lunged at one.


    WHOOOOOOOOM!


    A Sonic Howl tore through the air, slamming into him like a shockwave.


    Varkos was sent skidding backward.


    His ears rang.


    His body staggered.


    And then...


    They attacked.


    Slash! A blade cut across his side.


    Cleave! A heavy sword struck his shoulder.


    Pierce! A dagger sank into his thigh.


    Stab! A second blade ripped through his side.


    THUD!


    A punch to the ribs cracked something inside.


    Varkos coughed up dark blood.


    But the clones didn''t let up.


    They were...

 Chapter 179 - 179: Tribute

    They were going to end this.


    Varkos dodged frantically, his body twisting and turning as he lashed out wildly with his remaining arm.


    Lightning crackled around him as he swung, trying desperately to fend off the relentless clones.


    But it was pointless.


    With one arm missing and facing a clone of one of the most broken humans to ever enter the nightmare, resistance was futile.


    The clones closed in from all sides.


    A coordinated attack. Precise. Ruthless.


    Slash.


    A blade tore into his side.


    Cleave.


    A sword hacked into his shoulder. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pierce.


    A dagger buried itself deep into his leg.


    Varkos snarled, his frustration boiling over.


    But it didn''t matter.


    No matter how much he struggled, the onslaught wouldn''t stop.


    His movements slowed.


    His body, once proud and imposing, was now a bloodied mess, struggling to keep up.


    And then...


    SMACK!


    A sharp slap cracked across his face.


    His head jerked to the side, blood flying from his lips.


    Varkos froze.


    His chest heaved, his mind staggering from the sheer audacity of it.


    A slap?


    A slap?!


    His fury ignited like a storm.


    Lightning exploded around him, his rage boiling over as his body surged with power.


    With a guttural roar, he lunged at the nearest clone, his only remaining hand reaching out¡ª


    But then.


    A voice.


    Cold. Unshaken. Unforgiving.


    From behind him.


    "Petrify."


    Varkos''s body locked up instantly.


    His muscles froze, his breath hitched¡ª


    He was trapped.


    Completely.


    "You don''t seem to realize¡­"


    A clone, the one he had managed to grab, tilted its head slightly and spoke¡ªits voice as cold as steel.


    "There''s simply nothing you can do¡­ but die."


    Varkos''s eyes widened.


    A sharp chill ran through him¡ª


    And then¡ª


    SHNK!


    A blade plunged deep into his back.


    Varkos''s body jolted, his mouth gaping as dark blood gushed from his lips.


    The pain hadn''t even fully registered before¡ª


    WHAM!


    An axe came crashing down, a brutal arc of destruction.


    SLICE!


    His last arm was torn away, severed in one clean, merciless cut.


    Blood erupted, spraying through the air like a crimson fountain.


    Varkos staggered, trembling.


    He tried to breathe¡ª


    But only a wet, gurgling sound escaped his throat.


    Pain surged through every fiber of his being.


    His legs trembled, barely able to hold him up.


    His vision blurred, the world around him fading in and out like a distant dream.


    He tried to steady his breath, but it failed.


    His lungs hitched, his body refusing to take in air properly.


    Then...


    THUD.


    He collapsed to his knees.


    His head hung low, chin almost touching his bloodstained chest.


    His once pristine, sculpted body¡ªa symbol of power and might was now ruined.


    A tattered, bloodied mess of deep, dark purple.


    Agony.


    Disbelief.


    Fatigue.


    Every emotion was etched onto his face.


    Varkos spat out blood, thick and dark, his chest rising and falling heavily.


    But no matter how much he breathed¡ª


    The air around him felt thinner.


    Like the world itself was closing in.


    Varkos groaned, his voice raw with disbelief.


    "Me¡­ defeated by a human?"


    No.


    Unacceptable.


    He refused to believe it.


    But then¡ª


    A shift.


    Subtle, yet unmistakable.


    The air around him stirred, sending a chill through his battered body.


    Varkos felt it instantly¡ªsomething was wrong.


    His instincts screamed, and his body tensed.


    And then it was gone.


    A protective spell¡ªone that had shielded him all this time¡ªvanished.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    How?!


    His mind raced, trying to make sense of it.


    Then, realization struck like a hammer.


    The Grim Lord¡­ had lost another pendant.


    Which could only mean one thing¡ª


    The magic shield protecting him was gone.


    The shield¡ªhis one defense against magic¡ªwas gone.


    Varkos turned slowly, almost dreading what he''d see.


    And there it was.


    A clone stood ahead, a grin creeping onto its face, one hand raised slightly.


    The others stood at a distance, forming a loose circle around him.


    They weren''t attacking.


    Not yet.


    They were waiting.


    And then¡ªVarkos saw it.


    The realization in their eyes.


    They knew.


    They all knew.


    He was completely defenseless.


    A cold, eerie chill crawled up his spine.


    His breathing hitched.


    "No!" Varkos roared, panic gripping his chest like a vice.


    His mind screamed for a way out¡ªany way out.


    But there was none.


    And in the back of his mind, he heard it.


    The Grim Lord''s mental call for help.


    It was different now.


    Desperate. Frantic.


    His master was losing.


    And just like him¡ª


    Grim Lord was on the edge of death.


    Varkos stared at Alex in terror.


    His mind reeled, his body frozen with something he never thought he''d feel¡ªfear.


    Seriously, what is this human?


    Grim Lord''s call rang through his mind, more desperate than ever.


    But it was futile.


    There was nothing Varkos could do.


    Nothing.


    The clones stood still, watching him, their presence looming like executioners awaiting the final blow.


    Only five seconds left until [Titan Fury] ran out.


    Then¡ª


    Stormforged Alex stepped forward.


    A small, glowing disk of energy flickered into existence in his hand.


    Without a word, he placed it against Varkos''s forehead.


    A detonation mark.


    Varkos''s breath hitched.


    A strange, unnatural tingling sensation crawled across his skin.


    He couldn''t move.


    Couldn''t fight back.


    And could only wait for the inevitable.


    Then¡­


    The rest of the clones raised their hands.


    More glowing explosion disks flickered into existence, each one snapping into place across Varkos''s mangled body.


    His chest.His back.His legs.Even the stump where his arm used to be.


    A cold shudder ran through Varkos.


    The weight of his fate bore down on him like a crushing boulder.


    He was going to be blown apart.


    The eerie tingling across his skin intensified, sending his nerves into a frenzy.


    His instincts screamed at him to run.


    To fight back.


    To do something.


    But there was nothing he could do.


    The clones weren''t just attacking.


    This was a tribute.


    A final salute to the fallen clone.


    Even though the original Alex could always summon him again, this sacrifice¡­


    Would not be forgotten.


    Varkos''s breath came ragged.


    His teeth clenched.


    His body trembled.


    And then...


    SNAP.


    Every clone snapped their fingers in unison.

 Chapter 180 - 180: Bye Bye

    Original Alex''s POV


    Grim Lord''s greenish eyes widened in panic.


    The second pendant had been destroyed.


    And that meant one thing¡ª


    The magic barrier protecting him from magic-type attacks was gone.


    Alex snapped.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!!


    BOOM!!!


    A chain of explosions erupted across Grim Lord''s body, each blast twisting his form in ways no creature should ever bend.


    His trailing mass was torn apart, flung like a ragdoll caught in a hurricane.


    There was no scream.


    No time to react.


    Just fire, force, and destruction.


    And then...


    BOOM!!!


    The final explosion ripped him apart.


    Smoke engulfed the battlefield, thick and suffocating.


    Alex stood still, watching the aftermath, his body trembling as the effects of [Titan Fury] faded.


    And then, awave of exhaustion slammed into him.


    Not as brutal as the first time, but still enough to make his legs feel heavy, his breathing ragged.


    His attributes had stacked far beyond before, making it easier to handle.


    But still, the feeling of weakness sucked.


    He wasn''t worried about the debuff though.


    The monster in front of him wasn''t a threat anymore.


    Not after losing its most troublesome ability.


    The Grim Lord''s magic barrier¡ªthe only thing keeping it alive¡ªwas gone.


    If that shield had never existed, this fight would have ended ages ago.


    The smoke began to clear.


    And then...


    CLINK.


    The last pendant fell to the ground.


    Alex stepped forward, eyes locked onto it.


    But just as he got close¡ª


    SHING!


    The skull-shaped pendant suddenly jerked away.


    Vines exploded from its surface, twisting and writhing like living snakes.


    Alex halted, watching as the vines wove together, merging, forming¡ª


    A body.


    "As expected," Alex muttered.


    The last pendant''s ability was regeneration.


    And now, the Grim Lord''s body was reforming.


    But really, what was the point?


    Alex cracked his knuckles.


    He was just going to blow it apart again.


    The half-formed face of the Grim Lord emerged from the vines, its mouth opening in a desperate roar.


    "VARKOS!"


    It screamed its Arc friend''s name, begging for help.


    But Alex?


    He grinned.


    There was no way Varkos was escaping.


    And neither was Grim Lord.


    Grim Lord kept screaming.


    A raw, desperate wail.


    Alex?


    He just grinned.


    "It''s futile."


    SNAP.


    BOOM!


    The Grim Lord''s body detonated into a shower of gore.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    It exploded again.


    And again.


    And again.


    Each time, the Grim Lord''s body reformed, twisting together like a nightmare.


    Alex''s grin faded.


    His eyes narrowed, locking onto the pendant.


    That damn pendant.


    A glowing skull-shaped charm that pulsed with unnatural energy.


    That was the key.


    Alex clenched his jaw.


    His explosions weren''t destroying it.


    At first, he thought it was because of the second pendant blocking magic-type attacks.


    But now?


    He realized the truth.


    The pendant itself was naturally immune to magic.


    Which meant he''d have to crush it.


    With brute force.


    And that was no problem.


    Grim Lord''s body stitched itself back together, reforming in a twisted mess of flesh and bone. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This time, it didn''t scream.


    No frantic wails. No rage-filled cries.


    Instead, it called out softly, almost hesitantly.


    "Varkos?"


    The Archfiend should have been here by now.


    But he wasn''t.


    Grim Lord could still sense him¡ªbarely.


    Varkos was struggling. Badly.


    No¡ªhe was dying.


    A cold sense of confusion and dread crept into Grim Lord''s mind.


    He had seen Alex''s clones.


    They were weaker than the original.


    Or at least... they were supposed to be.


    Yet somehow¡ªthey had pushed Varkos to the brink.


    Something was wrong.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted in the distance.


    Grim Lord felt it.


    Like a piece of himself had been ripped away.


    A sickening realization settled in.


    Varkos had been killed.


    Alex chased after the fleeing Grim Lord, his footsteps steady, unhurried.


    There was no need to rush.


    The outcome had already been decided.


    Varkos was dead¡ªhe sensed his clone had finished the job.


    And it seemed Grim Lord knew it, too, as the monster let out a string of furious curses as it ran, its panic evident.


    But running?


    That was pointless.


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    Grim Lord exploded into pieces.


    Chunks of flesh and bone rained down, the force of the blast scattering them across the battlefield.


    And then...


    Only the pendant remained.


    The cursed artifact that refused to die.


    Alex extended his hand, using Minor Telekinesis to pull it down, locking it in place.


    The pendant couldn''t be destroyed by magic, but it could still be manipulated.


    It wasn''t like the second pendant, which outright nullified all forms of magic.


    Alex walked toward it, his eyes locked on the floating relic.


    But even as he held it in place, the pendant kept working.


    Its dark magic stitched Grim Lord''s body back together, undoing the damage as fast as it had been dealt.


    The weight of the pendant increased, pushing against Alex''s telekinetic grip.


    Grim Lord was fighting back.


    So what did Alex do?


    He blew up the body again.


    BOOM.


    As Alex closed the distance, Grim Lord''s half-formed body took shape.


    First, the head.


    Then, the vines spread from the back of its skull, desperately trying to pull the rest of its body together.


    The moment it laid eyes on Alex, it panicked.


    With a desperate snarl, it lashed out vines, trying to lunge away.


    But it wasn''t fast enough.


    Alex''s hand shot forward.


    With a sharp tug, he ripped the pendant free.


    THUD!


    Grim Lord collapsed, its body immediately ceasing to regenerate.


    Only its head remained, perched on a mass of writhing vines, unable to rebuild the rest.


    It slowly turned to face Alex.


    And when it did, dread filled its eyes.


    Because Alex wasn''t holding the pendant.


    He was holding the crushed remains of it.


    Grim Lord''s breath hitched.


    Its lips trembled.


    It tried to speak, but all that came out was a hoarse, broken whisper:


    "No¡­"


    Alex dusted off his hands.


    Then, he simply muttered with a playful grin:


    "Yes."


    And then, he walked away feeling giddy.


    No grand speech.


    No dramatic farewell.


    He was done with this damned place.


    Done with all of its monsters.


    But Grim Lord wasn''t ready to accept it.


    "NO!" it howled, its voice raw with desperation.


    Its vines thrashed, its remaining body squirmed, dragging itself forward.


    Then, it lunged.


    A final, desperate attempt to kill Alex.


    But...


    A snap echoed.


    A single flick of Alex''s fingers.


    And a calm, final whisper.


    "Bye-bye."

 Chapter 181 - 181: Guilt?

    Freya''s eyes locked onto Xeno as he walked toward her.


    But this wasn''t the Xeno she once knew.


    His body was pale and lifeless, his eyes hollow, his movements unnatural.


    Undead.


    The Nightmare was playing tricks, twisting his form¡ªtrying to make her hesitate.


    Trying to make her feel guilty for killing him.


    Xeno raised his bow, fingers moving with eerie precision as he notched an arrow.


    Freya''s grip on her blade tightened.


    She wasn''t falling for this.


    WHOOSH!


    The first arrow flew.


    She twisted her body, barely dodging it as a second one whizzed past her ear.


    Then a third.


    Tch.


    Without wasting another second, she charged forward.


    Her body vanished into the shadows¡ªstealth mode.


    Xeno''s undead eyes darted around, searching.


    He couldn''t see her.


    Good.


    She closed in from behind, blade aimed at his back, ready to end this.


    But¡ª


    CLANG!


    In a blur, undead Xeno whipped around, his bow raised just in time to deflect her strike.


    Freya''s blade bounced off the wood, sparks flying.


    Her eyes widened.


    Fast.


    She barely whispered the word before Xeno lunged again.


    Xeno wasn''t this fast when he was alive.


    Before Freya could process it, the undead lashed out with a brutal kick.


    THUD!


    She stumbled backward, barely regaining her balance before Xeno drew a blade and charged.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Their weapons clashed in a flurry of steel, sparks flying with each brutal strike.


    Freya''s grip tightened as she blocked and parried, but Xeno was relentless.


    His swings were faster.


    Stronger.


    The force behind each strike sent painful shocks up her arms.


    Her hands throbbed, but she refused to back down.


    She could keep up.


    Until...


    CLANG!


    Xeno''s blade slammed into hers, locking them in a deadlock.


    Freya braced, forming a cross with her swords to absorb the impact.


    And then¡ª


    "YOU..."


    A hollow, eerie voice.


    Freya''s breath hitched.


    Xeno was speaking.


    The voice felt wrong, like it wasn''t coming from just his throat¡ª it echoed from everywhere.


    "You... you killed me..."


    Freya''s grip faltered.


    Her chest tightened.


    "MONSTER."


    The word slammed into her like a hammer, freezing her in place.


    Her mind screamed at her to move¡ªto do anything.


    But for just a moment...


    She couldn''t.


    Freya''s heart pounded as the undead spoke¡ªits voice eerily close to how Xeno had sounded when he was alive.


    Her mind spun.


    Was the nightmare playing tricks on her?


    Was this really Xeno''s voice or just another cruel illusion?


    Maybe both.


    The hesitation cost her.


    Undead Xeno lunged forward.


    His bony fingers lashed out, smacking her sword hand down and throwing her off balance.


    Before she could react¡ª


    THUD!


    A brutal kick slammed into her chest.


    Freya shot backward, her body slamming into the ground as she tumbled across the dirt.


    Pain flared through her back, and she let out a groan, forcing herself up.


    Her breath was heavy.


    Her expression, somber.


    Was this... guilt?


    Undead Xeno resummoned his bow in a flash, raising it without hesitation.


    Then...


    whoosh! whoosh! whoosh!


    Arrows cut through the air, aimed straight at Freya.


    Her eyes sharpened.


    She raised her daggers, her blades flashing as she deflected each shot, stepping backward with each impact.


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Clang!C


    The force behind the arrows rattled her arms, but she held her ground.


    Then, the undead charged forward.


    Its bow vanished, replaced by a gleaming blade. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It swung hard.


    Freya blocked¡ªbut the sheer power of the strike swatted her arms wide open.


    Her grip tightened. She clicked her teeth in frustration.


    The undead pressed on, launching another heavy slash.


    She twisted her wrist and parried, forcing its blade to the side.


    There! An opening.


    Without thinking, she lunged forward, her dagger aimed right at its face.


    But then, she hesitated.


    Just for a split second.


    And that was all it needed.


    Undead Xeno''s bony fingers snatched her wrist mid-strike.


    With unnatural strength, it twisted, pulled, and¡ª


    FLIP!


    Freya''s body whipped through the air, and before she could react¡ª


    THUD!


    She slammed into the ground, breath knocked from her lungs.


    Undead Xeno''s blade then plunged downward, aiming to end it.


    But Freya spun on the ground, twisting her body at the last second.


    Using the momentum, she hooked her leg behind the undead''s knee and yanked hard.


    THUD!


    Undead Xeno collapsed to one knee.


    Before it could react, Freya snapped her foot up, kicking it square in the chest.


    The force sent it skidding back, buying her a moment.


    She pushed off the ground, rising to her feet.


    But as soon as she did, a blade came screaming toward her face.


    Her instincts kicked in.


    She jerked her head to the side, barely weaving past the attack¡ª


    The blade grazed her ear, a sharp sting following in its wake.


    No time to recover.


    The undead lunged again, pressing the assault.


    Freya met its attack head-on, her daggers flashing as they clashed.


    Steel against steel.


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Each strike rattled her arms, the sheer weight behind Xeno''s attacks making her hands throb in pain.


    This wasn''t like before.


    The real Xeno had relied on his bow, keeping his distance.


    But this one?


    This Xeno was relentless in close combat.


    Freya blocked a strike, her arms straining under the force.


    But before she could counter, the undead lunged forward.


    Its bony fingers clamped around her wrists, yanking her straight into its path.


    Then...


    CRACK!


    A skull-shattering headbutt smashed into her face.


    "Ugh!"


    Freya cried out, pain exploding through her skull as blood sprayed from her nose.


    She stumbled backward, her vision blurring.


    Then, she lost her footing.


    Her back slammed against the ground, the cold surface jolting her senses.


    Undead Xeno let out an evil grin, its blade raising high, then it stabbed downward, aiming to finish her.


    Freya''s instincts kicked in.


    She rolled hard to the side.


    SHNK!


    The blade pierced the ground just inches from where she lay.


    Without hesitation, she pushed off the ground and bolted.


    "Coward."


    The undead sneered, its voice dripping with mockery as it sprinted after her.


    It could tell.


    Freya had hesitated before.


    And if it kept taunting her, whispering doubts into her mind¡ª


    She would hesitate again.


    The undead pressed on, its hollow voice dripping with accusation.


    "Admit it. You killed me because you needed Nightmare points. Nothing else."


    Freya froze mid-step.


    For a brief second, one of her arms disappeared.


    Undead Xeno''s empty eyes narrowed.


    Then, she slowly turned to face it, a grin spreading across her lips.


    "Did I?"


    A chill ran through the undead.


    Something felt wrong.


    It instinctively halted, sensing an unseen threat...


    CLANG!

 Chapter 182 - 182: Nightmare End

    CLANG!


    Undead Xeno barely deflected the incoming blade, its weapon jerking up at the last second.


    But it reacted a tad too late.


    The tip of Freya''s sword scraped across its skull, carving a jagged dent into the bone.


    CRACK!


    The undead staggered backward, its balance momentarily thrown off.


    It caught itself, shaking with fury.


    Hollow eyes locked onto Freya as it let out a guttural snarl.


    "You bitch! What did you do?!"


    Freya stood firm, blades at the ready, her expression unreadable.


    Then, in a cold, steady voice, she said:


    "I killed you for Nightmare points? If you hadn''t attacked me first, I wouldn''t have even considered it."


    The undead''s jaw clenched.


    "Liar. You had no choice. You would have killed someone else."


    Freya''s lips barely moved.


    "Would I?" she whispered.


    The undead snarled, its grip tightening around its blade.


    "You''d find me a fool¡ªa fool trying to cling to morality, even when the Nightmare and the tutorial make it almost impossible."


    Undead Xeno let out a dry, hollow laugh.


    "Yet you killed someone?"


    Freya exhaled, her grip tightening slightly.


    "Unintentional. Maybe hypocritical," she admitted. "But I''ve come to realize¡ªthere''s no way I can survive without getting a bit of blood on my hands."


    She met its hollow stare, unwavering.


    "So there''s nothing I can do about the fact that I killed you¡­ except move forward."


    The undead''s skeletal fingers twitched around its blade.


    Its voice turned sharper, laced with venom.


    "Moving forward? You''ll never erase the fact that you killed a fellow human."


    Freya shrugged.


    "Whatever. I don''t have to be guilt-tripped by a talking skeleton."


    Her lips curled into frown, "I''ve had enough of these damned games."


    Undead Xeno''s face twisted with rage.


    It had failed.


    Emotional manipulation wouldn''t work.


    Only one option left: brute force.


    It raised its bow, fingers moving with eerie precision as it notched multiple arrows at once.


    Then...arrows shot forward, slicing through the air like a deadly storm.


    But, Xeno''s arrows struck nothing.


    Freya was gone.


    She had vanished into stealth mode.


    The undead''s empty eyes darted around, searching.


    But there was no trace of her¡ªno sound, no movement, no presence.


    She was completely erased from its senses.


    It clenched its jaw.


    That attack earlier had been similar.


    She had only turned part of her body invisible¡ªjust her arm.


    And she had extended that invisibility to her weapon.


    The undead''s fingers twitched around its bow, mind racing.


    Then...


    SHNK!


    A blade tore through the air, materializing out of nothing.


    Undead Xeno barely reacted in time...


    CLANG!


    It deflected the attack with a swift flick of a bow, steel crashing against steel.


    Freya''s voice then echoed around the undead, impossible to track.


    "Did you know how the original Xeno died?"


    She was invisible, circling it like a predator.


    Undead Xeno''s head snapped left, then right, trying to locate her.


    But there was nothing. No sound. No presence.


    Then once again:


    WHOOSH!


    A blade shot toward its skull.


    CLANG!


    The undead reacted instantly, deflecting it with a sharp flick of its weapon.


    Freya continued:


    "He got turned into a porcupine."


    Another blade whizzed through the air.


    CLANG!


    Xeno swung its weapon and knocked it aside.


    But...


    SHNK!


    A second blade followed, hidden behind the first.


    It pierced deep into the undead''s shoulder.


    It let out a hollow growl, raising its bow and fired blindly in the direction the attack had come from.


    TWANG!


    TWANG!


    But then...


    THWIP!


    THWIP!


    Multiple blades pierced into its back.


    Its empty eyes widened.


    Then...


    SHNK!


    One struck from the side.


    Another from the front.


    More.


    And more.


    A repeat of what happened to Xeno when he was alive was unfolding once again.


    Blades punched into the undead''s body, one after another, turning it into a porcupine.


    Undead Xeno let out a furious snarl.


    Enough.


    Its skeletal fingers tightened around its bow.


    Then...


    FWOOOM!


    A sickly green energy surged from its palm, crawling up the weapon like writhing veins. The glow intensified, swallowing the entire bow in an eerie aura.


    Xeno''s fingers found the string.


    It pulled.


    Dozens of arrows, fusing into the bowstring.


    Then...


    CRACK!


    A violent, twisted force filled the air as Xeno drew back the string, its undead jaw stretching into a wicked grin.


    "Eat this, bitch!" it roared.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    A storm of arrows erupted.


    Not fired in a straight line¡ª but in a chaotic, spiraling spray.


    The undead spun like a deadly turbine, unleashing a rain of arrows in every direction.


    The ground was ripped apart.


    The air whistled with countless projectiles.


    Yet, Freya was still nowhere to be seen.


    Then there was silence.


    The storm of arrows ceased.


    The undead stood still, its hollow eyes scanning the battlefield, searching for a corpse.


    Nothing.


    It growled, bow-tightening in its grip.


    Then, its senses screamed.


    From above.


    STAB!


    A dagger plunged into its skull.


    CRACK!


    The undead''s body jerked violently, its knees buckling as Freya drove the blade deeper, her weight crashing down.


    Then with a final, guttural groan¡ª


    THUD!


    Undead Xeno collapsed.


    Its body twitched.


    The eerie glow in its hollow eyes dimmed.


    Earlier, Freya, still in stealth mode was shocked as arrows rained down like a storm.


    She twisted her body, barely dodging a few¡ªbut there were too many.


    Thwack!


    An arrow slammed into her shoulder.


    Pain flared, but she gritted her teeth and kept moving.


    No time to stop.


    More arrows tore through the air.


    Too fast. Too overwhelming.


    Thwack!


    Another struck her thigh.


    Then her leg.


    Her muscles screamed in pain, but she pushed through it, sprinting straight at the undead.


    Risky. Reckless. But her only option.


    With a final burst of speed, she launched herself into the air.


    The wind rushed past her ears.


    The undead''s hollow eyes snapped up, but it was too late. as she drove her blade straight into its skull.


    The undead groaned weakly, its body shuddering under her weight.


    Freya exhaled, staring down at its dimming eyes.


    "I''m sorry... I really am," she murmured.


    She wasn''t talking to this thing.


    She was talking to the real Xeno.


    If... he was still in there.


    The undead twitched.


    Its mouth opened, voice drenched in pure hatred.


    "You... bi..."


    Undead Xeno never finished his last words.


    The light in his eyes vanished.


    His body shuddered¡ªthen crumbled into dust.


    Freya staggered backward, her vision swimming.


    Her legs wobbled¡ªthen gave out.


    She collapsed onto her backside, her breath ragged.


    Pain flared everywhere. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The arrows still lodged in her body pulsed with agony, blood seeping from the wounds.


    She had no healing potions.


    No way to stop the bleeding.


    Would she bleed to death?


    The thought crossed her mind, but then a bright notification flashed before her eyes.


    DING!


    [Final Boss: Grim Lord has been defeated]


    [Congratulations for completing the Nightmare]

 Chapter 183 - 183: Into Dust

    [You have completed the Nightmare.]


    [Reward for completing this trial will be given to you when you exit.]


    [You will be teleported out soon!]


    The glowing notifications appeared before Ezekiel''s eyes¡ªjust in time.


    A few minutes earlier, he was barely holding on, his breath ragged, his arms heavy.


    The undead players swarmed him, their rotting hands grasping, their hollow eyes burning with fury.


    These were the same players from the first round¡ªthe ones he had promised to lead.


    The ones he had abandoned to save himself.


    A part of him had felt guilty. That guilt had shaped this nightmare, resurrecting them as vengeful undead.


    Now, they attacked with ruthless aggression, their movements sharper, faster than before.


    Ezekiel fought back with desperation, his blade a blur as he swung wildly, hacking through the undead.


    "RAAH!" he screamed, slashing down another.


    But then¡ª


    One of them spoke.


    "You bastard! You promised me... I''d return to our daughter."


    Ezekiel froze.


    The voice¡ªtoo real, too familiar.


    A second of hesitation.


    SHHK!


    A sharp pain ripped through his back.


    Ezekiel winced at the pain snapped out of it and kept swinging.


    His blade slashed through one, then another, but they just kept coming.


    Their movements were different¡ªfaster, stronger. Sharper than when they were alive.


    And he knew.


    He had led them once. He had fought beside them. He knew their limits.


    But this?


    This was beyond them.


    Yet, it wasn''t their strength that put him at a disadvantage.


    It was their words.


    "You said you''d lead us out of here."


    Ezekiel''s grip tightened. He pushed forward, trying to drown them out.


    "You didn''t even look back when I got killed."


    His breathing turned uneven. His footwork slipped.


    "You watched as that statue crushed me... yet you did nothing."


    The words hit deeper than any blade.


    He tried to shut it out. Tried to focus.


    But he couldn''t. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because every word was true.


    He felt it.The weight of his choices. The guilt clawing at him.


    Then came the final blow.


    "You said I reminded you of your dead son... yet you let me die.


    You failed me, just like you failed him."


    Ezekiel''s blood ran cold.


    His breath hitched.


    His body froze.


    And in that single, paralyzing moment¡ªthey struck.


    A blade slashed across his chest.


    Pain exploded through his body as he staggered backward, gasping. His knees buckled, but he forced himself to stay upright.


    Blood poured from the wound, soaking his clothes.


    His vision blurred. His heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    But still¡ªhe stood.


    And in a somber, broken voice, he spoke:


    "You''re right. I failed you all. Because I''m a fraud... and a coward. Always have been.


    But you chose to follow me.


    And that choice led to your death.


    Blame your deaths on your foolishness."


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    "Coward!"


    One of the undead snarled.


    "He still won''t take responsibility!"


    They rushed him.


    Ezekiel raised his blade, but his arms felt like lead.


    Too slow.


    Too tired.


    Too broken.


    And as the undead closed in¡ªhe knew.


    There was no way he could survive this.


    The numbers overwhelmed him.


    Ezekiel fought back, swinging wildly, but there were too many.


    A cold hand gripped his throat.


    Another yanked his arm, twisting it painfully.


    A boot slammed into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.


    He hit the ground¡ªhard.


    Weapons rose above him, glinting with the promise of death.


    This was it.


    Ezekiel closed his eyes, accepting the end.


    But then¡ª


    FWOOOSH!


    The undead burst into ashes.


    All of them.


    One second, they were there¡ªthe next, gone.


    Ezekiel gasped for breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    His limbs trembled as he pushed himself up, his mind struggling to process what just happened.


    Then, the notification flashed before his eyes.


    He survived.


    Ezekiel stared at the message, his breath still shaky.


    He was sure he was dead.


    He had accepted it.


    But somehow, Lady Luck had other plans.


    His eyes darted around the empty battlefield, an unfamiliar weight settling in his chest.


    They were really gone.


    The people he once led. The people who had trusted him.


    So many good people had died.


    Yet somehow, a terrible person like him had lived.


    And it was all because of the one person he blamed for this mess.


    A weary sigh escaped his lips as he collapsed onto the cold ground.


    "That crazy bastard¡­ he actually did it. He defeated the nightmare."


    Dorion, just like Ezekiel, was also saved when Alex defeated Grim Lord.


    But unlike Ezekiel and Freya, he was in far worse shape.


    His body was a mess¡ªriddled with stab wounds, blood soaking his clothes.


    Undead Kiri had been relentless.


    Even in life, she was strong.


    Back then, Dorion had the advantage. He was at his peak, and with [12 Immortal Body], he had overpowered her.


    But now?


    Now, she was undead.


    Her strength had skyrocketed.


    And Dorion? Weakened.


    Still suffering from the debuff her father placed on him.


    The fight had been one-sided from the start.


    At first, he had rushed in, rage-fueled, swinging wildly.


    But his aggression had cost him.


    His attacks had been reckless.


    Now, he was barely hanging on.


    His strikes had turned into desperate blocks, weak parries.


    He had stopped attacking altogether.


    His body was failing.


    Each breath was shallow.


    Each step felt like his last.


    Blood dripped from his wounds, pooling beneath him.


    His vision blurred.


    His arms trembled as he barely held his weapon.


    He looked like he could drop dead at any second.


    But Dorion refused to fall.


    His grip tightened around his scythe, blood-slick fingers barely holding on.


    His body screamed in pain.


    His breaths were ragged.


    But he wasn''t dead yet.


    And he wasn''t going to let that change.


    He knew one more hit could end him¡ªpermanently.


    So he shifted his focus.


    Less attacking. More surviving.


    Dodging. Blocking. Taking as little damage as possible.


    It was a desperate gamble.


    But it paid off.


    There were no words exchanged.


    No taunts.


    No guilt-ridden accusations like with the others.


    Just battle.


    Because, unlike Ezekiel, Dorion felt nothing.


    No remorse. No regret.


    The nightmare controlling the undead didn''t even bother trying to break him mentally.


    It didn''t need to.


    He was already on his last leg.


    Kiri lunged.


    Her speed was unnatural.


    Before he could react, her blade struck.


    CLANG!


    Dorion''s scythe flew from his hands.


    His last defense¡ªgone.


    His limbs refused to move.


    His vision blurred.


    He barely registered Kiri stepping in, lifting her weapon high.


    This was it.


    The final blow.


    The cold edge of her blade touched his skin.


    And then, she turned to dust.

 Chapter 184 - 184: He Returns

    A thin, red cut formed where the blade had touched Dorion''s skin.


    But he didn''t care.


    Didn''t flinch. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Didn''t react.


    Instead, he grinned¡ªa slow, tired smirk¡ªbefore his body finally collapsed onto the blood-soaked ground.


    Every nerve in his body screamed in agony.


    His wounds throbbed. His vision darkened. His limbs felt like lead.


    But Dorion just lay there.


    Still. Motionless.


    If not for the faint rise and fall of his chest, he could''ve passed for a corpse.


    Then...


    Shff.


    A slow, dragging footstep broke the silence.


    Dorion''s ears twitched.


    He didn''t have to look to know who it was.


    Ezekiel.


    Their relationship was a mess¡ªa mix of rivalry and reluctant dependence.


    They fought. Argued. Hated each other''s decisions.


    But in the end, in this hell, they only had each other.


    Ezekiel stopped, looming over Dorion''s beaten, unmoving body.


    For a moment, he just stood there.


    Then, in a dry, flat tone, he asked¡ª


    "You dead yet?"


    Dorion didn''t answer.


    Didn''t even move.


    Ezekiel clicked his tongue and slowly raised his great sword, resting it over his shoulder.


    "If you''re gonna die anyway¡­ maybe I should just finish you off."


    His grip tightened on the hilt.


    "Take all your stat points. They''d be real useful when I get out of here."


    Dorion''s eyes snapped open.


    Ezekiel let out a tired sigh and shook his head.


    "You look like shit," Dorion teased, his voice hoarse but laced with amusement.


    Ezekiel shot him a deadpan look¡ªone that practically screamed, "Seriously, kid?"


    Because if anyone looked like absolute hell, it was Dorion.


    His body was wrecked. Stab wounds riddled his torso. Blood clung to his clothes like second skin. He looked like a corpse that refused to stay dead.


    Ezekiel exhaled and dropped down beside him, resting his arms on his knees.


    For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.


    Then, Ezekiel muttered, "That last fight was rough, huh?"


    Dorion didn''t answer.


    Didn''t nod. Didn''t even grunt.


    Ezekiel glanced at him, then continued, "So¡­ who did you face?"


    Dorion blinked, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply. "I mean, obviously, the nightmare pitted us against undead versions of the players we felt guilty about killing."


    His voice was steady, but there was a weight behind his words.


    "So, who did you face?"


    Dorion''s frown deepened. His brows knitted together.


    Then, he scoffed.


    "Guilt?" he repeated, as if the word itself was absurd. "That term is foreign to me."


    His voice was cold. Unshaken.


    "I don''t regret killing anyone."


    "Of course you don''t."


    Ezekiel''s reply was almost automatic, but then his expression shifted. His brows furrowed slightly, his gaze distant, as if something wasn''t adding up.


    If Dorion hadn''t faced the undead version of someone he felt guilty about killing¡­ then what did the nightmare use to summon an undead for him?


    A moment of silence stretched between them before Ezekiel voiced his thoughts.


    "Maybe it wasn''t guilt. Maybe it was a kill that made you feel a strong emotion?"


    Dorion let out a low groan, rubbing his face. "What''s the point of this?"


    Ezekiel smirked slightly. "Just buying time until whatever decides to drag us back to the tutorial."


    Dorion sighed, his exhaustion seeping into his voice.


    Then, after a pause, he muttered, "Strong emotion, huh...? Could that be why I saw Onigi''s daughter?"


    Ezekiel''s head tilted slightly.


    His confusion was clear in the way his eyes narrowed just a fraction.


    Onigi''s daughter?


    That¡­ wasn''t the answer he expected.


    "His daughter?" Ezekiel narrowed his eyes, his voice edged with curiosity. "I would''ve thought you''d be pitted against the old man himself. After all, he''s the one who gave you the most trouble. You were clearly frustrated that he kept chasing you."


    Dorion''s expression remained unreadable. "Maybe..."


    His voice lacked its usual sharpness, his reply almost distant.


    Ezekiel didn''t let it go. "It''s strange. If I were the nightmare, that''s who I''d make you fight. Unless¡­Unless the man wasn''t dead?"


    Dorion''s body went rigid.


    His eyes widened just slightly, his breath hitching¡ªbarely noticeable, but Ezekiel caught it.


    Then, as if reality had just slammed into him, Dorion pushed himself up, groaning through the pain.


    "What¡­ what did you just say?"


    His voice was quieter this time, but there was a weight behind it.


    Ezekiel met his gaze and repeated evenly, "Unless the man wasn''t dead."


    Then, noting Dorion''s reaction, he added, his tone shifting ever so slightly:


    "He is dead¡­ right?"


    Dorion shuddered, his breath hitching for just a moment before he muttered, "I never got a kill notification, though."


    Ezekiel frowned. "Kill notification?" He repeated, confused.


    Unlike Dorion, Ezekiel¡ªcrazy as it sounded¡ªhad never actually killed another player, so the concept of a kill notification was foreign to him.


    Dorion''s eyes widened in sudden realization.


    Then, he gritted his teeth and cursed under his breath before exclaiming, "What, am I a fool?!" His voice was sharp, more self-directed than anything. "I reprimanded him for doing the same, yet I made the same damn mistake!"


    Without warning, Dorion forced himself upright, his body protesting with every movement.


    Ezekiel, still trying to piece together what was happening, quickly followed.


    "What¡­ what are you saying?" He asked, his voice edged with confusion.


    Dorion''s breathing was uneven, but his mind was racing now. "I was too busy fighting the undead in front of me, I forgot to check¡ª"


    "Check what?" Ezekiel pressed.


    "FOOL!"


    A sharp voice rang out behind them, freezing them in place.


    A voice they knew.


    A voice they never wanted to hear again.


    Slowly, Ezekiel and Dorion turned¡ªtheir movements stiff as if the very air around them had thickened.


    And there he was.


    The old man. Onigi.


    He walked toward them with an unshaken, deliberate stride, his presence bone rattling and suffocating.


    The metal of his katana scraped against the ground, leaving behind a jagged trail of ice that crackled and spread like a living thing.


    Dorion''s heart pounded in his chest.


    He felt the weight of his own breath, heavy and uneven.


    The taste of fear clung to his tongue, bitter and undeniable.


    Then, in a voice like a final verdict, Onigi spoke.


    "I told you¡­ this ends with me taking your head."

 Chapter 185 - 185: Calculations

    BOOM!


    The explosion erupted behind him, a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. Flames roared into the sky, consuming what was left of the Grim Lord.


    But Alex didn''t look back.


    He walked forward with steady confidence, his silhouette outlined against the burning wreckage of the nightmare''s final boss. His heart pounded¡ªnot from fear, but from the sheer thrill of victory.


    Then, the notification appeared.


    [You have completed the Nightmare.]


    [Reward for completing this trial will be given to you when you exit.]


    [You will be teleported out soon!]


    Alex grinned.


    Finally. It was over.


    Excitement surged through him. He couldn''t wait to get out and use all the stat points he had earned. He had fought, bled, and killed more enemies than he could count. The payoff would be massive. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eager, he swiped open his status window, eyes scanning for the total.


    Judging by the sheer number of enemies he had cut down¡­


    It was going to be a lot.


    But...


    [Total Nightmare Points: Calculating...]


    [Total Stat Points: Calculating...]


    Alex pursed his lips, resisting the urge to sigh.


    He had been eager to see the numbers¡ªto feel that rush of satisfaction¡ªbut it seemed the system was taking its sweet time.


    "Guess I''ll have to wait," he muttered, shutting the window for now.


    Still, he couldn''t help but wonder.


    What were Nightmare Points even for?


    A special currency? A hidden reward? Something even better?


    His mind drifted through the possibilities, but before he could think too deeply he heard footsteps.


    Multiple sets, uneven and dragging.


    Alex turned.


    It was his clones.


    They stood before him, battered and worn, their bodies marked with deep gashes and bruises. The aftereffects of [Titan''s Fury] had clearly hit them hard.


    Yet, despite their exhaustion, they remained standing.


    A smirk tugged at Alex''s lips.


    He raised a hand and gave them a thumbs up.


    "Good job."


    The clones nodded in unison, standing tall despite their battered forms.


    They were exhausted¡ªbruised, drained, their bodies heavy from the aftermath of [Titan''s Fury]¡ªbut there was no mistaking the pride in their stance. They had fought hard. They had won.


    Alex took a moment to appreciate them. These were his clones, extensions of himself, who had done exactly what he needed them to do.


    Then, with a casual flick of his fingers¡ª


    They vanished.


    And the moment they disappeared, it hit him.


    A shockwave of knowledge surged through his mind, raw and overwhelming. Memories, experiences¡ªevery second of battle crashed into him at once.


    His breath hitched.


    He saw it all.


    Flashes of movement, blades clashing, fists meeting flesh. The sheer force behind every attack. The weight of every dodge, every parry, every fatal strike. The effort it had taken to bring down the endless waves of enemies.


    Alex''s lips curled into a grin.


    His clones had bullied Varkos to death.


    They hadn''t just beaten him¡ªthey had overwhelmed him, torn him apart piece by piece, refusing to let him breathe.


    And the undead?


    Slaughtered.


    Hundreds of them.


    And every kill had added all up.


    That meant more stat points and nightmare points for him


    Still calculating.


    Alex inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as he soaked it all in.


    Then, finally, he lifted his head, his sharp gaze sweeping across the battlefield.


    No monsters. No threats.


    Even the massive magic barrier that had once trapped them here had faded into nothingness.


    It was over.


    Then he spotted them¡ªFreya and the others.


    They survived as well.


    He grinned, and without hesitation, he started walking towards them.


    The battlefield was eerily silent now. No more clashes, no more roars¡ªjust the sound of his footsteps, steady and unhurried.


    Freya, still on the ground, let out a pained groan.


    It was over.


    She could hardly believe it.


    From the moment this nightmare began, she had doubted she would make it out alive.


    But she did.


    And it was all because of Alex.


    A familiar, lazy stride reached her ears.


    She forced herself to sit up slightly, gritting her teeth against the pain.


    Her eyes locked onto Alex as he approached.


    She smiled.


    It was weak and tired but genuine.


    Summoning every ounce of strength, she pushed herself up, refusing to stay down.


    By the time Alex reached her, she had opened her mouth¡ªbut no words came.


    What could she even say?


    Good job?


    You did well?


    What took you so long?


    Great job, crazy bastard!


    A flood of different thoughts raced through Freya''s mind, but none of them felt right.


    Her expression twisted in confusion, and Alex noticed immediately.


    He raised an eyebrow. Was she tweaking or something?


    Freya suddenly exhaled sharply, pushing all the thoughts aside. In the end, she simply asked:


    "Are you alright?"


    Alex''s gaze flicked to the arrows lodged in her shoulder and leg.


    He gave a casual shrug. "Yeah, pretty much. How about you?"


    Freya let out a tired laugh, then gestured at her injuries. "Well, I''ve got an arrow in my shoulder and leg, and it hurts. So no, I''m not doing alright."


    Alex smirked. "Could be worse."


    "Yeah, it could. But it isn''t¡ªthanks to you."


    Alex glanced at her wounds again. "Let''s just hope you don''t bleed to death before we get sent back to the tutorial."


    Freya''s eyes widened. "Please, don''t say such scary things!"


    Alex grinned, then lifted his gaze past Freya''s shoulder.


    His eyes landed on Ezekiel and Dorion.


    But then¡ªhis grin froze.


    His eyes widened.


    There was someone else.


    Alex''s smirk returned, slower this time. "Oh... looks like five of us made it."


    "Five?" Freya frowned, confused.


    By her calculation it should be four.


    She turned, and what she saw made her breath hitch.


    Ezekiel and Dorion stood side by side, their bodies tense.


    They weren''t alone.


    They were staring down Onigi.


    Freya''s heart slammed against her chest. She staggered to her feet, her voice rising: "What?! I thought he died!"


    Alex watched the intense standoff, his grin never fading. "Turns out he didn''t."


    Freya could only stare as the three locked eyes, their gazes sharp and unyielding.


    The nightmare had ended¡ªbut the fighting didn''t seem to be over.

 Chapter 186 - 186: Hubris

    Alex quickly pieced together what had happened.


    Dorion thought he had killed Onigi.


    But he hadn''t.


    And now? That mistake had come back to bite him in the ass... or maybe rip his head off.


    "Either way..."


    Alex folded his arm, a smirk on his face.


    "This will be fun."


    Like before, he had no intention of stepping in.


    He was done fighting in this cursed place.


    All he wanted now was to get out, convert his stat points into upgrade points, level up his skills, and start hunting the next Beast Lord.


    Meanwhile...


    Onigi''s voice cut through the silence, low and chilling:


    "I told you¡­ this ends with me taking your head."


    Onigi exhaled sharply.


    When Dorion injured him, the wound was severe and should have been fatal. But Onigi reacted fast.


    He rapidly lowered the temperature of his wound, freezing it shut, and this stopped the bleeding instantly by sealing the torn flesh and blood vessels with a layer of ice. The ice also numbs the pain, allowing him to keep moving


    He also faced undead players, like the rest.


    The undead form of Kato and some of his clan members.


    But had managed to defeat them all without much shake in emotion.


    As he was only driven by one desire...


    Revenge.


    He''d seen the undead form of his daughter burst into ashes and that hurt him more.


    His eyes burned cold as he stared at Dorion, and with a sneer, he taunted:


    "To think you''d make the same mistake I did...Arrogant."


    Dorion clicked his teeth in frustration.


    Of all times for the old geezer to show up¡ªit had to be now.


    When his body was covered in injuries, thanks to that damned daughter of his. When he could barely move.


    Why now? Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His brow furrowed. How had the old man survived?


    His eyes narrowed, tracing the wound he had inflicted on Onigi.


    Covered in ice.


    The old man had some kind of healing ability.


    Of course, he does.


    In a world where someone could come back from the dead twelve times¡­


    And that someone being him¡ªIt was naive not to have considered the possibility.


    Dorion gritted his teeth.


    He couldn''t believe he could make such a stupid mistake.


    Dorion shook his head. No point in thinking.


    Onigi was alive.


    And the old man''s intentions were clear.


    Dorion''s eyes flicked to his weapon.


    It was just within reach.


    So close.


    Gritting his teeth, he forced his battered body to move. Every muscle screamed, but he pushed through the pain.


    His fingers stretched out¡ªjust a little more¡ª


    SHHNK!


    A sharp, freezing pain ripped through his arm.


    He barely saw the blur of Onigi''s katana before an arc of ice sliced clean through his wrist.


    For a split second, there was no pain¡ªjust a strange numbness.


    Then...


    "AAARGH!"


    The agony hit like a shockwave.


    His severed hand hit the ground with a dull thud.


    Blood. Ice. The burning cold of Onigi''s attack.


    Dorion barely had time to process it before Onigi rushed forward, katana raised, ready to finish it.


    But...


    CLANG!


    Steel met steel.


    The attack was blocked.


    "Nani..."


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed.


    His blade had been stopped. Blocked.


    He turned his head, gaze locking onto the one who had dared to stand in his way.


    Ezekiel.


    Onigi didn''t know him. Didn''t care to.


    But he remembered seeing him arguing with Dorion back in the maze.


    And their connection¡ªwhatever it was¡ªmeant nothing.


    What mattered was that this man was in his way.


    Onigi''s grip on his katana tightened. His muscles tensed.


    "What are you doing?"


    Ezekiel gritted his teeth, struggling to hold back Onigi''s blade.


    The old man was strong. Too strong.


    Dorion''s agonized screams echoed behind him.


    Blood gushed from his severed wrist, pooling at his feet.


    Ezekiel''s arms trembled under the pressure. His stance faltered.


    He gritted his teeth, forcing out the words:


    "I can''t... I can''t let you¡ª"


    BAM!


    Onigi didn''t let him finish.


    With a swift, brutal kick to the chest, he sent Ezekiel flying. The force of the blow crashed him against the ground, sending him tumbling like a ragdoll before he skidded to a stop.


    Dorion, his body still wracked with pain, realized something.


    The only reason he wasn''t in pieces right now¡­


    Was because Ezekiel had intervened.


    And now he was down.


    Dorion barely had time to react before Onigi charged, moving like a predator, his katana raised.


    A deep, guttural growl rumbled from the old man''s throat as he swung the blade downward.


    Dorion threw himself to the side, avoiding the attack.


    And the blade slammed into the ground, cracking the earth where he had just been.


    Rolling away, panting, sweating, bleeding, Dorion reached out and snatched his scythe with his remaining hand.


    His body screamed in agony, his mind blurred with exhaustion.


    But he had no choice.


    He had to fight.


    He felt it¡ªan attack coming.


    He tightened his grip on the scythe and whipped it up, desperately trying to block¡ª


    But...


    WHAM!


    Onigi''s foot slammed into his scythe, kicking it away. The weapon spun through the air before clattering against the ground, far out of reach.


    Dorion hit the dirt hard, a pained groan escaping his lips.


    Above him, Onigi''s katana whistled downward.


    But before the blade could reach¡ª


    A deafening roar cut through the battlefield.


    THUD!


    Ezekiel crashed into Onigi, tackling him at full force. His arms locked around the old man''s waist, driving him backward in a powerful charge.


    The impact sent both of them skidding across the battlefield.


    But Onigi was no easy prey.


    With a grunt, he planted his feet and pushed back, forcing Ezekiel to a stop.


    The old man''s eyes flashed with irritation.


    Again.


    Ezekiel was in his way.


    "Tch¡ª" Onigi clicked his tongue and shoved Ezekiel off him, sending him stumbling.


    But Ezekiel wasn''t done.


    With a grunt, he pushed forward again, determined to stop the old man.


    But Onigi''s eyes narrowed and his katana flashed.


    SHING!


    SHING!


    SHING!


    A series of rapid slashes cut across Ezekiel''s body.


    His knees buckled. His breath came out in ragged gasps.


    Then, he collapsed.


    Onigi barely spared him a glance before turning back toward Dorion, ready to finish what he started.


    But...


    "Kiri!"


    Ezekiel''s voice rang out.


    Onigi froze.


    Slowly, he turned his head, his expression like carved ice.


    Ezekiel coughed, forcing himself up on one knee. His eyes locked onto Onigi''s.


    "Kiri... I''m also responsible for her death."


    A tense silence settled over the battlefield.


    Onigi''s grip on his katana tightened. His voice was low and dangerous.


    "What did you just say?"


    Ezekiel exhaled sharply, then forced the words out.


    "Dorion wasn''t the only one who killed her... I did too."


    His gaze didn''t waver.


    "For nightmare points."

 Chapter 187 - 187: Bring Him Back!

    Onigi''s brows furrowed. His grip on his katana tightened.


    Did he hear that right?


    Dorion... wasn''t the only killer?


    A flicker of shock crossed his face. Confusion. Disbelief.


    Dorion, still panting heavily, looked just as bewildered. His vision blurred from blood loss, his body swaying like he''d collapse at any moment.


    But he forced himself up.


    Every movement was agony, but he refused to fall.


    His gaze locked onto Ezekiel¡ªan odd look in his eyes.


    Because he knew the truth.


    Yes, they had shared the nightmare points.


    But...


    Ezekiel was never part of the fight.


    Dorion''s voice came out hoarse, disbelieving.


    "What... what the hell are you saying?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dorion narrowed his eyes.


    He didn''t understand what Ezekiel was playing at.


    "We both killed your daughter for Nightmare points?"


    Onigi stiffened. His face was unreadable, but his fingers tightened around his katana.


    A long, tense silence.


    Then, in a cold, flat voice, he muttered:


    "Then, I''ll kill you right after I kill him."


    He was about to turn back to Dorion¡ª


    "Arrgh¡ª!"


    A furious scream tore through the battlefield.


    Dorion was charging, a dagger gripped tight in his bloodied hand.


    But Onigi reacted instantly.


    His hand shot out, catching Dorion''s arm in a vice grip¡ª


    Then, with a sharp twist, he threw Dorion forward like a ragdoll.


    Dorion crashed hard onto the ground, tumbling painfully across the dirt.


    Onigi didn''t hesitate.


    He rushed after Dorion, blade raised¡ª


    But just as he closed in¡ª


    CLANG!


    Ezekiel''s weapon swung down at him from the side.


    Onigi barely glanced, swatting the attack aside with ease.


    Then¡ª


    BAM!


    A powerful kick slammed into Ezekiel''s chest, sending him flying backward.


    Ezekiel crashed to the ground, landing hard beside Dorion. He groaned, his body aching from the brutal impact.


    But there was no time to recover.


    Onigi was already charging forward, his blade gleaming under the dim light, aimed straight at Dorion''s chest.


    Dorion, still dazed, barely had a moment to react.


    The sword plunged down.


    SHIING!


    The sickening sound of a blade piercing flesh filled the air.


    Onigi''s eyes widened.


    Dorion''s breath hitched.


    Even Freya, watching from a distance, gasped and covered her mouth in shock.


    Cough. Cough.


    Ezekiel choked on his own blood, his body trembling as Onigi''s blade remained buried deep in his chest.


    Onigi''s face twisted in rage. His voice boomed with fury:


    "What the hell are you doing?!"


    Ezekiel let out a weak chuckle, blood dripping from the corner of his lips.


    "I was... too impatient for my turn."


    Onigi snarled, his grip tightening on the hilt. He tried to yank his sword free, but¡ª


    It wouldn''t budge.


    Ezekiel''s hands clamped down on the blade, his fingers digging into the steel. His grip was unrelenting, so tight that the sword grated against his bones.


    Behind them, Dorion froze. His breath caught in his throat. His entire body shook as he watched the scene unfold.


    Ezekiel... had taken a sword meant to kill him.


    Why?


    Dorion''s voice trembled as he stammered:


    "Have... Have you lost your mind?!"


    Ezekiel''s body shuddered as he muttered through clenched teeth, "Maybe I have."


    Dorion''s mind spun. He just couldn''t wrap his head around it. Why?


    "Why?!" he demanded, his voice raw with frustration.


    Ezekiel''s breathing was ragged, each word feeling like it scraped against his throat.


    "I just... I don''t think I can keep living, knowing I led people to their deaths."


    Dorion snapped.


    "What the fuck are you saying now?! How is that your fault?"


    Ezekiel let out a bitter chuckle, his grip on the sword never loosening.


    "Maybe it isn''t. Maybe I really am just a pathetic loser. In your words¡ªa hypocrite." His voice wavered. "But ever since I got here, I don''t feel like I''ve done anything right. So I wanted to change that."


    Dorion''s fingers twitched. His mind screamed at him to move, to do something.


    "Idiot... you think saving me is the right choice?"


    Before Ezekiel could answer¡ª


    "Enough!"


    Onigi''s snarl cut through the tension. With a violent jerk, he tried to rip his sword free¡ª


    But Ezekiel didn''t let go.


    He clenched his entire body around the blade, forcing it deeper into his own chest. Blood poured from his wound, but his grip was unrelenting.


    Onigi''s eyes narrowed in frustration.


    Ezekiel wasn''t letting go.


    Clicking his teeth in frustration, Onigi shoved Ezekiel backward.


    Ezekiel''s body lurched, crashing into Dorion, who barely had the strength to stay upright.


    Dorion''s breath came in ragged gasps as he watched Ezekiel stumble. A strange, unfamiliar emotion twisted inside him¡ªsomething that made his thoughts clouded, his body frozen.


    Then¡ª


    A notification appeared in front of him.


    [You will be transported out of the tutorial now.][Brace Yourself.]


    Dorion''s eyes widened.


    "Wait, no..."


    Panic surged through him. He tried to move¡ªforced himself onto his feet¡ª


    But the moment he stood¡ª


    He vanished.


    Onigi''s gaze snapped to the spot where Dorion had been. His pupils shrank.


    "NOOOO!"


    Onigi roared, a mix of fury and desperation tearing from his throat.


    Dorion was gone. Vanished.


    Ezekiel, barely holding on, glanced over his shoulder and saw it too. Despite the pain wracking his body, he let out a weak, satisfied grin.


    He relaxed.


    That only made Onigi angrier.


    With a snarl, Onigi ripped his sword free from Ezekiel''s chest.


    SHLCK!


    Blood gushed from the gaping wound, splattering across Onigi''s hands, staining the ground. Ezekiel''s body shuddered, his knees almost giving out.


    But Onigi wasn''t done.


    He whirled around, eyes wide, scanning the empty space where Dorion had been.


    "No... No, this isn''t fair¡­" His voice cracked.


    He staggered forward as if he could reach into the void and pull Dorion back by force.


    "Bring him back!" he bellowed.


    "Bring him back! BRING HIM BACK!"


    But there was nothing.


    No response.


    Dorion had returned to the tutorial.


    Onigi''s breath came in ragged gasps.


    His hands trembled.


    His entire body locked up with pure rage and grief.


    Then, he collapsed to his knees.


    And with every ounce of fury and sorrow in him, he...

 Chapter 188 - 188: Divided Paths

    And with every ounce of fury and sorrow in him, he screamed.


    Then, the sobs began.


    At first, they were quiet, just a few ragged gasps. But soon, they grew, echoing across the battlefield like the wails of a broken man.


    Onigi trembled, his shoulders rising and falling as tears mixed with sweat and blood, dripping onto the dirt below.


    Across the battlefield, behind Alex, Freya sobbed, too, covering her mouth, her whole body shaking.


    Alex stood still, his gaze locked onto Onigi. His expression unreadable.


    Then, after a few seconds, Onigi stopped.


    His breath hitched, his body stiffening. Something in his eyes changed.


    He slowly turned, his gaze falling onto Ezekiel¡ªbleeding out, barely clinging to life.


    His steps were slow but deliberate, each one carrying the weight of fury and grief. His shadow loomed over Ezekiel.


    Then, in a voice filled with pure venom, he growled:


    "You¡­ this is your fault."


    Ezekiel, his chest rising and falling weakly, managed a faint, bloody smile.


    His voice came out in a shaky whisper...


    "It is."


    Onigi''s fingers tightened around his sword hilt. His rage ignited.


    Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he raised his blade.


    Ezekiel raised his head, his breath ragged. Blood still dripped from his wounds, but he managed to speak through the pain.


    "If it makes you feel better, kill me instead."


    His voice was weak but steady.


    He''d already accepted his death.


    Onigi''s grip on his sword tightened. His jaw clenched.


    Then he muttered, his voice hollow.


    "It wouldn''t. Nothing would. I lost everything."


    For a long moment, the two men just stared at each other.


    The battlefield was silent.


    Then, Ezekiel''s gaze shifted.


    He winced, his gaze getting distracted for a second, at the notification in front of him¡ªhis time was running out.


    "I''ll disappear soon," he groaned, struggling to stay upright. "Make a decision."


    Onigi didn''t move.


    His fingers twitched on the hilt of his sword, his eyes dark with something unreadable.


    Ezekiel exhaled. He understood.


    This wouldn''t satisfy him.


    So, slowly, he lowered his katana.


    Onigi''s stare burned into him.


    "I don''t know why you would protect such a person," Onigi said at last, his voice filled with quiet fury.


    "I dunno..."


    Ezekiel''s voice was faint, barely more than a whisper.


    Then¡ªin an instant, he vanished.


    Onigi stood still for a moment, his chest rising and falling with deep, heavy breaths. His fingers curled into fists, but there was no more enemy left to strike. No one to blame.


    He sighed.


    The weight of everything pressed down on him, but he couldn''t bring himself to redirect all of his hatred toward someone else.


    Slowly, he turned.


    Alex and Freya stood there, watching him in silence.


    Their expressions were unreadable.


    Without a word, Onigi began walking toward them.


    Freya''s mind raced.


    Her thoughts weren''t on Onigi nor Alex. They were on Ezekiel.


    Would he make it out of the tutorial alive?


    She doubted it. Even if he survived the transport, would he even have the strength to consume a healing potion?


    A deep sigh escaped her lips.


    She didn''t understand Ezekiel''s decision to protect Dorion.


    But seeing him risk his life for someone else¡ªstanding in the way of a blade meant for another¡ªit reminded her of the man who, at the very start of this nightmare, had assured her and the others that survival was possible.


    Now, she wasn''t so sure if he would survive at all.


    Onigi drew closer, his steps slow but deliberate. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Freya tensed. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her voice wavered slightly as she whispered,


    "You¡­ you don''t think he''d attack us, do you?"


    Alex, standing beside her, barely reacted. His expression remained as unreadable as ever, his tone calm.


    "He has no reason to."


    He glanced at Onigi, then added, as if stating a fact:


    "Besides, that would be suicide."


    Onigi finally reached them. His gaze dropped, and for the first time, his shoulders seemed to sag¡ªlike the weight of everything had finally settled on him.


    Then, he spoke.


    "First, I want to thank you for defeating the final boss."


    His voice was low, rough, but sincere.


    "Thanks to you, the nightmare has ended. I was too blinded by my own desires¡­ I forgot what I initially came here to do."


    Freya blinked. That wasn''t what she had expected.


    Alex, however, responded with a simple, "Eeeh¡­ it was no problem."


    Onigi lifted his head then, his eyes locking onto Alex''s.


    "You''re in the same tutorial as that young man, right?"


    There was something sharp in his tone.


    Freya held her breath.


    Alex only nodded.


    And Onigi didn''t hesitate as he continued, his voice steady but laced with an unsettling intensity.


    "Can you kill him as soon as you get out?"


    Alex''s brow furrowed. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharpening.


    "Why drag me into this?" His tone was flat, but there was an edge to it. "Whatever''s going on between you two should stay between you two."


    Onigi''s expression remained unreadable, but his voice carried a weight of finality.


    "Have you forgotten?" He let the words hang for a moment before continuing. "We''re not from the same tutorial. You''ll return to yours, and I''ll return to mine. There''d be no way for me to hunt him down."


    Alex''s eyes widened. He had almost forgotten about that.


    A soft voice broke through the moment.


    "Alex."


    He turned.


    Freya stood behind him, her face tinged with something somber, almost hesitant.


    Her gaze met his as she spoke.


    "I think we''re from different tutorials."


    Alex''s brows knitted together. A hint of confusion flickered in his expression.


    "What makes you say that?"


    Freya''s voice was steady, but there was a hint of uncertainty beneath it.


    "When I first appeared in the tutorial, on the pillar¡­ There was a welcome notification. Then, a notification about zones. Mine was Zone 49."


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    Zone 49?


    A realization hit him like a jolt of electricity.


    He remembered it too.


    When he first arrived, there had been a number displayed.


    At the time, he had brushed it off, thinking it wasn''t important¡ªjust another...

 Chapter 189 - 189: Finally Out

    At the time, he had brushed it off, thinking it wasn''t important¡ªjust another meaningless system detail.


    But now, it was clear.


    That number wasn''t random. It was what separated them.


    It was what divided the different tutorial zones.


    His fingers curled slightly as the weight of the truth settled in.


    Freya was right. They weren''t in the same zone, after all.


    That meant¡­


    This was where they parted ways.


    A soft chime echoed in the air.


    Freya''s breath hitched as a new notification appeared before her.


    [You will be transported out of Nightmare now.]


    [Brace Yourself]


    Her hands trembled slightly.


    She exhaled, slow and shaky, trying to steady herself.


    Freya had grown close to Alex.


    Fought beside him.


    Survived with him.


    She would have liked to continue this journey together.


    But this was where it ended.


    She looked at him, hesitation flickering in her eyes.


    "Will we meet again?" she asked, her voice quieter than before.


    Alex''s lips curled into a slight grin.


    "If you don''t die. Maybe we will."


    Freya''s brow furrowed instantly.


    "I told you not to say things like that."


    Alex chuckled, his grin widening.


    They stood there for a moment, locked in silence. No more words. Just an unspoken understanding.


    Then Freya vanished.


    Just like that.


    Gone.


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the empty space where she had stood, his smirk fading ever so slightly.


    Alex exhaled through his nose, shaking his head.


    "Seriously, you should''ve spoken up faster," he muttered under his breath.


    Would he miss her?


    Yeah, probably.


    But there was nothing he could do about it. This was how the tutorial worked.


    With that thought, he turned his attention back to Onigi.


    The old man was still standing there, his expression dark, his voice firm.


    "Can you kill Dorion?"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Was this guy serious?


    First off, he wasn''t a hitman. He didn''t take requests.


    He only killed when someone gave him a reason.


    So, without hesitation, he answered.


    "I can''t fulfill your request, old man."


    "Besides, you''d only be satisfied if you did it yourself, wouldn''t you?"


    Alex''s voice was casual, but his gaze was sharp.


    Onigi exhaled heavily, his shoulders slumping slightly.


    "That''s understandable."


    His eyes drifted to the side as if lost in thought.


    Then, a notification flickered into his vision.


    Ding! S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex watched as Onigi''s brows twitched.


    Looked like the old man was about to be sent back, too.


    Alex smirked. "I hope we meet again."


    Onigi scoffed, shaking his head. "I''d rather we not."


    Then, to Alex''s surprise, Onigi extended his hand for a handshake.


    Alex raised a brow.


    "Oh? You''re not afraid I''d set a nuke on your hands?" he teased.


    But Onigi didn''t flinch.


    He just held his hand out, waiting with a serious expression on his face.


    Alex narrowed his eyes, glancing at Onigi''s outstretched hand.


    The old man had avoided touching him the first time they met, as he was aware of his ability.


    So what was this now?


    Onigi then responded:


    "Maybe you would. Maybe you wouldn''t. I don''t care," Onigi said, his tone firm. "You''ve earned my respect. That is why I am doing this."


    Alex let out a small chuckle and then grinned.


    "Hah. Alright then."


    He reached forward, hand stretching to meet Onigi''s.


    But just before their palms could touch, Onigi vanished.


    Alex''s grin faded.


    His fingers curled around nothing but empty air.


    Clicking his teeth, he exhaled sharply.


    "Seriously."


    He honestly doubted that wasn''t calculated.


    With a sigh, Alex lifted his head, scanning the empty battlefield.


    He was the last one left.


    Why was he still here?


    He should have been the first to leave.


    He was the one who ended this.


    Yet, he was still here.


    Alex''s gaze swept across the battlefield¡ªthen, he noticed it.


    The world of the Nightmare was unraveling.


    The jagged rocks crumbled into dust. The towering mountains collapsed into ash. The dense forests below dissolved, their remains drifting skyward like glowing embers caught in the wind.


    It was... strangely beautiful.


    Then, a notification appeared before him.


    [You will be transported out of Nightmare now.]


    [Brace Yourself.]


    Alex''s lips curled into a grin. "About time."


    And in the blink of an eye, he vanished.


    The next thing he knew, he was back in the Beast Lord Forest.


    Alex''s eyes fluttered open.


    Darkness.


    A thick, sticky substance clung to his skin. He was trapped, wrapped in some kind of cocoon.


    His mind raced. The Vines. They must have ensnared him before he was transported.


    He clenched his fists¡ªthen ripped through the cocoon.


    The material shredded like paper, tearing apart with a sickening squelch. Alex stumbled forward, inhaling deeply.


    The air here was different.


    Crisper. Colder. More real than the nightmare.


    He exhaled, steadying himself, then pushed to his feet.


    As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he scanned his surroundings¡ª


    And froze.


    Scattered across the area were more cocoons.


    But unlike his, they weren''t torn open. They were flattened.


    Something had crushed them, pressing them down so hard that they outlined what lay inside.


    Alex''s brows knitted together. He stepped closer, his stomach twisting with unease.


    Inside the nearest cocoon¡ª


    A skeleton.


    Or rather, what was left of a player.


    Alex''s expression darkened.


    So that''s what happens when you don''t make it out.


    Alex''s gaze locked onto a single cocoon.


    It lay motionless a few feet away.


    His mind immediately went to Dorion.


    He was caught in the same place. It had to be him.


    Without hesitation, Alex started walking.


    As he moved, he noticed something unsettling¡ª


    The forest was dying.


    The once lush, green canopy had withered to brown. Leaves crumbled like dust under his steps. The air smelled of decay, as if the Nightmare had bled into reality.


    Then¡ª


    Ding!


    A notification popped up.


    Alex instinctively glanced at it¡ª


    And his disgust vanished, replaced by excitement.


    He grinned, then dropped into a cross-legged position on the ground.


    This was it.


    The moment he had been waiting for.


    His rewards.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated the Grim Lord]


    [You have received...]

 Chapter 190 - 190: Earned Rewards

    Ding!


    [You have defeated the Grim Lord.]


    [You have received 85,000 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 2,500 Stat Points.]


    Alex gasped.


    Then another another notification.


    For a moment, he had almost forgotten about his golden finger.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby activating...]


    [You have received 85,000 Nightmare Points.]


    [You have received 2,500 Stat Points.]


    His heart pounded.


    That meant his total was now¡ª


    [Total Nightmare Points: 445,000]


    [Total Stat Points: 12,850]


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    This was insane.


    His grip tightened as excitement surged through him.


    So many points...


    But then another thought hit him.


    What now?


    Nightmare Points had no use in the tutorial.


    So what were they going to be converted into?


    His fingers twitched in anticipation.


    Whatever it was¡ª


    It was going to be good.


    Ding!


    [You have completed the Nightmare, defeating a Beast Lord.]


    [Level Up! +7]


    [You have received 35 Stat Points.]


    [You have received 7 Powerstones.]


    Alex chuckled.


    Thirty-five Stat Points.


    Before the Nightmare, he would have been thrilled to get this much. Powerstones too.


    But now?


    He barely felt a thing.


    After farming an absurd amount of Stat Points in the Nightmare¡ªabusing the system every chance he got¡ªthis felt like scraps.


    His fingers tapped against his knee as he thought.


    Why was the Nightmare designed like this?


    Why did it give away so many Stat Points so easily?


    Then it hit him.


    There was no way whoever designed it could predict an anomaly like Alex, who happened to possess a title that doubled reward and an attribute converter that required stat point would participate.


    For regular players, though, getting many stats points was good; but it didn''t mean as much to them as it meant for Alex.


    Sure, it was also because players weren''t expected to survive.


    But more than one had survived.


    Freya. Onigi. Dorion. Ezekiel... (If those last two even survived their injuries.)


    Five survivors.


    They had all endured the Nightmare, and now they had a decent amount of Stat Points to distribute.


    Which was an insane advantage for them.


    Alex let out a slow breath.


    Relieved.


    At least now he was sure Freya would be fine wherever she was.


    Then, the notifications kept coming. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ding!


    [You have received a skill: Domain.]


    [Domain] ¨C A power that bends reality itself within a space of absolute control. By activating it, the user imposes their will upon the battlefield, creating a personal dimension where enemies are trapped under their rules. Within this space:


    User''s attacks become unavoidable. Abilities are amplified. Foes have no escape.


    Only those with immense power or a Domain of their own can resist its overwhelming presence. However, activating Domain consumes an enormous amount of energy


    [You have received an Amulet: Oath of Reversion]


    [Oath of Reversion] ¨C A mysterious, one-time-use amulet that holds an incredible power.


    Upon the user''s death, time rewinds exactly 24 hours. The user is sent back with all memories intact. The amulet activates only upon fatal damage¡ªit cannot be triggered at will. Once used, it shatters permanently. If the user dies again without another amulet... there is no coming back.


    [You have received a passive skill: Illusion Resistance]


    [Illusion Resistance] ¨C The User is completely immune to illusions, mental interference, and deceptive reality-warping abilities. Whether faced with a visual mirage, auditory hallucination, or mind control attempt, Illusion Resistance keeps him unaffected. Even the most intricate illusions crumble before his perception.The skill enhances mental clarity, preventing confusion or deception-based debuffs.


    Alex gasped.


    His eyes widened as he stared at the notifications.


    New skills. A powerful item.


    This was beyond what he had expected.


    For a moment, he barely registered the fact that his total Nightmare Points had been halved in exchange for Tutorial Points, but it didn''t matter as Tutorial Points had no use currently.


    But the item¡­


    That was what had his full attention.


    Oath of Reversion.


    The name alone sounded powerful.


    Alex read the description again, his heartbeat quickening.


    If he died, time would rewind exactly 24 hours.


    He would return with all his memories intact.


    It wasn''t something he could activate at will¡ªonly fatal damage would trigger it.


    Once used, the amulet would shatter permanently.


    And if he died again without another? That was it. No second chances.


    Alex exhaled sharply, gripping his palm into a fist.


    This was insane.


    Even though it was a one-time-use, it was easily one of the strongest lifelines he had ever received.


    Death wasn''t the end anymore.


    He had a second chance¡ªa full 24 hours to change his fate if things went south.


    It was more than worth it.


    All the effort and the danger he had to face to conquer the Nightmare was all worth it.


    Alex grinned.


    "Yeah¡­ This is a game-changer."


    Now for the skills.


    Alex''s gaze flicked to the first notification.


    Domain


    His mind immediately recalled the undead guide from the third round¡ªthe one who wanted to crush him for breaking the rules, changing the entire landscape, and summoning different lava monsters.


    But he broke it apart using the immense power of his explosion escaping the domain.


    Now?


    He had something similar.


    No¡ªmaybe something even stronger.


    With the numerous abilities he already possessed, his version of Domain had the potential to be even more devastating.


    A space where he ruled. A battlefield where his enemies had no escape.


    Of course, the energy cost was massive, but that didn''t matter.


    Power like this was worth it.


    Then came the next skill.


    [Illusion Resistance]


    He remembered this one¡ªit had been promised to players at the start of the Nightmare while he was on the boat.


    The reason?


    To ensure no one ever got trapped in an illusion like the Nightmare again.


    It wasn''t just useful.


    It was broken.


    A passive skill that made him immune to illusions, mental attacks, and deceptive abilities. No hallucinations, no mind control, no tricks. Nothing could cloud his mind now.


    Alex''s lips curled into a grin.


    This was insane.


    And then¡ªit happened.


    His golden finger kicked in.


    New notifications flooded in.


    His ever-growing list of skills just kept increasing.


    And Alex...


    He wasn''t complaining.

 Chapter 191 - 191: Jackpot

    Ding!


    The familiar sound rang in Alex''s ears.


    More notifications flooded his vision.


    [Apocalypse Baby kicking in]


    [You have received additional 35 stat points.]


    [You have received additional 7 powerstones.]


    Alex barely blinked at those.


    Then¡ªthe next line hit.


    [You have received skill: Summon an Archfiend.]


    His eyes sharpened.


    Summon¡­ an Archfiend?


    Before he could even react, the description appeared.


    [Summon Archfiend: This skill enables the user to summon a single archfiend: Varkos. This Archfiend is forged for battle. Moving like a streak of black lightning, it wields a crackling blade infused with electricity, cutting down foes with brutal efficiency. Once summoned, Var''Kos becomes an unstoppable enforcer, tearing through enemies with supernatural speed and overwhelming might. Unlike most summons, Var''Kos does not drain Alex''s energy, allowing them to fight at full force together. However, its presence is limited¡ªVar''Kos can only remain for 30 minutes before vanishing back into the abyss, with a one-day cooldown before it can be called upon again. If heavily injured, it must recover in the abyss before being summoned anew.]


    [You have received weapon: Soul Renderer]


    [Soul Renderer: A cursed blade that feasts upon the essence of its victims, doing far more than simply cutting flesh¡ªit harvests the attributes of those it slays. Forged from an unknown material, the weapon siphons an enemy''s strength, agility, intelligence, and vitality, gradually weakening them while empowering Alex. A mere graze steals a fraction of the target''s power, while a fatal blow renders their soul, permanently taking a significant portion of their abilities]


    [You have received Passive Skill: Predator''''s Presence]


    [Predator''s Presence: The User''s very presence exerts an oppressive aura that unsettles those around him, causing weaker opponents to hesitate, flinch, or even flee before a fight begins. In combat, his attacks feel heavier, shaking the confidence of his foes and making them second-guess their moves. This ability also gives the user a slight boost in charisma and intimidation, making negotiations and confrontations more favorable in his favor. However, its effectiveness is limited¡ªundead, machines, and mindless beasts remain unaffected, and strong-willed or truly powerful enemies can resist its influence entirely]


    [You have received an additional 222500 tutorial points]


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    Another skill. Another weapon.


    And not just any weapon¡ªSoul Renderer.


    The name alone sent a thrill down his spine.


    Whoever or whatever this blade touched wouldn''t stand a chance.


    It was a cursed blade that feasted upon the essence of its victims, weakening them with every strike.


    Strength? Agility? Intelligence? Vitality?


    Nom nom nom!


    Little by little, their power would drain away, making them slower, weaker, and more vulnerable¡ªwhile Alex only got stronger.


    This weapon didn''t just kill.


    It turned every battle into a slow, inescapable nightmare.


    Who would enjoy fighting someone who stole their strength mid-battle?


    Who could survive when every wound made them less than they were before?


    Then, the skill:


    [Summon Archfiend.]


    Alex''s breath caught.


    Archfiend.


    He remembered the word from facing Varkos in the nightmare.


    And right now?


    He could summon the same Varkos.


    The Varkos, his clone, had to gang up on him just to kill.


    That unrelenting, monstrous summon from the nightmare.


    And now?


    Varkos now belonged to him.


    Bound by the skill, the archfiend was his servant, forced to obey every order.


    That was¡­ pretty damn amazing.


    But would he even use it?


    Probably not.


    Alex preferred his clones¡ªthey were extensions of himself, not just some summoned creature.


    They thought like him. Fought like him.


    Varkos? No matter how powerful, was still separate.


    And Alex? He was a solo act.


    The notifications stopped.


    Indicating the end of the rewards.


    And Alex nodded to himself, satisfied.


    He had gained more than he expected.


    But then, a feeling itched at the back of his mind.


    A thought that made his chest tighten just a little.


    Would all the stat points he farmed in the Nightmare reflect?


    Or would the system pull some bullshit rule on him?


    Alex''s fingers twitched.


    Only one way to find out.


    He took a steady breath, then opened his stat window. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 44


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 100


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 12920


    [Powerstones]: 12


    [Skills]:


    [Exploding Touch] [Sonic Howl] [Aegis Arcane] [Slipstream] [Stealth Walk] [Titan Fury] [Vigor Strike] [Fast and Furious] [Minor Regen] [Flame Immunity] [Foresight] [Stone Face] [Earth Swim] [Petrify] [Minor Telekinesis] [Earth Stomp] [One Shot One Kill] [Black Flame] [Farsight] [Blur] [Multiplicity] [Danger Sense]


    [Tutorial Points]: 445000


    "YES!"


    Alex sprang to his feet, his body bursting with energy.


    "YES! YES! YES!"


    He pumped his fists in the air, his voice echoing with pure exhilaration.


    For a moment, he was just yelling, unable to contain himself.


    This was insane.


    Unbelievable.


    After a while, his breathing slowed, and he forced himself to calm down.


    With a deep breath, he dropped back down, settling into a seated position.


    But the excitement didn''t fade.


    A grin stretched across his face, his hands still clenched into tight fists, trembling with raw adrenaline.


    Because the stat points were all there.


    Every single one.


    Exactly as he had farmed them in the Nightmare.


    Nothing had been taken away.


    And on top of that, the points he had earned from leveling up had been added to the total.


    It felt unreal.


    So unreal that, for a split second, he wondered if he was still inside the Nightmare.


    Had it all been some kind of twisted trick?


    But no.


    He had escaped.


    And now?


    He was reaping the rewards.


    Alex exhaled slowly, taking it all in.


    The rewards had skyrocketed him ahead of the curve¡ªway ahead.


    At this point, calling it an advantage was an understatement.


    Even the Nightmare Points that had been halved when converted to Tutorial Points?Pointless.


    Because his title had brought them back to the original number.


    A loophole. A glitch in the system.


    He could already imagine the Overseer grinding his teeth in frustration.Alex was becoming too powerful, too fast¡ªprobably more than the system intended.


    Not that he cared.


    This was the damned rabbit fault for interfering in the first place.


    Now, the moment he had been waiting for.


    Alex reached into his inventory and pulled out the Attribute Converter.


    The sleek, metallic object hummed in his hands.


    It was time to upgrade.


    And with the sheer number of stat points he had stacked up, he was pretty damn sure he could max out every single skill he possessed.

 Chapter 192 - 192: Tampering

    [Stat Points Available: 12,920]


    Alex glanced at the number again, making sure he wasn''t seeing things.


    12,920 stat points. That was a ridiculous amount.


    But now came the real question.


    He needed 50 stat points to exchange for one upgrade stone using the Attribute Converter.


    So how many upgrade stones could he get if he spent everything?


    Alex raised a hand, tracing numbers in the air with his finger as he did the math.


    12,920 divided by 50¡­


    He calculated each step carefully, his lips moving silently as he double-checked the numbers.


    Finally, he nodded.


    "258." He muttered under his breath.


    That was how many upgrade stones he could get.


    And he''d still have 20 stat points left over.


    A grin spread across Alex''s face.


    Now for the next question¡ªhow many skills did he have in total?


    Without wasting time, he summoned his skill window. A transparent screen flickered into view before him, listing all his abilities in neat rows.


    His eyes darted across the list as he quickly counted.


    28 skills.


    Not bad.


    Now came the real calculation.


    If he wanted to upgrade every single skill from Rank E to Rank S, he''d need 5 upgrade stones per skill.


    Alex did the math in his head.


    28 skills ¡Á 5 upgrade stones = 140 stones.


    That meant he had more than enough with his 258 stones.


    But then¡ªa thought hit him.


    There was no way all of his skills were just E-rank.


    Some of them were way too overpowered to be basic-ranked skills.


    Skills like [One Shot One Kill], [Stone Face], [Black Flame], and [Foresight]¡ªthere was no way they were E-rank.


    And that wasn''t even counting the new abilities he just unlocked.


    "Hmm..."


    Alex rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Something wasn''t adding up.


    Now that he thought about it... he had never actually paid attention to the ranks of his skills when he first got them.


    The only time he ever remembered seeing a rank attached to a skill was with [Exploding Touch]¡ªhis innate ability.


    Why was that?


    Even now, looking at his new abilities, none of them had ranks displayed next to them. But they had to, right? After all, he had successfully upgraded [Exploding Touch] to Rank S before.


    So what was he missing?


    His expression hardened.


    His eyes locked onto one of his skills.


    He squinted, focusing hard, as if willing the answer to reveal itself.


    Something wasn''t right.


    And he was going to find out why.


    To an outsider, Alex probably looked like a madman¡ªlocked in an intense staring contest with... nothing.


    But he didn''t care.


    His gut told him something was off. And he trusted his gut.


    And then...


    His brows shot up.


    He saw it.


    A tiny icon sitting beside each of his skills. So small that it was barely noticeable.


    No way...


    Alex muttered under his breath, his heart pounding.


    Without hesitation, he lifted his hand and pinched the air, expanding one of the icons with his fingers.


    The system responded manually and through voice commands, but Alex was to entranced to say anything.


    As the icon expanded, the truth was revealed.


    There it was.


    The skill ranking¡ªright in front of him, clear as day.


    Alex''s eyes widened. His breath hitched.


    No way.


    This was absurd.


    Why was it hidden like this?


    There was no way the system actually expected players to just know they had to manually enlarge the icons to see their skill ranks.


    It made zero sense.


    This wasn''t some random quirk of the system.


    No¡ªthis was intentional.


    And he knew exactly who was behind it.


    Oracle.


    That damned rabbit.


    Alex exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.


    He was sure of it now.


    This had Oracle''s annoying little fingerprints all over it.


    "Seriously? This has to be the pettiest thing ever."


    His voice dripped with irritation.


    "Why even do this?"


    It wasn''t like knowing his skill rankings gave him an unfair advantage. It was just basic information.


    But no¡ªOracle just had to meddle.


    The damned rabbit was hellbent on holding him back, throwing whatever minor inconveniences it could in his way.


    Alex exhaled again, slower this time.


    To be fair, he was basically a cheat at this point.


    But still¡ª


    That wasn''t his fault.


    He didn''t ask to be this broken.


    He hadn''t asked for these advantages.


    Hell, he hadn''t even expected to get any, given how crappy his luck had been back in the real world.


    But now, the Overseer was out here targeting him like he had rigged the system himself.


    And that?


    That pissed him off.


    Alex exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay calm.


    Fine. If they were going to mess with his interface, he''d just fix it himself.


    He straightened his posture and spoke clearly.


    "System, enlarge all of the shrunken skill rankings."


    A chime rang through his mind.


    The air in front of him shimmered, and then, with a chime, a fresh, fully expanded skill list appeared before him, displaying each skill''s true rank.


    [Exploding Touch {S}] [Sonic Howl {C}] [Aegis Arcane {C}] [Slipstream {D}] [Stealth Walk {C}] [Blade Barrage {D}][Titan Fury {C}] [Vigor Strike {C}] [Fast and Furious {C}] [Night Vision {D}] [Minor Regen {C}] [Flame Immunity {C}] [Foresight {B}] [Stone Face {S}] [Earth Swim {B}] [Petrify {B}] [Minor Telekinesis {C}] [Earth Stomp {C}] [One Shot One Kill {S}] [Black Flame {A}] [Farsight {C}] [Blur {B}] [Multiplicity {A}] [Danger Sense {C}] [Domain {S}] [Illusion Resistance {B}][Summon ArchFiend {A}] [Predator''s Presence {C}]


    Alex smirked.


    There it was.


    All the skills he had earned, ranked and properly displayed.


    Now, for the real fun. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He tapped on the first ability he wanted to upgrade¡ª


    [Exploding Touch].


    His strongest ability. The one skill that had saved him time and time again.


    And now, he was about to make it even deadlier.


    But there was more to it than just power.


    He was curious.


    He had already pushed this ability to S-rank, the highest tier he had ever seen.


    But what lay beyond that?


    Was there something even higher?


    Alex cracked his knuckles and got to work.


    First, he needed Upgrade Stones.


    He quickly allocated 50 stat points to Agility¡ª


    And the effect was instant.


    A sudden lightness spread through his body, like a helium balloon just about to lift off.


    He flexed his fingers. His movements felt effortless, almost as if he could float with a single push off the ground.


    Whoa.


    But he didn''t have time to bask in the feeling.


    This was just the first step.


    Alex pulled up the converter interface and selected Agility as the stat he wanted to use for the exchange.


    50 points.


    With a swift confirmation, his stat points dropped, and a new item materialized in his inventory¡ªAn Upgrade Stone.


    Alex then reached into his inventory and pulled out the Upgrade Stone.


    The moment his fingers curled around it, a system notification flashed before his eyes.


    [Would you like to use the Upgrade Stone on a skill?]


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    "Yes."


    Another prompt appeared.


    [Select Skill]


    Alex exhaled sharply. His heart pounded with excitement.


    There was only one choice.


    "Exploding Touch."


    [Would you like to use the Upgrade Stone on Exploding Touch?]


    His grip tightened around the stone.


    He could feel a subtle energy pulsing from it, almost like it was waiting for his command.


    Alex grinned.


    "Yes."


    The moment the word left his lips, anticipation flooded his system.


    This was it.


    If a rank beyond S existed, he was about to find out.


    The system screen flashed.


    [Upgrading...]


    A tense pause.


    [...]


    Alex held his breath. His fingers twitched slightly.


    [...]


    He could feel it.


    The Upgrade Stone was reacting, vibrating, as if something big was about to happen.


    But...


    [Upgrade Failed]


    Alex froze.


    The words didn''t register for a second.


    Then...


    POOF!


    The Upgrade Stone in his hand crumbled into dust, slipping through his fingers like sand.


    His expression darkened.


    Confusion. Shock. Annoyance. All at once.


    "What?... What the hell just happened?"


    He stared at his now-empty hand, then back at the system screen.


    The upgrade failed.


    He didn''t even know that was possible.


    But the worst part?


    Fifty stat points¡ªgone. Just like that.


    If he had known this would happen, he would have poured those points into his attributes instead.


    Before his frustration could boil over, the system flashed again.


    [Ding!]


    [You cannot upgrade a skill beyond S-rank using system mechanics]


    [Try another skill.]


    Alex exhaled, tension leaving his shoulders.


    Honestly, he had expected something worse.


    Maybe a 50-50 success rate, where each attempt had an equal chance of failing or succeeding. If that had been the case, he would have ended up wasting a ton of upgrade stones, throwing away hundreds¡ªno, thousands¡ªof stat points in the process.


    But it wasn''t like that.


    The system simply refused to upgrade past S-rank.


    His eyes narrowed.


    What this also meant was that if he hadn''t discovered that his skills had hidden ranks, he would have blindly wasted at least two more upgrade stones trying to level up [One Shot One Kill] and [Stone Face]


    The thought alone made him click his tongue.


    That damned rabbit.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head.


    It was disappointing that he couldn''t push [Exploding Touch] any further.


    But, realistically speaking...


    It was already insanely powerful.


    So, he didn''t need to feel bitter about it.


    He still had plenty of other skills to upgrade.


    And he wasn''t about to waste any more time.

 Chapter 193 - 193: Upgrade Begins

    The next skill in line was [Aegis Arcane].


    A translucent blue screen flickered before Alex, displaying the skill''s details:


    [Arcane Aegis]: Blocks all powerful attacks, with a 30% chance to reflect damage back at the attacker, amplified by 50%. Great for defense and turning the tide of battle. The barrier slows your movement by 20%. Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    This skill had saved his ass more times than he could count¡ªblocking devastating attacks, buying him time, turning the tables when things looked grim.


    Yet somehow, it was only C-rank?


    A skill this good was certainly worthy of being the second skill he upgraded to rank S.


    And that''s exactly what he was about to do.


    To boost [Aegis Arcane] to S-rank, he needed three upgrade stones.


    That meant sacrificing 150 stat points.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He navigated the attribute converter, selecting the 150-point deduction, confirming it, and¡ª


    FLASH!


    Three glowing upgrade stones materialized in his inventory, each shimmering with a faint golden light.


    "Alright, let''s do this."


    He pulled them out, gripping them firmly in his palm.


    A notification popped up.


    [Would you like to use an upgrade stone on a skill?]


    "Yes."


    [Select Skill]


    "Aegis Arcane."


    [Would you like to use 3 upgrade stones on Aegis Arcane?]


    "Yes."


    [Upgrading...]


    Alex stared at the screen, holding his breath.


    His fingers tightened into fists.


    "Please don''t fail... please don''t fail."


    He knew, logically, that it shouldn''t fail. The skill was only C-rank, so the upgrade was guaranteed.


    But after the disaster with [Exploding Touch], he couldn''t help but feel a tiny knot of anxiety in his chest.


    What if something else went wrong?


    What if the Oracle¡ªhis biggest hater¡ª messed with the system again?


    His heartbeat thumped in his ears.


    Then¡ª


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful]


    Alex blinked.


    It worked?


    The system continued.


    [Aegis Arcane is now B-rank: [Arcane Bastion]


    [Arcane Bastion] :


    Effect: Creates a reinforced barrier that blocks most powerful attacks. 40% chance to reflect damage back at the attacker, amplified by 75%.


    Drawback: The barrier slows movement by 15%.


    Cooldown: 15 seconds.


    Alex let out a deep sigh of relief, tension leaving his body.


    He quickly pulled up the new skill description, scanning over the changes.


    It was definitely stronger, but he wasn''t done yet.


    He still had two more upgrade stones, and he wasn''t about to stop now.


    He used the second upgrade stone.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade successful]


    [Aegis Bastion is now A-rank: [Arcane Bulwark]]


    A-rank: [Arcane Bulwark]


    Effect: Generates a nearly unbreakable barrier that nullifies powerful attacks. 50% chance to reflect damage back at the attacker, amplified by 100%.


    Bonus: Reduces incoming status effects by 50% while active.


    Drawback: The barrier slows movement by 10%.


    Cooldown: 20 seconds.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    Not bad.


    But he was aiming higher.


    So he pulled out the third upgrade stone and used it, making Aegis Arcane his fourth S-rank skill.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade successful]


    [Aegis Bastion is now S-rank: [Arcane Dominion]


    S-rank: [Arcane Dominion]


    Effect: Summons an absolute defense that negates all forms of damage, including magical, physical, and soul-based attacks. Guaranteed to reflect 150% of the damage back at the attacker.


    Bonus: Grants temporary invincibility for 1 second upon activation.


    Drawback: The barrier no longer slows movement. However, after deactivating, the user experiences a 3-second vulnerability window, where defenses are weakened by 30%. Cooldown: 15 seconds.


    Limitations: The barrier can endure overwhelming force but cracks under attacks from beings vastly stronger than the user. If the difference in power is extreme, it will break after one or two hits.


    Alex''s lips curled into a grin.


    An absolute defense¡ªa shield that negated all forms of damage.


    This¡­ this was exactly what he needed.


    Unless he went up against some ridiculously overpowered being, this shield would hold strong.


    And then, there was the parry.


    He could reflect 150% of all incoming damage back at his attacker.


    Now, this was OP.


    Alex flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power surging through him.


    [Aegis Dominion] wasn''t just an upgrade¡ªit was a weapon in itself.


    A barrier that could tank insane amounts of damage¡­ and return it even harder.


    If this had been available earlier, some of the beast lords he fought wouldn''t have stood a chance.


    But¡­


    Beast Lords weren''t his main target anymore.


    His real enemies weren''t mindless monsters.


    They were the gods¡ªthe ones who would no doubt become his enemies.


    And Oracle.


    Just thinking about them made Alex''s eyes darken.


    If he wanted to stand a chance against divine beings, this power alone wouldn''t be enough.


    He needed more.


    Alex took a deep breath, steadying his resolve.


    He wasn''t done.


    Not even close.


    He pulled up his skill list and moved on to the next skill.


    [Sonic Howl]


    Just like [Aegis Arcane], it would take three upgrade stones to push [Sonic Howl] to S-rank.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He assigned 150 points, splitting them between strength, agility, and vitality.


    His body responded instantly.


    Muscles tightened. Reflexes sharpened. His stamina surged, making him feel unstoppable.


    But he wasn''t here to admire the boost.


    He pulled up the attribute converter, selecting the three stats as his sacrifice for the exchange.


    A second later¡­


    Three glowing upgrade stones materialized in his inventory.


    Without wasting time, Alex grabbed them and activated the upgrade sequence. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful!]


    [Sonic Rank (C) is now S-rank: [Echo of Annihilation]


    [Echo of Annihilation]:


    Effect: Unleash a cataclysmic howl that paralyzes enemies and reduces their stats by 60%. The shockwave tears through defenses, bypassing weaker barriers and magical protections. The sheer force can rupture eardrums and cause momentary blindness.


    Bonus: The howl leaves behind a lingering sound field that continuously weakens foes for 5 seconds.


    Limitations: Powerful beings can resist full paralysis but will still suffer stat reduction and disorientation.


    Cooldown: 10 seconds.


    Alex''s heartbeat began to race on seeing the power of his newly evolved skill.


    He was going to stop.


    So he pulled up his skill list and moved on to the next skill.


    [Slipstream {D}]


    It was one of the skills with the lowest ranks out of the number of skills he possessed.


    But even if it was getting an upgrade.

 Chapter 194 - 194: Becoming OP

    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Slipstream (C) is now S-rank: [Void Slip]


    [Void Slip]:


    Effect: Completely bypass all physical traps and break through any magical restraint near-instantly, even those designed to hold powerful beings. Costs no mana to escape most traps.


    Bonus: While escaping, you erase your presence for a short duration, making it harder for enemies to detect or pursue you.


    Limitations: Extremely powerful reality-warping or god-tier seals may delay your escape but cannot hold you permanently.


    Alex let out a small chuckle.


    Now that''s a damn useful skill.


    But...


    Sure, the skill guaranteed escape.


    But if a seal was strong enough, that "delay" could mean centuries or a millennia.


    Sure, he''d break free eventually, but what if he was trapped for so long that the world he knew was already gone by the time he escaped?


    Yeah, avoiding getting trapped in the first place was the real winning move.


    Shaking off the thought, Alex moved on.


    The next skill in line was [Stealth Walk]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Stealth Walk {C}] is now S-rank: [Void Shroud]


    [Void Shroud]


    Effect: Completely erase your presence from all mundane and magical senses for 1 minute. Beings with lower or equal rank to you cannot detect you at all. Even higher-ranked individuals struggle unless they actively focus or have absolute detection abilities.


    Bonus: Grants phasing ability, allowing you to pass through non-magical obstacles silently. Also provides temporary immunity to detection-based magic for 5 seconds after reappearing. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Limitations: Beings of exceptionally high power (such as deities, eldritch beings, or reality manipulators) can still sense anomalies and detect you with effort. Cannot completely erase presence from space-time or fate-based perception. Using offensive skills while hidden immediately cancels the effect.


    Alex exhaled through his nose.


    His fingers twitched.


    The hunger for power wasn''t stopping.


    His lips curled.


    "Next."


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Blade Barrage {D}] is now S-rank: [Spectral Barrage]


    Effect: Launch an overwhelming volley of spectral daggers, each infused with an energy pulse that ignores conventional armor and phases through weak magical barriers. The attack locks onto targets, ensuring nearly unavoidable precision.


    Bonus: On impact, the daggers explode into energy shards, dealing additional internal damage and disrupting magical circuits.


    Limitations: Extremely powerful magical barriers, divine protection, or reality-warping defenses can resist or negate the attack. The skill requires a short charge-up time, making it possible to interrupt before execution.


    Next was [Titan Fury {C}]


    The power-boosting ability that had saved his skin more times than he could count.


    It had gotten him through the worst situations, giving him the raw strength to punch through enemies when all else failed.


    With a flick of his fingers, he activated the upgrade.


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Titan Fury {C}] is now S-Rank [Titan God''s Wrath]


    [Titan God''s Wrath]


    Effect: Strength is multiplied by six for 60 seconds, turning the user into an unstoppable force, capable of shattering nearly any defense and even distorting the battlefield with the sheer force of their attacks.


    Bonus: Grants temporary immunity to pain and exhaustion, allowing the user to fight at peak efficiency without hesitation. Shockwaves from attacks cause widespread destruction.


    Limitations: After the effect ends, strength and stamina are reduced by 70% for 10 minutes, and the user may experience temporary paralysis or severe muscle damage if used repeatedly without rest. Divine-tier beings or reality-altering defenses may still withstand the raw force.


    Alex clenched his fist.


    "This¡­ this is insane."


    If he used [Titan God''s Wrath], he wouldn''t just become strong¡ªhe''d become a walking catastrophe.


    Alex wasted no more time basking in the thrill.


    His eyes shifting to the next skill.


    [Vigor Drive {C}]


    The ability that had kept him standing no matter how much he fought.


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Vigor Drive (C) is now [Limitless Drive]


    [Limitless Drive]:


    Effect: Stamina continuously regenerates at a high rate, effectively granting near-endless endurance in battle. The user''s body adapts to prolonged combat, reducing the impact of pain, fatigue, and exhaustion over time.


    Bonus: Wounds and minor injuries heal slightly faster as long as the battle continues. If the fight drags on, the user''s combat efficiency gradually increases rather than declining.


    Limitations: Severe injuries still require proper healing, and excessive overuse may cause a delayed fatigue crash once the battle ends. Against enemies with overwhelming power, stamina alone may not be enough to guarantee victory.


    Next was his agility boost skill: [Fast and Furious]


    [Fast and Furious (C) is now [Godspeed Rampage]


    [Godspeed Rampage]


    Effect: Movement speed and attack speed triple (200%) for 60 seconds, making you a near-untouchable force of destruction. Your strikes leave behind afterimages, confusing enemies and making it extremely difficult to counter your attacks.


    Bonus: Attacks ignore most defenses, and critical hits have a chance to completely bypass armor, dealing direct internal damage.


    Limitations: After the effect ends, agility drops by 50% for 20 seconds, and the body experiences severe strain if used excessively without proper stamina recovery.


    Next in line was [Night Vision (S)]


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Night Vision (C) is now S-rank: [Void Gaze]


    [Void Gaze]


    Effect: Your sight extends beyond light itself, allowing you to perceive the unseen, including invisible enemies, ethereal beings, and hidden pathways. You can see through all darkness, including that created by gods or high-tier entities.


    Bonus: Allows limited foresight, detecting movements a fraction of a second before they happen in dark environments.


    Limitations: If overused, the strain on your mind may cause temporary blindness after prolonged use.


    Next was Minor Regeneration.


    Alex took a deep breath, steadying himself.


    He was looking forward to the upgrade as Minor Regeneration could become a skill that could save his life when [Aegis Arcane] failed.


    A skill that could make him immortal.


    He activated the upgrade.


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Minor Regen {C}] is now S-rank: [Supreme Regeneration]


    [Supreme Regeneration]


    Effect: Heals all wounds, including lost limbs, organ failure, and near-fatal injuries, within seconds.


    Bonus: Provides immunity to most poisons, diseases, and curses, preventing external forces from hindering your recovery.


    Limitations: Extremely powerful anti-healing magic or divine attacks can slow down or temporarily halt regeneration. Overuse can cause extreme hunger or exhaustion, requiring rest and nourishment.


    Alex clenched his fists.


    "This¡­ this is insane."


    A healing factor on par with Wolverine or Deadpool from fiction. But this was real.


    He could now regenerate from almost anything.


    Even if someone cut him in half, his body would stitch itself back together within seconds.


    A grin spread across his face.


    His heart pounded.


    The sheer power he was gaining¡ªit was almost terrifying.


    And yet, all he had to do was click a button.


    Just like that, he was evolving beyond human limits.


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    His gaze flicked to the next skill.


    [Flame Immunity]


    Ding!


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Flame Immunity (C)] is now S-rank [Eternal Flame Sovereign]


    [Eternal Flame Sovereign]


    Effect: You are completely immune to all forms of fire, including divine, cursed, and draconic flames¡ªthey no longer affect you in any way.


    Bonus: You can absorb flames into your body to regenerate health and empower your attacks, converting fire into energy.


    Limitations: Cannot absorb cosmic or reality-erasing flames, though they will not instantly kill you. Overuse of fire absorption may cause overload, forcing you to release excess energy.


    Alex exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling as if he''d just run a marathon.


    His palms were damp with sweat, and he instinctively rubbed them against his shorts, trying to steady himself.


    For a brief moment, doubt crept into his mind.


    Was this... okay?


    He had already upgraded eleven skills to S-Rank¡ªeach one pushing him further beyond normal limits.


    It felt too easy.


    Too effortless.


    Like he was cheating fate itself.


    Like he was breaking some unspoken rule of how power was supposed to be earned.


    A small, uneasy thought whispered in his mind.


    "Am I supposed to be this strong?"


    But just as quickly, he shut it down.


    What was the point of doubting?


    He had already crossed the line long ago.


    And he had no intention of stopping now.


    Without hesitation, Alex moved to select his next skill upgrade.


    But...


    A sound.


    Footsteps.


    His hand froze mid-air.


    His lips curled into a small grin.


    "Of course. Something was bound to interrupt."


    He had expected it.


    Slowly, he raised his head, his gaze locking onto a familiar face.


    But instead of amusement, his expression hardened.


    His voice came out low and sharp.


    "You... what are you doing here?"

 Chapter 195 - 195: All Fake

    "What¡­ what the hell are you doing here?"


    Alex muttered, his voice laced with confusion and shock.


    His mind struggled to process what he was seeing.


    He couldn''t believe his eyes.


    Standing right in front of him was a familiar face¡ªone he never thought he''d run into again.


    Nancy.


    His former coworker.


    Someone he had left behind when he made the choice to pursue strength¡ªto hunt down the Beast Lords and push himself beyond his limits.


    Back then, he had separated from them because they were holding him back.


    And because...


    He wasn''t sure he could control himself if his bullies kept provoking him.


    But now, as he stood there, staring at her, his mind raced.


    Why was she here?


    How did she find him?


    And more importantly¡ªwhat did she want?


    Alex wanted to feel happy.


    Or rather¡ªhe should be happy to see her.


    But instead, a strange foggy feeling clouded his mind.


    Something felt off.


    Nancy stood before him, dressed in red armor, her sword sheathed at her side.


    She looked as elegant as ever¡ªlean, composed, and radiant.


    Her face still had that familiar glow, but there was something different about her¡­ something he couldn''t quite place.


    She glanced around, her eyes flickering over the dead trees surrounding them.


    Then she smiled. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s been a while," she said, her voice calm, almost nostalgic.


    Alex nodded slowly. "Hmm."


    But his brow remained furrowed.


    Something wasn''t right.


    His instincts screamed at him¡ªwarning him.


    Then, he heard it.


    Faint movements.


    Multiple.


    All around him.


    It was the kind of quiet that didn''t provoke attention but couldn''t escape his senses.


    Footsteps.


    Soft but steady.


    They weren''t the heavy, thudding steps of monsters, no unnatural breathing.


    These were different.


    Human.


    Players.


    Alex''s mind raced. Was this real? Or was he caught in some kind of illusion?


    His gaze flickered to Nancy.


    She stood there, still smiling, but now that he focused¡ªhe could hear it.


    Her heartbeat.


    It was fast. Uneven.


    She was nervous.


    Something was off.


    His eyes narrowed.


    "How''d¡­ how did you get here?" he asked, his voice low.


    No.


    Wrong question.


    His expression hardened. "What are you doing here?"


    Nancy hesitated. Just for a second.


    Then she answered.


    "Well¡­ me, Jace, and the others heard there was a Beast Lord in the area, so we came to take it down."


    Alex blinked.


    "Oh¡­" he muttered.


    "So that explains the dozens of footsteps I hear....right?"


    Nancy flinched¡ªjust slightly.


    She hadn''t expected Alex to sense them.


    But she quickly composed herself, her expression smoothing out as she continued.


    "Yes..." She glanced around, her eyes sweeping over the battlefield. The charred ground, the shattered trees, and the faint, lingering energy of the fallen beast lord.


    Then, her gaze locked onto Alex once more.


    "But it seems you''ve already defeated the Beast Lord. Alone, at that."


    Alex gave a casual shrug.


    "Technically, yes."


    Silence settled between them.


    The kind that carried unspoken words¡ªa tension neither was willing to acknowledge just yet.


    Alex studied her for a moment, then finally broke the quiet.


    "So, tell me... how are you doing?"


    Nancy''s lips pressed together before she let out a slow breath.


    "It''s been rough," she admitted. "But we''ve been surviving. We''ve lost a few people... but we''ve also met others and managed to form a huge party."


    Alex''s expression didn''t change, but his voice carried a hint of something unreadable.


    "Is that so?"


    "You''re speaking like you don''t care," Nancy said, her voice quieter now, but laced with something sharp.


    "I truly don''t."


    Alex met her gaze, unfazed.


    A pause.


    Nancy exhaled, shaking her head slightly.


    "Oh... I see. You haven''t changed."


    "Guess not."


    A beat of silence.


    "Alright," Alex finally said, forcing a small, unreadable smile. "I guess we should part ways, then."


    He turned slightly, preparing to leave.


    But then...


    "Wait."


    She suddenly moved closer, reaching out and grabbing his hand. Her grip was firm, desperate.


    "Why don''t you join the group?" she asked. "We could really use your help."


    Alex didn''t pull away.


    He simply stared at her, his expression unreadable.


    "You know I don''t do well in groups," he said flatly. "Why offer?"


    Nancy''s lips pressed together.


    A flicker of something crossed her face, but she quickly masked it.


    "Alright... I guess there''s nothing more to say between us."


    Alex turned, ready to walk away.


    But again, Nancy reached for him, grabbing his hand¡ªharder this time.


    Alex sighed, glancing over his shoulder, his voice almost lazy.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Won''t you..." Nancy started, but her voice faltered. She exhaled heavily, trying to steady herself before continuing.


    "Can''t you just come with me? It must have been agonizing being alone."


    Alex tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.


    "It wasn''t," he said without hesitation. "If anything, it''s been fun."


    Nancy''s eyes widened slightly, her grip on his wrist tightening.


    "You were having fun while others were dying?" she asked, her voice shaking with disbelief.


    "People dying is not my problem," Alex replied coldly. "Blame the tutorial."


    Nancy took a step back, as if physically hit by his words.


    "Didn''t you think of me?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost pleading.


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    "Strangely¡­ not once."


    Silence.


    Nancy''s brow furrowed, her lips pressing together as emotions flickered across her face¡ªshock, frustration, maybe even hurt.


    "Why... why are you being so mean?" she finally whispered.


    Alex looked at her, his expression as calm as ever.


    "Why?" he echoed.


    Alex raised his hand¡ªthe one Nancy was still gripping tightly. His eyes flicked toward it, drawing her attention.


    "Why, indeed," he murmured.


    "Maybe it''s because of this."


    Nancy flinched.


    A flicker of uncertainty passed through her eyes, but she steadied herself and pressed on.


    "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice carefully measured.


    Alex let out a slow sigh¡ªdeep and heavy.


    It wasn''t a sigh of exhaustion, nor one of frustration.


    It was disappointment.


    It was of betrayal.


    "You''re seriously asking me that?" His gaze bore into her. "You know exactly what you''re doing."


    Nancy''s expression tightened.


    She tilted her head slightly, her brows drawing together.


    Did he know?


    He knew.


    The moment he laid eyes on her, he saw through it.


    Nancy''s presence, the warmth in his chest, the strange comfort he felt¡ªit was all fake.


    His passive skill, [Illusion Resistance], cut through whatever ability she was using like a blade through mist.


    The unseen shackles on his mind shattered, peeling away the unnatural fog clouding his thoughts.


    Muddling.


    A subtle, insidious trick.


    It had been tampering with his emotions, making him feel at ease, making him want to be with her.


    Making him happy to see her.


    But it wasn''t real.

 Chapter 196 - 196: Truth, Blessing, Chains

    No wonder.


    No wonder he had been so relaxed around her. So trusting.


    No wonder it felt like he was in love...


    It wasn''t real.


    It was an illusion.


    A hypnosis.


    And the caster? None other than Nancy.


    She must have thought he wouldn''t notice.


    That she could weave her way into his mind without resistance.


    But she was wrong.


    [Illusion Resistance] had torn through the deception, leaving nothing but the bitter truth behind.


    Nancy shifted uneasily.


    Something was off.


    Alex''s posture had changed.


    His expression, once neutral, had turned unreadable¡ªcold, calculating. His body, once at ease, was now rigid with tension.


    She could feel it.


    He knew.


    Her heart pounded as she swallowed hard.


    "Alex," she asked hesitantly, forcing a smile, "is everything alright?"


    Alex slowly lifted his head.


    His eyes locked onto hers¡ªicy, sharp, unforgiving.


    Then, in a voice as cold as steel, he asked:


    "How long?"


    Nancy opened her mouth to speak:


    "What do you mean..."


    But before the words could finish leaving her lips, Alex moved.


    Faster than she could see.


    His hand shot forward, gripping her by the neck.


    Before she could even process what was happening¡ª


    SLAM!


    Her back crashed against a nearby tree. The bark splintered on impact, cracks spreading like a spiderweb. A sharp pain shot through her spine.


    Nancy groaned, dazed from the sudden attack.


    Her hands instinctively went to Alex''s wrist, trying to pry his fingers off.


    But his grip only tightened.


    Her breathing grew shallow. Shocked. Confused. Terrified.


    This wasn''t the Alex she knew.


    "What... what are you doing?" she gasped, struggling against his strength.


    Alex''s expression was unreadable¡ªhis usual calm replaced with something far more dangerous.


    His golden eyes burned with cold fury.


    His voice came out in a low growl, demanding, unrelenting.


    "How long?!"


    Nancy''s fingers trembled as she desperately clawed at his hand, trying to free herself.


    Alex scoffed, his grip still firm around Nancy''s throat.


    To anyone else, it might have looked like she was just struggling to break free¡ªbut he knew better.


    Her trembling hands weren''t just desperate.


    She was trying to amplify her ability.


    "Touch increases the potency of the skill, doesn''t it?"


    Nancy''s eyes widened.


    He knew.


    Her pulse quickened. She had been so careful, so subtle. Yet, somehow, he had seen through everything.


    "It doesn''t matter what you do," Alex continued, his voice sharp as a blade. "It will not work on me. I''ll ask one last time¡­"


    His fingers tightened slightly¡ªjust enough to remind her of his strength.


    "How long?"


    Nancy''s breath hitched.


    Her lungs burned.


    Her body screamed for air.


    She had no way out.


    No more deception. No more illusions.


    With a shaky breath, she finally admitted the truth.


    "Since the beginning. Since we met."


    Alex''s expression shifted.


    For a split second, a flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes.


    Then¡ªhe let go.


    Tcch!


    Nancy collapsed to the ground, coughing violently as she gasped for air.


    Her fingers clutched at her throat, her body still trembling from Alex''s grip.


    But the moment she caught her breath, she rushed to explain.


    "It wasn''t intentional¡­" she rasped. "It''s a passive skill called Eros'' Blessing. It''s my innate ability. I¡ªI don''t know how to switch it off."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    His expression was unreadable, but the sharp glint in his gaze made her uneasy.


    His instincts told him she wasn''t lying.


    But he couldn''t believe her.


    Not anymore.


    Not after everything.


    A heavy weight settled in his chest.


    All those emotions¡ªthose moments of warmth, the unshakable belief that she had been someone special¡ªall of it had been fake.


    An illusion?


    He had killed for her.


    Not innocent people¡ªbut still.


    Alex clicked his teeth, frustration bubbling inside him.


    "So everything I felt toward you¡­ was a lie."


    Nancy hesitated, guilt flickering across her face. "I can''t say it wasn''t."


    His jaw clenched.


    He had thought she truly cared.


    That there was something real between them.


    But it was all just his delusion.


    Nancy exhaled sharply, trying to explain. "I''m sorry, but I had no choice. It''s a passive skill. I couldn''t just turn it off."


    Alex let out a harsh laugh.


    Then he clicked his teeth again.


    "Minutes ago, the moment you saw me, you were clearly using it. I felt it. That unnatural fog in my mind. That pull. So don''t give me that excuse."


    Nancy fell silent.


    She had no defense.


    Because she knew¡ªhe was right.


    She had actively used her skill on him, trying to control him.


    If he hadn''t possessed Illusion Resistance, he would have fallen.


    A puppet. A fool.


    A moron who thought his actions were his own, never realizing they were being manipulated.


    The thought of that alone pissed him off.


    Nancy''s voice was barely above a whisper.


    "The ability is called a blessing¡­ but it''s nothing but a curse." Her hands clenched into fists. "I can''t form a bond with anyone and know it''s real because of it."


    Alex didn''t care.


    Her words meant nothing to him now.


    He was done listening.


    His attention shifted to something else.


    To the footsteps he heard.


    Dozens. No¡ªhundreds.


    The people approaching him were trying to be sneaky, but their attempt was pathetic.


    He had sensed them from a mile away.


    Slowly, he turned his gaze back to Nancy.


    His voice was calm but sharp.


    "Tell me, Nancy¡­ why are there hundreds of players closing in on me? Do you have a hand in this, or do you not?"


    Nancy raised her head, but she didn''t meet his eyes. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She stayed silent, her gaze falling to the ground in shame.


    Alex scoffed.


    "Seriously, Nancy. At least attempt to hide your betrayal."


    Nancy let out a slow, heavy exhale.


    But Alex wasn''t done. A grin curled on his lips.


    "I''m really disappointed," he continued, his voice laced with mock amusement. "That you''d underestimate me so much."


    Then¡ªa flash of light.


    A runic circle burst to life beneath Alex''s feet, glowing with intricate symbols.


    Without warning, chains shot out, coiling around his arms, legs, and torso, locking him in place.


    The metal clanked as it tightened.


    But Alex didn''t even flinch.


    His expression remained casual, almost bored, as he watched the scene unfold.


    From the shadows, figures began to emerge.


    One by one, they stepped into the open, surrounding Alex like wolves closing in on their prey.


    Yet, he remained unmoved.


    His gaze swept over them, taking in their faces.


    Some were familiar¡ªJonah, Thompson... old acquaintances.


    But many were strangers, unknown faces with hostile intent.


    And then, there were two who stood out the most.


    Ethan¡ªhis former boss.And Katie¡ªhis ex.


    Ethan took a step forward, smirking with arrogance.


    "Long time no see, filth."


    Alex''s eyes flicked to him.


    Lazily. Unimpressed.


    Disappointment settled in his chest.


    To think he had once dreaded meeting these two again.


    But now?


    Now, he could hardly feel anything from them.


    The power they oozed felt pathetic.


    A single clone of his could take them down without breaking a sweat.


    But he held back.


    He wanted to hear them out first.


    Wanted to understand why they were here.


    Why so many players were suddenly hunting him.


    Before he flipped this entire tutorial on its head.

 Chapter 197 - 197: Major Quest

    Oracle''s POV


    He survived.


    Oracle slumped back into his white chair, gripping the armrests tightly.


    Alex had survived the nightmare.


    Not just survived¡ªhe had thrived.


    And now, he had an absurd amount of stat points.


    Oracle''s fingers tapped against the desk.


    Those points¡­


    Alex could exchange them for Upgrade Stones using the Item Attribute Converter.


    The very item Oracle had given him.


    The item meant to limit his growth.


    To prevent him from becoming too powerful too fast.


    But now?


    Now it had backfired. Big time.


    Alex wasn''t just growing stronger¡ªhe was evolving at an uncontrollable rate.


    He had enough points to level up every skill he possessed.


    And even then, he''d still have more left over.


    Oracle clenched his jaw.


    This was a disaster.


    Sure he made sure Alex had lost something, to balance things out.


    But even that was futile.


    He had tweaked the nightmare so a day in the nightmare was one week out in the tutorial.


    And Alex had spent almost two days in the nightmare.


    So about two weeks had passed in the nightmare.


    If Alex had stayed further in the nightmare spending more days, then as soon as he got out of the nightmare, that would have been the end of his tutorial, and he would be transferred to the new world.


    But even while Oracle did that, Alex had still gained more than he ever would have gained if he had spent those two weeks in the tutorial.


    "Damn it!"


    Oracle roared, his voice shaking the white room.


    A surge of raw energy erupted from his body, blasting in all directions.


    Bright beams of energy shot out like wild lightning, tearing through the walls and ceiling.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    But it didn''t help.


    Nothing did.


    He collapsed onto the cold, smooth floor, panting.


    His mind raced.


    What could he do?


    How could he stop Alex''s growth?


    Reducing the number of upgradeable skills? S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Impossible. The rules were already set in stone. He couldn''t just change them on a whim.


    Maybe¡­ he could spawn a high-level unique monster near Alex?


    But Oracle immediately dismissed the thought.


    No.


    That would only make things worse.


    Alex would kill it.


    And its death would reward him with more skills.


    And now that he had the means to upgrade them all.


    He''d only be adding to his strength.


    What about a Beast Lord¡­?


    Oracle considered once again but shook his head.


    No.


    Oracle clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth in frustration.


    The same outcome would follow.


    Alex would win. He always did.


    And when he did, he''d grow even stronger.


    Oracle''s fingers twitched as he brought them to his mouth, biting his nails¡ªa nervous habit he hadn''t done in years.


    His gaze sharpened, locked onto the shifting images before him.


    Through the glowing white screen, he watched as Alex tore his way out of his cocoon.


    Power radiated off him, wild and untamed.


    Then, Oracle''s eyes flickered to something else.


    A party of players.


    They weren''t too far from Alex''s location.


    They had just defeated a Beast Lord and were now making their way back to camp, their expressions filled with despair and reprieve.


    They had lost so many.


    Unlike Alex, they didn''t fight alone.


    They moved as a team.


    And that gave Oracle an idea.


    Most players weren''t like Alex.


    They didn''t fight alone.


    They banded together, forming massive guilds for protection and strength in numbers.


    Two of these guilds stood above the rest, each boasting hundreds of members.


    And one of them?


    It was led by none other than Ethan¡ªAlex''s former boss.


    Despite their size and strength, it had taken both guilds working together just to take down a Beast Lord.


    And that Beast Lord?


    It was weaker than the one Alex had fought alone.


    Oracle clenched his fists.


    Alex had soloed his Beast Lord. Crushed it. Overpowered it. Made it look easy.


    But what if Oracle turned the guilds against him?


    What if he redirected their focus to a common enemy?


    Oracle''s lips curled into a twisted grin.


    Maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªthey could be the ones to finally get rid of him.


    But Oracle wasn''t stupid.


    He knew the guilds wouldn''t be able to kill Alex.


    No one could.


    If they fought him head-on, Alex would wipe them out.


    Every. Last. One.


    But¡­


    That''s exactly what Oracle wanted.


    If Alex slaughtered the majority of the tutorial players¡ªespecially now that many of them were bound to gods¡ªit would be a disaster.


    Their deaths wouldn''t go unnoticed.


    The gods would be furious.


    And when the gods were angry, they didn''t stay quiet.


    They would demand answers. They would demand justice.


    They would complain to the Reigners¡ªthe higher powers that controlled everything.


    And that was Oracle''s opening.


    His one shot.


    He would paint Alex as a rogue entity. A compromised existence. A future threat that needed to be eliminated.


    If the Reigners saw Alex as a danger to their system¡­


    They would erase him.


    For good.


    There was nothing in the tutorial that could stop Alex.


    Not the monsters. Not the system itself.


    If anything, Oracle wanted to keep the monsters as far away from Alex as possible.


    Giving him more enemies only meant giving him more power.


    That wasn''t an option.


    So, instead of throwing monsters at Alex¡­


    Oracle decided to throw players.


    He needed to turn them against Alex.


    To do that, he needed bait.


    Something irresistible.


    A quest.


    Oracle''s fingers moved swiftly, crafting the perfect trap.


    Then, with a smirk, he sent it out to every player in the tutorial.


    [MAJOR QUEST]


    A unique monster has spawned.


    Once human, it now seeks to take the place of the fallen Beast Lord. If left unchecked, it will grow in strength and become an even greater threat.


    Objective: Hunt it down before it claims its throne.


    Reward:- DOUBLE the tutorial points you currently possess.


    - A unique skill.


    [The target''s location has been marked on your map.]


    [Goodluck]


    Oracle leaned back, a wicked grin spreading across his face.


    That would do it.


    Oracle muttered under his breath as the system sent out the Major Quest to every player in the tutorial¡ª


    Except Alex.


    He exhaled sharply, wiping the sweat off his forehead. His heart pounded from the gamble he had just made.


    This was risky. Really risky.


    Alex wasn''t actually turning into a monster.


    But Oracle knew how Alex would react.


    And that was enough.


    If Alex tore through the players like a beast, then he might as well be one.


    That was the angle. That was the lie.


    It would be convincing.


    ¡­Even if it meant breaking a rule.


    Placing a target on a human without concrete evidence was forbidden.


    But the higher powers didn''t monitor the quests he issued.


    They never had a reason to.


    As far as they were concerned, his quests were always meant to favor the players.


    And as long as they believed that¡­


    Oracle could get away with it.

 Chapter 198 - 198: Fuel to the Fire

    Oracle wasn''t done yet.


    If he wanted this to work, he needed to hit them where it hurt the most¡ª


    Their egos.


    He smirked, fingers gliding over the interface as he sent out another notification.


    A public ranking list.


    A challenge. A provocation.


    [Major Announcement]


    [The list of players with the highest tutorial points is now available to view.]


    1. Alex Knight - 445,000


    2. Dorion Newman - 209,000


    3. Derral Cain - 80,500


    4. Ethan Hunt - 79,500


    ¡­


    The difference between first and second place was massive¡ªa 226,000-point gap.


    But that was nothing compared to the gap between Alex and the third-place player.


    More than five times their points.


    The numbers weren''t just shocking.


    They were insulting.


    To players who prided themselves on being the strongest, seeing their names buried under Alex''s would feel like a slap to the face.


    And Oracle knew exactly how Derral and Ethan would react.


    They weren''t the type to sit back and accept humiliation.


    They would come for Alex.


    Oracle smirked, feeling a momentary relief from the play he had just made.


    Everything was set.


    Ethan and Darrel¡ªespecially Ethan, given his history with Alex¡ªwould stop at nothing to take him down.


    But just as Oracle exhaled, letting himself relax¡ª


    It happened.


    A presence.


    Overwhelming. Crushing. Inescapable.


    It descended upon him like a massive hand closing around his very existence.


    Before he could react, the world around him vanished¡ª


    And in the next instant, he was somewhere else.


    Oracle crashed onto the cold, unseen ground with a heavy thud.


    A sharp groan escaped his lips as he struggled to move, every nerve in his body screaming in protest.


    He forced himself up, hands pressing against the unseen floor.


    Then, as he lifted his head¡ª


    He froze.


    From the endless void ahead, two glowing eyes stared back at him.


    No form. No shape.


    Just the eyes.


    Watching. Unblinking.


    A suffocating force wrapped around Oracle''s soul, pressing down on him like the weight of a collapsing world.


    His body betrayed him.


    His limbs gave out.


    And in the face of that unfathomable power¡ª


    Oracle was pinned flat to the ground.


    A Reigner.


    One of the higher powers¡ªa being that stood above all, enforcing the very laws of the system.


    Oracle''s breath hitched.


    He''d been caught.


    A deep, resonating voice boomed through the void, shaking Oracle to his core.


    "I''ve been watching you, damn rabbit."


    Oracle''s chest heaved as he gasped for air.


    He knew this presence was powerful¡ªbut facing it directly was like being crushed beneath an entire world.


    He''d been careless.


    He''d been caught red-handed.


    The voice rumbled again, filled with an unshakable authority.


    "What do you think you''re doing¡ªplaying with the rules?"


    Oracle''s throat went dry.


    He gulped.


    Tried to form words.


    Tried to explain.


    "I was just trying to¡ª"


    "THAT IS NOT YOUR ROLE!"


    The moment the words slammed into reality, the weight on Oracle doubled.


    His entire body collapsed into the unseen ground.


    His soul screamed, on the verge of being ripped apart.


    The pressure was unbearable¡ª


    And if this continued¡­ he would be crushed to death.


    Oracle''s body trembled, his very existence being ground into dust under the weight of the Reigner''s power.


    He wasn''t important enough to be spared. His role was replaceable¡ªanother could take his place in an instant.


    He had one chance.


    Forcing the words through gritted teeth, he gasped out¡ª


    "I-I''m doing it¡­ gahh¡­ I''m doing it to further his growth!"


    The void stilled.


    The crushing force lessened¡ªjust slightly, just enough for Oracle to take in a desperate breath.


    "Oh? Is that so¡­"


    The Reigner''s voice held amusement, but also a sharp, piercing edge.


    Oracle seized the moment, forcing himself to speak before the Reigner changed its mind.


    "He''s an anomaly," Oracle coughed. "He synced with the system in record time¡ªthe fastest I''ve ever seen."


    The pressure eased a little more.


    Encouraged, Oracle pressed on, his voice growing steadier.


    "This¡­ this is a way to test his potential. To foster his growth. If he passes, he''ll become an asset to us."


    He lifted his head just slightly, though his body still trembled under the lingering weight of the Reigner''s power.


    "And we will need someone like that."


    Silence.


    The Reigner did not respond immediately.


    The void seemed to pulse with unseen energy.


    Then¡ª


    "Hmm."


    Oracle held his breath.


    The Reigner was thinking.


    But the pressure didn''t ease.


    Oracle''s entire being screamed under the weight crushing down on him.


    Every second felt endless, like his soul was moments away from being torn apart.


    Then¡ªafter what felt like an eternity¡ªthe Reigner finally spoke. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Return. But any further rule-breaking¡­ and you will be replaced immediately."


    Oracle gulped.


    That wasn''t just a warning.


    That was a death sentence.


    Being "replaced" meant more than just losing his position. Overseers were never replaced unless they deliberately disobeyed the set rules. And when they were?


    They were erased.


    Completely.


    Forever.


    "I''ll be watching."


    The words echoed, carrying an undeniable finality.


    And then¡ª


    Oracle was ripped from the void and thrown back into his white room.


    THUD!


    He collapsed onto the floor, landing on all fours. His chest heaved, sweat dripping down his face.


    His body still remembered the crushing weight of the Reigner''s power. His mind still shook from the near-death experience.


    For several long seconds, he just breathed.


    That was too close.


    Oracle remained on the ground, his body trembling.


    His chest throbbed, each breath sending a dull ache through his core.


    The aftershock of the Reigner''s pressure still lingered, like invisible chains pressing down on him.


    It felt like his entire existence was being crushed.


    He clutched his chest tighter, his fingers digging into his robe.


    The feeling of helplessness still fresh.


    He had to lie to survive.


    But deep down, he wouldn''t be surprised if the Reigner knew and simply let it happen.


    That was even worse.


    Because now, Alex had caught the eye of a Reigner.


    Getting rid of him?


    Not happening.


    Not easily, at least.


    Oracle shuddered.


    Alex was no longer just another player.


    He was a potential asset.


    And assets¡­ didn''t just disappear.


    Oracle exhaled shakily. His mind raced back to one thought¡ªone possibility he had ignored until now.


    Could it be?


    Could Alex actually have an ability that tilted fate in his favor?


    That stacked the odds, time and time again?


    That gave him insane luck?


    Oracle''s breath came in ragged gasps. His mind raced, piecing together the undeniable truth.


    Everything he had done to slow Alex down had only made him stronger.


    Every obstacle. Every setback. Every twisted plan.


    Instead of crippling Alex, it had fueled his growth.


    It was terrifying.


    Oracle clenched his fists.


    If this continued¡­


    If Alex kept evolving at this rate¡­


    He would have no choice.


    His eyes darted to the glowing artifact floating just above his palm. A deep crimson light pulsed within it, like a heartbeat.


    A forbidden item. A last resort.


    [Eclipse Core]: A forbidden artifact of immeasurable power, the Eclipse Core grants an overseer temporary player status for exactly one minute. During this time, the user gains all the privileges and abilities of a player, allowing direct intervention in the system. However, once the minute expires, the user is completely erased from existence¡ªmind, body, and soul.

 Chapter 199 - 199: Nancy POV - Rewind

    Nancy remained on her knees, her body frozen as her eyes stayed locked on Alex.


    Chained. Restrained.


    Her chest tightened. A storm of emotions churned inside her¡ªguilt, pain, exhaustion.


    It had all started the moment Alex left to go on his own.


    Since then, she and her coworkers had been through hell.


    After joining Ethan''s faction, their lives had changed. No longer just survivors¡ªnow they were soldiers.


    Orders weren''t suggestions. They were law.


    The moment they stepped into the faction, they had unknowingly signed a contract of submission.


    20% of all tutorial points they earned¡ªgone. Automatically taken.


    In return?


    A spot in the camp. Shelter. Food. Safety.


    The amount of food you received depended entirely on the tutorial points you brought in. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That rule alone forced people to risk their lives¡ªventuring into danger, hunting monsters, fighting desperately just to survive.


    No one was spared.


    If you couldn''t bring in enough points? No food.


    If you failed to earn points for three consecutive days? You were kicked out. Thrown into the wild to fend for yourself¡ªor worse, to die.


    And any trace of rebellion? Crushed. Instantly.


    Nancy had tried to intercede once.


    Tried to reason with Ethan.


    But he didn''t just threaten her. He threatened everyone she came with.


    His words still echoed in her mind:


    "The moment you joined, you forfeited the right to leave. You either stay until I die... or until the tutorial ends."


    Killing Ethan?


    Impossible.


    Nancy had considered it. She''d thought about getting rid of him, freeing herself and the others from his grip.


    But then she saw him fight.


    Ethan wasn''t just strong¡ªhe was on another level.


    He wielded some foreign power that allowed him to dominate foes that should have been unstoppable. Enemies that should have crushed him were instead torn apart like they were nothing.


    Nancy realized then¡ªshe couldn''t win.


    And to make things worse, Jonah, someone she once trusted, wasn''t on her side anymore.


    Instead, he had become Ethan''s right-hand man. A close, trusted associate.


    That left her with only one option.


    She tried using her ability¡ª[Eros Hold].


    She pushed it to its limits, attempting to influence Ethan, to control him, to make him let his guard down.


    But he saw through it instantly.


    Before she could react, he nearly killed her.


    If Jonah hadn''t stepped in, she''d be dead.


    Instead, Ethan left her with a permanent lesson.


    He cut off her arm.


    She spent a week recovering. A week filled with pain.


    And she only survived because Jonah convinced Ethan that she was too valuable to kill.


    That she was a strong combatant.


    That she could still be useful.


    Nancy''s recovery came at the hands of Ethan''s woman.


    And that woman?


    Katie.


    Alex''s ex-girlfriend.


    Katie wasn''t just a healer¡ªshe was an incredible one. She could regenerate torn limbs, a rare and invaluable skill that made her one of the most important members of Ethan''s faction.


    But that didn''t mean she was kind.


    If anything, she was just as cruel as Ethan.


    While she restored Nancy''s arm, she deliberately refused to regenerate her thumb.


    Her reasoning?


    "I think you look better this way," she had said with a smirk, her tone dripping with sarcasm.


    Nancy had clenched her teeth, but she could do nothing.


    Katie held all the power in that moment.


    After recovering, Nancy turned to Jonah¡ªthe only person she still had hope in.


    She tried to convince him to help her get rid of Ethan.


    But Jonah refused.


    He had a loyalty to Ethan. Maybe it was because they were related, or maybe Jonah had simply become too entrenched in Ethan''s world.


    Either way, Nancy''s plea went nowhere.


    And to make matters worse, Jonah had also developed a resistance to her charm ability.


    And it wasn''t just Jonah, but Ethan''s inner circle.


    Her ability was now completely ineffective on the people who truly mattered.


    And that sucked for her.


    The rest of the faction, however, clung to her like flies to honey.


    They sought reassurance, comfort, and someone to confide in.


    At first, Nancy told herself it was just her ability at work.


    They didn''t care about her, not really. It was just her charm making them feel safe.


    But even knowing that¡­ she couldn''t push them away.


    She got attached.


    Especially to Dorothy.


    Dorothy was young, barely a teenager, but she was an incredible archer.


    Over time, Nancy grew fond of her.


    Dorothy¡ªand the others who depended on her¡ªbecame her reason for staying.


    Jonah, to his credit, also looked out for the weaker members of the faction.


    In fact, most people saw him as their true leader.


    Ethan didn''t seem to care.


    He needed someone to manage the "normies," and he''d rather it be Jonah than Nancy.


    But deep down?


    Ethan knew the truth.


    No one in the faction had more influence than Nancy.


    Even those who had resistance to Nancy''s ability weren''t completely immune.


    They were still influenced¡ªjust a little.


    And Ethan knew it.


    It wouldn''t be a stretch to say, that Ethan, not killing her, despite knowing she was dangerous, was because he too was somewhat influenced.


    Nancy''s ability was just that powerful.


    That''s why he kept sending her on dangerous missions. To rid of her.


    Hunting for food.


    Fighting monsters.


    Battling rival factions that wanted to annex the guild.


    The last was a constant struggle.


    At the start, there were many factions and groups. Some were small, trying to survive on their own. Others were ambitious, aiming to dominate.


    But one by one, they either got annexed or crushed.


    Now, with the end of the tutorial approaching, only two major forces remained.


    The Ethereal Faction ¨C led by Ethan.The Highlanders ¨C led by Darrel.


    And right now, both leaders were desperate.


    They were aggressively recruiting players, trying to bolster their numbers.


    It wasn''t just about strength anymore.


    It felt like they were competing for something bigger.


    Like there was a hidden quest they weren''t telling anyone about.


    Then came what led to the raid on the Beast Lord.


    For days, its monsters poured out of the dungeon, wreaking havoc.


    Carnivorous deer with lightning antlers.


    These creatures weren''t just fast¡ªthey could shoot out bolts of electricity, frying anything in their path.


    They had stormed the factions'' camps, killing dozens of players.


    The two factions had tried to fight back¡ªbut it was a disaster.


    A brutal loss.


    Ethan lost two of his closest associates.


    Nancy lost a dozen members¡­ and Evelyn.


    She cried a lot that day.


    The next morning, something unthinkable happened.


    Ethan and Darrel¡ªsworn enemies¡ªformed a truce.


    Their factions would temporarily join forces.


    Just until they slaughtered the Beast Lord that had been terrorizing them.

 Chapter 200 - 200: Nancy POV - Leaderboard

    The Beast Lord lurked deep within a massive dungeon, but before the players could reach it, they had to fight through its army.


    Wave after wave of monsters came at them¡ªferal creatures, each one deadly.


    Claws slashed, fangs tore, and the battlefield reeked of blood and burned flesh.


    Lightning-horned deer charged, blasting arcs of energy.


    Shadow wolves darted through the chaos, ripping players apart before vanishing.


    Stone-clad boars crashed into formations, sending fighters flying.


    The losses piled up. Both factions suffered.


    But finally, they reached the boss''s room.


    The Beast Lord stood before them.


    A massive deer, its antlers glowing with raw energy, deadly beams sparking at their tips.


    Its eyes burned red, filled with malice.


    Then it vanished.


    A flash of light¡ªand it reappeared behind them, slaughtering a dozen players in an instant.


    Its roar shook the air, a deafening blast that sent waves of dizziness crashing through the players. Warriors staggered, some collapsed¡ªeasy prey.


    The battle was chaos.


    For hours, the two faction leaders, Ethan and Darrel, fought the beast.


    Every time they landed a hit, it teleported away.


    Every time they gained ground, it blasted them back with its energy beams.


    But slowly, through sheer persistence and strategy, they wore it down.


    And finally¡ª


    With one last combined strike, they brought the Beast Lord down.


    It let out a final earth-shaking roar before its massive body collapsed.


    Silence.


    Then¡ªa flood of golden light.


    Everyone leveled up.


    The two greatest contributors, Ethan and Darrel, gained unique items.


    But the victory was bitter.


    Each faction had lost too many players.


    Ethan and Darrel stood in the aftermath, surveying the damage.


    They had won¡ªbut at what cost?


    If it were up to them, they wouldn''t have bothered hunting down the Beast Lord.


    It wasn''t even a requirement to clear the tutorial quest.


    But it had become a nuisance¡ªtoo dangerous to ignore.


    So the two rival factions formed a temporary alliance to take it down.


    And now that it was dead¡­


    The payoff wasn''t worth it.


    Out of 900 players had entered the dungeon, only 370 made it out alive.


    The leaders, Ethan and Darrel, weren''t mourning the losses.


    No...they were calculating.


    They weren''t looking at the dead¡ªonly the ones who survived.


    Who had more?Who had gained the most power?


    That was all they cared about.


    As the players stepped out of the dungeon, the air grew tense.


    The temporary alliance was over.


    And now?


    The two factions stood at the brink of war.


    Weapons were drawn.


    Tension crackled like static in the air.


    A single wrong move, a single twitch¡ªand blood would be spilled.


    But just as the battle was about to erupt¡ª


    A notification appeared.


    [MAJOR QUEST]


    A unique monster has spawned.


    Once human, it now seeks to take the place of the fallen Beast Lord. If left unchecked, it will grow in strength and become an even greater threat.


    Objective: Hunt it down before it claims its throne.


    Reward:


    - DOUBLE the tutorial points you currently possess.


    - A unique skill.


    [The target''s location has been marked on your map.]


    [Goodluck]


    The moment the notification appeared, everyone froze.


    For a split second, there was no fighting, no tension¡ªjust stunned silence.


    And then¡ªchaos.


    Players whispered, muttered, and shouted over one another. Eyes widened, hands clenched, and minds raced.


    Double their points? S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was tempting. Too tempting.


    But Ethan and Darrel¡ªthey weren''t celebrating.


    No.


    They stood still, their faces unreadable. Calculating. Weighing the risk.


    Because they knew what this meant.


    Another Beast Lord.


    Another brutal fight.


    And after the devastating losses from the last battle...


    Could they even survive another one?


    Would they even have enough people left to fight?


    Wouldn''t this just wipe them out completely?


    Before they could dwell on it further, another notification flashed across the air


    [Major Announcement]


    [The list of players with the highest tutorial points is now available to view.]


    1. Alex Knight - 445,000


    2. Dorion Newman - 209,000


    3. Derral Cain - 80,500


    4. Ethan Hunt - 79,500


    ¡­


    Alex?


    Ethan''s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his weapon as he stared at the name glowing on the leaderboard.


    The entire battlefield had gone silent.


    Everyone who knew Alex¡ªor thought they did¡ªwas frozen in disbelief.


    "That Alex?" Thompson muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Murmurs spread through the crowd.


    Alex Knight.


    The guy everyone had forgotten.


    The guy everyone had assumed was dead.


    And yet¡ªnot only was he alive, but he was leading the entire ranking.


    How?


    Nancy''s mind raced. How did Alex manage that?


    She had always suspected he was... different. There was something about the way he moved, the way he adapted so quickly to this cruel new world.


    But this?


    445,000 points.


    That wasn''t just impressive¡ªit was terrifying.


    And he had done it alone.


    Unlike everyone else, Alex hadn''t joined any faction. No allies, no protection, no backup.


    Just himself.


    Nancy''s stomach twisted.


    And then her eyes moved to the second name on the list.


    Dorion Newman¡ª209,000 points.


    Who was that?


    Nancy had thought Ethan and Darrel were the undisputed top two.


    Clearly, they had all been wrong.


    They were two hidden powers.


    Two unknown players.


    Ethan stood frozen, his eyes locked onto the leaderboard. His jaw clenched. His fingers twitched.


    This wasn''t just some random name at the top.


    It was Alex.


    The same nobody he used to push around.


    The guy he had bullied. Humiliated.


    And now¡ªAlex Knight was miles ahead of him.


    Unacceptable.


    Ethan''s expression darkened.


    His fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.


    To make things worse¡ªHe had been beaten by Darrel too.


    And that wasn''t all.


    Dorion Newman.


    Who the hell was that? Another unknown? Someone neither he nor Darrel had accounted for?


    Ethan clicked his teeth in frustration.


    The temptation to act was unbearable.


    The double tutorial points.


    If he could claim them, he wouldn''t reach number one, but he''d at least crush Darrel beneath him.


    That alone was worth it.


    He gritted his teeth and made his decision.


    Without hesitation, he jerked his head forward, signaling the group.


    "Move out."


    No concern for their exhaustion. No regard for their wounds.


    They were all running on fumes¡ªbattered, bloodied, and barely standing after the Beast Lord fight.


    But Ethan didn''t care.


    His pride was on the line.


    And he was willing to push everyone past their limits to take what he wanted.

 Chapter 201 - 201: Nancy POV - Choice

    Darrel wasn''t about to let Ethan have the points uncontested.


    Without a word, he and his faction followed, maintaining a cautious distance.


    This wasn''t an alliance anymore¡ªit was a competition.


    Whoever killed the beast lord first would gain double points, and Darrel wasn''t about to let Ethan take the lead.


    Ethan''s group pressed on, pushing through exhaustion as they reached the edge of the forest.


    Or at least¡ªwhat used to be a forest.


    The sight before them was unnatural.


    Every tree stood lifeless.


    The leaves had withered to dust, leaving only barren, skeletal branches.


    The ground, once lush with grass, was now a field of decay.


    A cold, unsettling air hung over the land.


    Something was wrong. Very wrong.


    The beast lord was supposed to be up ahead.


    But this? This looked more like a graveyard.


    Ethan''s expression hardened.


    "This isn''t normal," Jonah muttered.


    Without hesitation, Ash¡ªone of their best scouts¡ªstepped forward.


    His ability allowed him to see farther than anyone else, and now, they needed his eyes more than ever.


    He focused, activating his ability.


    His pupils dilated as his vision stretched beyond human limits, scanning the area ahead.


    Then¡ªhis breath hitched.


    His entire body stiffened.


    Eyes wide.


    Mouth slightly open.


    A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.


    "No way¡­" he whispered.


    He staggered backward.


    His face was pale.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"


    "It''s Alex," Ash said, still in disbelief.


    Silence.


    For a moment, nobody reacted.


    Then Thompson scoffed. "Alex? Why the hell are you bringing him up now?"


    Ash didn''t answer right away. Instead, he used his ability again, his eyes glowing faintly as his vision stretched forward.


    When he finally spoke, his voice was shaky.


    "The beast lord¡­ is Alex. At least, that''s what the map is saying."


    Everyone froze.


    "What?" Jonah muttered.


    "That makes no sense."


    "How is that possible?" Thompson snapped.


    Ash shook his head. "I don''t know. But he''s the only one there. Unless the beast lord is hiding, he has to be it."


    "Maybe he''s just hunting the beast lord," Jacob suggested.


    "Alone?" Katie''s voice dripped with disbelief. "That''s impossible."


    "But is it?"


    Everyone turned to Nancy, who had been quiet up until now.


    Her gaze was serious.


    "He''s certainly capable of doing that."


    Katie''s eyes narrowed as she shot Nancy a glare.


    The resentment between them ran deep.


    For Katie, it was simple¡ªNancy was a fraud.


    She had the men wrapped around her finger, not because of who she was, but because of her ability. And Katie despised that.


    Nancy, on the other hand, found Katie''s attitude amusing more than anything.


    Katie finally spoke, her voice sharp.


    "You say that like you actually know him."


    Nancy barely spared her a glance, responding in a lazy, uninterested tone.


    "And why does that bother you?"


    Katie clicked her teeth, frustration flashing across her face.


    She was about to fire back, but¡ª


    "Enough."


    Ethan''s voice cut through the tension like a blade.


    He turned to Nancy, his expression unreadable.


    "If you know him so well," he said, "Why don''t you go say hello?"


    Nancy blinked.


    "What?"


    She couldn''t believe what she had just heard.


    Ethan stepped closer, his presence heavy, his voice low but commanding.


    "Lure him here. We''ll use the sealing scroll I got from defeating the beast lord," Ethan continued, his voice unwavering. "We''ll trap him."


    Nancy''s heart pounded in her chest.


    He was serious.


    A cold chill ran down her spine. She didn''t want to do this. She couldn''t do this.


    No¡­ No, this wasn''t right.


    Desperation crept into her voice as she spoke.


    "And what if he isn''t the beast lord?" she asked quickly, trying to reason with him. "It''s reckless to waste such an important item on him when the real beast lord could still be out there."


    Ethan didn''t flinch.


    "It doesn''t matter," he said firmly, his expression unchanging.


    His next words made Nancy''s stomach drop.


    "He possesses so many tutorial points. If I kill him, I get half of it."


    His eyes gleamed with something cold and ruthless.


    "That''s more than I''d ever get from killing the beast lord."


    Nancy''s hands clenched into fists.


    Ethan took a step back, but his voice rang with finality.


    "So bring. Him. Here."


    Ethan''s words hung in the air, heavy with cold logic.


    Hunting Alex was the better option.Less risk. More reward.It made sense.


    But was it wise?


    Nancy''s fists tightened.


    "I refuse."


    .


    .


    .


    Silence.


    Then, Katie snapped, her voice sharp with disbelief.


    "What? Have you lost your mind?!"


    Before she could say more, Ethan raised a hand.


    A simple gesture, but it shut her up instantly.


    His gaze locked onto Nancy, unreadable. Then he spoke, his voice low and deliberate.


    "Are you rebelling against me?"


    The moment the words left his lips, the air changed. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A suffocating force pressed against Nancy''s chest. Her lungs felt heavier, her breath coming out in short, strained gasps.


    Ethan was releasing his aura.


    It was overwhelming, like an unseen hand gripping her throat.


    Her body screamed at her to submit. To kneel. To obey.


    But Nancy¡­


    Refused.


    She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stand tall despite the crushing weight of his presence.


    Her heart pounded, but she wouldn''t back down.


    She wouldn''t be intimidated.


    "I won''t do it."


    Nancy''s voice was firm, her stance unwavering.


    Ethan let out a long sigh, tilting his head slightly.


    "Is that so?" he muttered.


    Then¡ªhe vanished.


    In a blink, he reappeared behind Dorothy, his arm wrapped around her, a dagger pressed to her throat.


    "Ah¡ª!" Dorothy, the young archer, winced as the cold steel bit into her skin.


    Nancy''s eyes widened.


    "What are you doing?!" she yelled, stepping forward instinctively.


    Ethan grinned.


    A slow, twisted smirk spread across his face.


    "What... are you still going to refuse?"


    Nancy''s breath hitched.


    "Let her go."


    But Ethan didn''t even flinch. His grip tightened, the blade pressing deeper against Dorothy''s neck. A thin line of red trickled down her pale skin.


    His voice was calm¡ªtoo calm.


    "You know what to do, woman. Don''t test me."


    His eyes gleamed with something dark. Something merciless.


    "I''d slit her throat without a second thought."


    Nancy''s hands balled into fists, her nails digging into her palms.


    Her jaw clenched.


    Dorothy''s terrified gaze met hers, silently pleading.


    Nancy clicked her teeth in frustration.


    She had no choice but to obey.


    But leading Alex into a trap?


    It was betrayal.


    And Alex¡­ he would never forgive her.


    She could already imagine the look on his face¡ªthe shock, the disappointment, the hatred.


    Her stomach twisted.


    "Would he even listen to me?" she asked, grasping for any excuse. "He has no reason to trust me."


    Ethan smirked.


    "Oh, he would. With your ability, he wouldn''t be able to resist."


    Nancy clicked her teeth, frustration bubbling inside her.


    Her eyes darted to Jonah, hoping for support.


    But Jonah only bit his lip and looked away.


    Coward.


    Nancy''s fists clenched tight.


    She wanted to fight. To refuse.


    But Dorothy''s life was in Ethan''s hands.


    And Nancy couldn''t risk it.


    Grinding her teeth, she begrudgingly turned and started walking away.


    The entire group watched her go¡ªsilent.


    Nancy moved toward Alex''s position, her heart pounding in her chest.


    Every step felt heavier than the last.


    She didn''t want to use her ability on him.


    But she had no choice.


    Either Alex¡­ or Dorothy.


    Her eyes locked onto him¡ªsitting on the ground, seemingly occupied with something on his system screen.


    He looked calm. But the aura he gave off¡­


    It was immense. Almost monstrous.


    Nancy gulped.


    Could he really be the beast lord?


    No¡­ that wasn''t it.


    She could tell¡ªthis was still Alex.


    But there was something different about him now.


    Something powerful.


    Nancy hesitated.


    A part of her was convinced¡ªAlex could handle himself.


    Even against Ethan. Even against Darrel.


    But the betrayal?


    That might break him.


    Her fingers curled into a fist.


    But what choice did she have?


    Could she really sacrifice Dorothy just to spare Alex from betrayal?


    No...she couldn''t.


    She had already made her choice.


    Nancy steadied herself.


    She inhaled deeply.


    Then exhaled.


    And with a final push¡ªshe stepped into the open.


    Alex''s head snapped up.


    The moment his eyes landed on her, they widened in shock.


    "You¡­ what are you doing here?"

 Chapter 202 - 202: Two Weeks

    Back to the present.


    Alex sat chained down, surrounded by dozens of players.


    The thick metallic bindings glowed with a faint, eerie purple light¡ªpulsating with magical energy.


    A sealing spell.


    Alex let out a slow breath and tensed his muscles, testing the strength of the restraints.


    The chains didn''t budge.


    They weren''t something he could break with brute force.


    His grin widened.


    Good.


    He had just the thing for situations like this.


    Lifting his head, his gaze locked onto the man standing in front of him¡ªEthan.


    A smug grin plastered across Ethan''s face.


    And just behind him¡ªKatie.


    Half-hidden.


    Their eyes met for a brief second.


    Then¡ªshe looked away.


    A flicker of emotion stirred within him.


    Memories surfaced¡ªmoments they had shared, conversations, laughter¡­


    But he clenched his jaw.


    And shook his head.


    Those were all a lie.


    The truth was right in front of him.


    Alex exhaled slowly, his eyes scanning the faces around him.


    Greedy. Cautious. Uncertain.


    Ethan stood at the front, arms crossed, staring at Alex with a look of mild curiosity¡ªas if he were inspecting a caged animal.


    Then, he leaned slightly toward Jonah and muttered,


    "Are you sure he''s the monster the system is referring to?"


    Jonah hesitated, his eyes flickering between Alex and the glowing map screen in his hand.


    The pulsing red arrow pointed directly at Alex.


    "The arrow on the map indicates he is," Jonah confirmed, his brows furrowed in confusion.


    Something felt off.


    He couldn''t shake the strange, gnawing feeling in his chest.


    Why was Alex here¡ªat the exact location the Beast Lord was supposed to be?


    And more importantly¡­What was about to happen to him?


    Ethan frowned at Jonah''s response.


    The being in front of him¡ªit looked human.


    It looked like the same weakling he had bullied and toyed with.


    But what he saw and what he felt¡ªdidn''t match.


    There was something wrong.


    Ethan could feel it.


    A pressure¡ªdense and overwhelming¡ªradiated from the man before him. It seeped into the air like a heavy storm, unseen but impossible to ignore.


    Immense.


    Unbelievable.


    Ethan clenched his fists. This isn''t right.


    This isn''t Alex. It can''t be.


    His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, his voice low but demanding.


    "Tell me¡­ are you really Alex?"


    Slowly, Alex lifted his head.


    His gaze locked onto Ethan''s, and then¡ªhe grinned.


    A slow, knowing grin.


    "Tell me," Alex said, his voice calm. "What do you think?"


    Sythrel stepped forward, a smug smirk curling his lips.


    His eyes gleamed with amusement as he glanced at Alex, then back at Ethan.


    "Does it even matter?" he mused, tilting his head slightly. "If the system calls him a monster, then why hesitate? Let''s just kill him and be done with it."


    Some of the players murmured in agreement, shifting uncomfortably.


    Sythrel made it sound so simple.


    But Ethan wasn''t convinced.


    If this really was Alex¡­ then how?


    How did he go from a nobody to standing at the very top?


    Ethan''s jaw clenched.


    "Tell me," he demanded, his eyes sharp. "How did you manage to reach first place in tutorial points?"


    Had he betrayed his allies?


    Was there a deity backing him?


    What was his cheat code?


    Alex blinked at him, brows furrowing slightly.


    "First place?" he muttered, sounding almost¡­ confused.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. Was he pretending? Playing dumb?


    Then Alex tilted his head, his expression unreadable.


    "Didn''t you check the ranking list?"


    "Ranking? There''s a ranking?"


    Alex asked, genuine surprise flashing across his face.


    Ethan''s brow furrowed. Was he serious?


    Everyone else had seen the announcement.


    How had Alex not?


    If he truly didn''t receive it¡­ then the system''s classification of him as the rising beast lord might actually be correct.


    A tense silence fell over the group as Alex opened his system window.


    His fingers moved swiftly, scrolling through his notifications.


    His eyes scanned the messages until¡ª


    There it was.


    The ranking announcement. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had been there the whole time.


    But it hadn''t popped up as an urgent alert.


    Alex clicked his teeth.


    The Overseer was messing with him again.


    Frustration burned in his chest, but he kept his expression neutral.


    He continued scrolling, and something else caught his eye¡ª


    A notification stating he had crossed level 40 and could select a new skill.


    Then another notification appeared.


    One is far more important.


    A major quest?


    [MAJOR QUEST]


    A unique monster has spawned.


    Once human, it now seeks to take the place of the fallen Beast Lord. If left unchecked, it will grow in strength and become an even greater threat.


    Objective: Hunt it down before it claims its throne.


    Reward:


    - DOUBLE the tutorial points you currently possess.


    - A unique skill.


    [The target''s location has been marked on your map.]


    Map?


    Alex navigated through his system interface and pulled up the map. His eyes locked onto a blinking red marker¡ªthe designated location of the beast lord.


    It was right where he stood.


    "Oh..."


    The realization hit him instantly.


    So that''s what this was all about.


    Alex exhaled sharply, then¡ªHe laughed.


    Not a chuckle. Not a smirk.


    A loud, mocking laugh that echoed through the forest, making the players around him uneasy.


    "So this is your game..." he muttered between laughs.


    He had been wondering what kind of nonsense the Oracle would pull next to hold him back.


    And this was it.


    The system itself had labeled him as the beast lord.


    The rabbit¡ªthe so-called Overseer¡ªwasn''t even pretending to be fair anymore.


    It wasn''t hiding its intentions.


    It wanted him gone.


    Alex chuckled, the sound low and unbothered.


    Ethan''s frown deepened.


    Something about Alex''s attitude rubbed him the wrong way.


    How could he be so calm? So unfazed?


    He was chained down, completely outnumbered, and surrounded by a dozen hostile players¡ªyet not a trace of fear flickered in his eyes.


    Ethan''s fingers twitched.


    His irritation grew.


    Then...


    He unleashed his aura.


    A crushing wave of power erupted from him, pressing down on the surroundings like a storm. The air thickened, charged with invisible force.


    The weaker players staggered back, their breath hitching.


    Some even broke into a sweat.


    And yet¡ª


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    His expression remained the same.


    Ethan''s patience snapped.


    His voice came out like a hiss:


    "You still haven''t answered my question, filth."


    Alex slowly raised his head, his gaze locking onto Ethan.


    His eyes held no fear.


    Just pure, unshaken resolve.


    Alex leaned back slightly, his tone almost nonchalant.


    "Right, first place."


    He decided to play along¡ªfor now.


    Then, as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world, he said:


    "I killed a Beast Lord. It''s as simple as that."


    Silence.


    Ethan''s jaw tightened. His fists clenched.


    He said it so casually.


    Like it was nothing. Like it wasn''t a big deal. Like it was barely any effort.


    Impossible.


    Ethan''s anger flared. His voice was sharp. "Did you do it alone?"


    Alex opened his mouth to respond, his usual smirk forming¡ª


    But then, he froze.


    His eyes widened.


    Something on his system window caught his attention.


    No way.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    The Tutorial Quest.


    Alex''s breath hitched. He scanned the notification again.


    The words burned into his mind.


    This... This changed everything.


    [Tutorial Commencing Now]


    [Quest: Survive for 1 Month in Tutorial]


    [Time Left: 2 weeks, 8 hrs, 45 minutes]


    Alex''s breath hitched:


    2 weeks left?


    2 WEEKS?!

 Chapter 203 - 203: Leave or Die

    His mind raced.


    Had he really spent two whole weeks inside the Nightmare?


    No¡­ Impossible.


    It hadn''t felt that long. It couldn''t have been that long.


    Unless...


    Unless time worked differently.


    Just like how time in the tutorial moved faster than in the real world¡­


    Time inside the Nightmare must have moved even slower than the tutorial itself.


    Alex exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening into a fist.


    Two weeks¡­


    He muttered the words again, as if saying them aloud would change the reality.


    Shit.


    The lost time frustrated him, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside.


    No use crying over it.


    Alex nodded to himself, his mind lost in deep thought.


    The rewards he had gained in the tutorial¡ªthey were worth it.


    Every second of struggle. Every battle. Every hardship.


    Nothing had been in vain.


    At this point, he had completely tuned out his surroundings. His focus was locked inward, processing everything he had just realized.


    The world around him? Gone.


    The hostile stares? Ignored.


    The tension thick in the air? Unnoticed.


    To Alex, they simply didn''t matter.


    Maybe it was because none of them felt like a real threat to him anymore.


    Ethan''s jaw clenched.


    This bastard¡ªhe wasn''t even paying attention to them.


    The players surrounding Alex bristled with anger, their fingers twitching toward their weapons.


    A dozen enemies, and he didn''t even acknowledge them?


    To them, it was disrespect. To Ethan, it was humiliation.


    Sythrel, the assassin, had enough.


    His patience snapped like a brittle twig.


    With a low growl, he drew his blade, its edge gleaming with a deadly sheen.


    "That''s it¡­ I''ve heard enough of your nons..."


    He never got to finish.


    Because in that instant¡ªAlex''s gaze finally shifted.


    Cold.


    And it landed directly on Sythrel.


    Sythrel''s breath hitched.


    An intense pressure crashed down on him, slamming into his chest like an invisible force.


    His muscles locked up.


    His fingers, gripping the blade, stiffened.


    Cold sweat trickled down his neck.


    "W-what the hell is this¡­?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    His instincts screamed at him.


    This feeling¡ªit was death.


    Not the mere idea of it. Not a vague possibility.


    Actual. Imminent. Death.


    It was as if a blade was already at his throat.


    As if the moment he moved¡ªhis life would be over.


    Ethan felt it too.


    His heartbeat skipped. His breath shallowed.


    He had fought many strong opponents.


    Faced off against monsters far above his level.


    But this?


    The thing standing before him¡­


    "There''s no way he''s human," Ethan thought, his fists clenching.


    Just what had Alex become?


    Before he could act¡ª


    His senses flared.


    A presence. Above.


    Moving fast.


    Straight toward Alex.


    Ethan''s eyes snapped upward.


    Darrel?!


    "No wait!" Ethan yelled, his voice ripping through the tense air.


    But it was too late.


    Darrel smirked.


    His body was already descending like a meteor.


    "You snooze, you lose."


    Flames erupted from his hand, swirling like a living beast around his sword.


    The blade glowed a blinding orange, heat waves distorting the air.


    With a fierce battle cry, he swung down at Alex...


    A direct strike. A killing blow.


    Everyone held their breath.


    But...a barrier flickered to life in front of Alex, before Darrel hit.


    Then...


    CLANG!


    A metallic shockwave rippled through the air.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    An explosion erupted, flames blasting outward, kicking up a thick cloud of dust.


    The ground trembled. Players stumbled back from the sheer force.


    And yet¡ªas the smoke began to clear¡ªAlex still stood.


    Untouched.


    Instead of Alex falling¡ªIt was Darrel who was sent flying through the air like a ragdoll.


    His body crashed into the ground with a heavy THUD.


    Smoke oozed from the scorched wound on his chest.


    Unconscious.


    There was a brief silence.


    Everyone trying to comprehend what had just happened.


    Then...


    Darrel''s men tensed.


    Fury flashed in their eyes as they prepared to charge.


    But before they could even take a step¡ª


    Alex muttered.


    "Petrify."


    Instantly¡ª


    Their bodies stiffened.


    Eyes wide in terror, their limbs locked in place.


    They couldn''t move. Not even a finger.


    And then...


    CRACK.


    All eyes snapped back to Alex.


    The chains binding him¡ªthe enchanted chains, the ones meant to hold an S-rank monster¡ª


    Shattered.


    They crumbled like dust, falling to the ground in useless fragments.


    Ethan''s breath hitched.


    "No way..."


    He knew exactly how strong those chains were.


    They came from a rare scroll, a reward for slaying a beast lord.


    And yet¡ª


    Alex had broken free as if they were nothing.


    What... was this?


    The players stood frozen, disbelief and fear creeping into their expressions.


    Then¡ªAlex''s voice rumbled through the air, vibrating in their chests like an eerie pulse.


    A chill running down their spines.


    "Seriously, peeps..."


    Something about the way he spoke¡ªso calm, so amused¡ªfelt wrong.


    He rolled his shoulders, stretching leisurely as if waking from a nap.


    "If you were going to capture me..."


    A metallic clink echoed as the last of the chains slipped off his wrists.


    "You should''ve used sturdier bindings."


    His tone was mocking.


    Casual.


    As if they were nothing but children playing a game they''d already lost.


    Alex exhaled slowly.


    The new and improved [Slipstream], now [Void Slip], had made breaking free effortless.


    [Arcane Dominion] enabling him to deflect Darrel attack.


    The players stiffened.


    Weapons were drawn.


    Their grips tightened.


    They no longer saw a man.


    They saw a monster.


    A creature that shouldn''t exist.


    The air turned frigid.


    Alex''s expression hardened, his once casual demeanor replaced with something icy and unreadable.


    Then, he spoke.


    "I''ll only warn you once."


    His voice was calm. Too calm.


    "Leave now, and you''ll have a 100% chance of survival."


    "Attack... and your chances of dying increase significantly."


    His gaze swept over them, unmoved by the rising tension.


    "Make a choice."


    The players stiffened.


    No one moved.


    Their hearts pounded in their chests like war drums.


    The weight of his words pressed down on them.


    Then, Alex added:


    "You have 10 seconds to decide. Lets not waste each other time."


    His voice remained steady.


    "I want to avoid killing as much as possible..."


    "But if you force my hand¡ªYou''ll regret it." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that¡­


    Alex began to count down.


    Loud, and clear enough for everyone to hear.


    "9..."


    The number echoed in the tense air.


    Ethan''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Was he serious?


    "8..."


    His fists clenched. His teeth gritted.


    Alex was too calm. Too confident. Too arrogant.


    The other players weren''t as composed.


    Some swallowed hard. Sweat dripped down their faces.


    A few took hesitant steps back.


    "If you value your lives¡­ leave." Alex''s voice remained steady.


    "7."


    Nancy exhaled sharply. Her shoulders dropped.


    She turned on her heel, ready to walk away.


    She didn''t want to witness a massacre.


    And she was sure that was what was going to happened.


    But¡ª Ethan''s voice boomed.


    "Where do you think you''re going?!"


    "6..."


    Ethan whipped around to face the others, eyes blazing.


    "No one leaves! He can''t defeat us all!"


    "5..."


    A shiver ran through Thompson''s spine.


    His gut screamed at him.


    He swallowed, voice barely above a whisper.


    "Mr. Ethan¡­ I don''t think he''s bluffing."


    He had seen Alex''s wrath before.


    But this version of Alex was far worse.


    "4..."


    Jonah hesitated before speaking up. "I agree¡­ we should leave."


    "3..."


    Ethan''s jaw clenched. His pride flared.


    Leave?


    Run away from Alex?


    It didn''t make sense.


    Alex?


    The same pathetic loser who just stood there, silent, as Ethan poured drinks over his head?


    The same fool who worked overtime for an entire month¡ªand got zero pay¡ªyet still didn''t complain?


    How could someone like that make his heart race with fear?


    How could someone like him¡ªBe a threat?


    Ethan refused to see reality.


    Alex was powerful¡ªstupidly powerful.


    But so what? Filth like him shouldn''t act so arrogant.


    He shouldn''t be the one in control.


    And Ethan was sure of one thing¡ªAlex couldn''t possibly take on all of them.


    So why should he cower?


    "2..."


    "Ethan!" Thompson yelled, his voice desperate, almost pleading.


    "Shut up!" Ethan snapped, his rage boiling over. "Anyone who leaves dies by my hands! We''re not leaving until I get my points!"


    "1..."


    Alex exhaled. A slow, tired sigh.


    "Just so you know... I didn''t want to do this."


    "Screw you!" Ethan roared, his anger erupting into raw power.


    A brilliant aura exploded from his body, swirling like a raging storm.


    In an instant, ethereal armor materialized around him, shimmering with light, and covering him from head to toe. His body radiated power, making the ground beneath him tremble slightly.


    His eyes burned with contempt as he glared at Alex.


    "You may have grown strong in this world," Ethan sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "But don''t forget who you are. You''re a loser. And compared to me, you''ll always be one."


    Alex''s grinned.


    Ethan hadn''t changed.


    Good.


    Now he could beat the hell out of him¡ªwithout a shred of regret.

 Chapter 204 - 204: Unstoppable

    Ethan, bursting with golden energy, shot forward like a meteor. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each step left cracks in the ground, his power shaking the very air around him.


    His fists blazed with raw force, ready to crush Alex in one blow.


    But before Ethan''s fist could connect¡ª Alex vanished.


    Gone.


    And then...


    "GAAH!"


    Ethan''s breath hitched as an arm coiled around his neck, cutting off his momentum in an instant.


    Alex had reappeared behind him, locking him in a brutal chokehold.


    Before Ethan could react, Alex yanked him backward with an insane force, the sheer impact blasting a shockwave through the area.


    BOOM!


    The ground shattered, dust kicked up, and nearby players were thrown off their feet, tumbling backward from the raw power of the clash.


    Ethan gasped, his golden aura flickering under the sheer pressure.


    He''d charged in, thinking he had the upper hand.


    He was wrong.


    Two blurs shot through the battlefield, tearing past trees like missiles, their raw power ripping through the forest. Leaves and debris exploded into the air as their clash continued, shaking the ground beneath them.


    Sythrel snapped out of his stupor, his eyes widening at the chaos. "After them!" he barked, rallying the other players.


    Nancy saw her chance. While everyone was distracted, she grabbed Dorothy''s wrist and disappeared into the trees, slipping away unnoticed.


    Meanwhile¡ª


    CRACK!


    Alex slammed Ethan through a tree, splinters exploding in every direction.


    THUD! Another tree.


    BAM! And another.


    Each impact sent shockwaves through Ethan''s body. His golden aura flickered, his breath coming out in short, ragged gasps.


    Gritting his teeth, Ethan clawed at Alex''s grip, desperately trying to pry himself free. But Alex wasn''t done.


    He shifted lower, grabbed Ethan by the torso¡ª


    And dragged him across the ground like a human lawnmower.


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    Dirt and rocks exploded as Ethan''s body tore through the earth, carving a trench through the battlefield.


    Then¡ª


    Alex swung him up and hurled him forward.


    Ethan''s body smashed through multiple trees, each one cracking apart from the force.


    Finally, he hit the ground with a sickening thud.


    Coughing, Ethan spat out blood. His body screamed in pain, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to his feet.


    Alex smirked, his voice dripping with mockery. "You said you were going to show me my role. So far, you''re doing a terrible job."


    Ethan''s teeth clenched. His grip tightened around his sword, knuckles white with fury. "Shut up!!" he roared, his golden aura bursting outward in a violent surge.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as he observed. The golden energy wasn''t just enhancing Ethan''s strength¡ªit was healing him too. Bruises faded, cuts sealed.


    Alex nodded to himself. "Good... this won''t end quickly."


    And then¡ª


    He vanished.


    Ethan''s eyes darted wildly, his battle instincts flaring. His detection skill was top-tier, capable of sensing even the most elusive enemies.


    But there was nothing.


    No flicker of movement.


    No trace of energy.


    Just an empty battlefield, the eerie silence pressing down on him.


    For a brief moment, doubt crept into his mind.


    Had Alex... fled?


    No. That was impossible.


    But if Alex was still here¡ª


    Where the hell was he?


    A flicker of movement¡ª a shadow from above.


    Alex.


    Ethan''s instincts screamed at him, and he reacted instantly. He swung his sword, golden energy surging forward, forming razor-sharp slashes.


    But Alex was too fast.


    Before the golden strikes could even escape the blade, Alex was already upon him.


    With explosive force, Alex''s feet slammed down onto Ethan''s shoulders, driving him downward.


    BOOM!


    Ethan hit the ground¡ª or so it seemed.


    But the sheer impact was so devastating his body didn''t stay down. Instead, it bounced off the ground like a ragdoll.


    Alex didn''t let up.


    The moment Ethan''s body lifted, Alex twisted his stance and¡ª


    CRACK!


    An uppercut shot through the air, connecting with Ethan''s jaw.


    Ethan''s body spun lifelessly, flipping backward as he soared into the air.


    Then¡ª


    THUD!


    He crashed back down. Hard.


    The battlefield went silent.


    Ethan lay motionless, his golden aura flickering¡ª dim, fragile, beaten.


    Alex strode forward, his steps slow and deliberate. Each footfall echoed through the silent battlefield.


    He gazed down at Ethan, his expression unreadable¡ª but his tone dripped with disappointment.


    "Seriously¡­ is this all you got?"


    Ethan groaned. Pain pulsed through every fiber of his body. He tried to respond, but his jaw¡ª cracked and barely holding together¡ª made speaking a struggle.


    Still, through gritted teeth, he forced out a broken whisper.


    "S¡­c¡­rew you."


    But deep inside, Ethan was panicking.


    This was insane. He knew Alex had gotten stronger¡ªbut not like this. Not to the point where he felt like an ant before a god.


    Alex''s grin widened. He crouched slightly, muscles coiling, ready to charge and finish it¡ª


    Then¡ª


    THUD. THUD. THUD.


    Heavy footsteps. Dozens. No¡ªhundreds.


    Alex''s ears twitched. His eyes flickered toward the incoming forces.


    The ground trembled as an army of players surged toward him, each one wielding unique skills and weapons. Flames ignited, ice crackled, lightning danced between fingers¡ª a colorful display of power.


    But Alex?


    He simply exhaled, rolling his shoulders.


    "Tch. More playthings."


    They had numbers. They had abilities.


    But against true power?


    They were nothing.


    Alex took a few light steps forward, then...


    He howled.


    A deep, monstrous sound erupted from his throat, not just a scream, but a force¡ª a destructive wave of sound infused with raw energy.


    [Sonic Howl] had evolved.


    This was [Echo of Annihilation].


    The moment the shockwave erupted, the battlefield shattered.


    BOOOOM!


    The air itself rippled as an invisible force slammed into the incoming players like a hurricane.


    Bodies were flung like ragdolls.


    Some barely had time to react before they were hurled backward, crashing into trees and skidding across the dirt. Others managed to dodge the direct blast¡ª but even that wasn''t enough.


    The sheer force of the explosion cracked the ground beneath them, sending aftershocks that ripped through the battlefield.


    Dust and debris shot into the air as more players collapsed from the sheer pressure of the attack.


    But amidst the chaos¡ª Sythrel moved.


    He was an assassin, a master of stealth. Silent. Precise. Deadly.


    As the others fell, he saw his chance¡ª his dagger aimed for Alex''s back.


    But¡ª


    Alex''s eyes flickered.


    [Void Gaze] activated.


    Before Sythrel even got close¡ª Alex''s hand snapped out, seizing his wrist mid-air.


    The assassin''s eyes widened in horror.


    CRACK!


    Alex twisted. A sickening snap echoed through the battlefield.


    Sythrel''s dagger clattered to the ground.


    "Aaargh!"


    Sythrel''s scream tore through the battlefield. His broken arm dangled uselessly at his side, but before he could even react¡ª


    BAM!


    Alex''s boot slammed into his chest.


    Sythrel''s body shot through the air like a missile, crashing into a tree with a sickening crunch.


    But then¡ª


    BOOM!


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Magic rained down on Alex.


    Fireballs. Lightning bolts. Ice spears. The entire sky seemed to explode as dozens of spells crashed down in unison, engulfing him in a storm of destruction.


    The ground trembled. Trees cracked. Dust and smoke billowed into the air, covering the battlefield in a thick, suffocating fog.


    This was their chance.


    Katie rushed to Ethan''s side. Her hands glowed with a soft, golden light as she knelt beside him.


    "Stay still," she whispered, pressing her palms to his wounds. Energy surged through him, closing cuts and mending broken bones.


    Meanwhile, the players stood frozen, staring at the smoldering crater where Alex had stood just moments ago.


    One of them swallowed hard.


    "...Did we get him?"


    For a moment, there was nothing.


    Just silence.


    Then a low hum.

 Chapter 205 - 205: Untouchable

    WOOM!


    A strange force rippled through the air¡ªand then it happened.


    The magic spells reversed.


    The very attacks meant to obliterate Alex shot back toward their casters with terrifying speed.


    BOOM!


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Explosions rocked the battlefield.


    Some players were quick enough to dodge. Others?


    Not so lucky.


    Screams filled the air as those who failed to react in time were blasted by their own spells, crashing into trees, rolling across the dirt, or collapsing where they stood.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    Before they could even process what had happened¡ª


    He moved.


    A blur of motion.


    Charging straight into the swarm of players like a predator tearing into prey.


    He didn''t reach for a weapon.


    He didn''t need one.


    His fists were more than enough.


    One of the players, a massive tank, stepped forward, raising a heavy shield in defense.


    He was built like a fortress, his stance firm.


    Solid.


    Unshakable.


    Alex didn''t slow down.


    Didn''t hesitate.


    SLAM!


    The impact was brutal.


    Like a rugby player colliding with a toddler.


    The tank didn''t just stumble back¡ªhe was sent flying.


    His shield bent inward from the sheer force.


    His body twisted through the air before slamming into the ground with a bone-crushing thud.


    Like a phantom, Alex blurred across the battlefield, taking down player after player after player.


    They never stood a chance.


    Most didn''t even see him coming.


    One second, they were standing¡ª


    The next?


    Darkness.


    He didn''t need a blade.


    His fists were enough.


    CRACK!¡ªRibs shattered under his punches.


    SNAP!¡ªArms bent at unnatural angles.


    THUD!¡ªBodies hit the ground, unconscious before they even realized what had happened.


    Despite his brutal efficiency, Alex wasn''t a monster.


    He had threatened death, but he wasn''t here to wipe out humanity.


    Most of these players were just trying to clear the tutorial.


    Some? Just following orders.


    A figure rose from the wreckage, teeth clenched in fury, body shaking but still standing.


    With a roar, he launched an attack¡ªhis fist glowing with energy¡ª


    And it landed.


    A direct hit.


    Alex''s face erupted in flames, the fire curling around his skull like a demonic crown.


    For a moment, he looked like a ghost rider straight out of hell.


    Darrel smirked.


    He had been knocked out earlier¡ªhis own attack reflected back at him thanks to {Arcane Dominion}. But his healer had worked fast, and now he was back in the fight.


    And judging by what he just saw¡­


    Dealing with Alex wasn''t so hard after all.


    At least, that''s what he thought.


    Because the flames that were supposed to be roasting Alex alive?


    FIZZLE.


    They vanished¡ªsnuffed out as if they never existed.


    Darrel''s smug expression twisted into confusion.


    Then, fear.


    Alex stepped forward, a slow, deliberate grin spreading across his face.


    He wasn''t even singed.


    [Fire Immunity] had evolved into [Eternal Flame Sovereign], making him completely immune to fire.


    Not only that¡ª


    He could absorb the flames.


    Convert them into raw energy.


    Darrel''s strongest attack?


    Alex had eaten it up like a Thanksgiving turkey.


    And now, Alex was still hungry.


    One second, he was standing still.


    The next¡ªhe was gone.


    A blur of motion.


    Darrel''s instincts screamed at him¡ªDANGER.


    Panicked, he unleashed a roaring dome of fire, hoping to create a barrier between them.


    But it was too late.


    CRACK!


    A sickening sound filled the air as Alex''s fist slammed into Darrel''s ribs, sending him soaring through the air before he could even release his attack.


    "AAARGH!!"


    Darrel''s scream was cut short as he crashed through tree after tree, his body ricocheting like a ragdoll before finally slamming into the ground.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    He chased.


    His eyes locked onto Darrel like a predator hunting prey.


    Just as he was about to finish him off¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    A group of players descended from above.


    Spears.


    Swords.


    Axes.


    Each warrior came down like lightning bolts, their weapons glowing with deadly energy.


    But¡ª


    CLANG!


    The clash of metal rang through the air as Alex effortlessly blocked their attacks.


    He sighed, shaking his head.


    "Seriously... you guys don''t learn."


    AARGH!!


    Multiple screams erupted as the attackers were suddenly launched backward, their own attacks turned against them.


    Blades that were meant to pierce Alex instead slashed their own wielders.


    Spears that sought to impale him snapped like twigs in their owners'' hands.


    Axes shattered upon impact, sending their users crashing into the dirt.


    Bodies tumbled, groans filled the battlefield.


    Then, Alex sensed it.


    A threat from above.


    His instincts flared, his body reacted instantly. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And without hesitation he moved.


    WHOOSH!


    A golden beam of pure destruction shot down from the sky with terrifying speed, its glow illuminating the battlefield like a second sun.


    BOOM!


    The ground where Alex had stood erupted in flames, the force of the impact sending a massive shockwave across the area.


    Ethan stood firm, his chest rising and falling heavily as he pointed his sword to the sky.


    He had returned to the fight, fully healed by Katie.


    This wasn''t just any attack¡ª


    It was a divine strike, a beam summoned directly from the deity backing him.


    A technique that warped space and time, capable of delivering devastating damage to even the strongest beings in the tutorial.


    It was this very attack that had helped them defeat the Beast Lord.


    But Alex...


    Alex was no Beast Lord.


    The instant before impact, he had moved.


    Barely.


    His speed saved him, but the scorching heat still licked at his arm.


    For a brief moment, his skin blackened and burned.


    Then..


    Ssshhhhh


    With {Supreme Regeneration}, the wound vanished instantly, his flesh restoring as if the attack had never happened.


    Alex flexed his fingers, testing his arm.


    His expression darkened.


    Then, he slowly turned his gaze to Ethan.


    His eyes burned with something fierce.


    He was pissed.


    A sudden chill ran down Ethan''s spine.


    His instincts screamed at him¡ª


    Run.


    The sheer intensity of Alex''s glare made his body move on its own, taking a step back without even thinking.


    His heart pounded.His breath hitched.


    This was primal fear¡ªthe kind that seeped into his bones and made every fiber of his being want to flee.


    But he never got the chance.


    BANG!


    Alex blitzed forward¡ªso fast that Ethan barely registered the movement before Alex was already in front of him.


    Eyes wide, Ethan reacted instantly, his sword slashing forward in a desperate counterattack.


    But, Alex''s hand shot up and caught Ethan''s arm mid-swing.


    A brutal grip.


    Then, Alex ripped.


    "AAAAARGH!!"


    A scream of pure agony tore from Ethan''s throat.


    His arm was gone.


    Blood gushed out, staining the dirt beneath him as he clutched the ragged stump, his vision blurring from the pain.


    Alex tilted his head, looking down at Ethan with a deep frown.


    As if disappointed.

 Chapter 206 - 206: Unscathed

    Ethan''s scream rang through the battlefield, sharp and grating.


    Alex clicked his tongue in irritation.


    Enough.


    He stepped forward, reaching for Ethan''s throat, ready to silence him¡ª


    ROOOOAR!


    A sudden blast of heat surged from the side.


    A massive flaming dragon materialized out of nowhere, its fiery jaws wide open as it crashed into Alex, sending him skidding backward.


    The flames swelled, wrapping around him like a blazing storm before¡ª


    An explosion erupted, consuming Alex in an inferno.


    KRA-KOOM!


    Huff... Huff...


    Darrel appeared beside Ethan, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    His eyes darted to Ethan''s severed arm, and he clicked his teeth in frustration.


    "Dammit."


    Katie rushed in next, her hands glowing as she pressed them against Ethan''s wound, healing the damage.


    Darrel gritted his teeth.


    Only he and Ethan could put up even a half-decent fight against this monster.


    And yet¡ªthey were losing.


    Badly.


    This was worse than the fight against the Beast Lord.


    Back then, at least the beast had gone all out to destroy them.


    But the human in front of him wasn''t even trying.


    Darrel could tell they''d yet the see all he could dish out.


    Alex was just toying with them.


    The flames from Darrel''s attack faded, revealing Alex completely unscathed.


    Not even a speck of soot marked his skin.


    Without hesitation, he lunged back into the fray, cutting down anyone foolish enough to stand in his way.


    His movements were effortless, brutal, unstoppable.


    Two players rushed at him from opposite sides.


    Alex scoffed.


    He bent down, grabbed a handful of shattered rock, and with an explosive flick of his wrist¡ª


    The stones shot through the air like bullets.


    CRACK!


    One pierced through the first player''s shoulder, sending him tumbling.


    THUD!


    Another embedded itself in the second player''s leg, dropping him to the ground, howling in pain.


    Blood splattered. Bones shattered.


    The sight of it was enough.


    Panic set in.


    One by one, the players began to flee, running blindly into the woods.


    It didn''t matter.


    Alex wasn''t chasing them. He didn''t need to.


    Because the ones who remained, were the ones too foolish or too greedy to retreat.


    Darrel was one of them.


    His body screamed at him to run.


    But his hunger for power held him back.


    He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay.


    Even if every instinct told him¡ªhe was making a fatal mistake.


    This was a chance to shoot to the top and to him that mattered more than anything.


    Darrel gritted his teeth.


    If he won here, he could guarantee his future outside the tutorial.


    That thought alone anchored him.


    He forced himself to steady his breath, steel his resolve, and prepared to attack again.


    But then¡­


    A single word shattered everything.


    "Black Flame."


    FWOOOSH!


    Searing black fire erupted over Darrel''s body.


    "AAAARRGHH!"


    The flames devoured him instantly, twisting and curling around his skin like living chains.


    This wasn''t normal fire.


    This was something far worse.


    Darrel had fire immunity¡ªhe should''ve been fine.


    But this fire ignored the very concept of immunity.


    It ate through him.


    His flesh sizzled. His armor melted. His screams filled the air.


    He thrashed wildly, stumbling left and right, desperately trying to put it out.


    But it clung to him.


    Like it had a mind of its own.


    The healer in his faction, seeing his leader in agony, rushed forward, hands glowing, ready to intervene.


    But Alex without even looking, casually flicked a pebble from the remnant he held.


    FWIP!


    The tiny rock shot through the air like a bullet¡ª


    CRACK!


    It slammed into the healer''s forehead.


    His eyes rolled back.


    His body slumped.


    THUD!


    Knocked out instantly.


    Darrel was alone.


    Still burning. Still screaming.


    And Alex?


    Alex walked past the screaming Darrel without a second glance.


    His footsteps were calm. Steady.


    Like he had all the time in the world.


    His eyes locked onto Ethan and he frowned.


    His severed hand had fully healed.


    Ethan flinched the moment he saw Alex moving toward him.


    He scrambled to his feet, but Darrel''s agonized wails behind him only made his fear worse.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Something caught his attention.


    She was moving away from Ethan, her body wrapped in a faint, shifting glow.


    Katie?


    A stealth skill, or magic accessory.


    Something that hid her.


    But Alex''s gaze pierced through it like paper.


    So that''s how Ethan recovered his entire.


    Katie was the reason.


    And she would definitely get in his way again.


    That wouldn''t do.


    FWOOSH!


    In the blink of an eye, Alex blitzed toward her.


    Past Ethan.


    And before Katie could even process what was happening, he was right in front of her.


    Her breath hitched.


    Her retreat came to a halt.


    Alex loomed over her like a storm about to break.


    Her instincts screamed at her, but she forced herself to speak.


    "W-Wait! Alex, you don''t want to¡ª"


    BANG!


    She never got to finish.


    Alex''s fist slammed into her stomach with the force of a sledgehammer.


    Her body lurched.


    Her mouth opened, but no words came out¡ªonly a guttural gasp.


    Her feet left the ground.


    Then...


    THUD!


    She collapsed forward, hitting the dirt.


    Unconscious.


    Ethan''s eyes widened in rage.


    "You bastard!" he roared, raising his sword.


    With a furious slash, a crescent of golden energy tore through the air toward Alex.


    "How could you do that to a woman?!"


    Alex barely glanced at him.


    His expression didn''t change.


    His response was cold.


    "What woman?... I only see enemies."


    "You bastard!"


    Ethan roared, ready to charge¡ª


    But Alex didn''t give him the chance using [Echo of Annihilation]


    BOOM!


    A force erupted from Alex''s mouth, slamming into Ethan like an invisible tidal wave.


    His body shot backward.


    And he collided with a tree, the bark splintering on impact.


    CRACK!


    Before he could even react¡ª


    Another wave of sonic wave hit.


    Then another.


    Alex didn''t let up. Relentless.


    Each wave sent shock tremors through the air, rippling toward Ethan with unforgiving force.


    Ethan''s golden aura flared in defense, struggling to resist¡ª sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But [Echo of Annihilation] was...

 Chapter 207 - 207: Simultaneous Hunts

    But [Echo of Annihilation] was absolute.


    The aura shattered.


    The next wave hit home.


    BOOM!


    Ethan''s head snapped back, his vision blurred.


    His ears rang.


    Then there was blood.


    Trickling from his ears.


    His eyes rolled back.


    His limbs went limp. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, after a few agonizing seconds¡ªAlex finally stopped.


    Ethan was barely holding on.


    His vision was fading, his body unresponsive, but he was still conscious.


    Just barely.


    Ethan''s body slumped forward.


    But before he could even hit the ground¡ª


    YANK!


    Alex caught him by the hair.


    Ethan''s head snapped upward, pain jolting through his scalp as Alex held him in place like a lifeless puppet.


    Alex let out a slow, disappointed sigh.


    "You still think you''re superior in this scenario, Ethan?"


    Ethan''s lips parted, but no words came out.


    He couldn''t speak¡ªhis mind was too foggy, his body too broken.


    Alex then crouch so he was face to face to Ethan.


    "You lost to the trash you bullied. How does that feel?"


    Silence.


    No response.


    Alex''s grip tightened.


    "You''re not talking."


    His voice dropped lower, dangerously calm.


    "Should I set you in flames like I did your friend over there?"


    Ethan''s eyes widened in horror.


    The flickering image of Darrel, still screaming, still burning, flashed in his mind.


    And for the first time¡ª


    True fear gripped him.


    Ethan groaned, his voice weak but desperate¡ªas if begging for mercy.


    Alex stared at him for a moment, then let out a slow, tired sigh.


    Ending Ethan''s life here and now would be easy.


    But looking at him¡ªpathetic, broken, trembling in his grip¡ªAlex realized something.


    He wasn''t even worth killing.


    There were bigger threats ahead. The rest of the Beast Lords. That damned rabbit. And the deities outside who would dare to interfere with him.


    Ethan at this point was nothing but a footnote.


    Still, Alex decided to leave him with a warning.


    He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl.


    "Listen closely."


    Ethan barely kept his eyes open.


    But fear was visibly in his expression.


    "If we ever cross paths again¡ªeven by mistake¡ª" Alex''s fingers dug into Ethan''s scalp.


    "Flee."


    Ethan''s breath hitched.


    "Because the moment I lay eyes on you for two seconds, you''re dead. Instantly. That''s not a threat. It''s a fact."


    Then, with eerie calmness, Alex placed an explosion disk on Ethan''s head.


    Ethan froze, sensing something land on him, his body going stiff as a chill ran down his spine.


    "You''ve been given a second chance golden boy," Alex said coldly. "But there won''t be a third. So act accordingly."


    Ethan nodded weakly, his entire body trembling.


    The weight of those words crushed him more than any injury ever could.


    Alex grip loosened, letting Ethan''s head drop.


    Ethan collapsed, hitting the ground with a dull thud.


    His breath came in ragged gasps, his body barely responding.


    Alex then dismissed the back flame consuming Darrel who had gone silent. The faction leader wasn''t dead but had rather gone unconscious from the pain.


    Alex rolled his shoulders, stretching as he casually surveyed the battlefield.


    All 300 players who had come at him were either unconscious or writhing in agony. Some groaned, some twitched, some didn''t move at all.


    Not a single one was left standing.


    Except one.


    Alex''s eyes locked onto Jonah.


    The only one who hadn''t attacked.


    Jonah stood stiff, his face unreadable, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.


    As for Nancy...


    She was nowhere to be seen.


    Alex''s eyes flickered slightly.


    He still didn''t know how to feel about her.


    But he pushed the thought aside.


    With slow, deliberate steps, he walked toward Jonah.


    Jonah tensed up instantly, his body stiff as a board.


    His heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest.


    He hadn''t engaged in the fight, couldn''t bring himself to.


    Fear gripped him.


    But mixed in with that fear was confusion.


    How had Alex changed so much?


    He wanted to speak¡ªto say something, anything.


    But before he could, Alex walked right past him.


    Not even sparing him a glance.


    Then Alex spoke.


    His voice was calm, yet icy cold.


    "You picked your side. Next time, I won''t be so lenient."


    And then¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    Alex vanished in an instant, blitzing away at a speed that made Jonah''s breath hitch.


    Jonah felt a chill run down his spine.


    He didn''t move.


    Couldn''t breathe.


    Every single word Alex had uttered was like nails hammered into his body.


    Alex put distance between himself and the battlefield, moving swiftly through the dense forest. The echoes of groans and scattered screams from the fallen players faded behind him.


    He didn''t look back.


    Didn''t need to.


    The fight was already over.


    His mind emptied of distractions, sharpening like a blade. Only his goal remained.


    There were seven Beast Lords in this tutorial.


    Two were already dead.


    One by his hands.


    The other taken down by the two warring factions.


    That left five more.


    And Alex planned to erase them all.


    But he wasn''t going to waste time hunting them one by one.


    He brought his palms together, his fingers interlocking as power surged through his veins.


    [Multiplicity]


    A sharp pulse of energy rippled outwards.


    In an instant¡ªfive identical copies of himself materialized, standing before him like ghostly reflections.


    Alex''s gaze flickered between them.


    A small smirk formed.


    Alex wasn''t going to waste time.


    Instead of hunting the Beast Lords one by one, he would eliminate them all at the same time¡ªusing his clones.


    He didn''t know exactly how strong the remaining Beast Lords were.


    But he didn''t care.


    Soon he would upgrade the rest of his skills¡ªand gain even more, further boosting his power.


    His clones would inherit every improvement, growing just as strong.


    With that in mind, he doubted they would face any real challenge.


    His gaze swept over the five identical versions of himself, each standing confidently, their eyes sharp with anticipation.


    Then Alex muttered:


    "You know what to do."


    The clones grinned, mirroring his own smirk.


    Then¡ªwithout hesitation¡ªthey vanished, each blitzing off in different directions, their paths set.


    Each one had a target.


    Each one was hunting a Beast Lord.


    Alex cracked his knuckles, rubbing his palms together. A slow, satisfied grin spread across his face.


    Now this...This was going to be fun.

 Chapter 208 - 208: Burial

    Elsewhere.


    A young man stood beside a freshly dug grave, gripping his scythe tightly.


    The man-sized hole he had just covered up was still fresh, the dirt uneven.


    Inside it¡ªa body.


    Dorion exhaled, his breath heavy with fatigue and frustration. His gaze stayed locked on the grave, his face shadowed with conflicted emotions.


    He didn''t understand.


    Why?


    Why had Ezekiel done it?


    Why had he taken a sword meant for him? Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Dorion''s mind raced as he replayed the moment.


    He tried to piece it together, but no matter how many times he went over it, it just wouldn''t add up.


    Earlier...


    He tore through the cocoon of the nightmare, breaking free from its suffocating grasp.


    His wounds burned, but he ignored the pain, grabbing a healing potion and downing it in one gulp.


    Then, without hesitation¡ªhe turned towards the forest.


    Ezekiel was out there somewhere.


    And Dorion was going to find him.


    Dorion moved through the eerie graveyard of cocoons¡ªtheir hollowed-out shells standing like twisted monuments to the dead.


    Inside, only husks remained.


    Bodies withered to the bone, shriveled and dry, as if something had sucked the life out of them. Their skeletal remains reminded him of the undead he had fought in the nightmare.


    But among them¡ªEzekiel was nowhere to be found.


    Dorion''s jaw tightened.


    Did he die in the nightmare?


    Had he become one of these husks, his essence drained and discarded?


    Or¡­ was he never here to begin with?


    Could Ezekiel have been from another tutorial entirely?


    Dorion had no answers.


    Only questions.


    He let out a ragged breath, his chest rising and falling unevenly.


    Despite chugging one potion after another, the pain refused to fade. His chest still bled, the wound stubborn and raw.


    His bones ached, throbbing with each movement like his body was protesting against him.


    Then¡ªA sound.


    Soft. Weak.


    A frail groan.


    Dorion''s mind raced.


    That groan¡ªthere were only a few people it could be.


    Alex. Freya. Ezekiel.


    Or¡­


    Onigi?


    Dorion scowled at the thought.


    If it was Onigi, he might as well just kill himself.


    He pushed forward, his boots crunching against the dry husks scattered across the ground.


    Then he saw him.


    Ezekiel.


    And he wasn''t in good shape.


    Dorion''s breath hitched. The wound was fatal.


    Ezekiel was barely holding on, his body trembling, skin pale. Blood pooled beneath him, soaking into the earth.


    Dorion didn''t waste time.


    He dropped to his knees, pulling Ezekiel up and tilting his head back.


    Taking out a healing potion.


    He forced the liquid past Ezekiel''s lips.


    But there was nothing.


    Another.


    Still nothing.


    It wasn''t working.


    Ezekiel''s breath was shallow.


    His eyelids fluttered.


    Then, with the last bit of strength he had left, he whispered:


    "You¡­ you''re not a monster."


    Dorion''s entire body stiffened.


    Then¡ªEzekiel''s hand went limp.


    His chest stopped moving.


    He was gone.


    Dorion knelt there, frozen.


    That¡­


    Why would he say that?


    How wasn''t he a monster?


    Dorion had killed more people than he could count. Their faces blurred together in his mind, their screams nothing more than background noise.


    And yet¡­ Ezekiel, even at the very end, had remained just as annoying as ever.


    Dorion clenched his jaw, pushing the thought aside.


    His chest burned.


    Blood poured from his wound, soaking into his already tattered clothes.


    If he didn''t get treatment soon, he''d be joining Ezekiel in the afterlife.


    But he didn''t leave. Not yet.


    He should''ve.


    He should''ve just walked away, left Ezekiel''s corpse out in the open like all the others.


    But¡­


    The thought of his body being ripped apart by some random beast didn''t sit right with him.


    It was stupid. Pointless. Sentimental.


    And yet¡ªDorion let out a frustrated breath, tightening his grip on his scythe.


    Then, without another word, he drove it into the ground and began digging.


    Each swing sent dirt flying, his muscles aching from the effort. His vision blurred from blood loss, but he didn''t stop.


    Not until the grave was deep enough.


    Not until Ezekiel had been laid to rest.


    Dorion scooped up the last handful of dirt and let it fall over the grave.


    The body was fully covered now.


    Ezekiel was gone.


    Dorion stood there for a moment, staring at the burial site. The freshly turned soil looked out of place, almost wrong against the untouched forest floor.


    Then, without thinking, he muttered under his breath¡ª


    "Thank you."


    And left the scene.


    Dorion frowned.


    That was¡­ new.


    He had lost count of how many people had died around him, by his hand or otherwise, and he had never felt anything.


    So why now?


    Maybe because he felt sorry Ezekiel''s sacrifice had been pointless.


    Because he was dying too.


    When he had torn free from the cocoon, he immediately downed a healing potion. Then another. Then another.


    But his wounds didn''t close. His body didn''t heal.


    He even funneled points into Vitality, trying to force his regeneration to kick in.


    But it was no use.


    He was still bleeding out.


    There were only two reasons why neither healing potions nor stat boosts would work.


    One¡ªhis injury was too fatal.


    Two¡ªhe had been poisoned.


    And judging by the way his body refused to heal, it was probably both.


    But there was more to it.


    Onigi''s attack hadn''t been normal. That bastard had used some kind of ice-based ability. Even now, frost still clung to Dorion''s wound, creeping along his flesh like a parasite, eating away at what little strength he had left.


    It was constant damage, making any attempt at recovery useless.


    There was only one solution.


    He needed a healer.


    Without one, he was done for.


    Dorion clicked his teeth in frustration.


    His vision blurred for a second.


    At this rate¡­


    He might as well dig his own grave while he was at it, as the odds of finding a healer were low.


    But Dorion kept moving.


    Even if the chances were slim, it wouldn''t hurt to put himself in a position where a coincidence might work in his favor.


    After covering a significant distance, a notification appeared¡ªan update on the major quest and the tutorial points ranking.


    But he didn''t care.


    Not now.


    His body was barely holding together, and his mind was just as wrecked.


    He wasn''t in the right condition to fight, strategize, or even think properly.


    Still, he changed direction.


    Heading toward the quest location.


    Who knows?


    Maybe he''d run into a party with a healer. Or maybe he''d get killed.


    Strangely enough, the quest location was in the exact same place where his cocoon had been.


    Now that¡­ that was odd.


    And frustrating--because he had to turn back.


    But Dorion barely made it halfway before his weakened, battered, and bloodied body finally gave out.


    His knees buckled. His vision blurred.


    His body refused to move.


    Then¡ªhe felt it.


    A weight. A presence.


    An overwhelming pressure crashed down on him like an unseen force.


    One second, he was stumbling through the forest, leaving a trail of blood.


    The next¡ªeverything changed.


    The world twisted.


    Reality itself bled.


    The trees, the ground, the sky¡ªall dripping the same crimson that leaked from his wounds.


    Vines slithered, curling and writhing like living things.


    The color drained away, leaving only black and white.


    And then, he saw it.


    A shadow-like figure, seated upon a throne. His form was undefined, shifting and twisting like a living shadow, yet unmistakably regal. His chin rested lazily on his fist, as if studying something mildly amusing.


    The Blood Monarch.


    Then, in a voice that echoed with power, he spoke:


    "You''re in terrible shape."

 Chapter 209 - 209: Sanguine

    Dorion grinned, his breath shaky.


    "I''m dying here... help."


    The Blood Monarch scoffed, his shadowy form shifting like a storm cloud.


    "You useless filth. I granted you a power that a mere peasant like you should never have even dreamed of. And what did you do? Wasted it. Not on the target I sent you after, but on some old man."


    Dorion''s grin didn''t fade. If he was going to die, he might as well talk his way out of it.


    "He was no ordinary old man," he shot back.


    The Blood Monarch leaned forward slightly, the air around Dorion growing heavier.


    The weight of his presence alone made Dorion''s bones groan in protest.


    "And if you seriously wanted me to hunt down your precious target," Dorion continued, "then you should have given me a stronger ability. Defeating that man would take way more than just being able to come back to life twelve times."


    Silence.


    Then¡ªthe pressure intensified.


    Dorion''s vision blurred as the weight crushed down on him, making his wounds scream in agony.


    His bones felt like they were splintering apart.


    "You''re quite gutsy, talking back to me."


    Dorion clicked his teeth, biting back a pained groan as blood dripped from his lips.


    His body was breaking. His injuries worsening.


    Then the crushing pressure eased.


    Dorion sucked in a sharp breath, his ribs screaming in protest. His body was battered, bleeding, barely hanging on¡ªbut at least he could breathe again.


    The Blood Monarch''s voice rumbled like distant thunder.


    "Be grateful. I should strike you down where you grovel, but I choose to be lenient."


    Dorion let out a slow, shaky sigh.


    "Lenient?" He almost laughed. What a joke.


    If the Blood Monarch could actually strike him down, he would''ve done it already. The deities couldn''t directly harm humans. Dorion knew that.


    Which meant the Monarch was just posturing.


    Still kneeling, his body barely holding together, Dorion tilted his head, his tone dry.


    "So... are you going to help me with my situation or not?"


    The Blood Monarch''s eyes flashed, his voice cold and dismissive.


    "Get lost. You deserve nothing from me."


    "Get lost? You brought me here, lunatic."


    Dorion didn''t even try to filter his words. He was in too much pain to care.


    The Blood Monarch''s shadowy form echoed through the crimson-drenched world around them.


    "This is the reason I chose you. You''re quite insane."


    The Blood Monarch then sighed, leaning back on his throne as if discussing a mild inconvenience.


    "As it turns out, you''re the only candidate I still have in this tutorial. The rest have gotten themselves killed. Seriously, it''s pathetic."


    Dorion scoffed, wiping a streak of blood from his lip.


    "Maybe you''re just a bad sponsor."


    The Blood Monarch''s form twitched again.


    Dorion could tell¡ªhe was pissed.


    But he didn''t lash out.


    Then, in a voice steady and powerful, the Blood Monarch spoke:


    "You want help? Fine. I will help. You''re better off as a soldier with consciousness than a mindless ghoul anyway."


    Dorion frowned.


    "What?"


    Mindless ghouls?


    Is that what happened to candidates who died?


    The thought sent a chill through him, but the Blood Monarch continued as if he hadn''t just dropped a bombshell.


    "I''ll grant you an ability¡ªone that will aid your recovery and fuel your growth. It''s a fun one, I will say."


    Dorion''s chest tightened at the Blood Monarch''s words.


    Mindless ghouls.


    That meant if he died, he wouldn''t just be gone¡ªhe''d become something else. Something without thought, without purpose.


    His gut told him to be wary of whatever "gift" the Blood Monarch was about to give him.


    But at this point, it didn''t matter.


    It was life or death.


    Or worse¡ªlife or becoming a monster.


    Yeah, the former sounded a whole lot better.


    Dorion exhaled sharply.


    "Alright. I accept it."


    The Blood Monarch''s grin widened.


    Then, just like that¡ªhis presence vanished.


    His overwhelming domain collapsed.


    Dorion blinked.


    One moment, he had been standing beneath a being of terrifying power.


    The next, he was back on the forest floor, bloodied, broken, and gasping for air.


    Then¡ªA notification appeared before him.


    Ding!


    [As a candidate for the Blood Monarch''s legacy, you have received a new skill]


    Dorion didn''t feel relieved.


    He knew¡ªhe just knew¡ªthis was going to be messed up.


    Then, the full description appeared.


    [Sanguine Predation ¨C A cursed gift from the Blood Monarch]


    Dorion''s gaze sharpened.


    That title alone was a red flag.


    He braced himself and read further.


    [Sanguine Predation ¨C This ability allows the user to heal wounds and temporarily enhance their strength by consuming the blood of others. However, the more the skill is used, the greater the hunger it induces. If the user sustains injuries while in a state of hunger, the ability will forcibly extract nourishment from their own body, consuming user attributes to sustain them. Should starvation persist without a source of blood to feed on, the curse will take full control, triggering a monstrous transformation into a mindless Feral Hound, a creature of pure instinct driven by an insatiable need to hunt, kill, and feast until nothing remains.]


    Dorion''s breath hitched.


    His body stiffened.


    He reread it. Again. And again.


    Then, a single thought crashed through his mind¡ª


    "What the hell is this?"


    Dorion didn''t even get the chance to rage.


    Before he could curse the Blood Monarch before he could even try to process what he''d just read¡ª


    It began.


    A sickening churn twisted in his stomach.


    Then came the pain.


    "Aaargh!"


    Dorion''s body jerked as he collapsed onto the ground, his fingers digging into the dirt.


    His insides felt like they were being shredded apart.


    No¡ªnot shredded.


    It felt like a rusty saw was grinding through his stomach, tearing through flesh, sawing through muscle. Ripping him open.


    His vision blurred.


    His skin burned and chilled at the same time.


    His entire body revolted against itself.


    But then, in the middle of the agony¡ª


    His wounds were closing.


    Cuts stitched themselves shut. The deep gashes that once bled freely sealed over.


    The bruises and frostbite faded away.


    That should have been a relief.


    But something else was vanishing with them.


    His sanity.


    His groans turned into ragged gasps.


    Then finally¡ª


    A scream.


    A scream that didn''t sound human.


    Dorion''s eyes widened, wild and unhinged.


    His pupils dilated, shifting from a sharp focus to something more primal.


    His breath came out in ragged pants.


    His hands twitched.


    His entire body screamed for one thing¡ª


    Food.


    Something alive. Something warm.


    Something he could sink his teeth into.


    Then¡ªfootsteps.


    His head snapped toward the sound.


    Without a second thought, he lunged forward, his movements uneven and erratic, like a drunken predator.


    The scent of life grew stronger as he closed the distance.


    Then he saw them.


    Two figures.


    One was a fierce-looking woman clad in red and black armor.


    The other¡ªa younger lady being dragged along, as if they were running from something.


    Dorion didn''t care who they were.


    Didn''t care why they were running.


    All that mattered was the hunger. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He let out a guttural growl and lunged.


    Like a wild beast set loose.

 Chapter 210 - 210: Nancy vs Dorion

    Nancy and Dorothy ran, their footsteps pounding against the ground as they fled the battlefield.


    Behind them, the chaos of battle raged on¡ªAlex and Ethan locked in a deadly clash.


    Nancy hadn''t even looked back twice before making her decision.


    The moment Alex and Ethan had begun their fight, she took the chance and ran.


    It was their only shot at escaping Ethan.


    She pushed forward, her breath coming in sharp gasps.


    Pity swelled in her chest for the ones who had stayed behind to fight.


    They had no idea.


    No one¡ªnot a single one of them¡ªstood a chance against him.


    Even if she had stayed. Even if she had joined forces with them.


    The result would be the same.


    They would lose.


    And he would kill her in seconds.


    But beyond fear¡ªbeyond survival¡ªthere was something else.


    She couldn''t betray him again.


    She had already done it once.


    And that guilt weighed heavier, clawing at her insides. It wouldn''t let her breathe.


    She gritted her teeth and held Dorothy''s hand tighter, pulling the young girl through the dense forest.


    Branches scraped against her arms, and the ground beneath them was uneven, but she didn''t slow down.


    Dorothy, however, was oddly quiet.


    Her small frame moved with her, but her gaze was distant, lost in thought.


    That was unusual.


    Nancy stole a glance at her.


    Was she still shaken by everything that had happened?


    She wanted to ask. She should ask.


    But now wasn''t the time.


    They had to get as far away as possible.


    Leaving the group might not have been the safest choice¡ªthere were still dangerous monsters lurking in the tutorial.


    But staying under Ethan''s control?


    That was far worse.


    Nancy''s breathing was steady as she kept moving, her grip on Dorothy''s hand firm. The trees blurred past them, the underbrush crunching beneath their boots.


    Then¡ªa noise.


    Nancy froze.


    Dorothy came to an abrupt stop beside her.


    Then, for the first time since they started running, she spoke.


    "It''s him."


    Nancy''s heart skipped a beat.


    The way Dorothy said it¡ªso cold, so certain¡ªsent a chill down her spine.


    Before Nancy could ask who she meant, the answer came in the form of a low, animalistic snarl.


    A deep, guttural sound that curdled her blood.


    Her eyes darted around, scanning the trees.


    But there was nothing.


    Then a silhouette moved in her blind spot¡ªa red blitz tearing through the darkness straight at them.


    Nancy''s instincts kicked in.


    She yanked Dorothy back just in time.


    A clawed hand slashed through the air, ripping apart the space where Dorothy had stood a second ago.


    Nancy''s expression hardened. Fierce. Focused.


    She whipped her sword around in a deadly arc, aiming to cut down the attacker.


    But the creature was fast.


    It leaped back with inhuman agility, dodging her strike with ease.


    Nancy took a sharp breath, steadying herself.


    Then, the figure rose to its full height.


    The shadows peeled away, revealing the beast.


    Nancy''s eyes widened in shock.


    She had expected a monster.


    But what stood before her was human.


    Or at least¡­ it used to be.


    Before them stood a young man, his body cloaked in a dark and red aura.


    His chest heaved, his breaths coming out in ragged, animalistic pants.


    His teeth were bared, snarling like a wild wolf, drool dripping from his lips.


    His eyes¡ªferal. Unfocused.


    Whatever sanity he once had was gone.


    But his intention was clear.


    He was hungry.


    And they were prey.


    Nancy''s brow furrowed.


    He had attacked Dorothy first.


    That meant he could still think¡ªat least a little.


    He targeted the weaker one first.


    That meant he wasn''t completely mindless.


    Which also meant he was dangerous.


    Nancy tightened her grip on her sword and stepped forward, putting herself between him and Dorothy.


    Her voice was sharp. Commanding.


    "Dorothy, stay back. I''ll handle this."


    Dorothy didn''t respond.


    She just stood there, frozen, her wide eyes locked onto the feral-looking Dorion.


    And then¡ªshe grinned.


    Nancy''s voice rose in urgency.


    "Dorothy!"


    That finally snapped the girl out of her trance.


    Dorothy stumbled back, putting distance between herself and Dorion.


    And that¡ªprovoked him.


    A deep snarl tore from his throat as he lunged forward again, claws out, eyes burning with raw hunger.


    Nancy reacted immediately.


    [Metal Manipulation]


    Her armor shattered, breaking apart into floating square-shaped blades, each one hovering protectively around her.


    Then Nancy thrust her hand forward, and the floating metal blades shot toward Dorion like deadly missiles.


    They moved fast, slicing through the air with a sharp whistle.


    But Dorion was faster.


    He lunged to the side, his body dropping low as he ran on all fours¡ªlike a beast.


    Not human.


    The blades missed, slamming into the trees behind him. Wood cracked. Bark exploded. Deep gashes scarred the forest.


    Nancy barely had time to register his speed before he was on her. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dorion''s claws flashed, swiping straight at her¡ª


    But Nancy''s floating blades shifted instantly, reforming into a metallic shield in front of her.


    CLANG!


    His claws scraped against the barrier, sparks flying.


    Nancy didn''t hesitate.


    She lunged forward, her blades breaking apart again, forming a storm of slashes.


    Strike. Slash. Cut.


    Each blade bit into Dorion''s flesh, slicing through his arms, his chest, his legs. Blood sprayed.


    He snarled in pain and leaped backward, landing in a crouch.


    For a moment, Nancy thought she had done real damage¡ª


    But then¡ªThe wounds stitched themselves shut.


    Dorion''s breathing grew heavy.


    Then¡ªhe threw back his head and roared.


    It wasn''t a human scream.


    It was something wild. Primal. Monstrous.


    His body twisted, his muscles tightening like cords pulled too tight.


    His nails stretched, elongating into sharp, claw-like talons. His spine arched. His entire frame became leaner, stronger¡ªmore predatory.


    Nancy didn''t know what was happening to him.


    But she knew one thing.


    She had to put him down.


    She thrust her arm forward, and the floating blade plates shot toward him like shrapnel.


    WHOOSH!


    Dorion moved.


    Too fast.


    He weaved between the blades in a blur, his body a streak of motion.


    Nancy''s eyes widened.


    He''s faster than before.


    And he was already closing the distance.


    Nancy had no time to think.


    She swung her sword, meeting his charge head-on.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Her blade clashed against his claws, sparks flying with each parry.


    Her metal blades floated around...

 Chapter 211 - 211: Seven Heroes

    Her metal blades floated around her, shifting and striking in perfect sync with her movements¡ª


    A dance of steel and death.


    She slashed¡ªhe dodged.


    She parried¡ªhe countered.


    Each strike came faster. Harder. Sharper.


    Dorion dodged, his body weaving through the storm of blades.


    But not fast enough.


    SLASH!


    SLASH!


    Nancy''s attacks landed, cutting into his arms, legs, and torso.


    Yet, each time he took a hit¡­


    He recovered.


    And with every recovery¡ªHe got stronger.


    Faster.


    More feral.


    Nancy gritted her teeth.


    Then, before she could react¡ªDorion lunged.


    His jaws were wide, fangs bared.


    He was going for her throat.


    Nancy''s eyes widened.


    But at the last second¡ªShe reacted.


    SHNK!


    A metal sheet coiled around his leg and yanked him backward.


    SLAM!


    Dorion''s body was ripped away from her, crashing into the ground.


    But Nancy didn''t stop there.


    With a sharp motion, her floating blades converged.


    WHOOSH!


    WHOOSH!


    Multiple sheets of metal stabbed into Dorion, pinning him down.


    Then, with a flick of her wrist, more blades merged together¡ªforming a steel mask that clamped over his face.


    Dorion thrashed, snarling behind the metal.


    But Nancy wasn''t taking any chances.


    She clenched her fist.


    And the metallic helmet tightened around Dorion''s head.


    CLANK!


    The steel constricted, pressing against his skull.


    Dorion''s eyes bulged.


    He clawed at the metal, fingers scraping desperately against its smooth surface.


    But it was too tight. Too strong.


    His breath hitched.


    His lungs screamed for air.


    He staggered back, his body fighting against the suffocating grip, but his strength was slipping.


    His legs buckled.


    Then he collapsed to the ground, gasping. Struggling. Dying.


    Nancy stepped forward, her jaw clenched.


    One more squeeze.


    That was all it would take.


    The helmet would crush his skull. End him. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her fingers twitched¡ªready to give the final command.


    Then¡ªDorothy''s voice pierced through.


    "STOP!"


    She turned her sharp gaze to Dorothy, eyes filled with confusion.


    But her grip on the metal didn''t loosen.


    "Don''t kill him."


    Nancy''s brows furrowed.


    She studied Dorothy, trying to make sense of her words.


    This was a monster.


    He had lunged at them like a rabid beast. He had tried to tear them apart.


    And yet¡ªDorothy wanted to save him?


    "Why?" Nancy demanded, her voice edged with disbelief.


    Dorothy didn''t hesitate.


    "I can help him."


    Nancy''s confusion only deepened.


    Her eyes flickered between Dorothy and the struggling beast.


    Help...How?


    Dorion was barely human anymore. His body had warped. Twisted.


    It didn''t look like there was nothing left to save.


    Nancy tightened her stance. "He just tried to kill you, Dorothy." Her voice was cold, but not without concern. "He is not human."


    Dorothy stepped forward, her voice urgent.


    "He will be. I made preparations."


    Nancy narrowed her eyes. Preparations?


    What preparation was she talking about?


    Nancy''s mind raced. Dorothy spoke with urgency, her expression unwavering.


    Did she really believe she could save him?


    Nancy didn''t understand, but one thing was clear¡ªDorothy was serious.


    "Hurry, or he''ll die!" Dorothy urged.


    Nancy gritted her teeth.


    She had no reason to trust whatever Dorothy was planning, but at the same time, someone''s life was slipping away.


    "Alright."


    She relented, the tension in her arms loosening.


    With a swift motion, she dismantled the metal constricting Dorion''s face.


    Dorothy didn''t waste a second.


    She hurried forward.


    Nancy''s eyes widened.


    "Wait¡ªseriously, be careful!" She stepped in after her, keeping a firm grip on her weapons.


    And then, Dorothy knelt, right beside Dorion.


    No hesitation. No fear.


    Nancy''s heart pounded.


    Did she truly believe Dorion wouldn''t attack her?


    Or...


    Did she trust that I wouldn''t let it happen?


    Dorothy then reached into her storage and pulled out five small kegs.


    Nancy''s eyes narrowed.


    Where did those come from?


    Each keg was filled to the brim with some kind of thick liquid.


    Nancy had a bad feeling.


    "What''s that?" she asked, already dreading the answer.


    Dorothy didn''t hesitate. "Blood."


    Nancy froze.


    "...Bloo¡ªWhat?"


    Her stomach churned. She took an uneasy step back, staring at the kegs in disbelief.


    Dorothy, however, remained calm. Too calm.


    She acted as if having multiple kegs of blood was completely normal.


    Nancy clenched her jaw.


    "Okay, Dorothy, you seriously need to explain. Why do you have kegs of blood? And more importantly¡ªwhere did you even get them?"


    Dorothy''s eyes lit up with excitement as she explained, "If he drinks blood, he''ll be fine!"


    Nancy''s frown deepened.


    "And where did you even get that much blood?" she asked.


    Dorothy shrugged as if it were obvious. "From our hunts. When the beasts were butchered, I stored the blood."


    Nancy stared at her, completely lost.


    How did she even think to store blood?And more importantly, how was she so sure this would work?


    But before Nancy could question further, Dorothy had already pried Dorion''s mouth open.


    Then she poured.


    One keg.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Nancy stood by, watching with a mix of confusion and caution, her body tense, ready to react if something went wrong.


    Then¡ªslowly¡ªDorion''s body began to change.


    His body twisted and shrank, the sinewy beast-like form melting away. His claws retracted, his breath steadied, and the wild madness in his eyes dimmed.


    In mere moments, he looked human again.


    Nancy exhaled sharply, her grip still firm on her weapon.


    She turned to Dorothy, eyes narrowed. "Alright, you need to start explaining. Right now."


    Dorothy met her gaze, her expression eerily calm. Then, in a steady voice, she said:


    "The third."


    Nancy blinked. "The third? What are you talking about?"


    Dorothy didn''t answer immediately. Instead, she took a slow breath before speaking again.


    "He''s the third."


    Nancy felt a chill creep up her spine. "The third what?"


    Dorothy''s lips parted, and when she spoke, it was low and deliberate¡ªas if reciting something ancient, something foretold.


    "The Seer, the Charmer, the Blood-Hungry, and the Anomaly... Three more to go."


    Nancy''s brow furrowed, confusion twisting her expression.


    "What... What are you saying?"


    Before she could react, Dorothy grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her excitedly.


    "It''s all coming together, Nancy!"


    Dorothy''s eyes sparkled with a strange enthusiasm, her voice breathless.


    Nancy''s frown deepened. "What is?!"


    None of this made sense.


    Dorothy didn''t seem to notice Nancy''s confusion.


    Instead, she grinned¡ªa wide, knowing grin¡ªas if she had just uncovered the final piece of a puzzle.


    Then, with unwavering certainty, she said:


    "The Seven Heroes."

 Chapter 212 - 212: Resume

    Back to Alex.


    He stood deep in the dense forest, far from the battlefield where he had crushed the two factions that tried to kill him.


    The sun dipped below the horizon, shadows stretching long and jagged across the undergrowth.


    The once vibrant greenery faded into a sea of darkness, swallowed by the creeping night.


    Alex exhaled, his breath slow and steady.


    He sniffled, glancing down at his hand.


    It twitched as bone snapped back into place, flesh knitting itself together in a slow, sizzling recovery.


    A sharp sting ran through his fingers before fading, leaving only a faint warmth behind.


    The air around him was thick¡ªtainted with the metallic scent of blood and the crushed foliage beneath his boots. He flexed his fingers once, then again, making sure they worked.


    A few feet ahead, moonlight barely cut through the towering canopy, casting an eerie silver glow over the scene. Shadows twisted across the ground, warping around the lifeless body sprawled before him.


    A Rank B Giant Elephant. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The beast''s massive frame dwarfed the surrounding trees, its thick hide still steaming from fresh wounds.


    Its legs lay bent at unnatural angles, trunk slack against the dirt.


    Deep gashes marred its body, dark blood pooling into the earth.


    Its hide¡ªthicker than steel¡ªwas torn open, deep wounds slicing across its massive frame. Blood seeped from the gashes, pooling beneath its heavy body.


    Its skull? Crushed.


    The bone had caved in under the sheer force of Alex''s fist, leaving a jagged crater where its head had once been whole.


    The impact had been instant¡ªone strike, absolute destruction.


    And yet, Alex was only Rank D. The beast had been Rank B.


    The fallen giant wasn''t alone.


    More than a dozen massive elephants lay scattered across the battlefield.


    Some had been torn apart, their limbs twisted at unnatural angles.


    Others still oozed fresh blood, staining the ground in thick, steaming puddles.


    A few had been burned to a crisp, their flesh charred black, smoke still curling from their ruined bodies.


    This had been a herd¡ªnearly a hundred strong.


    Now? All dead.


    Crushed beneath his might.


    But Alex hadn''t been the aggressor. He hadn''t come looking for a fight.


    He had simply been passing through, moving on his way when¡ªout of nowhere¡ªone of the elephants attacked.


    But Alex had sensed the attack long before it happened.


    From a distance, he had already marked the beast¡ªslipping an explosion disk onto its thick hide.


    So when it charged? He didn''t flinch. He didn''t move.


    He simply snapped his fingers.


    BOOM!


    The elephant detonated, its massive body bursting into a fiery explosion.


    Flesh, bone, and scorched hide scattered through the air, torn apart by the force.


    The shockwave rippled through the trees, shaking the earth beneath him.


    But then¡ªhe sensed it.


    More.


    A wave of elephants, moving with unnatural precision, their massive bodies thundering through the forest. They weren''t just rushing toward him randomly.


    They were tracking him.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    He already knew why.


    A curse.


    The same type as the Rooster Curse that had marked him during the cockatrice incident.


    But this time, it attracted the elephants.


    This time, he had no doubt¡ªthis was the Oracle''s doing.


    It was just like before. The same setup. The same sick game.


    But Alex didn''t let it drag out.


    He ended it instantly.


    The elephants were all Rank C beasts¡ªdangerous, tough, and relentless.


    But they weren''t enough. Not against him.


    With his innate skill [Exploding Touch] and his newly upgraded abilities, the fight wasn''t a struggle.


    It was a massacre.


    Even the Rank B elephant¡ªthe strongest of them all¡ªstood no chance.


    Its massive, battered body swayed, struggling to hold itself upright. But Alex was already moving.


    He stepped in. Fast. Precise.


    With a sharp inhale, he raised his fist high above his head. Muscles tensed. Power coiled through his arm like a loaded spring.


    Then¡ªhe brought it down.


    A crushing overhead blow.


    His fist slammed into the elephant''s skull with a sickening crack, the force splitting bone and shattering the beast''s last resistance.


    Its massive frame collapsed, crashing into the earth with a final, heavy thud.


    But the impact came at a cost.


    Pain flared in Alex''s wrist¡ªfractured, twisted unnaturally.


    He barely registered it before his supreme regeneration kicked in.


    His bones realigned, flesh repaired, and within seconds, his hand was good as new.


    The battlefield fell silent.


    The elephants'' rageful hooting, their deafening battle cries¡ªgone.


    All that remained was an unnerving stillness.


    Alex took a step forward, his boots sinking into the damp earth, his breath steady despite the carnage surrounding him.


    He wasn''t shaken.


    He wasn''t exhausted.


    Instead, a flicker of satisfaction crossed his sharp features.


    Then¡ªa notification flashed before his eyes.


    Ding!


    A familiar chime echoed in his mind.


    [You have killed Giant Elephant]


    [You have leveled up!]


    That made the fourth level-up notification.


    But it didn''t stop there.


    [You have received +20 stat points]


    [You have received +4 power stones]


    Then, another alert.


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional +20 stat points]


    [You have received an additional +4 power stones]


    Alex''s smirk deepened.


    "Not bad."


    His title continued to prove its worth, doubling his rewards, accelerating his growth, and pushing him ever closer to the next threshold of strength.


    Alex rolled his shoulders, stretching his arms.


    His muscles, though relaxed, still buzzed with energy.


    He had been on the move all day¡ªhunting, leveling, dominating.


    Now, he needed a moment to rest.


    His sharp eyes scanned the terrain, searching. Within seconds, he found what he was looking for¡ªa massive tree, its thick branches strong and sturdy.


    Without hesitation, he moved.


    He climbed with ease, his movements fluid and effortless¡ªas if gravity itself didn''t apply to him.


    Hand over hand, foot over foot, he ascended the massive tree in seconds. The thick bark barely creaked beneath his weight as he perched himself high above the battlefield.


    From up here, he had a perfect view of the destruction below.


    The fallen herd stretched across the land, bodies twisted and broken. From this vantage point, the sheer scale of the carnage was undeniable.


    Alex exhaled, then flicked his wrist.


    His stat window materialized before him, glowing faintly in the dark. With a few quick selections, he navigated to the shop section.


    His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment¡ªthen, with a tap, he confirmed his purchase.


    A soft ding echoed in his mind.


    A full-sized pizza and a bottle of orange juice appeared in his hands.


    The scent hit instantly¡ªmelted cheese, rich tomato sauce, crispy golden crust.


    Warm. Fresh. Perfect.


    Without hesitation, Alex took a bite.


    "Delicious."


    Alex smirked as he took another bite, the cheese stretching slightly before snapping back onto the slice.


    There was something absurd about this moment¡ªsitting in the middle of a monster-infested forest, casually eating pizza like he was just on a lunch break.


    But that was just who he was now.


    A force of nature.


    A swift-growing monster.


    Still chewing, Alex then lifted a hand and swiped the air.


    Fwoosh!


    And his stat window blinked into existence, glowing softly before him.


    His sharp eyes scanned the interface, flicking through the options.


    It was time to choose a new skill and resume upgrading the rest.

 Chapter 213 - 213: New Skill

    Alex finished the last slice, savoring the mix of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and crispy crust.


    Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and downed the entire bottle of orange juice in one go.


    The sweet, citrusy tang hit his tongue¡ªperfectly cold, perfectly refreshing.


    He let out a slow exhale, feeling satisfied. Then, with the back of his hand, he wiped his mouth.


    And yet¡­ something felt odd.


    Back on Earth, when he was still just human, he could barely finish three slices of pizza.


    Not because he wasn''t hungry, but because he was always exhausted¡ªeither drained from work or still buried in it, even at home.


    Now?


    He felt like he could devour two, maybe even three whole boxes.


    And even that wouldn''t be enough.


    Alex let out a short laugh and shook his head.


    He really had become a beast.


    Now, it was time to choose a new skill.


    Alex swiped through his notifications, his eyes scanning the glowing text as it scrolled past. Then¡ªone line stood out.


    [Congratulations! You have reached Level 40. You have earned the chance to select a new skill out of three options.]


    His lips curled slightly. Finally.


    He tapped the notification, and a new screen unfolded before him.


    With a smooth motion, he swiped his hand down, bringing up the selection menu. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As expected, there were three options displayed in glowing letters.


    [Ability Options]


    - [Lightning Arc (C)]


    - [Flight (C)]


    - [Inferno Bolt (C)]


    Then came the descriptions.


    [Lightning Arc (C)]: Releases a powerful arc of lightning that surges forward, electrocuting everything in its path. The electricity can jump between multiple targets within close range if they are conductive or grouped together, delivering continuous shocks. The initial strike is powerful, capable of stunning weaker enemies.


    Cost: 8 Mana per use


    Cooldown: 10 seconds


    [Flight (C)]


    Grants the ability to lift off and maneuver through the air with moderate speed and control. The user can hover, ascend, and glide, making them harder to hit in combat. Aerial mobility depends on the user''s skill and stamina.


    Cost: 5 Mana per minute


    [Inferno Bolt (C)]


    Fires a concentrated bolt of searing flames that locks onto a target, tracking them for a brief period. Upon impact, the bolt explodes, dealing heavy fire damage in a small radius. The attack is highly effective against slow-moving or stationary enemies.


    Cost: 12 Mana per bolt


    Extended Tracking: If the target evades, the bolt can continue pursuing for up to 3 seconds at an additional cost of 3 Mana per second.


    Alex grinned, already knowing which skill he wanted.


    But still¡­ no harm in double-checking.


    He scrolled through the options again, making sure he wouldn''t regret his choice.


    His gaze lingered on the first one¡ª[Lightning Arc].


    A raw surge of destruction, fast, brutal, and deadly. It could jump between enemies, frying them in an instant.


    Useful? Absolutely. But his arsenal was already stacked with offensive abilities. He wasn''t lacking in firepower.


    His eyes shifted to the third option¡ª[Inferno Bolt]¡ªand for a moment, he hesitated.


    A flaming projectile that locked onto its target and chased them down like a relentless beast?


    That was different.


    His mind flashed with possibilities¡ªA spear of fire, twisting mid-air, hunting its prey no matter where they ran.


    He could already picture it.


    An enemy dodging at the last second¡ªonly for the bolt to whip around and explode right in their face.


    Now that would be sick.


    Still¡­


    Alex exhaled through his nose, pushing down the temptation.


    He didn''t need another offensive skill.


    He already had [Exploding Touch], [Echo of Annihilation], and [Black Flame]¡ªall deadly, all devastating.


    What he needed wasn''t more destruction¡ªIt was freedom.


    Not just ground mobility.


    Aerial mobility.


    His gaze locked onto the second option¡ª[Flight].


    Flight meant control.


    It meant positioning, mobility, a tactical advantage that couldn''t be ignored.


    Dodging deadly attacks. Escaping impossible situations. Striking from angles his enemies wouldn''t expect.


    The battlefield wasn''t just the ground anymore.


    Not when the sky became part of the equation.


    Alex could hover above, out of reach, and rain explosions down like a one-man airstrike.


    And if he pushed the skill to S-rank, the mana drain would shrink¡ªor disappear entirely.


    A slow smirk crept onto his lips.


    A memory flashed in his mind¡ªJonah soaring through the air, untouchable.


    Back then, Alex had felt a sting of jealousy, watching him fly with ease.


    But now?


    Now, he didn''t need fancy gear.Didn''t need external help.


    He would own the skies.


    That sealed the deal.


    Alex clicked.


    [Flight] selected.


    "Sorry, Glider''s Cloak." Alex muttered.


    With [Flight], the equipment was useless now.


    A familiar ding echoed in his mind.


    [Skill Acquired: Flight (C)]


    Alex''s smirk widened.


    This was it.


    Then, take a massive step toward absolute power.


    He lifted his hand, summoning his stat window with a flick of his fingers.


    It was time to upgrade all of his skills plus the new one to Rank S.


    The glowing interface hovered before him, numbers and stats reflecting in his sharp eyes.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 48


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 100


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 11,140


    [Powerstones]: 20


    [Skills]


    [Exploding Touch {S}] [Echo of Annahiliation {S}] [Arcane Dominion{S}] [Void Slip {S}] [Void Shroud {S}] [Spectral Barrage {S}] [Titan God''s Wrath {S}] [Limitless Drive {S}] [Godspeed Rampage {S}] [Void Gaze {S}] [Supreme Regeneration {S}] [Eternal Flame {S}] [Foresight {B}] [Stone Face {S}] [Earth Swim {B}] [Petrify {B}] [Minor Telekinesis {C}] [Earth Stomp {C}] [One Shot One Kill {S}] [Black Flame {S}] [Farsight {C}] [Blur {B}] [Multiplicity {A}] [Danger Sense {C}] [Domain {A}] [Illusion Resistance {S}] [Summon ArchFiend {A}] [Predator''s Presence {C}] [Flight (C)]


    His skill list kept growing¡ª30 abilities now.


    Alex summoned his [Attribute Converter], the glowing cube materializing before him.


    He had already spent 1,800 stat points pushing eleven of his skills to S-rank¡ªan investment that turned him into a walking disaster.


    And he still had 11,140 stat points left, which was insane.


    The amount was more than what most would ever see in their lifetime.


    And the numbers would increase in the future.


    But now...


    It was time for the real upgrades.


    His eyes locked onto the next skill in line¡ª[Foresight (B)].


    [Foresight (B)]: Grants the ability to perceive 3 seconds into the future, allowing the user to anticipate enemy attacks, dodge incoming threats, and react with near-perfect timing. This skill enhances situational awareness, making it invaluable in combat, strategy, and decision-making. However, the visions are limited to the user''s immediate surroundings and do not account for unpredictable or chaotic variables. Cost: 1 MP per minute.


    A smirk tugged at Alex''s lips.


    Three seconds was a lot.


    And at high speeds, that was life or death.


    Enough time to dodge a fatal strike, counter, or reposition.


    But now¡­


    He was about to make it completely broken.

 Chapter 214 - 214: Upgrade [1]

    A stronger version of [Foresight] combined with [Godspeed Rampage] would make him unstoppable.


    Against weaker opponents? Instant victory.


    Against stronger ones? Total dominance.


    Time to upgrade.


    Alex pulled up his [Attribute Converter] and poured 50 stat points into Agility.


    A slight surge of speed rippled through him¡ªbut he wasn''t keeping it.


    Sacrifice.


    The converter absorbed the points, demanding an equivalent trade.


    A moment later, a glowing stone materialized in his hands.


    Without hesitation, he pressed it, selecting [Foresight] from his skill list.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    Alex''s eyes glowed electric blue.


    He grinned.


    Now, let''s see what you''ve become.


    [Foresight (B) is now [Omnigaze] Rank-S]


    [OmniGaze (S)]


    Effect: Allows the user to see 10 seconds into the future with extreme clarity. This makes it nearly impossible to be caught off guard, as they can anticipate attacks, dodges, counters, and enemy movements with near-perfect accuracy.


    Cost: 5 Mana per minute. After 30 minutes, the cost increases to 8 MP per minute due to cognitive strain.


    Bonus (Pregonition Surge): Can briefly enter a hyper-awareness state, where the user can slow down their perception of time, making everything around them appear to move in slow motion. This helps them process their foresight better, allowing for near-instant reactions to attacks or opportunities.


    Limitations: Overuse of Precognition Surge can cause severe mental fatigue or temporary blindness. Cannot predict events influenced by higher-dimensional beings or fate-altering forces.


    His heartbeat pounded in his chest, a steady drum of excitement.


    Ten seconds?


    Now rat was more than just an improvement.


    That was an eternity in battle.


    A fighter with three seconds of foresight was already terrifying.


    But ten? That was something else entirely.


    He flexed his fingers, letting the new power settle in.


    He could see every move before it happened. Every feint. Every attack. Every desperate attempt to land a hit.


    He could dodge before an enemy even thought about striking.


    He could counter before their muscles even tensed.


    Alex exhaled slowly, a shiver running down his spine.


    This... was broken.


    And he loved it.


    With this¡­ he wasn''t just fast.


    He was untouchable.


    But he wasn''t stopping here.


    His eyes shifted back to the skill list.


    [Stone Face (S)]


    Already maxed out. No point in trying to push it further.


    He moved past it.


    Then his gaze landed on the next skill.


    [Earth Swim (B)]


    A smirk tugged at his lips.


    Without hesitation, he went through the now-familiar process¡ªpulling up [Attribute Converter], sacrificing attribute points, and watching as the system materialized an Upgrade Stones in his hands.


    Alex used them


    Then a notification popped up.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Earth Swim (B) is now Terra Phase (S)]


    [Terra Phase (S)]


    Effect: The user becomes one with the earth, freely diving, gliding, and even instantly emerging anywhere within a 50-meter radius while submerged. They can remain underground for 10 minutes and sense vibrations within a 50-meter radius, making it nearly impossible to be ambushed.


    Mana Cost: 2 MP per second (high mastery reduces strain). After 5 minutes, the cost increases to 6 MP per second due to prolonged exposure.


    Advanced Effect ¨C Seismic Shift:While submerged, the user can cause localized tremors to destabilize enemies, collapse terrain, or even create pathways. Costs 40 MP per use (more for stronger quakes).


    Limitations: Can''t phase through non-earth materials (e.g., metal, magic barriers).


    Alex''s smirk deepened.


    Before, there had been a time limit¡ªnow, that was reduced.


    He could now remain underground for 10 minutes, slipping beneath the earth like a phantom.


    He could phase through the ground and reappear anywhere within 50 meters,


    Stealth? Perfected.


    Escape? Effortless.


    And then, there was the bonus ability.


    He could cause mini-earthquakes, collapse the terrain itself, trapping enemies--throwing them off balance before they even knew what was happening.


    Nothing that touched the earth could hide from him now, as he could feel every step, every vibration, making sneak attacks pointless.


    Alex rolled his shoulders, feeling the new power settle in.


    Then his gaze locked onto the next skill in line.


    [Petrify (B)]


    Time to break this one, too.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Petrify (B) is now Dominius Rank-S]


    [Dominius (S)]


    Effect: The aura now covers a 60-meter radius, instantly locking all enemies in place for up to 15 seconds. This version of the skill completely negates movement, making escape nearly impossible.


    Additional Effect:


    - After paralysis ends, all affected targets experience crippling energy disruption for 10 seconds, preventing them from activating skills or casting spells.


    - For 15 seconds after paralysis ends, enemies feel as if gravity has increased tenfold, making movement extremely difficult and reducing their speed and agility by 70%. Weaker enemies may collapse entirely under the pressure.


    Mana Cost: 150 MP per activation. Can be extended for 10 more seconds at the cost of 25 MP per second.


    Limitations: Extremely powerful beings may break free within 5 seconds or less but will still suffer the energy disruption and gravity effect afterward. Does not affect beings completely immune to paralysis or gravitational effects. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex''s lips curled into a sharp grin.


    Sixty meters.


    Fifteen seconds of absolute paralysis.


    And that wasn''t even the worst part.


    After those fifteen seconds of helplessness, their bodies wouldn''t just recover. Their energy would be in chaos. Their nerves scrambled. Reactions sluggish. They wouldn''t be able to fight properly, even after they broke free.


    Alex exhaled.


    Insane.


    He could already picture it¡ªan entire battlefield locking up, warriors frozen in mid-swing, spells fizzling out before they could even be cast.


    And when they finally managed to move again?


    They''d still be helpless.


    His grip tightened.


    This wasn''t just crowd control.


    This was suppression.


    A death sentence for his enemies.


    Alex''s pulse thrummed with anticipation as he scrolled down to the next skill.


    His fingers twitched.


    His eyes darkened with something sharp¡ªsomething hungry.


    The next skill in line?


    [Minor Telekinesis (C)].


    His lips parted slightly, excitement building.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Minor Telekinesis (C) is now Godhand (S)]


    [Godhand (S)]


    Effect: The user gains absolute telekinetic mastery, able to control multiple massive objects (up to 10,000 kg each) with precision. They can manipulate matter at extreme speeds, allowing for devastating attacks.


    Advanced Effect:


    The user can now disrupt enemy movements by controlling the force around them, making them feel heavy or light at will. Can now stop and deflect energy-based projectiles (like fireballs or lightning bolts) with extreme focus.


    Mana Cost: 50 MP per second while active. Manipulating gravity-like effects on enemies: Varies based on resistance. Deflecting energy-based attacks: High-cost depending on attack intensity.


    Limitations: High-rank beings with strong willpower or magical protection can resist control. Using too much force or controlling too many objects at once can cause mental strain. Cannot directly crush an enemy using telekinesis unless they are significantly weaker.

 Chapter 215 - 215: Upgrade [2]

    Alex''s breath hitched as the notification flashed before his eyes.


    Godhand.


    The name alone carried weight. But the description¡­


    This wasn''t just telekinesis anymore.


    This was dominion over matter itself.


    His fingers twitched. A strange sensation prickled through them¡ªlike the air around him had suddenly submitted to his will.


    "10,000 kilograms... per object?"


    His mind raced.


    That was the weight of an entire truck. A boulder the size of a building.


    And he could control multiple at once?


    Alex exhaled slowly, his smirk stretching wider.


    But that wasn''t even the best part.


    "Disrupt enemy movements¡­"


    Alex muttered the words under his breath, feeling the weight of what they meant.


    His lips curled into a slow, deliberate grin.


    He could make his enemies float, their feet leaving the ground against their will.


    He could make them sink, dragged down as if the earth itself had swallowed them.


    He could make them feel like they were wading through wet cement, struggling against invisible forces.


    And energy-based attacks?


    Fireballs. Lightning. Pure mana blasts.


    He could stop them.


    He could throw them back.


    The realization settled in, heavy and exhilarating.


    For a second, he just lay there, absorbing the sheer scale of his new power.


    Then, his smirk stretched wider.


    Now this¡­ this was broken.


    Alex continued.


    The next skill on the list¡ªEarth Stomp.


    As the name implied, it made the ground tremble when he stomped. Simple, but effective.


    But simple wasn''t enough.


    Alex activated [Attribute Converter], exchanging stat points for an Upgrade Stone. The glowing stone appeared in his hand, pulsing with raw energy.


    He pressed it against the skill.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Earth Stomp (C) is now World Breaker (S)]


    Alex''s eyes gleamed.


    World Breaker.


    Now that was an intense name.


    [World Breaker (S)]


    Effect: The user stomps with godlike force, triggering a miniature earthquake that devastates the battlefield. The ground violently fractures in all directions, engulfing enemies in an apocalyptic upheaval. Even airborne foes feel the aftershocks, throwing them off balance. The force spreads across a 100-meter radius, fracturing the terrain so violently that massive chunks of earth collapse into deep crevices


    Cost: 150 Mana per use


    Cooldown: 1 minute


    A single stomp.


    Just one¡ªand the battlefield would be torn apart.


    Nice.


    Alex exhaled, his excitement growing. But he wasn''t done.


    Next skill: Farsight.


    He repeated the process, exchanging stat points, summoning the Upgrade Stone, and used it on the skill.


    [Upgrading...]


    A strange pressure settled over him.


    His vision blurred¡ªthen sharpened.


    The world around him stretched. Every detail¡ªevery grain of dirt, every flicker of movement¡ªbecame crystal clear.


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Farsight (C) is now Omniview (S)]


    [OmniView (S)]: The user transcends human perception, gaining absolute vision. They can see up to 20 kilometers with perfect clarity, perceive the flow of mana, and even glimpse fate-bound events moments before they unfold.


    Effect: Can see through most illusions, invisibility, and deception-based magic. Can observe objects 20 kilometers away as if they were right in front of them. Can see through solid objects, except for enchanted barriers or dense materials. Can follow even supersonic-speed objects in motion.


    Alex''s breath hitched as the new description unfolded before him.


    But he didn''t stop.


    Next skill: Blur.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Blur (B) is now Surge (S)]


    [Surge (S)]: The user''s speed transcends normal perception. Moving at blinding velocity, they become a blur of motion, appearing to teleport short distances. Their afterimages solidify for a moment, allowing them to briefly act independently, further confusing foes.


    Effect: The user moves at 300% speed, making them almost impossible to track with the naked eye. When dodging, faint afterimages linger, tricking opponents into attacking the wrong spot.


    Instant Dash: The user can vanish and reappear up to 10 meters away instantly (short-range teleportation). Instant stops, midair pivots, and acceleration feel seamless.


    Cost: 1 Mana per second.


    Instant Dash Cost: 10 Mana per use.


    Alex grinned.


    "Oh¡­ hell yes."


    With this and Godspeed Rampage, there was no catching him. No stopping him.


    Next up was Multiplicity.


    The skill that had turned the tide in his battle against the final boss.


    Without it, he still would have won¡­ but the others?


    They would''ve died.


    Even now he was using it.


    And he was about to make it even stronger.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Multiplicity is now Doppelking (S)]


    Doppelking (S): The user transcends normal cloning abilities, creating an unstoppable legion of themselves. Each copy possesses a significant portion of the original''s power and can fight independently. The user''s mastery over this ability allows for instantaneous tactical repositioning, making them nearly untouchable in battle.


    Effect: User can create up to 10 Clones ¨C Each clone now possesses 50% of the user''s strength, making them formidable on their own. The user can mentally issue commands instantly or let clones act on their own. The user can switch places with any clone instantly, even mid-attack. Clones now last indefinitely, unless destroyed or dismissed. Upon a clone''s destruction, it explodes in a shockwave.


    Summoning Cost: 50 Mana per clone.


    Cooldown: If all clones are destroyed, the skill enters a 3-minute cooldown before reactivation.


    One Alex was deadly.


    But ten?


    That was just unfair.


    And now¡ªhis clones didn''t just fight, they exploded on destruction.


    A walking, talking time bomb.


    He could already picture it¡ªone of his clones, smirking at an enemy, voice dripping with mockery:


    "I may die... but I''m taking you with me."


    Chee!


    Before, his clones had been useful.


    Now? They were monsters in their own right. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each one carried 50% of his strength.


    That meant ten clones, each as strong as half of him.


    Alex nodded, impressed.


    With this boost, he was now confident that a single clone could go toe-to-toe with a Beast Lord.


    The next skill in line was Danger Sense.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Danger Sense (C) is now Sixth Sense(S)]


    Sixth Sense (S): The user''s awareness reaches an inhuman level, bordering on precognition. Instead of just reacting, they now perceive all incoming threats in real time, allowing them to position themselves before an attack even happens. Their body acts on pure instinct, dodging, parrying, or countering with absolute efficiency.


    Effect: Attacks that should hit will instead barely miss, as if fate itself bends around the user. The user senses everything hostile within a 100-meter radius, including traps, sniper fire, and even hidden killing intent.


    Limitations: Stronger enemies with domain abilities or reality-altering skills can suppress its effectiveness.


    The next skill was a powerful one.


    And only one upgrade stone was needed for this one.

 Chapter 216 - 216: Upgrade [3]

    [Upgrading]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Domain(A) is now Regnum Dominion (S)]


    [Regnum Dominion (S-Rank): Creates an absolute space of control, where your will shapes reality. Traps enemies within a battlefield where your abilities are amplified, attacks are nearly unavoidable, and opponents suffer severe debuffs. Only those with immense power or a Domain of their own can resist its overwhelming presence.


    Effect:


    - Control terrain, gravity, and environmental effects within reasonable limits.


    - Your attacks gain perfect accuracy, forcing opponents to rely on superior speed or counter-domain effects.


    - Your strength, speed, and abilities are tripled (3x effect).


    - Enemies suffer a 30% decrease in all stats and may experience disorientation or fear.


    - Opponents cannot teleport or flee unless they break the Domain or counter with their own.


    Limitations:


    - If an opponent has an equally strong or stronger Domain, the two will clash, and the weaker one will collapse.


    - If an enemy is significantly more powerful than the user, they can shatter the Domain through brute force.


    Cost: 1000 MP


    Upkeep Cost: 50 MP per second


    Cooldown: 1 hours


    Alex sucked in a breath.


    His heart pounded.


    This might be the most dangerous skill he had.


    A realm where his opponent wasn''t just at a disadvantage¡ªthey were doomed.


    His Domain wasn''t just a battlefield. It was a death trap. His enemies would move slower, hit weaker, and fear would gnaw at their minds. Meanwhile, his own strength, speed, and abilities would triple.


    The only downside?


    The cost.


    Activating the Domain drained a massive chunk of his energy, and keeping it up would burn through his reserves fast. But did that really matter?


    Not when whoever stepped inside wouldn''t last long enough to see the end of it.


    His smirk returned. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seconds. That''s all he needed.


    And now, it was time for the next skill.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Summon Archfiend {A} is now Hellmarch (S-Rank)]


    Hellmarch (S-Rank): Summon the ultimate Archfiend, Varkos, the Abyssal Sovereign, a being of pure destruction and relentless power. Unlike its lower-ranked form, this evolved entity is no longer a mere enforcer¡ªit is a warlord of devastation, capable of challenging entire armies alone.


    Varkos'' Abilities & Traits:


    - Near-indestructible, capable of regenerating even fatal injuries over time.


    - Wields an evolved crackling blade, now imbued with void lightning, which erases matter upon contact and ignores conventional defenses.


    - Moves at such impossible speed that it appears in multiple places at once, overwhelming enemies in a flurry of deadly slashes.


    - Unleashes a paralyzing roar that instills terror and weakness in enemies, dropping their combat effectiveness by 50% for 15 seconds.


    Cost: 1,000 MP


    Upkeep Cost: No MP Drain (Independent entity)


    Maximum Duration: 1 hour


    Cooldown: 48 hours


    Recovery Time (if severely injured): 3 days before it can be summoned again.


    Limitations:


    - If Varkos suffers fatal injuries, the summoning cooldown is extended to 72 hours instead of 48.


    - While Varkos is a force of destruction, it follows the user''s commands.


    - However, its true nature is chaotic, meaning it cannot be ordered to perform acts of mercy.


    - Holy magic and divine weapons are its primary weaknesses, dealing double damage to Varkos.


    Alex nodded, satisfied.


    This new Archfiend wasn''t just stronger¡ªit was leagues ahead of the ones that had given his clones trouble in the nightmare.


    Useful.


    If he ever ran out of clones, he could just summon a beast to tear through everything in sight.


    No strategy. No finesse. Just pure, destructive carnage.


    His eyes flicked to the next skill.


    [Predator''s Presence (C)]


    This one was interesting.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Predator''s Presence {C} is now Imperium (S-Rank) ]


    Imperium (S): The user''s mere presence distorts the battlefield, making the air feel heavy, movement sluggish, and fear inescapable. Reality itself bends under the weight of their dominance, forcing all but the strongest foes to recognize them as the absolute predator.


    Effect: Lower-rank enemies instantly collapse or flee in terror. Equal-rank enemies struggle to breathe, react slower, and feel their attacks lose impact before they even land. Higher-rank enemies, feel a significant mental strain, with brief flashes of hesitation.


    Additional Effect: Your attacks now carry an undeniable force of will, making enemies subconsciously feel they cannot block or dodge.


    Basically, I can knock out a weaker opponent just by standing there.


    Alex let that thought settle.


    What could possibly be cooler than that?


    He chuckled, shaking his head.


    Then, he took a deep breath.


    "Finally..." He exhaled.


    "The last skill."


    His heart pounded.


    His entire body buzzed with excitement.


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Flight (C) is now Aerovale (S)]


    [Aerovale (S)]: The user moves like a blur, rivaling the speed of top-tier aerial creatures. They can now sustain high-speed flight for extended periods, execute flawless evasive maneuvers, and generate strong air currents with their movements.


    Effect: 4x faster than C-Rank. The user can reach top speed in seconds. Sudden acceleration creates wind pressure blasts, knocking back weaker enemies. Can instantly stop in midair without recoil.


    Cost: 3 Mana per minute.


    Aerial Shockwave Cost: 10 Mana per-use.


    Immediately¡ª


    Alex launched into the sky.


    A single burst of speed, and the ground was already a blur beneath him.


    He kept going. Higher. Faster.


    The wind rushed past his face, cool and exhilarating. His heart pounded in sync with the sheer thrill of flight.


    His eyes, wide with excitement, took in the endless expanse above him.


    Then¡ª


    A shimmer.


    Barely visible, but unmistakable.


    His sharp gaze locked onto it instantly.


    A barrier.


    Alex halted on a dime, stopping so suddenly that the air around him rippled.


    Slowly, he drifted closer.


    Reaching out, he pressed his palm against the invisible wall.


    A faint glow pulsed where he touched. Solid. Definitely a barrier.


    He exhaled, smirking slightly.


    Not surprising.


    After all, this was just the tutorial. Not the real world.


    Most likely an artificial construct.


    A cage.


    Designed to train humans¡ªor, as the system called them, denizens of the new world.


    Alex let out a slow sigh, lowering himself slightly in the air. He turned his gaze downward¡ª


    And his breath hitched.


    Whoa.


    The view was... breathtaking.


    From this height, he could see the entire tutorial zone stretched out beneath him. Towering forests, winding rivers, vast open fields¡ªall bathed in the soft, silvery glow of the fake moon above.


    It was surreal. Almost peaceful.


    Almost.


    Because with Omniview, he saw everything.


    Not just the trees and water.


    The creatures lurking in the shadows.


    The movements of beasts stalking through the underbrush.


    The flicker of insect wings too small for normal eyes to catch.


    It was insane.


    Alex then exhaled sharply and brought up his stat window to see the progress.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 48


    HP: 1360


    MP: 1040


    [Stats]


    Strength: 85


    Agility: 100


    Intelligence: 65


    Vitality: 60


    [Stat Points Available]: 9690


    [Powerstones]: 20


    [Skills]


    [Exploding Touch {S}] [Echo of Annahiliation {S}] [Arcane Dominion{S}] [Void Slip {S}] [Void Shroud {S}] [Spectral Barrage {S}] [Titan God''s Wrath {S}] [Limitless Drive {S}] [Godspeed Rampage {S}] [Void Gaze {S}] [Supreme Regeneration {S}] [Eternal Flame {S}] [Omnigaze {S}] [Stone Face {S}] [Terra Phase {S}] [Dominius {S}] [Godhand {S}] [World Breaker {S}] [One Shot One Kill {S}] [Black Flame {S}] [Omniview {S}] [Voidstep {S}] [Doppelking {S}] [Sixth Sense {S}] [Magnum Dominion {S}] [Illusion Resistance {S}] [Hellmarch {S}] [Imperium {S}] [Aerovale (S)]


    All of his skills were now S-rank.


    Alex took a deep breath, letting that sink in.


    With this level of power, nothing in this tutorial could pose a real threat to him.


    Well¡ªunless the overseer decided to crank up the Beast Lord''s strength.


    Which, honestly?


    He hoped they would.


    A real challenge was exactly what he wanted.


    But before that¡­


    Alex smirked.


    A flood of unspent stat points stared back at him.


    A lot of them.


    More than enough to push his power into a whole new league.


    His fingers twitched.


    Strength? Speed? Mana?


    He could max them out¡ªturn himself into a monster beyond anything in this tutorial.


    The thought sent a thrill down his spine.


    He took a slow breath¡­


    Then reached out to allocate points to his attributes.

 Chapter 217 - 217: Strength Beyond Rank

    Alex knew one thing for sure¡ªhe couldn''t just rely on his skills.


    Yeah, they were overpowered, but what if he got into a fight where he couldn''t use them?


    A situation like the nightmare, where he was forced to rely on just his base strength.


    No enhancements. No stat allocation. No reality-bending powers.


    Just raw physical ability.


    If that happened again, and he wasn''t prepared?


    He''d be screwed.


    So, why not fix that right now?


    Alex opened his stat window and focused on Strength.


    Without hesitation, he poured points into it.


    Strength: 100 ¡ú 200 ¡ú 300 ¡ú 400 ¡ú 500


    His muscles tensed as the power surged through him, his body adapting instantly.


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    And then¡ªBOOM.


    Power exploded through his body.


    His muscles swelled, surging with raw strength. Thick. Dense. Unstoppable. He felt like a walking battering ram, a human bulldozer made of flesh and bone.


    Testing it out, Alex swung his fist.


    WHOOOM!


    The sheer force ripped through the air, sending a shockwave that whistled as it traveled.


    Another punch. BOOM.


    The air itself seemed to shatter around him.


    Alex gasped, staring at his hands.


    "Holy¡ª"


    His body was massive now, like some kind of sculpted war machine. And all it took was pressing a damn button.


    But he wasn''t done.


    He reached into his inventory, pulling out every Strength Powerstone he had.


    Each one only gave +1 Strength, but every bit counted.


    He crushed the first stone, but...


    A notification popped up.


    Ding!


    [You cannot increase your strength beyond this point in the tutorial]


    Alex exhaled sharply.


    A cap. Just like when he upgraded his skills.


    But there was a difference.


    His skill upgrade notice had hinted that outside the tutorial, he''d have to find other means to grow his abilities¡ªwithout relying on the system.


    This one, though?


    It said nothing about limits beyond the tutorial.


    Good. That meant once he left, he could keep pushing. Keep growing.


    But for now?


    There were other stats to upgrade.


    He turned to Agility.


    And pushed it.


    Agility: 100 ¡ú 200 ¡ú 300 ¡ú 400 ¡ú 500


    The moment he hit 500, his body reacted.


    His muscles didn''t bulk up like with Strength.


    Instead, his frame refined itself¡ªlean, sharp, like a blade honed to perfection.


    His bulkier frame from Strength returned to normal, balanced out by his maxed Agility.


    His body felt lighter, now a perfect mix¡ªpowerful yet fast, durable yet fluid.


    Next was Intelligence.


    And Alex pushed it higher.


    Intelligence: 100 ¡ú 200 ¡ú 300 ¡ú 400 ¡ú 500


    The change was instant.


    A rush of energy flooded his body¡ªnot strength, not speed, but raw magical force.


    His mana pool expanded like an endless ocean. The air around him seemed to hum, charged with invisible power.


    His spells and abilities would hit harder, last longer, and drain less energy.


    This was real magic potential.


    Then he moved on to Vitality.


    Vitality: 100 ¡ú 200 ¡ú 300 ¡ú 400 ¡ú 500


    His body reinforced itself.


    Every bone, every muscle fiber¡ªdenser, stronger, tougher.


    His heartbeat slowed, steady like a war drum.


    His lungs expanded, drawing in more air. His skin felt like steel wrapped in flesh


    Alex then opened his stat window.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: D


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 48


    HP: 11335


    MP: 8000


    [Stats]


    Strength: 500


    Agility: 500


    Intelligence: 500


    Vitality: 500


    [Stat Points Available]: 8000


    [Powerstones]: 19


    Alex shook his head, a grin stretching across his face.


    His stats had to be at S-rank levels by now.


    For a D-rank to have attributes this high?


    Absolutely broken.


    No one¡ªwould ever expect it.


    He was on an entirely different level.


    Still grinning, Alex did a quick calculation in his head.


    He had spent 1,690 stat points to boost his attributes.


    And yet, he still had 8,000 left.


    8,000.


    That was enough to max out over a dozen skills to S-rank.


    His excitement was still bubbling when¡ªA flood of notifications popped up.


    Ding! Ding! Ding!


    Alex''s grin faded.


    His eyes narrowed as he read them.


    [The Unbreakable Colossus - Titanos demand a meeting with you]


    [The Undying Monarch - Revion demands a meeting with you]


    [God of Blinding Speed - Savatar demands a meeting with you]


    [Earth Sovereign - Gaia demands a meeting with you] S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [The Shadow Sovereign Nyxaris - demand a meeting with you]


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you]


    [The Dragon Emperor - Dravonicus demands a meeting with you]


    ....


    So many names. Some unfamiliar. Some all too familiar.


    Alex''s eyes flickered over the list, his lips curling slightly when he saw one in particular.


    Vladros.


    The Blood Monarch.


    "Hah," Alex scoffed. "Cheeky bastard. You think I''ll just come running?"


    Then there was Gaia¡ªEarth Sovereign.


    Alex still remembered how he''d forced a skill from her.


    Yeah, meeting her again? Not happening.


    But beyond the names, something else bothered him.


    The word ''Demands.''


    Not requests. Not invitations.


    Demands.


    His fingers twitched. His jaw clenched.


    The fuck do you all think you are?


    These deities¡ªthese so-called sovereigns¡ªclearly thought they were above everything.


    And Alex had zero intention of playing along.


    The system chimed in.


    [Would you like to respond to any?]


    Alex didn''t hesitate.


    Their intentions were obvious¡ªthey wanted to scout him.


    But Alex had no interest in being under anyone.


    "No. Ignore them."


    The message blinked out of existence, disappearing from his view.


    He walked his own path.


    Still hovering in the sky, he clenched his fists.


    Power pulsed through his veins, his very being brimming with strength.


    How could he just go back and sleep after this?


    His mind was clear.


    Sharp.


    Restless.


    Raw energy coursed through his muscles, practically itching for action.


    He needed to unleash it.


    He needed to tear something apart.


    His sharp gaze swept over the landscape below, scanning for prey.


    From this height, he spotted clusters of monsters roaming the land.


    But a quick Omniview check confirmed a problem¡ª


    C-rank.


    Weak. Not worth his time anymore.


    Alex wasn''t here for light exercise.


    He wanted a real fight. B-rank. A-rank.


    Hell, even an S-rank if it existed in this place.


    That meant one thing¡ªhe had to go deeper into the forest.


    But just as he was about to move, a sudden pulse in his mind made him pause.


    One of his clones had reached a Beast Lord zone.


    And the monsters there? A-rank.


    Perfect.


    Alex''s lips curled into a sharp grin.


    There was no need to waste time traveling.


    With a single thought¡ª


    He swapped places with his clone.

 Chapter 218 - 218: Ruins of Blood

    The moment Alex swapped places with his clone, reality twisted¡ªhis vision blurred for a split second before snapping into focus.


    He now stood in the middle of a ruined fortress, deep within the crimson wasteland.


    The air here was thick and heavy with the stench of blood and decay.


    Cracked stone walls loomed around him, their surfaces marred with dark stains and deep claw marks.


    Some structures had completely crumbled, while others stood as eerie reminders of past battles.


    It was clear¡ªthis place had seen countless wars.


    Then, Alex''s gaze sharpened.


    His clone had entered the beast lord zone and had appeared here.


    Then, a prompt appeared before him, stating that he may not leave until the Beast Lord has fallen.


    Hearing that, Alex''s lips curled into a grin.


    Many players would have been shaking in their boots on getting that notice, but for him, there was no reason to, as he was the hunter, not the prey.


    Without wasting a second, he activated [Omniview].


    A golden glow flickered in his irises as the entire fortress lit up in his vision, its layout unfolding in crisp detail.


    Every hallway, every broken tower, every lurking shadow¡ªnothing could hide from him now.


    Towering broken pillars stretched toward the dark sky, their jagged edges crumbling with age.


    Shattered archways framed the ruins like the ribs of a long-dead beast, while deep trenches carved through the ground, remnants of past battles.


    Shattered archways framed the ruins like the ribs of a long-dead beast, while deep trenches carved through the ground, remnants of past battles.


    Alex''s sharp gaze swept over the battlefield.


    He wasn''t alone.


    From his elevated view, he could already see the threats moving in. Fast.


    A grin tugged at his lips.


    His muscles tensed, thrumming with raw power.


    His heart pounded¡ªnot with fear, but with cold excitement.


    His fingers twitched.


    With a flick of his wrist, he scattered several exploding disks into the air, each one spinning like a razor-sharp coin before latching onto the bodies of the incoming enemies.


    The plates glowed faintly, waiting for the right moment.


    Then...


    A low growl rumbled from the darkness.


    The air grew heavy.


    The first wave had arrived.


    Emerging from the shadows, twisted, hyena-like creatures with matted fur and glowing red eyes slinked forward.


    Dozens of them.


    Their jagged weapons scraped against the stone floor as they surrounded him, their snarling grins revealing rows of yellowed, blood-stained teeth.


    Alex rolled his shoulders.


    Then a sharp ding echoed in Alex''s ears as a notification appeared.


    [Blood Bound Gnoll - Rank A (G)]


    His eyes flicked over the snarling beasts.


    Their wild, glowing eyes locked onto him, filled with hunger and malice.


    These weren''t just any gnolls.


    They were bigger¡ª7 to 9 feet tall, their hyena-like snouts twisted into feral grins, razor-sharp fangs glistening with saliva.


    Their matted fur was crusted with dried blood and grime, clumped together in patches like war trophies. Under the eerie crimson sky, the glowing tribal war paint smeared across their bodies pulsed faintly, as if alive.


    And their weapons?


    Crude. Brutal. Massive.


    Giant cleavers and serrated axes, engraved with pulsing runes that crackled with dark aura, radiating an ominous energy.


    Alex barely had time to admire the craftsmanship before¡ª


    A particularly massive gnoll threw its head back and howled.


    The sound tore through the ruins like a battle horn.


    Then¡ª


    They charged.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    He simply raised his hands and snapped his fingers.


    The exploding disks detonating in perfect sequence.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Shockwaves rippled through the battlefield as fire and force tore through the first wave.


    Limbs flew.


    Bones shattered.


    Flesh burned.


    The air filled with deafening screams and the sickening scent of charred fur and blood.


    But it wasn''t over.


    More gnolls surged forward.


    Snarling. Howling. Eyes burning with rage and madness.


    Alex exhaled sharply and raised his hand using his improved telekinetic ability:


    [Godhand]


    A nearby boulder lurched into the air, as if yanked by an unseen force.


    It hovered for a moment¡ªthen cracked.


    Shattering into a hundred razor-sharp shards.


    Alex thrust his hand forward.


    The air trembled.


    And then¡ª


    Stone bullets rained down.


    Not just a few. Dozens. Hundreds.


    Each razor-sharp shard, propelled by sheer force, cut through the gnolls like hot knives through butter.


    They didn''t even have time to react.


    Skulls cracked open.


    Throats split.


    Chests burst apart.


    The battlefield was drowned in the sickening symphony of gurgled screams and dying howls.


    And then¡ª


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up!]


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up!]


    Ding!


    Ding!


    Ding!


    The notifications flooded his vision, each chime stacking over the last.


    Alex grinned.


    His level had just jumped six times, pushing him past Level 50.


    Absurd. But not surprising.


    He was still technically a D-rank, even though his stats said otherwise. And he had just wiped out an entire wave of A-rank monsters in seconds.


    Ding!


    [You have reached Level 50.]


    [You are now a C-rank.]


    [+10 to all stats]


    Ding!


    [Error! You cannot increase your strength beyond this point in the tutorial.]


    [You have earned the chance to choose an ability from three options.]


    Tch!


    Alex clicked his tongue.


    Since he had already pushed his attributes to 500, any extra points were useless. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What a waste.


    But he didn''t have time to dwell on it.


    A new wave of gnolls charged, their bloodstained weapons raised high, their snarling faces twisted in feral hunger.


    Alex exhaled slowly.


    Then, in a calm, controlled voice, he muttered¡ª


    "Dominus."


    WHOOM.


    A crushing wave of authority crashed onto the battlefield.


    And the gnolls froze mid-charge.


    Their eyes, wide with sudden terror, flickered with resistance¡ªthen emptied.


    Their bodies locked in place, muscles stiff and unresponsive, as if the very concept of movement had been stolen from them.


    Then¡ª


    Alex moved.


    In a flash, he shot forward, Murzok Fangblade gleaming in his grip.


    SHING!


    By the time the gnolls even registered what had happened¡ª


    They were already dead.


    Limbs separated from bodies.


    Flesh parted like paper.


    Lifeblood painted the battlefield.


    But there was no time to stop.


    More gnolls poured in, an endless flood of fur, fangs, and steel.


    Alex didn''t falter.


    Didn''t hesitate.


    Didn''t stop.


    He cut through them like a storm, his blade a blur of silver and crimson.


    He wasn''t even using a movement skill¡ªhe didn''t need to.


    The number in his agility was monstrous enough, which made his speed unnatural.


    To the gnolls, he wasn''t a man.


    He was a ghost-like reaper.


    His eyes flickered, catching even the slightest movement.


    A gnoll raises a weapon? Dead.


    More tried to flank him? Slaughtered.


    Some attempted to fall back? Futile.


    Alex reacted to everything, dodging, weaving, and erasing anything that stood in his way.


    Many ding of a [Level Up] notification rang in his ears, but he barely paid it any mind.


    As a massive presence suddenly filled the battlefield.


    It was a towering gnoll, easily 12 feet tall with thick, blackened fur, marred with ritual scars, each one glowing with pulsing blood runes.


    Its eyes burned like molten coals, filled with raw malice and hunger.


    And in its hands¡ªA colossal bone axe, its jagged edges stained crimson with the blood of its past victims.


    [Watbringer Razorgut, the Executioner - Rank A (R)]


    A deep, guttural laugh rumbled from its throat.


    Then¡ª


    With a roar, it raised its axe high and...

 Chapter 219 - 219: The Warbringers

    With a roar, it raised its axe high and brought it down with titanic force.


    CRACK!


    The ground exploded beneath the impact, as bones shattered and erupted, turning into a deadly storm of flying shrapnel.


    Hundreds of razor-sharp fragments¡ª


    All shooting straight for him.


    But Alex didn''t even blink, a shimmering barrier of energy flickering around him.


    SLAM!


    SLAM!


    SLAM!


    The deadly shards struck the barrier¡ªonly to rebound at full force.


    WHOOSH!


    The shrapnel ripped through the air, piercing the nearby gnolls with brutal precision.


    Their own executioner''s attack had turned against them.


    SPLURT!


    Cries of agony filled the battlefield as blood sprayed in all directions.


    But Razorgut remains unaffected.


    The massive gnoll roared, shaking the ruins, then charged forward, its colossal form like a runaway freight train.


    And as it thundered toward Alex¡ª


    The blood of the fallen began to rise.


    It twisted through the air, slithering like living veins, drawn toward Razorgut''s body by some unseen force.


    The executioner was absorbing the fallen¡ª


    The crimson tide slithered across the battlefield, pooling around the fallen like a living entity.


    It snaked up Razorgut''s legs, soaking into its blackened fur before hardening into a thick, pulsating carapace of blood armor.


    THUMP


    THUMP


    THUMP


    The armor pulsed like a beating heart, each throb sending raw power coursing through its monstrous frame.


    Its muscles bulged unnaturally.


    Its veins blackened, thickening like cords of steel beneath its hide.


    A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat¡ªthen...


    CRACK!


    Razorgut''s bones twisted and strengthened, its monstrous frame expanding, its body adapting with horrifying efficiency.


    It had activated [Feast of the Slaughtered].


    Its speed doubled.


    Its reflexes sharpened to a supernatural level.


    The gnoll''s jagged fangs clashed together in a horrifying grind of bone and steel.


    Then...


    BOOM!


    The executioner kicked off the ground.


    The sheer force of its launch shattered the stone beneath its feet, sending debris flying in every direction.


    In the blink of an eye¡ªIt was already on Alex.


    It''s colossal bone axe came crashing down, slicing through the air with a deafening howl.


    The sheer force behind the swing shattered the earth beneath it, sending cracks racing outward like lightning bolts.


    If it landed, the impact alone could have split a mountain in two.


    But¡ª


    It never connected.


    A flash of silver.


    For a split second, nothing seemed to happen.


    Then¡ª


    THUD.


    Razorgut''s severed head hit the ground with a sickening weight, rolling once... twice... before coming to a complete stop.


    Its empty eyes still burned with the rage of battle, but there was nothing left behind them.


    The massive body lurched forward, staggering as if still trying to fight.


    As if it hadn''t realized¡ª


    It was already dead.


    Then¡ª


    It collapsed, lifeless.


    Alex stood exactly where he had been, Murzok Fangblade outstretched, his stance unshaken.


    His blade gleamed under the crimson sky, slick with fresh blood.


    He had moved so fast¡ªso ridiculously fast¡ªthat to the outside eye, it looked like he hadn''t moved at all.


    Then¡ª


    Ding!


    [You have killed Warbringer Razorgut, the Butcher]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have received 15 stats points]


    [You have received 3 powerstones]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking in]


    [You have received additional 15 stats points]


    [You have received additional 3 powerstones]


    Alex grinned.


    His level was rocketing toward 60.


    And he hadn''t even broken a sweat.


    But¡ªThe battle wasn''t over.


    The gnolls were still coming.


    A flood of fangs and fury, their howls shaking the ruins.


    But among them, three stood out.


    They reeked of power.


    Each of them as strong as Razorgut.


    And then¡ªA fourth one.


    It didn''t make itself visible, hiding in the shadows¡ªwatching, waiting.


    Alex grinned.


    He let it think it was hidden. For now.


    The first of the three noticeable ones?


    A hunched figure, draped in tattered, blood-soaked robes.


    Its black fur was streaked with deep crimson war paint.


    Bone charms clattered against each other with every eerie movement, rattling like the whispers of the damned.


    In its clawed grip, a twisted staff¡ªa grotesque fusion of fused bones and dark iron¡ªpulsed with an unnatural glow, as if it were alive.


    Its glowing green eyes locked onto Alex, gleaming with malevolent intent.


    [Warbringer Gorehowl, the War Shaman ¨C Rank A (R)]


    Alex didn''t blink.


    Then came the second.


    A towering brute.


    Its frame was packed with raw, frenzied muscle, its sheer size making the others look like malnourished pups.


    Its fur was a deep, dark red¡ªnot from birth, but from the dried blood of countless victims.


    It wore no armor. It didn''t need any.


    Its body was a weapon.


    Its jagged fangs, permanently stained black, gleamed as it pulled back its lips into a sadistic grin.


    And its wild, predatory gaze never left Alex.


    It was looking at him like prey.


    [Warbringer Blackmaw, the Berserker Alpha ¨C Rank A (R)] S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then came the last.


    A colossal, armored juggernaut loomed over the battlefield, nearly ten feet tall.


    Its storm-gray fur was barely visible beneath the thick steel plating fused directly into its flesh, each plate scarred and battered from countless battles.


    Its eyes burned like embers, a fortress in motion.


    In one massive hand, it gripped a battle hammer that could crush boulders like brittle glass.


    The other held a tower shield¡ªa slab of steel so massive it could stop siege weapons.


    Then, with a grinding of gears, the shield shifted.


    Metal plates unfolded, twisted, and locked into place¡ªtransforming in seconds into a wickedly serrated greatsword, gleaming under the blood-red sky.


    [Warbringer Doomcarver, the Juggernaut ¨C Rank A (R)]


    It didn''t need words.


    Its presence alone was enough to crush the air with its sheer dominance.


    But Gorehowl?


    Gorehowl wanted words.


    The war shaman grunted, its throat rumbling with something ancient and cruel as it lifted its twisted staff high.


    " Human."


    Its clawed fingers curled tighter around the gnarled wood.


    Dark energy crackled along its length, thick with malice and hunger.


    Then, in a voice low and dark, dripping with venom, it uttered a single command¡ª


    "Die."


    Then¡ª


    A spine-chilling roar tore through the battlefield.


    A pulse of necrotic energy erupted from Gorehowl''s staff, rippling outward like a shockwave of pure death.


    The very air twisted under its power.


    The stench of decay thickened, suffocating, as the wave expanded like a collapsing star, devouring everything in its path.


    Screeches filled the battlefield.


    Lesser gnolls, caught in the blast, convulsed violently.


    Their flesh withered, shriveling like dried leaves.


    Their bones cracked, turning brittle, fragile, dust.


    Some didn''t even get the chance to scream¡ªthey simply crumbled where they stood.


    The ground blackened, veins of dark corruption splintering across the earth as if the land itself was rotting away.


    And still, the death wave surged forward¡ªhungry, unstoppable, inevitable.


    Straight toward Alex.


    Whose grin widened, eyes gleaming¡ªnot with fear, but with something else.


    Excitement.


    The instant before the wave consumed him¡ª


    SHOOM!


    A shimmering barrier flared to life, wrapping around him like a translucent sphere of pure, unbreakable force.


    The necrotic energy collided with it like a crashing tsunami¡ª


    HISSSSSSS!


    The dark magic writhing, twisting, shrieking, as if in pain, unable to penetrate the barrier.


    It lashed out, coiling like a serpent against the shield''s surface¡ª


    But it was useless.


    The wave of death disintegrated, its power fizzling away into nothing.


    Alex stood there, untouched.


    His smirk turned feral.


    Then¡ª


    He threw his head back and roared using [Echo of Annihilation]


    A sonic shockwave exploded outward.


    But it was not just sound¡ªIt was pure, devastating force.

 Chapter 220 - 220: One Punch

    A deep, bone-rattling roar exploded from Alex''s lungs, shaking the very air.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    A visible shockwave¡ªthick, rippling with raw power¡ªdetonated outward, tearing through the battlefield like an invisible tsunami.


    The earth beneath Alex split apart, stone and dirt shattering from the sheer force.


    The concussive blast ripped forward¡ªunstoppable, a force of nature¡ªaimed directly at Gorehowl, the War Shaman.


    But Doomcrusher, the Armored Juggernaut, was already moving.


    With a mechanical CLANK, his massive greatsword shifted, plates sliding and locking as it transformed back into a towering, unbreakable shield.


    Then¡ª


    BOOOOOOM!


    The shockwave slammed into Doomcrusher''s shield with the force of an earthquake. The sheer impact rippled through the metal, sending out a deep, thunderous vibration.


    The ground beneath them cracked apart, jagged fissures racing outward as raw energy tore through the battlefield.


    But Doomcrusher didn''t move an inch.


    THUD!


    His boots dug into the shattered ground, holding firm against the storm of destruction.


    But even the unyielding wall of steel couldn''t fully absorb the impact.


    The sheer force ripped through Doomcrusher''s defenses, sending a violent tremor through his body.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    His colossal frame was launched backward like a fired cannonball.


    The armored juggernaut, a living fortress, was now airborne, hurtling straight toward Gorehowl.


    CRASH!


    A thunderous impact.


    The two gnolls slammed together, their combined weight skidding across the battlefield like a wrecking ball. Their bodies plowed into a pile of broken stone and jagged bones, shattering debris in all directions.


    Dust and blood filled the air.


    Then¡ª


    A howl.


    Not just any howl.


    A sound that made the air vibrate, sinking deep into the bones of all who heard it.


    A deep, guttural command that echoed across the war-torn field.


    It was the third gnoll.


    Blackmaw.


    His fur bristled, his sinewy muscles tensed, and his fangs gleamed in a twisted, predatory grin.


    His voice rolled over the battlefield, thick with authority.


    Blackmaw''s piercing gaze then swept over the remaining gnolls, his twisted grin widening.


    A dark, pulsing energy radiated from him¡ªan invisible command crawling into their bones, sinking deep into their very instincts.


    A skill.


    One that ripped away fear and replaced it with pure, unrelenting bloodlust.


    For a single breath, the gnolls froze¡ªtheir bodies tense, their minds teetering on the edge of reason.


    Then¡ª


    They snapped.


    Their bodies bulged, muscles expanding, stretching their skin taut.


    Veins darkened, writhing beneath their fur like living serpents.


    Their yellowed eyes burned crimson, pupils shrinking to slits as unhinged hunger took over.


    Their snarls turned to feral, primal roars, saliva dripping from glistening fangs.


    The battlefield shook beneath their clawed feet as they charged, reckless and unstoppable.


    A tidal wave of rage, fur, and steel crashed toward Alex.


    A wall of gnashing teeth, slashing claws, and bloodthirsty eyes¡ªall aiming to tear him apart.


    But Alex was already gone.


    A blur.


    Fangs snapped at empty air. Blades sliced nothing but shadows.


    Then a spray of crimson.


    Alex blitz through them, his sword lashing out in sharp motions.


    Every movement was precise.


    Every counterattack was brutal, efficient, and absolute.


    He was untouchable.


    One by one, the gnolls fell, their bodies hitting the dirt before they even realized they were dead.


    And in seconds¡ªhe was there.


    Face-to-face with Blackmaw.


    A blur of silver and black shot toward the Berserker Alpha¡ªfast, deadly, inescapable.


    But Blackmaw didn''t panic.


    He grinned.


    Blackmaw wasn''t afraid.


    If anything, he looked amused.


    His grin widened, fangs bared in savage confidence.


    He was strong. He knew he was strong.


    So when Alex came at him, he didn''t dodge. He didn''t flinch.


    He attacked.


    His massive, clawed fist reeled back, muscles bulging, veins pulsing with berserk power.


    Alex didn''t slow.


    He didn''t hesitate.


    He met the attack head-on.


    Their fists clashed¡ª


    Or so it seemed.


    A split second before impact, something went wrong.


    Blackmaw''s fist... passed right through Alex.


    A flicker. A distortion.


    Like punching through a mirage.


    And in that moment¡ªbefore Blackmaw could even process what had happened¡ª


    CRACK!


    Alex''s knuckles smashed into the gnoll''s face.


    BOOM!


    A gruesome explosion of flesh, fur, and bone erupted into the air.


    Blackmaw''s skull? Gone.


    Obliterated.


    His massive body staggered, swayed¡ªthen collapsed in a lifeless heap.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Blackmaw ¨C The Berserker Alpha]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have leveled up]


    [You have received¡­]


    The system notifications flooded Alex''s vision.


    But he barely noticed.


    His focus was still on the battlefield.


    Because the next attack was already coming.


    A jagged beam of pure darkness tore through the air¡ªfired straight from Gorehowl''s twisted bone staff.


    The War Shaman had recovered. And he wasn''t hesitating.


    Alex''s eyes locked onto the incoming attack.


    That energy¡­ It felt the same as before.


    The same necrotic power that rotted everything in its path.


    SHOOM!


    The black energy spiraled toward him, twisting, writhing¡ªits surface crawling like a thousand screaming souls.


    It came fast.


    But Alex didn''t move.


    Didn''t blink.


    Didn''t flinch.


    The moment it reached him¡ª S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    FWOOM!


    His barrier flared to life, shimmering like an unbreakable sphere of arcane energy.


    The necrotic blast slammed against it¡ªhissing, crackling, fighting to break through.


    But it couldn''t.


    It vanished.


    As if the attack had been swallowed whole.


    Alex''s Arcane Dominion pulsed around him, absorbing the spell without leaving a trace.


    Gorehowl snarled seeing Alex stood untouched.


    His glowing green eyes narrowed, frustration twisting his already monstrous face.


    Then¡ªhe fired again.


    More.


    A relentless barrage of twisting black energy spewed from his staff, crackling with raw necrotic power.


    But it didn''t matter.


    Alex''s barrier, [Arcane Dominion], devoured every single blast.


    Every. Single. One.


    Gorehowl growled, his clawed grip tightening around his staff.


    But then¡ª


    BOOM!


    A thunderous roar split the battlefield.


    Doomcrusher had recovered.


    And this time, he didn''t just charge.


    He came like a living war machine.


    His shield shifted, unfolding back into a towering greatsword.


    Now, in one hand, he gripped a massive battle axe.


    In the other, the colossal blade.


    Every step was a small earthquake, the ground splitting under his sheer weight.


    A battering ram of steel and fury, heading straight for Alex.

 Chapter 221 - 221: An Arm

    But Alex, unshaken, simply raised a hand.


    Then a spark.


    A single, fleeting flicker of energy¡ªsmall, almost insignificant.


    But then...


    WHOOSH!


    Black flames erupted.


    Not just fire¡ªa living beast, an all-consuming inferno that roared to life, hungry and wild.


    And it didn''t just spread. It lunged.


    Like a bolt of pure destruction, it surged forward, twisting and writhing like a shadow given form towards the tank like Gnoll.


    The heat alone was suffocating, warping the air, devouring light itself.


    Doomcrusher''s instincts screamed.


    Danger.


    His muscles coiled, his fangs bared in a snarl as he snapped his massive tower shield up, its steel plating catching the fire''s unholy glow.


    He dug his feet into the ground, the earth cracking beneath his sheer weight.


    A wall of steel against an abyssal blaze.


    He braced for impact.


    But... S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was useless.


    BOOM!


    The black flames collided with the shield, but instead of stopping¡ªit flowed around it.


    Like they had a mind of their own, the inferno split apart¡ªflowing around the shield like water, slithering over and under, wrapping around the gnoll''s armored body.


    And then¡ª


    It engulfed him.


    And consumed.


    Ssssshhhhhhh¡ª


    The sickening sound of metal sizzling and flesh searing filled the air.


    Then...


    "RAAAAAAHHHH!"


    A piercing, guttural scream ripped from Doomcrusher''s throat, shaking the battlefield like a war horn of pure agony.


    The black flames ate into its body, devouring its fur, melting through the steel-plated armor.


    His muscles twisted, his flesh blistered, his bones creaked under the heat¡ªbut he didn''t stop.


    Instead¡ªHe roared forward.


    Like an unstoppable juggernaut.


    Like a beast that refused to die.


    Every step was a thunderous quake, sending tremors through the ground.


    A towering inferno marching toward Alex, the gnoll''s once-gray fur now a blazing coat of blackened embers.


    His armor glowed red-hot, molten lines splitting through its surface, but he didn''t slow down.


    Didn''t stumble.


    Didn''t even hesitate.


    The pain should have crippled him. Should have brought him to his knees.


    Yet, Doomcrusher charged.


    And then¡ªthe Gnoll laughed.


    At first, it was low, a deep, guttural growl rumbling from Doomcrusher''s throat, vibrating through his burning chest.


    Then¡ªIt twisted.


    The sound crackled and snapped, breaking apart into something else¡ªa crazed, hyena-like cackle.


    A sound that didn''t belong to something in pain.


    But something that enjoyed it.


    Something that thrived, in the agony, in the chaos of battle.


    Alex''s expression didn''t change.


    Not even a flicker of surprise.


    Instead, he simply shook his head.


    "Fine...I''ll try something else."


    But first¡ª


    Alex''s eyes flashed.


    [Omni Gaze]¡ªActive.


    A pulse of energy rippled through his vision.


    Nothing could hide from him.


    Not in the smoke.


    Not in the chaos.


    Not in the shadows.


    Something moved behind him.


    Fast.


    A flicker of motion¡ªsilent, precise, deadly.


    A mottled gray shape, slithering through the battlefield like a phantom.


    A gnoll.


    Lean. Wiry. Ruthless.


    A shadow given form.


    The fourth Warbringer.


    [Warbringer Snarltooth, the Shadow Stalker]


    Snarltooth struck¡ªfast, ruthless, precise.


    Its venom-dripping claws slashed toward Alex''s exposed back.


    One scratch. That''s all it needed.


    And the poison would do the rest.


    But Alex...


    Alex was already three steps ahead.


    At the last second¡ª


    His hand shot up like a viper, fingers closing tight around the gnoll''s wrist mid-strike.


    The attack stopped cold.


    Not even a drop of poison touched him.


    Snarltooth''s glowing yellow eyes widened in disbelief.


    It''s perfect ambush was ruined.


    The gnoll panicked, its free hand darted to its belt, yanking out a jagged dagger¡ªaiming to stab Alex in the side and break free.


    To disappear. To try again.


    A desperate move.


    A futile one.


    Alex did not give it a chance.


    And Snarltooth wasn''t fast enough.


    Alex''s grip tightened¡ªthen he yanked the gnoll upward by the hand.


    Hard.


    The sudden force ripped Snarltooth off the ground, in a swift motion.


    And then¡ª


    SLAM!


    He drove the gnoll into the earth like a meteor, bones snapping on impact.


    CRACK!


    Then again¡ª


    BOOM!


    The ground shuddered.


    Again¡ª


    SPLAT!


    The battlefield trembled with every brutal, earth-crushing impact.


    Snarltooth''s body twitched violently, every broken bone grinding against the other¡ªa sickening symphony of cracks and shatters.


    But Alex wasn''t done.


    One more time.


    BOOM!


    The gnoll let out a choked, garbled wheeze, blood dripping down its lips.


    Alex ripped Snarltooth''s now-limp body off the ground, his grip still firm.


    He was about to finish the Gnoll off¡ªBut Doomcrusher was right was right behind him.


    Its axe raised.


    Alex then smirked as he muttered.


    "Two problems. One solution."


    And with a single, monstrous swing¡ªHe hurled Snarltooth''s battered body like a club.


    The broken gnoll spun violently through the air¡ªa blur of fur, blood, and shattered bones.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    Snarltooth collided headfirst into Doomcrusher.


    The shadow gnoll slammed into Doomcrusher¡ªAnd both hulking gnolls were sent flying like ragdolls, their massive bodies crashing into the ruined remains of a crumbling fortress wall.


    BOOM!


    The stone shattered under the impact, sending a cloud of dust and debris billowing into the air.


    Then¡ª


    Alex realized he was still holding something.


    His fingers flexed.


    Fur. Coarse. Matted with blood and sweat.


    Warm.


    He glanced down, and in his grasp was the Gnoll severed arm.


    He had ripped it clean off Snarltooth''s body without even realizing it.


    The severed stump was a mess of torn flesh and exposed bone, the wound still wet and slick with fresh blood.


    The bone jutted out, twitching slightly, as if the limb itself hadn''t yet realized it was no longer attached to its owner.


    A thin sheen of venom oozed from the gnoll''s claws, dripping sluggishly like thick, green resin, sizzling faintly as it met the dirt.


    Alex stared at it for a moment.


    Then¡ªhe let it drop.


    THUD!


    He flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulder.


    The raw strength he had just displayed was no joke.


    He hadn''t just wounded Snarltooth.


    He had disabled the humanoid hyena¡ªpermanently.


    Alex exhaled, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    "Well..." His gaze flicked toward the crumpled heap that was Snarltooth''s body.


    "I might as well make it permanently dead."

 Chapter 222 - 222: Spectral Barrage

    Alex raised his hand¡ª


    But before he could strike, a wave of dark energy came streaking toward him, cutting through the air like a barrage of bullets.


    His eyes flicked toward the source.


    Gorehowl.


    From a distance, the war shaman stood tall, its jagged staff crackling with void energy.


    It snarled¡ªthen hurled more.


    One. Two. Three.


    A relentless flood of screaming black orbs, each one pulsating with raw destruction, raced toward Alex.


    But¡ª


    FWOOM.


    Alex''s barrier flared to life.


    One after another, the void energy vanished into nothingness, consumed by the power surrounding him.


    Then¡ªHe willed it.


    The barrier twisted. Warped.


    Reversed.


    All that stolen power¡ªevery ounce of it¡ªturned against its master.


    A storm of pure death erupted from Alex, roaring back toward Gorehowl at blinding speed.


    Gorehowl''s glowing eyes widened.


    It twisted its body, desperately trying to dodge.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    But the orb slammed straight into its chest.


    The impact sent the gnoll hurtling backward, its body flipping and tumbling across the battlefield. Its robes ignited, burning away in tattered, smoking strips.


    A ragged, guttural snarl of pain tore from its throat.


    But Alex didn''t even spare it a glance.


    His focus shifted back to Snarltooth.


    Snarltooth clutched at the bloody stump where its arm used to be, its entire body trembling.


    Its breathing hitched, its mind finally catching up to what had happened.


    It had lost an arm.


    Then¡ªA scream.


    Raw. Piercing. Filled with agony.


    Alex winced.


    "Loud."


    He muttered, covering his ears with a slight grimace.


    Then, without hesitation, he raised his hand.


    This moment?


    Planned.


    He had set an explosion disk on it, the moment the three Warbringers had arrived¡ªthe second he spotted Snarltooth lurking close to him in stealth.


    A safety measure. A death sentence.


    And now?


    It was time.


    Behind Snarltooth, Doomcrusher stirred.


    The massive juggernaut rose to its feet, its armored form creaking, embers still smoldering across its scorched body.


    The black flames continued to lick at its flesh, peeling away charred layers.


    But the gnoll didn''t stop.


    It simply picked up its weapon.


    A giant axe in one hand. A towering greatsword in the other.


    And with slow, deliberate steps¡ªDoomcrusher began to move.


    Alex narrowed his eyes. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was oerfect.


    The explosion would take care of both of them.


    So¡ª


    Alex snapped his fingers.


    And Snarltooth detonated.


    BOOM!


    A violent eruption of black mist and raw energy tore through the battlefield¡ªlike a miniature nuke going off at ground zero.


    The blast ripped through the air, a shockwave rolling outward in an unstoppable surge. Stone shattered. The ground cracked apart. A cyclone of dust and ash billowed high into the sky, swallowing everything in its wake.


    And Doomcrusher?


    The juggernaut never even saw it coming.


    Still advancing. Still burning.


    And then¡ªgone.


    Consumed by the hellish inferno.


    Then¡ª


    A notification flickered into Alex''s vision.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Warbringer Snarltooth ¨C The Shadow Stalker.]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have received 15 stat points.]


    [You have received 3 powerstones.]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 15 stats points]


    [You have received an additional 3 powerstones]


    Alex barely reacted.


    Stats? Power stones? Meh.


    The rewards didn''t excite him anymore.


    What he really wanted was skills.


    But the system wasn''t handing them out for just any kill anymore. The easy days of racking up skills were long gone.


    If he wanted something special¡ªhe''d have to take down the Beast Lord.


    And he was hellasure that whatever skill he''d get from that fight¡­


    Would be on a whole other level.


    Alex exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders.


    His gaze flicked to the corner of his vision.


    His level had now climbed to 62.


    Then¡ª


    Another notification blinked into existence.


    [You have reached Level 60.]


    [You now have the option of choosing a new skill.]


    Alex paused.


    Then blinked.


    Oh. Right.


    He''d almost forgotten about that.


    His fingers twitched slightly as he glanced at the notification.


    This made two.


    Two skills he still had to pick.


    One from when he hit Level 50¡ªhis leap into C-Rank.


    And now, this one.


    Two skills.


    Two potential S-Rank abilities.


    Now that was something worth looking forward to.


    His lips curled into a grin.


    "Nice."


    He chuckled to himself, rolling his shoulders, feeling the tension ease.


    This was just the beginning.


    Once he took down the Beast Lord?


    Even more skills. Even more power.


    And he had no intention of settling for less¡ªevery single one of them was going to reach S-Rank.


    But¡ª


    His grin faded as his attention snapped back to the aftermath of the explosion.


    The dust was still settling, black smoke twisting in the air.


    He had gotten a notification he had killed the Warbringer Snarltooth.


    But¡ª


    Where was the second notification?


    His eyes narrowed.


    That meant only one thing...


    The stubborn gnoll still hadn''t died.


    FWOOOSH!


    A burning figure shot out of the smoke and wreckage like a comet of death.


    Doomcrusher.


    Wow!


    Alex''s smile widened. He had to give the damn thing some credit.


    The gnoll was barely recognizable¡ªits once-mighty form reduced to a charred, skeletal husk. Patches of meat clung stubbornly to its bones, peeling away in thick, dripping chunks, oozing down like melted wax.


    Flames still clung to its body, flickering inside its hollow eye sockets, turning it into a walking corpse.


    Yet¡ªit still stood.


    It still moved.


    Alex tilted his head, taking in the towering, smoldering monstrosity that had once been Doomcrusher.


    "Well¡­ this is nostalgic."


    The way the flames devoured its flesh¡ªmerciless, insatiable.


    The way its bones peeked through charred sinew, glistening wet under the firelight.


    It reminded him of something.


    The undead horrors from the nightmare.


    But Alex wasn''t just here to watch.


    No.


    He wanted to test something out.


    A skill he hadn''t used before.


    A skill that had evolved into something greater.


    [Spectral Barrage]


    He activated it.


    A cold, ghostly aura erupted around him, coiling like mist, swirling with unnatural energy. The air crackled with an eerie hum, vibrating with the weight of power.


    Then¡ªdaggers appeared.


    Not just a few.


    Dozens.


    They materialized from the void, flickering into existence like ghosts, floating, shimmering, vibrating with lethal intent.


    Each one was translucent, forged from pure spectral energy, their razor-sharp edges distorting the air around them. A faint, eerie hum filled the battlefield¡ªthe sound of death waiting to strike.


    They hovered around Alex, orbiting him like a storm of blades, restless, hungry.


    Alex raised a single finger.


    The daggers snapped to attention.


    Then, as if obeying an unseen force¡ªthey rotated, their tips angling downward, all locked onto Doomcrusher''s burning, skeletal frame.


    The execution was set.


    Then with a flick of his wrist.


    The daggers moved.


    A heartbeat later¡ªthey fell.


    Like a lethal storm, they rained down in a relentless barrage.


    SHNK!


    SHNK!


    SHNK!


    Each spectral blade sank deep into the gnoll''s charred body.


    Ripping through.


    Splintering bone.


    The sheer force of the assault made the massive beast jerk violently, its burnt, skeletal frame convulsing under the relentless onslaught.


    Yet¡ªit did not fall.


    It kept moving.


    Doomcrusher, the undying brute, staggered forward.


    Its eyes¡ªif they could still be called that¡ªburned with a sick, unyielding fury.

 Chapter 223 - 223: Crimson Tyrant [1]

    A walking corpse of rage.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    This thing just wouldn''t go down.


    Fine.


    More daggers materialized¡ªa fresh storm of spectral blades, forming in the air like a shimmering, ghostly halo.


    More.


    And more.


    Then¡ªthey struck.


    A relentless onslaught of piercing death, each dagger spearing through Doomcrusher''s burned, skeletal frame.


    SHNK!


    SHNK!


    SHNK!


    Blade after blade impaled it, shredding every inch, stabbing deep into its brittle bone.


    Yet¡ªit still moved.


    Its breaths came in ragged, guttural growls.


    Alex was amused.


    By all logic, it should have collapsed.


    But this juggernaut didn''t seem to be built on logic.


    But rather on hate.


    This Warbringer¡ªwas built to endure.


    But endurance had its limits.


    And Alex pushed past them.


    More daggers formed¡ªa shimmering, spectral storm, swirling with deadly intent.


    Then¡ªthey struck.


    SHNK!


    A blade pierced Doomcrusher''s chest, sinking deep.


    SHNK!


    Another dagger ripped through its leg, cutting through, nearly toppling it.


    More.


    More.


    Each impact staggered the beast, its monstrous frame swaying, struggling to stay upright.


    To fight until its body gave out.


    To refuse death until it had no other choice.


    More daggers.


    More piercing. More slashing. More eviscerating.


    Each spectral blade tore deeper, slicing through burnt sinew, splitting bone, severing what little life remained.


    Doomcrusher''s steps staggered.


    One more.


    SHNK!


    Its body trembled.


    One more.


    SHNK!


    Its massive form lurched forward, towering over Alex¡ª


    And then¡ª


    Finally.


    It fell.


    The colossal gnoll, now a walking pincushion of spectral blades, collapsed.


    Dead.


    Right in front of him.


    Alex exhaled as a notification pinged in his vision.


    Ding!


    [You have killed Warbringer Doomcrusher ¨C The Indomitable Juggernaut.]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have received 10 stats points]


    [You have received 3 powerstones]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received an additional 15 stats points]


    [You have received an additional 3 powerstones]


    His level was now 64.


    And there were only two gnolls left.


    The War Shaman, and his main target¡ªthe Beast Lord.


    Alex''s gaze snapped to Gorehowl, the last of the Warbringers.


    The gnoll stood still, its glowing eyes locked onto him, its grip tight around its staff.


    The jagged burn across its chest still smoldered, the wound fresh, raw, yet the creature showed no pain.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Why wasn''t it attacking?


    Why hadn''t it made a move while he was tearing its ally apart?


    Something was off.


    Then¡ªHe saw it.


    With [Omniview], the answer became clear.


    Then¡ªhe grinned.


    "Oh, so this is your ploy."


    Instead of fighting head-on, the shaman had been setting traps¡ªcarefully, deliberately.


    All around the entire ruins.


    It had woven runes into the ground, hiding them beneath rubble, beneath shadows¡ªeach one a silent executioner waiting to be triggered.


    A single step on one of them, and¡ªboom.


    The rune would activate, disrupting mana flow, and flooding its victim with immense, searing pain.


    A cruel, strategic move.


    But Alex wasn''t worried.


    It didn''t matter what the gnoll did.


    It was still going to die.


    Just like the rest.


    He took a step forward.


    And Gorehowl jerked its staff into the air and let out a guttural, twisted chant.


    A haunting hum.


    A pulse of dark sigils rippled outward.


    Then¡ªthe symbols ignited.


    The ground shuddered.


    And from the glowing sigils¡ªfire erupted.


    But not normal fire.


    It coiled and curled, writhing like living things, twisting into shapes.


    Bodies.


    An animal.


    Wolves.


    Five massive, spectral beasts, their forms flickering with hellish flame, rose from the abyss¡ªsummoned from the depths of dark sorcery.


    Their eyes burned like dying stars.


    Their fangs dripped with embers.


    Each wolf was nothing but charred bone and raging fire¡ªno flesh, no fur.


    Their hollow eye sockets burned with pure malice.


    Then¡ªGorehowl moved.


    A single, clawed finger rose.


    Pointed.


    Straight at Alex.


    And as if answering a silent command¡ª


    The wolves roared.


    A deafening, guttural sound that shook the battlefield.


    Then, as one¡ªthey charged.


    With every step, their claws dripped molten heat, sizzling against the ruined ground.


    Flames trailed in their wake, scorching everything beneath them as they surged forward in a frenzied stampede.


    Alex tilted his head, unfazed.


    Then¡ªhis feet left the ground.


    The wind bent to his will, lifting him smoothly into the air as he activated [Aerovale].


    If he couldn''t step on the trap he might as well fly over it.


    He hovered effortlessly rising above the battlefield.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    A shockwave erupted as Alex blasted forward, the air itself splitting from the sheer force of his acceleration.


    The ground cracked beneath him, debris and dust scattering in his wake.


    The spectral wolves?


    They never stood a chance.


    The impact alone sent them hurtling backward, their fiery forms ripped apart, dissolving into nothing but scattered embers in the wind.


    And in that same instant¡ª


    Alex was in front of Gorehowl.


    Too fast.


    Too sudden.


    The gnoll''s breath hitched.


    Its glowing eyes¡ªwild, frantic¡ªwidened.


    Shock.


    Terror.


    Panic.


    Pure, primal panic. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The gnoll whirled around, claws scrabbling against the cracked earth.


    It tried to run.


    Tried to escape.


    Its staff nearly slipped from its grasp as it stumbled.


    But Alex wasn''t about to let that happen.


    His hand snapped forward as he used [Godhand]


    An invisible force surged outward¡ªgripping Gorehowl like an unbreakable vice.


    The gnoll screeched.


    Its limbs flailed.


    It struggled. Desperate. Frantic.


    But the grip was absolute.


    And then¡ªhe yanked.


    WHAM!


    Gorehowl''s body whipped backward, its feet leaving the ground.


    The invisible force yanked it through the air¡ªhurtling toward Alex like a helpless puppet on tangled strings.


    It had no time to react.


    No time to defend itself.


    Then¡ª


    Alex''s blades pierced upward.


    SHUNK!


    Straight beneath its jaw.


    Straight through the skull.


    The gnoll jerked violently.


    Its claws twitched, flexing¡ªas if trying to grasp at life.


    Its breath hitched.


    Then¡ª


    It went limp.


    A wet squelch echoed through the air as Alex yanked the blades free.


    Gorehowl''s lifeless corpse slumped forward¡ªthen slid off the weapons, crumpling to the ground in a heap.


    A flicker of light flashed across his vision.


    A level-up notification.


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    Along with the rest of the rewards, but Alex ignored them.


    He muttered, almost lazily¡ª"Four down."


    "One more to go."


    Then¡ªsilence.


    Just the distant crackle of embers, and the sound of Alex''s breathing.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    The ground shuddered.


    The very air vibrated.


    And behind him¡ªa shadow loomed swallowing the light.


    An immense pressure.


    Like a mountain dropping onto his shoulders.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Because now¡ªonly one remained.


    The one he had been waiting for.


    [Beast Lord Khan - The Crimson Tyrant (Rank S)]


    Alex turned.


    And what met him, was an obsidian battle axe, dripping with blood.

 Chapter 224 - 224: Crimson Tyrant [2]

    The axe cleaved through Alex, slicing him clean in half.


    A perfect, brutal cut with powerful force


    BOOM!


    A shockwave erupted, tearing through the battlefield, ripping apart the air itself.


    It barreled forward, slamming into a ruined building in the distance¡ª


    KRA-KOOM!


    The entire structure detonated, debris scattering like shrapnel.


    Khan¡ªthe gigantic gnoll¡ªstood tall, his massive battle axe raised.


    He huffed, exhaling a deep, guttural breath.


    That should have been enough.


    But then¡ªhe frowned.


    Something was wrong.


    Because the split Alex¡­ turned his head.


    With a grin.


    And then¡ªHis body dispersed into a blur.


    Like mist.


    Like an illusion.


    THUD.


    Khan''s ears twitched.


    He looked down.


    And saw his arm¡ªhis entire right arm¡ªthe one gripping his axe¡ª


    Was on the ground.


    Severed.


    Still clutching the weapon in lifeless fingers.


    For a long, frozen second¡ªKhan just stared at it.


    Then¡ªhe chuckled.


    A low, rumbling growl, almost amused.


    He turned, slowly, deliberately¡ª S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And saw Alex.


    Both hands in his pockets.


    A grin on his face.


    "You thought you did something special, didn''t you?"


    Alex''s voice was calm. Almost amused.


    But the Beast Lord didn''t reply.


    Didn''t even flinch.


    Even with its severed arm lying at its feet.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    This thing¡­ was different.


    It stood tall¡ªten feet of raw, unshaken ferocity.


    A hulking, battle-scarred gnoll, its body wrapped in black iron armor, plates dented and slashed from countless wars.


    Its fur, streaked with crimson markings, pulsed like they were alive, shifting and twisting with power.


    And those eyes.


    Glowing. Blood-red.


    Fixed on him.


    Not in rage.


    Not in pain.


    But in calm, ruthless intent.


    Its clawed hands flexed¡ª


    CRACKLE.


    Demonic energy surged around its fingers, sparking against the air, making the very atmosphere feel heavy.


    Alex could feel it.


    The sheer, suffocating power radiating from the Beast Lord.


    It was more than anything he had ever faced.


    More than any foe. Any creature.


    This¡­ was an S-Rank monster.


    ...


    "Dissapointing."


    Khan then spoke.


    His voice was low. Guttural.


    Like thunder rumbling through his chest.


    "A worthy adversary¡­ I''ve been waiting so long for your arrival."


    As the words left his lips¡ªFlesh twisted. Bone snapped.


    And just like that¡ªhis severed arm grew back.


    Like it was the most natural thing in the world.


    Alex barely reacted.


    Of course, it could do that.


    So could he.


    This type of beast¡ªthe ones that refused to die easily¡ªwas the most troublesome.


    But also the most fun to kill.


    A single thought danced through his mind.


    How many times can I slice it up before it finally stays down?


    He almost couldn''t wait to find out.


    Then, with a casual shrug, he responded.


    "Really? You''ve been waiting for me?"


    He cracked his knuckles, eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "Then I''m glad I''m here."


    Khan didn''t hesitate.


    His guttural voice rumbled through the battlefield.


    "Soon, you''ll regret saying that."


    A pulse of dark energy flared in his palm, swirling like liquid shadow.


    Then¡ªlike a nail to a magnet¡ªhis fallen axe ripped off the ground and snapped back into his grip.


    And with one slow, deliberate motion, he raised the weapon high.


    A deep, unnatural red glow pulsed around his entire body.


    Then¡ª


    The sky darkened further.


    The moon bled crimson.


    The air itself became heavier, thick with an eerie, choking pressure.


    And then¡ª


    The corpses on the battlefield twitched.


    At first, just a subtle squirm.


    Then¡ªa full-body spasm.


    But they weren''t coming back to life.


    Something worse was happening.


    The blood of the fallen gnolls oozed from their bodies, slithering like living tendrils.


    Their flesh shrunk¡ªwithered¡ªuntil all that remained were dry, empty husks.


    And the blood?


    It flowed.


    Not randomly.


    Not chaotically.


    It moved with purpose.


    Pooling¡ªrushing¡ªtoward the Beast Lord.


    Toward Khan.


    The blood tendrils slithered up Khan''s body, wrapping around his limbs, his torso¡ªseeping into his flesh.


    The Beast Lord groaned¡ªa low, guttural sound.


    He was growing stronger.


    Muscles swelled.


    His armor creaked under the sheer expansion of his body. His claws elongated, crackling with dark energy.


    His voice came out deeper, heavier¡ªdripping with arrogance.


    "I''ll bathe in your blood. With it, I will evolve¡ªbecome the true king."


    Alex watched, completely unmoved.


    King...of what exactly?


    He was confused but decided to focus on the fight.


    With a casual roll of his shoulders, he locked his fingers together¡ª


    And activated [Exploding Touch].


    He didn''t hesitate.


    The deadly explosion disk transferred straight into Khan''s body.


    The Beast Lord exhaled sharply, his transformation complete.


    And then...


    He howled.


    A deafening, bestial roar tore through the battlefield¡ª


    WHOOOOOM!


    A sonic wave of necrotic energy blasted outward.


    And Alex recognized it instantly.


    It was the same cursed ability Gorehowl had used.


    Oh¡­


    Alex let out a slight gasp as his body blurred out of the way, avoiding the incoming attack with inhuman speed.


    He had seen it coming with [Omni Gaze]


    So when Khan''s attack came¡ªit wasn''t a surprise.


    But before Alex could even land, a shadow loomed behind him.


    Khan.


    The Beast Lord was already mid-swing, his massive battle axe cleaving downward.


    BOOM!


    The ground erupted on impact¡ªstone and debris exploding outward like a volcanic blast.


    But once again, the attack missed.


    Alex had already repositioned.


    A deep, rumbling growl tore from Khan''s throat.


    And then¡ªthe Beast Lord charged.


    A reddish blur, moving at terrifying speed.


    His massive axe slashed through the air in a relentless storm¡ª


    Each swing unleashing a crimson arc of energy¡ªBlood Blades.


    Each one crackled with lethal power, slashing through the air like death itself.


    BOOM!


    BOOM!


    Each impact shattered the ground, cratering the battlefield.


    Husk corpses¡ªalready lifeless¡ªwere sent flying, torn apart by the sheer force of Khan''s relentless onslaught.


    His slashing storm of attacks was insanely fast.


    Insanely powerful.


    But¡­


    Not fast enough for Alex.


    WHOOSH!


    A searing crimson blade came for his throat.


    Alex''s body barely moved¡ªjust the slightest tilt.


    The attack missed by a hair.


    Then came the flurry.


    Dozens of slashes¡ªfaster, sharper, deadlier.


    Alex moved like a phantom, weaving between the attacks with inhuman precision.


    Then, he leaped back.


    Midair, his hand lifted, fingers flicking, he activated [Spectral Barrage]


    And hundred glowing energy blades ignited into existence, hovering around him like a celestial storm.


    Then, ike a predator unleashed, they rushed toward Khan, locking onto their target.


    The Beast Lord swung his massive axe, deflecting the first few energy blades with ease.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    Sparks scattered.


    But then¡ªmore came.


    Dozens. Hundreds.


    They rained down from all directions, a relentless storm of spectral steel.


    Khan growled, his muscles tensing as he fought them off.


    Then¡ªhe roared.


    A sound so deep, so powerful, it shook the very air.


    The force of it rippled outward, a shockwave that shattered the energy blades¡ªsnuffing them out like dying embers.


    Then¡ªhe bolted.


    Faster than before.


    A reddish blur, cutting through the battlefield in an instant.


    "Quit running and fight!"


    His voice thundered as he swung his axe down, aiming to split Alex in two.


    And Alex''s grin widened.


    Alright. If you say so.


    His hand flashed¡ªhis sword drawn in a single, fluid motion.


    And then...

 Chapter 225 - 225: Crimson Tyrant [3]

    And then...


    Steel met steel.


    CLANG!


    The impact rang out like a thunderclap, followed by an explosion of raw power.


    BOOM!


    Dust. Smoke. Debris.


    Then¡ªa blur of motion.


    When the smoke cleared, Khan staggered back.


    His arm had been yanked away from the force of Alex''s deflection.


    Unbelievable.


    His crimson eyes burned with fury.


    He refused to accept it.


    With a guttural snarl, Khan forced more blood into his body, his muscles swelling, his aura growing darker¡ªhe was getting stronger.


    Then, he attacked.


    SLASH


    SLASH


    SLASH


    A whirlwind of cleaving strikes.


    Each one powerful enough to split a mountain.


    But Alex¡ªhe met every single one.


    His sword moved like lightning.


    Deflecting. Redirecting.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    The two became a blur, dancing through the ruins, their weapons clashing faster than the eye could follow.


    Every step they took, every swing they made¡ªthe ground beneath them cracked and crumbled, unable to withstand their battle.


    If anyone else had been alive to witness this battle, they wouldn''t have lasted a second.


    The sheer force of their clash would have ripped them apart, shredded by the shockwaves alone.


    Khan frowned, his grip tightening around his axe. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At first glance, it seemed like he had Alex on the ropes¡ªrelentless, unstoppable, forcing the human onto the defensive with a storm of vicious and unrelenting attacks.


    But that wasn''t the truth.


    Not at all.


    Something was wrong.


    He wasn''t winning this fight.


    He was being allowed to attack.


    And he could feel it.


    A cold, creeping sensation slithered up his spine¡ªan instinct honed through countless battles.


    This wasn''t a struggle for dominance.


    This wasn''t the glorious slaughter he had imagined.


    This was something else.


    His attacks weren''t being met with desperation.


    They were being met with boredom.


    CLANG!


    Khan''s axe met Alex''s blade again¡ªsteel on steel, power against power.


    CLANG!


    Another strike, another block.


    But Alex''s expression didn''t change.


    No effort.


    No urgency.


    No struggle.


    Khan''s fury burned hotter.


    But deep within that rage¡ªa flicker of unease.


    This human¡­ was toying with him.


    CLANG!


    Alex blocked another strike without effort, his expression unchanging.


    He wasn''t fighting seriously¡ªhe was playing.


    Using Khan as a training dummy, adjusting to his newly enhanced attributes.


    The gnolls and lesser bosses hadn''t been enough. They were too weak.


    But this? This was perfect.


    "Is this all you got?" Alex taunted, effortlessly sidestepping another heavy swing.


    "For an S-Rank Beast Lord, you sure are weak."


    "Shut up!" Khan roared, his attacks growing more erratic.


    Alex smirked, dodging with ease.


    "Even the damned Tree Beast Lord put up more of a fight."


    "Damn you!"


    Khan''s fury exploded.


    He swung wide¡ªreckless, desperate.


    WHOOSH!


    And Alex pounced, slipping into the opening.


    His blade sang through the air.


    SHNK!


    Carving a deep chunk straight out of the Beast Lord''s throat.


    For a split second, the wound gushed¡ªdeep, fatal.


    But then...


    SCHLUP!


    The flesh knitted back together like it had never even been touched.


    Khan grinned.


    "You''re gonna regret that, arrogant human."


    And then a sphere of blood blasted out from Khan''s body.


    BOOM!


    It slammed into Alex, the sheer impact kicking up a cloud of smoke and debris.


    But when the dust settled¡ª


    Alex stood there, unharmed.


    His barrier shimmered in front of him, flickering as it absorbed the attack''s force.


    Khan didn''t hesitate.


    From within the smoke, the Beast Lord lunged, his massive form tearing through the air like a crimson meteor.


    SHLKT!


    Blood-red tendrils erupted from his body, lashing out toward Alex like whips.


    But Alex dodged, leaping backward¡ª


    Only for his back to slam into a pillar.


    THUD!


    Khan''s grin widened.


    "Got you."


    Raising his axe high, the Beast Lord swung down with terrifying force¡ª


    SCHING!


    And waves of blood energy exploded forward.


    A barrage of crimson slashes, all racing straight for Alex.


    BOOM


    BOOM


    The pillar disintegrated, shredded into nothingness by the relentless blood slashes¡ª


    But the target was gone.


    High above.


    Alex had leapt upward, using [Aerovale] to glide through the air.


    Khan''s blood-red eyes flickered up, locking onto him.


    And with a snarl, the Beast Lord raised both hands¡ª


    And the sky answered.


    A mass of blood swirled overhead, forming into a thick, ominous cloud.


    Then, Khan yanked his hands downward like he was pulling the sky itself to the ground.


    FWOOOOOSH!


    The cloud burst, unleashing a storm of blood lances, each one falling like an energy beam straight toward Alex.


    A thousand crimson spears.


    But Alex barely reacted.


    He simply activated [Aegis Arcane], and translucent barrier of pure energy flared to life around him, deflecting every drop like rain bouncing off glass.


    Then...with a single step on the air, he lowered himself, shifting his weight¡ªAnd then shot downward.


    Straight toward Khan.


    Like a streak of motion.


    A meteor descending.


    Khan saw him coming and braced himself, raising his battle-worn axe, muscles tensing¡ª


    Ready to meet him head-on.


    But Alex activated the new and improved movement skill which boosted his speed by 300%¡ª[Surge].


    And he vanished.


    Gone.


    Khan blinked once.


    Twice.


    The sky was missing a human.


    Then¡ª


    SHLIIIK!


    His chest split open.


    "Gahh¡ª!"


    Khan staggered back, his hulking frame shaking as he clutched his chest.


    His eyes widened, blood-red pupils trembling as he saw Alex in front of him¡ªHis sword dripped with blood.


    My blood.


    The realization sent a jolt of rage and confusion through him.


    "How?!"


    His mind raced.


    He had seen Alex descending. He had braced for impact. He had prepared to counter.


    And yet¡ª


    The pain had come first.


    His chest had split open before he even realized what had happened.


    Khh...!


    Khan clenched his fists. His pride burned.


    His muscles twitched as his body knitted itself back together.


    The wound sealed instantly, flesh reweaving in seconds.


    He felt his strength returning, the demonic energy within him surging anew.


    A vicious snarl tore from his throat.


    "Damned Insect! I''ll rip you to¡ª"


    BOOOOOM!


    Before Khan could finish a shockwave of pure destruction erupted from Alex''s mouth as he used [Echo of Annihilation], warping the air with its sheer force.


    Khan barely had time to react before it slammed into him like a titan''s fist.


    His massive body lifted off the ground.


    Then¡ª


    He was sent flying.


    The Beast Lord crashed through crumbling ruins, stone and debris exploding around him.


    The impact sent out tremors, shaking the battlefield.


    For a moment¡ªnothing moved.


    Then¡ª


    Khan rose.


    His massive form emerged from the rubble, blood dripping down his body.


    His eyes burned with pure fury.


    But¡ªAlex was already waiting.


    A single hand raised.


    Then he snapped.


    "Eat this."

 Chapter 226 - 226: Crimson Tyrant [4]

    Alex snapped.


    The Beast Lord''s body twisted violently¡ªsomething unseen wrenched it apart, contorting flesh and bone in an instant. Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    The explosion ripped outward, a shockwave tearing through the battlefield.


    Flesh and sinew scattered like shrapnel, the force sending debris flying.


    Alex braced, activating [Aegis Arcane] just in time.


    A shimmering barrier flared around him, shielding him from the concussive blast.


    Dust and smoke swallowed the scene.


    For a moment, silence.


    Then, the haze began to clear.


    It looked like it was over.


    Until Alex caught something¡ªmovement.


    A dark shape, streaking through the smoke.


    A head.


    A hyena-shaped head, coated in blood, spinning wildly through the air.


    Its dead eyes still locked forward, its jaws slightly open, as if frozen mid-snarl.


    A streak of blood trailed behind the severed head.


    Flowing from the jagged lump of its torn neck like a jet stream.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Then, he grinned.


    That head¡­


    It was Khan''s.


    The damned gnoll was still alive.


    The blood bubbling from its neck wasn''t just spilling¡ªit was moving. Expanding. The thick crimson liquid pulsed and twisted, gaining mass as if something unseen was weaving flesh from nothing.


    It was reforming.


    Alex''s mind worked fast. During the explosion, the head had detached first. That meant¡ª


    As long as the Beast Lord''s head remained intact¡­It could regenerate.


    And Alex couldn''t have that.


    So¡ªhe vanished. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The severed head was just about to land. The rest of the body had nearly reformed, muscles knitting together, bones reshaping.


    But¡ª


    SHHINK!


    A blur. A flash of steel.


    In an instant, the Beast Lord was decapitated again.


    His head tumbled through the air, spinning wildly.


    Wait¡ªwhat?


    Did I not heal properly?


    Confusion flickered in Khan''s fading thoughts.


    Then¡ªhis falling head turned.


    And he saw why.


    Alex.


    Standing there, blade still dripping with his blood, a cheeky grin on his face.


    Khan''s stomach twisted.


    At that moment, Khan knew.


    He was done for. Outmatched.


    He was at a massive disadvantage.


    Desperation sparked in his eyes.


    With a savage roar, he activated his last resort¡ªa suicide move.


    His blood surged, shifting into a deadly, unstable mass.


    He would turn it into an explosion, taking Alex down with him.


    But Alex''s grin didn''t waver.


    The golden glow in his eyes flickering.


    "I see your plan. But it won''t work."


    SLASH.


    SLASH.


    SLASH.


    The only thing heard was the sound of a blade cutting through the air¡ªbut no visible motion followed.


    Alex moved too fast to see.


    Eeugh¡ª


    Khan''s eyes widened. His vision blurred.


    Then¡ªthe effect of the slices took hold.


    Thin, glowing lines crisscrossed Khan''s severed head¡ªintersecting, shifting¡ªforming perfect squares.


    For a split second, it hovered in the air, intact.


    Then¡ª


    The head burst apart, collapsing into neat, bloodied fragments before scattering across the ground.


    Alex exhaled.


    Victory.


    Then¡ªA familiar sound rang in his ears.


    Ding!


    [You have defeated Beast Lord Khan: The Crimson Tyrant (Rank S)]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    [You have leveled up.]


    ¡­


    [You have leveled up.]


    Eight times?


    Alex blinked.


    That was a lot.


    No doubt this was because he had just taken down an S-Rank monster as a C-Rank.


    An 8-level jump from a single kill.


    That alone had pushed him dangerously close to level 75¡ªthe threshold for reaching B-Rank.


    And if the pattern held...


    Level 100 meant A-Rank.


    And whatever lay beyond that¡­ S.


    Then¡ª


    More notifications flooded in.


    Ding!


    [You have received 50 stat points.]


    [You have received 10 Powerstones.]


    [You have received skill: Exsanguinate (S).]


    [You have received weapon: Scarlet Fang.]


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In.]


    [You have received an additional 50 stat points.]


    [You have received an additional 10 stat points.]


    [You have received skill: Blood Requiem.]


    [You have received an accessory: Crimson Cloak.]


    Alex stared at the list.


    Not bad.


    He then pulled up the description of the first skill.


    A high-tier, S-Rank technique.


    Exsanguinate (S).


    Alex eyes scanned the text, taking in the details.


    Exsanguinate (S) ¨C Exsanguinate is a devastating S-rank technique that weaponizes an enemy''s own blood against them. With a mere thought, the user forces all enemies--with injury as small as a cut--in range to bleed uncontrollably, siphoning their HP, stamina, and life force at an accelerated rate. The more an opponent resists the greater the strain on their body, making it a near-unavoidable death sentence for those caught in its grasp.


    This technique ignores conventional defenses, bypassing armor and physical barriers. Only those with strong regenerative abilities or divine protections can resist its effects.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    He read further:


    Effects:


    - All enemies within a 50-meter radius immediately suffer rapid hemorrhaging from every open wound, or through their pores if they have none.


    - Drains HP, stamina, and vitality continuously. The more blood an enemy loses, the weaker they become¡ªeventually collapsing into lifeless husks.


    Cost: 250 MP upon activation + 50 MP per second while active.


    Duration: Lasts as long as user''s mana pool.


    Cooldown: 24 hours


    Limitations: Can be resisted by enemies with high regenerative abilities or divine protection. Those with bloodless physiology (e.g., golems, undead, machines) are immune.


    Ohh!


    Alex''s eyes widened as he sucked in a sharp breath.


    This skill was insane.


    A high cost? Sure. A long cooldown? Definitely.


    But the sheer power¡­ Unreal.


    With just one cut¡ªno matter how small¡ªhis target would be doomed. Their own blood would betray them, draining them dry until there was nothing left.


    Crazy.


    But¡­


    Alex let out a slow sigh, his excitement dimming.


    A blood-based skill, huh?


    It made sense.


    He had just taken down a monster that thrived on blood magic.


    Still, something about it felt off.


    Like a connection¡­ to the Blood Monarch.


    Alex rubbed his temples, deep in thought.


    It wouldn''t be a surprise if the gods the gnoll served were Vladros.


    It made too much sense.


    The connection, the blood magic¡­ It all pointed back to him.


    He sighed, a little heavier this time.


    Whatever the case may be, he couldn''t change what had happened. The system had given him this skill¡ªno negotiations, no takebacks. He had no choice but to accept it.


    Besides, there had been no notification forcing him to accept any "Blood Monarch legacy."


    No sign that Vladros was demanding to meet him.


    Maybe they weren''t linked after all.


    Then¡ªa notification pinged, and Alex froze.


    Ding!


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you]


    Alex blinked.


    Spoke too soon.

 Chapter 227 - 227: Blood Skills

    Alex frowned.


    Can''t this guy take a hint?


    He wanted nothing to do with him anymore.


    But the Blood Monarch wouldn''t let up.


    It was clear¡ªthe blood type skill he had gotten was what had caught his attention this time.


    Maybe he''d say something like.


    I can make this skill more powerful and grant you more if you join me.


    Yeah, still a no?


    As always he wasn''t going to accommodate the demand.


    Alex dismissed the notification without a second thought.


    And instead, focused on what came next¡ªthe weapon¡ªScarlet Fang.


    [Scarlet Fang Dagger] ¨C A dagger that grows sharper with every kill, refining its edge to an almost supernatural keenness. It generates a cutting aura, allowing strikes to bypass armor and magical defenses effortlessly. It also has a special effect that enables it to coat itself in the wielder''s blood, causing the blade to unleash deadly crimson energy, drastically amplifying its cutting power.


    Alex grinned on reading the description.


    Another weapon for his arsenal.


    It wasn''t exactly his style¡ªideal for assassins or blood magic users¡ªbut Alex wasn''t about to let that stop him.


    Scarlet Fang was a better fit than Shadow Fangs, no question.


    He''d take whatever gave him the edge.


    Ding!


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you.]


    Another notification popped up.


    Alex''s grin faltered for a split second.


    Again?


    He rolled his eyes and quickly dismissed it.


    The next skill.


    The one his title had granted him.


    Blood Requiem (A) ¨C A forbidden blood technique that forges a death link between Alex and his chosen target. While the mark is active, 50% of all damage and injuries Alex sustains are mirrored onto the target, forcing them to experience his suffering in real time. If Alex loses a limb, the target loses the same limb. If he is stabbed, burned, or crushed, the target suffers half of the inflicted damage and pain. This relentless bond turns injury into a weapon, making every wound Alex suffers a shared nightmare.


    Skill Details:


    Mark Duration: 5 minutes or until dispelled.


    Range: 20 meters (target must be within range when marked).


    Activation Cost: 50 Mana + a drop of Alex''s blood.


    Maintenance Cost: 5 Mana per second (when active)


    Cooldown: 10 minutes after the mark expires.


    Limitations:


    - The mark can be cleansed by strong purification magic.


    - If Alex takes lethal damage, the link does not prevent his death.


    - Targets with high resistance to curses or blood magic may weaken the effect.


    - Only one target can be marked at a time.


    "Wow."''


    Alex gasped, his breath catching in his throat.


    He''d seen plenty of skills before, but this one? This was something else.


    His title had never given him something as powerful as the original skill. It usually handed him something less impressive. But this?


    This was insane.


    It was even crazier than the first one.


    No¡ªcrazier wasn''t the right word.


    The perfect word was¡ªTwisted.


    With this skill, Alex could turn his target''s world into hell.


    Especially if his target didn''t have regeneration or healing skills.


    The thought alone made Alex''s fingers twitch.


    He shook his head.


    Now, this was a skill that should never land in the hands of a vengeful, psychopathic masochist with regenerative abilities.


    Alex couldn''t help but shake his head, disgusted by the evil thoughts the potential of the skill stirred up in him.


    But that wasn''t all there was to it.


    The skill wasn''t just about torment.


    Against a powerful opponent, it could be a game-changer. Not only would you be dealing damage, but your opponent would be hurting themselves, too¡ªusing their own attacks to cause harm.


    And the kicker?


    It wasn''t even S-rank.


    It was A-Rank.


    An A-Rank skill.


    Alex let out a manic grin.


    It wasn''t an S-Rank skill¡ªwhich meant there was a chance to upgrade it.


    Make it even more broken.


    He reached into his inventory and pulled out the attribute converter.


    With a quick motion, he activated it.


    He only needed one upgrade stone to make this work.


    So, Alex made a decision.


    Ding!


    [Select Attribute To Deduct]


    Alex thought for a moment, then made his choice.


    "Deduct twenty from strength, ten from agility, vitality, and intelligence."


    He confirmed the decision, and within seconds¡ªthe exchange was made.


    [You have received an upgrade stone]


    Now would he replace the points he''d just used despite still having a generous amount of unused stat points? No.


    Alex knew he was about to hit level 75, which would push him into Rank B. And with that rank-up came a big bonus which involved attribute points.


    These points would automatically be assigned to all his attributes.


    And what that meant was that the points he was deducting now would be replaced soon enough.


    It was a win-win: he wouldn''t lose anything, and he''d make sure his new rank-up points wouldn''t go to waste.


    With the upgrade stone now in his hand, Alex didn''t hesitate.


    He immediately used it on his new skill, Blood Requiem.


    [Upgrading]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Blood Requiem (A)) is now Pain Mirror (S)]


    Pain Mirror (S) ¨C The user inscribes a Crimson Fate Seal onto a target using his own blood, forging a death bond that mirrors all harm he endures. While active, 100% of all damage, pain, and injuries the user suffers are inflicted upon the marked target in full¡ªif he is stabbed, burned, crushed, or dismembered, the target experiences the exact same fate simultaneously.


    Skill Details:


    Mark Duration: 10 minutes or until Alex removes it.


    Range: 50 meters (target must be within range when marked).


    Activation Cost: 150 Mana + a drop of Alex''s blood.


    Maintenance Cost: 10 Mana per second.


    Cooldown: 1 hour after the mark expires.


    Enhancements:


    100% of Alex''s injuries transfer to the target.


    If the User suffers a fatal wound, the target receives the death blow first, giving him a brief window to survive.


    Now this was perfect.


    Alex grinned as he thought about how this skill would play out.


    The moment he used Blood Requiem, his opponent would hesitate to attack because any damage they dealt would come right back to them.


    It was the ultimate lesson: don''t dish out what you can''t take.


    Attacking while receiving¡ªit was insane.


    Alex let that sink in for a moment, the thrill of it building inside him.


    Then, he shifted his focus to the rest of the reward.


    Only one was left.


    An accessory.


    A cloak.


    Crimson Cloak ¨C A piece of specialized clothing imbued with unique properties that grant its wearer the ability to transform into a mist of blood for up to 10 seconds, allowing them to evade all incoming attacks. During this transformation, the wearer becomes intangible and immune to physical damage, effectively rendering them untouchable for a brief period. This ability can only be used once every 10 minutes, after which the cloak requires time to recharge.


    Hmm.


    This gave him vampire vibes.


    The cloak itself wasn''t anything too special or flashy, but he had a feeling it would come in handy when the time was right.


    Ding!


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you]


    Alex barely glanced at it, tapping ignore without hesitation.


    A moment passed.


    Then¡ª


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you.]


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you.]


    It kept coming. One after another.


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you.]


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you.]


    ...


    Alex let out a frustrated sigh.


    Looks like Vladros wasn''t taking "ignore" for an answer.


    The notifications kept coming, one after another, like an endless barrage.


    Alex''s patience was running out.


    "Hey, system, can you just put all messages from the deities on snooze?" he asked, his voice dripping with annoyance.


    Ding!


    [Notification from deities muted.]


    [You will not receive them again.]


    "Thank you."


    Alex leaned back, letting out a relieved breath. It was finally quiet.


    But then¡ª


    Ding!


    "What now?" Alex groaned, expecting another round of deity nonsense.


    But when he looked at the screen, it wasn''t what he thought.


    Ding!


    [You will be ejected from the Beast Lord zone in 30 seconds.]


    The countdown began ticking down.


    Alex nodded to himself, a small grin tugging at his lips.


    He had been mistaken.


    He sighed staring at the damage he had caused herel


    He''d grown stronger from this fight¡ªleveling up multiple times.


    And with those level-ups, he''d earned the chance to choose three new skills.


    The first came when he reached level 50 and ranked up.


    The second was at level 60, and the last was when he crossed the level 70 mark.


    Three more skills¡ªthat could be pushed all the way to S-Rank.


    The thought of it made Alex''s excitement rise.


    He couldn''t wait to see just how powerful those skills would make him.


    The 30-second countdown hit zero.


    And in the blink of an eye, Alex vanished from his spot.


    When he reappeared, he found himself back in the forest, the familiar trees and shadows surrounding him once again.


    The sunlight hit Alex''s face as he reappeared, the bright, clear skies a sharp contrast to the dark, reddish glow of the ruins he''d just left.


    It was morning, the air fresh and crisp.


    Alex took a deep breath, enjoying the peace for a moment¡ªbut before he could even exhale, a flurry of notifications blasted into his vision, interrupting the calm.


    Ding!


    [Your clone has defeated a Beast Lord: Evangel.]


    [All rewards are now transferred to the original.]


    S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 228 - 228: Holy Rewards

    Ding!


    [Your clone has defeated a Beast Lord: Evangel.]


    [All rewards have been transferred to the original.]


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    Wait¡ªwhat?


    Before he could even process it, more notifications flooded his vision. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ding!


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    [You have leveled up!]


    His heart pounded.


    Five levels.


    Level 79.


    Alex let out a sharp breath before a grin stretched across his face.


    This¡­ this was insane.


    He was leveling up too fast.


    Alex hadn''t expected this at all¡ªbut damn, was it a welcome surprise.


    More levels meant more abilities.More abilities meant absolute dominance.


    And he was all for it.


    Then, the rewards came flooding in.


    Ding!


    [You have received 25 Stat Points]


    [You have received 5 Power Stones]


    [You have received skill Heal]


    [You have received weapon Holy Sword]


    Alex barely had time to register them before another wave of notifications hit.


    Ding!


    [Apocalypse Baby Kicking In]


    [You have received 25 Stats Points]


    [You have received 5 Power Stones]


    [You have received skill Visor Eyes]


    [You have received book Seraphim''s Judgement]


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Without wasting another second, he pulled up the first skill to check it out.


    [Heal (A)] ¨C A powerful healing skill that restores health, regenerates lost limbs, cures diseases, and mends near-fatal injuries of others. The effectiveness depends on the severity of the wounds and the user''s mana reserves. Cost: 50¨C??? MP per use, scaling with the extent of healing required. Cannot revive the dead or heal injuries inflicted by cursed or anti-healing effects. Cannot be used on self.


    Alex froze.


    This wasn''t some basic healing spell that just closed wounds.


    No¡ªthis was on a whole different level.


    Regrowing limbs?Curing diseases?Reversing fatal injuries?


    That was borderline miraculous.


    If someone lost an arm, a leg, an eye¡ªhe could restore it.


    If they were on the brink of death? He could drag them back.


    Plagues, poisons, deadly afflictions¡ªall irrelevant. This skill erased them like they never existed.


    A power like this? It made anyone who possessed it indispensable. Entire factions would kill to have a healer of this caliber.


    But Alex?


    He was a solo player.


    And that meant... it wasn''t exactly useful to him.


    But¡­


    Who knew what the future might hold?


    Even if Heal wasn''t immediately useful, it was still a game-changing ability. No way was he passing that up.


    Now, onto the next reward.


    [Holy Sword] ¨C A blade infused with pure divine energy, radiating a sacred aura that burns away corruption. Exceptionally effective against demonic entities, the sword bypasses dark defenses and weakens evil foes upon contact. Its wielder gains increased resistance to curses and dark magic.


    Alex summoned the weapon into his grasp.


    The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt¡ª


    FWOOOM!


    A pulse of radiant power surged through his body.


    His veins tingled, his muscles tightened, and a wave of warmth spread through him.


    The blade itself hummed with energy, its polished silver surface glowing with an ethereal light.


    It felt¡­ alive.


    Like it was itching to purge something evil.


    Alex studied the weapon, running his fingers along the pristine edge.


    His mind raced.


    What kind of Beast Lord had his clone killed to receive something like this?


    Judging by the divine nature of these rewards¡­


    It must''ve been an angelic or cleric-type Beast Lord.


    No point dwelling on it now.


    With a thought, Alex dismissed the blade, watching as it dissolved into golden light before vanishing.


    Time for the next skill.


    [Solar Gaze (A) ¨C Divine Beams] ¨C Harnessing the power of pure light, the user unleashes concentrated beams of radiant energy from their eyes, capable of piercing through armor and reducing foes to ashes. Especially devastating against dark and demonic entities, these divine beams burn away corruption and evil with righteous fury. Cost: 50 Mana per short burst, 5 Mana per second for sustained beam.


    Wow.


    Laser eyes?


    I have freaking laser eyes now?!


    Alex nearly laughed. With just a single flash of light, whatever was in his line of sight would be reduced to ash.


    This was getting ridiculous¡ªin the best way possible.


    But before he could get too carried away, the final reward appeared before him.


    A grimoire.


    Its cover was pure white, glowing faintly as if it had been dipped in divine energy. Golden inscriptions shimmered across its surface, shifting and rearranging like living scripture. Just looking at it, Alex could tell¡ªthis wasn''t just any book.


    [Seraphim''s Judgement] ¨C A sacred tome imbued with celestial energy, allowing the user to summon a single Archangel¡ªa being of immense divine power¡ªonce before the tome vanishes forever. The summoned Archangel wields holy weapons and radiates celestial energy, making it especially devastating against dark and demonic entities. It remains for 3 minutes before ascending back to the heavens. Cost: 1000 Mana. Limit: Can only be used once.


    Alex stared at the floating tome as it materialized before him, suspended in midair, its golden cover etched with intricate, divine runes that pulsed faintly¡ªalmost as if the book itself was alive.


    His fingers twitched.


    This¡­ reminded him of his Summon Archfiend skill.


    Except this wasn''t a skill. And unlike Summon Archfiend, which let him call upon a demonic entity whenever he pleased, this grimoire was a one-time deal. One use, and it was gone.


    But in exchange?


    It would summon an Archangel¡ªa celestial being more powerful than him.


    Alex could already imagine it. A towering, radiant warrior descending from the heavens, armed with holy weapons and dripping with divine energy, completely obliterating anything in its path.


    Yeah. This would be insanely useful against stronger foes.


    He exhaled sharply, shaking his head.


    These rewards¡­ they were insane.


    A healing skill that could reverse fatal injuries.


    A holy sword infused with divine power.


    Laser. Freaking. Eyes.


    And now, a grimoire that summons a literal angel.


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    His clone had really hit the jackpot with this one.


    Alex let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Was there even a limit to his growth?


    Because at this rate¡­ it didn''t feel like it.


    And the craziest part? There was still more to come.

 Chapter 229 - 229: Skill Options

    Ding!


    [You have reached Level 75]


    [You are now a B-rank]


    [+10 to all stats]


    [As a result of ranking up, you now have the option of choosing a new skill]


    Alex''s grin widened.


    Another skill.


    Since he had already gained three skill choices from reaching Level 50, Level 60, and Level 70¡ªthis new selection brought his total to four.


    Alex''s grin stretched wider.


    Time to get even more broken.


    With a flick of his hand, he opened the skill selection menu. A list of available choices appeared before him, glowing faintly with power.


    His eyes scanned the options.


    [Skill Options Available]


    Steel Skin (B)


    Effect: Temporarily hardens the user''s body to the density of metal, significantly reducing physical damage taken for a short period. The user becomes more resilient to blunt, piercing, and cutting attacks.


    Cost: 20 Mana per activation.


    Duration: 30 seconds.


    Cooldown: 1 minute.


    Discern (B)


    Effect: Grants the ability to instantly determine whether a statement is true or false, allowing the user to detect lies or falsehoods with perfect clarity. This skill works in real time and is not affected by magic or illusions.


    Shadow Step (B): Grants the ability to momentarily merge with nearby shadows, becoming invisible and moving silently. The user can travel short distances within shadows without being detected, making it ideal for stealth and evasive maneuvers.


    Cost: 15 Mana per activation.


    Duration: 5 seconds per use.


    Cooldown: 20 seconds.


    Alex tilted his head, weighing his options carefully.


    Steel Skin was a solid defensive ability. He could already picture himself standing there, tanking sword strikes like they were nothing. Even arrows and claws would probably bounce off. And if he upgraded it? He''d be a walking fortress.


    But¡­ did he really need it?


    His durability was already high, and when it came to defense, he had Aegis Arcane¡ªhis trusty, magic-based barrier. If anything, stacking too many defensive skills might just be overkill.


    Now, Shadow Step?


    That was tempting.


    The thought of blinking through darkness, vanishing into thin air, reappearing behind enemies before they even realized what happened?


    That had a certain cool factor.


    He could be an assassin. A specter in the night. Untouchable. Unseen. A nightmare to his enemies.


    His grin widened. Yeah¡­ this one was a real contender.


    But then again¡­


    Alex wasn''t one to sneak around.


    He didn''t do subtle.


    Stealth kills? Silent takedowns? Hiding in the dark? Not his style. If he was going to take someone down, he''d do it head-on, loud and overwhelming.


    That left Discern.


    A passive skill.


    His eyes lingered on the description.


    A skill that let him detect lies.


    A slow grin tugged at the corner of his lips. Now that was something useful.


    He wasn''t na?ve, but even the smartest people got tricked sometimes.


    Deals, negotiations, interrogations¡ªnobody could lie to him ever again.


    He''d know when someone was bluffing. When someone was hiding something. When someone was about to stab him in the back.


    No more deception. No more manipulation.


    Just the cold, hard truth.


    With a decisive tap, he made his choice.


    Ding!


    [Skill Acquired: Discern (B)]


    Alex exhaled slowly, a sense of satisfaction settling in.


    "Another skill added to the ever-growing list."


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    His eyes flicked to the next selection, scanning the choices that appeared before him.


    [Skill Options Available]


    Blazing Fist (B): Envelops the user''s fists in searing flames, enhancing their physical strikes with fiery damage that scales with the user''s strength. The flames can burn through armor and leave lasting burns on enemies.


    Cost: 15 Mana per activation.


    Duration: 10 seconds.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    Subzero (B): A cold-based ability that freezes anything the user touches, turning surfaces and objects into solid ice. This ability can immobilize enemies or freeze the environment for tactical advantages.


    Cost: 20 Mana per use.


    Duration: 5 seconds per target.


    Cooldown: 45 seconds.


    Wind Dash (B): Summons a powerful gust of wind that propels the user forward at high speeds, enhancing movement and granting an evasive edge in combat. This dash allows the user to quickly close distances or avoid attacks.


    Cost: 10 Mana per activation.


    Duration: Instant movement (5 meters).


    Cooldown: 20 seconds.


    Alex tapped his chin, weighing his options carefully.


    Wind Dash? Speed was always useful. The ability to burst forward like a gale, dodging attacks or closing distances in an instant¡ªit definitely had its appeal. He could see how it would be handy in tight situations.


    But¡­ did he really need it?


    His agility was already insane. With [Godspeed Rampage] and [Surge]¡ªboth S-rank skills¡ªhe was already stupidly fast. Adding another movement skill felt unnecessary. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Blazing Fist? Now this one was tempting.


    The image of his fists igniting with flames, punching through enemies like a walking inferno¡ªyeah, that was cool. No question. But aside from the raw damage and flashiness, he couldn''t think of a real reason he needed it.


    Then there was Subzero.


    Alex smirked.


    The ability to freeze anything with a touch? That was different. That was control.


    Alex''s mind raced with possibilities.


    He imagined gripping a sword, watching as ice crept up the blade, coating it in a deadly frost. A single slash could leave an enemy half-frozen, their movements sluggish, their limbs stiff with cold.


    Or better yet¡ªgrabbing someone by the throat and watching them turn into an ice statue in seconds.


    Now that? That was power.


    With zero hesitation, he made his choice.


    Ding!


    [Skill Acquired: Subzero (B).]


    Alex flexed his fingers, eager to test it out. He snapped his fingers.


    Instantly, a thin layer of frost crackled over his fingertips, shimmering under the light. It spread across his skin like creeping veins of ice¡ªbefore quickly melting away.


    His grin widened.


    Nice.


    Alex''s eyes sparkled as he moved on to the next skill selection, his curiosity piqued.


    He was ready for whatever came next.


    [Skill Options Available]


    Echo Strike (B): Imbues the user''s attacks with a delayed aftershock, causing the strike to deal damage twice¡ªonce upon impact and again a moment later as the shockwave reverberates.


    Cost: 20 Mana per activation.


    Duration: The aftershock triggers within 2 seconds of the initial impact.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    Gigantify (B): Allows the user to enlarge small objects to gigantic sizes, increasing their mass and durability. The user can turn everyday items into massive weapons or obstacles, though the effect is limited to non-living materials.


    Cost: 25 Mana per use.


    Duration: Lasts for 1 minute or until dismissed.


    Cooldown: 1 minute.


    Iron Grip (B): Grants the user immense grip strength, allowing them to crush objects, weapons, or even armor with unbreakable force. This skill is particularly effective in grappling or disarming opponents.


    Cost: 15 Mana per activation.


    Duration: 10 seconds.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.

 Chapter 230 - 230: Mimicry

    [Skill Options Available]


    Echo Strike (B): Imbues the user''s attacks with a delayed aftershock, causing the strike to deal damage twice¡ªonce upon impact and again a moment later as the shockwave reverberates.


    Cost: 20 Mana per activation.


    Duration: The aftershock triggers within 2 seconds of the initial impact.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    Gigantify (B): Allows the user to enlarge small objects to gigantic sizes, increasing their mass and durability. The user can turn everyday items into massive weapons or obstacles, though the effect is limited to non-living materials.


    Cost: 25 Mana per use.


    Duration: Lasts for 1 minute or until dismissed.


    Cooldown: 1 minute.


    Iron Grip (B): Grants the user immense grip strength, allowing them to crush objects, weapons, or even armor with unbreakable force. This skill is particularly effective in grappling or disarming opponents.


    Cost: 15 Mana per activation.


    Duration: 10 seconds.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, his mind immediately starting to spin with ideas.


    He glanced at the available options, weighing each one.


    Echo Strike? That one was intriguing.


    A hit that kept on giving¡ªa strike followed by a delayed aftershock, doubling the damage.


    It sounded effective. But Alex wasn''t a fan of delays.


    He preferred instant results, clean and sharp kills.


    He wasn''t looking to wear his enemies down with lingering effects. He wanted them down, instantly.


    Then there was Iron Grip.


    A skill that would make him even stronger, giving him the ability to crush bones and bend metal with ease.


    But...his strength was already overwhelming. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn''t need another tool to turn him into a human wrecking ball. The skill just didn''t have that appeal.


    But then, his gaze landed on Gigantify.


    Now, this...This skill had potential.


    A grin tugged at the corner of Alex''s lips as his mind raced with the possibilities.


    He imagined hurling a tiny pebble, watching it soar through the air¡ªand then, right before it hit the target, he could make it explode into a massive boulder, smashing through everything in its path.


    Or even cooler¡ªhe could toss a small throwing dagger, and at the last second, make it grow into the size of a greatsword, the blade massive and deadly, catching his enemy completely off guard.


    Alex could feel his pulse quicken.


    The idea of manipulating objects mid-flight, catching people by surprise, and using the environment to his advantage... was a game-changer.


    He didn''t hesitate.


    [Gigantify] was the one.


    With a firm tap, he selected the skill.


    Ding!


    [Skill Acquired: Gigantify (B).]


    Alex''s grin only grew wider.


    He could already see it¡ªrocks, weapons, whatever he wanted¡ªgrowing to massive sizes, transforming into something far more lethal than it had any right to be.


    "This is gonna be fun," he muttered under his breath, already picturing a thousand ways to use his new skill in battle.


    Unto the next,


    Alex''s heart was pounding in his chest, the excitement building with every second.


    This was the last skill.


    He stared at the three options floating in front of him, the words flashing in his mind like a countdown.


    [Skill Options Available]


    Blaze Pulse (A)


    Effect: Unleashes a concentrated burst of intense heat from the user''s body, scorching everything in close proximity. This pulse incinerates enemies and objects in the area, dealing significant fire damage.


    Cost: 50 Mana per activation.


    Range: 5-meter radius.


    Duration: Instantaneous burst.


    Cooldown: 45 seconds.


    Warp Blink (A)


    Effect: Grants the user the ability to teleport a short distance instantly, allowing them to evade attacks, close gaps, or reposition strategically in combat.


    Cost: 40 Mana per use.


    Range: 10 meters maximum.


    Cooldown: 3 seconds.


    Copy (A): Grants the user the ability to permanently copy another person''s innate skill upon physical touch. The copied skill is acquired in its weakest form and must be trained or evolved to reach its full potential. The absorption time varies depending on the target''s strength¡ªcopying a skill from a low-ranking individual takes 10 seconds while absorbing from a high-ranking individual can take minutes to hours.


    Cost: 500 Mana per activation.


    Cooldown: 24 hours between uses.


    Limitations: The user cannot copy skills that require a unique bloodline, divine authority, or exclusive traits. If interrupted during absorption, the process fails, and the cooldown is still triggered.


    Alex''s eyes darted back and forth, scanning the three skills in front of him.


    But none of them really grabbed him, except for one.


    Copy (A).


    He locked onto the description and read it again.


    His brain raced, processing the possibilities.


    Then he read it once more, slower this time, just to make sure he wasn''t imagining things.


    His fingers tightened around the air as if he could physically feel the weight of the decision.


    His breath hitched.


    The full impact hit him a moment later, and a low laugh escaped him, a mix of disbelief and excitement.


    This¡­ this was insane.


    Out of all the abilities he''d picked up, all the crazy powers he now wielded, this was by far the most ridiculous.


    He wasn''t just getting stronger; he could literally copy other people''s abilities, just by touching them.


    He could walk up to someone¡ªanyone¡ªand take what was theirs.


    Any skill, any power. It would be his.


    And he could make it his own.


    Alex laughed again, shaking his head, still not fully believing it.


    The thought alone sent a thrill down his spine.


    He imagined it: touching a master swordsman and copying their techniques, or maybe finding someone with some insane elemental power and instantly gaining control over it.


    He could absorb their abilities, learn them, and make them even better.


    The implications were huge.


    Without hesitation, he slammed his hand onto the selection screen and chose Mimicry (A).


    His heart pounded with excitement as the skill locked into place.


    Ding!


    [Skill Acquired: Copy (A)]


    The notification flashed before his eyes, and Alex grinned, a wild satisfaction filling his chest.


    With this skill, he could now literally steal any ability he came into contact with.


    And not just that¡ªhe could grow those abilities, make them his own, and build an arsenal of powers stronger than anyone he''d ever faced.


    He cracked his knuckles, a grin forming as he imagined the endless possibilities.


    With these new skills, things were going to be a lot more fun moving forward.


    But Alex wasn''t done yet.


    He looked at the other skills he''d just acquired¡ªhalf of them were B-Rank, the rest A-Rank.


    They were solid, powerful, but¡­


    He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.


    "That''s not good enough."


    He wasn''t aiming for A-Rank.


    He wasn''t even aiming for B-Rank.


    He was aiming for S-Rank.


    Every skill¡ªevery single one¡ªwould be maxed out. All of them.


    He had the tools. Now it was time to break them.

 Chapter 231 - 231: Ressurrect

    Using attribute converter Alex purchased an Upgrade Stone without hesitation.


    And without wasting a second, he selected his first skill¡ªHeal (A)¡ªand activated the upgrade. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The system responded instantly.


    [Upgrading¡­]


    A pulse of energy surged through his arm, making his fingers tingle. The Upgrade Stone dissolved into shimmering particles, fusing directly into the skill.


    [Upgrade Successful.]


    [Heal (A) has been upgraded to Resurgence (S).]


    A new description unfolded before his eyes, and Alex''s breath catch in his throat.


    [Resurgence (S)] ¨C An exalted healing ability that not only restores health, regenerates lost limbs, and cures any disease, but also defies death itself. As long as a person has not been dead for more than an hour, the user can pull them back from the brink, fully restoring their body and vitality. However, reviving the dead comes at a steep cost, draining a massive amount of mana.


    Cost: 50¨C??? MP per use, scales depending on the severity of the injury.


    Resurrection Cost: 3000 MP + extreme physical exhaustion. Cooldown: 24 hours for resurrection.


    Limitations: Cannot restore those who have died from curses, soul destruction, or divine judgment.


    Alex''s hands trembled slightly as he reread the words.


    His eyes widened.


    His heart pounded.


    "I can raise the dead."


    The words left his lips in a breathless whisper.


    He gasped, barely able to believe what he was seeing. This wasn''t just healing anymore¡ªthis was godlike power.


    The power of life and death now lay at his fingertips.


    The weight of it hit him like a freight train.


    This was insane.


    He could bring people back from the dead. Undo fate itself.


    But then¡­ his eyes flicked back to the description, narrowing at the fine print.


    There was a limitation.


    As long as a person has not been dead for more than an hour¡­


    And¡­


    24-hour cooldown.


    Alex exhaled sharply. That meant if two people died at the same time, he''d have to choose.


    Pick one to bring back.


    The other?


    Gone.


    By the time his ability was available again, their one-hour window would be long past.


    A cold pit settled in his stomach.


    This wasn''t just a skill¡ªit was a decision-maker. A judge. A burden.


    His fingers curled into a fist.


    "I hope I never have to make that choice."


    Because if he did¡­


    Someone was going to stay dead.


    Alex purchased another upgrade stone and activated it without hesitation.


    The moment he did¡ªA faint hum vibrated in the air, the system processing his request.


    [Upgrading...]


    Then¡ª


    [Upgrade Successful.]


    [Visor (A) has been upgraded to Luminous (S).]


    And right after¡ª


    [Solar Judgement (S) ¨C Divine Wrath] ¨C The ultimate expression of divine radiance, this skill allows the user to unleash homing beams of searing light from their eyes, relentlessly tracking their targets until impact. These beams burn through armor, incinerate foes, and eradicate dark and demonic entities with unparalleled holy power. Each shot bends toward its mark, ensuring devastating precision. Cost: 100 Mana per homing blast, 10 Mana per second for sustained tracking beam.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    Now this was something.


    A homing effect? That meant he couldn''t miss.


    No matter how fast his enemy dodged¡ªno matter how they weaved, twisted, or teleported¡ªhis beams would hunt them down.


    "Now that... is cool."


    Satisfied, he moved on to the next skill.


    Discern.


    The passive ability that let him see through lies.


    Already useful¡ªbut at S-Rank?


    He couldn''t wait to find out.


    Without a second thought, he purchased another upgrade stone¡ª


    And pushed it to the max.


    Ding!


    [Upgrading...]


    For a moment, Alex anticipated, expecting the exhilarating rush of a skill evolving.


    But¡ª


    Alex''s eye twitched.


    [Upgrade Failed.]


    [Discern cannot be upgraded as it is based on a core, immutable ability that cannot be evolved.]


    "...What?"


    He stared at the notification.


    Then muttered.


    "Based on core...Immutable?"


    Then he yelled in frustration.


    "Why didn''t you mention this before I wasted an upgrade stone?"


    After a couple seconds, Alex frustration simmered, but deep down, he understood.


    Discern was absolute and unlike other skills that could evolve, growing stronger with each enhancement, the ability to perceive truth had no middle ground.


    Either something was a lie, or it wasn''t.


    There was no "stronger" version of knowing the truth.


    Alex shook his head, rolling his shoulders to let go of the irritation.


    "Fine. Whatever. At least I know it''s already perfect."


    But still... that was one upgrade stone down the drain.


    This made him realize something.


    Maybe¡­ not all skills were meant to be upgraded.


    Some abilities, like Discern, were already at their peak¡ªunchangeable.


    That thought lingered as he turned his attention to the next skill.


    Subzero (B).


    Alex hesitated.


    Upgrading a skill wasn''t cheap. If this failed too, he''d be flushing two more upgrade stones down the drain.


    But unlike Discern, which was a simple binary function¡ªtruth or lies¡ªSubzero had more room to grow.


    It wasn''t just about detecting something; it was about control.


    And control? That could always be improved.


    His fingers tightened.


    "Alright. No hesitation."


    With a sharp breath, he purchased the upgrade stones.


    Then, without wasting another second, he activated them.


    Ding!


    [Upgrading...]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Subzero (B) has been upgraded to A-rank.]


    [Subzero (A) has been upgraded to Cryoforge (S)!]


    Alex''s eyes widened as the final notification popped up. Then, a slow grin spread across his face.


    "Hell yes."


    He clenched his fist in victory.


    Cryoforge (S): The user gains full control over ice, allowing them to not only freeze anything they touch but also create weapons, shields, and structures made of ice. They can shape the ice at will¡ªforming swords, walls, spikes, or even blizzards to engulf and immobilize enemies. The freezing effect extends beyond mere touch, enabling the user to manipulate cold energy to freeze larger areas or solidify moisture in the air. This skill also offers defensive utility, enabling the creation of massive ice shields for protection.


    Cost: Scales with use.


    Alex''s grin widened.


    He stretched out his hand, willing ice to form¡ªand it did. Instantly.


    A block of ice materialized in front of him, smooth and solid.


    And with just a thought...

 Chapter 232 - 232: Evangel

    And with just a thought, it shifted, reshaping itself into a deadly spear, sharp enough to pierce through steel.


    With another flick of his fingers, the spear shattered and reformed into a towering ice wall¡ªthick, unyielding, impenetrable.


    Ice didn''t just obey him anymore.


    It was his tool. His weapon.


    Anything he touched, he could turn to ice¡ªanything. Anyone.


    His smirk deepened.


    "Yeah. This''ll do."


    But he wasn''t done.


    He turned his attention to the next skill¡ªGigantify.


    [Upgrading¡­]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Gigantify (B) has been upgraded to A-rank.]


    [Gigantify (A) has been upgraded to Matamass (S)!]


    Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued.


    "Matamass, huh? Let''s see what you can do."


    Metamass (S)


    A mastery of spatial manipulation, granting the user the power to both enlarge and reduce objects on touch. The user can expand weapons into colossal armaments or shrink massive structures into portable sizes. Shrinking objects does not reduce their original weight unless the user chooses to adjust their density. This skill can also be used dynamically in combat, creating sudden size shifts for unpredictable attacks.


    Cost: 100 Mana per use.


    Duration: 5 minutes or until dismissed.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.


    Now, not only could he enlarge objects¡ªhe could shrink them too.


    Alex''s mind raced with possibilities.


    He could take a massive tree, reduce it to the size of a toy¡­ then return it to full size midair, crushing everything in its path.


    Or shrink a boulder, carry it in his pocket like a stone, then expand it instantly, turning it into a wrecking ball.


    Insane. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This just keeps getting better."


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    His gaze shifted to the next skill¡ªMimicry.


    [Upgrading¡­]


    [Upgrade Successful]


    [Copy (A) has been upgraded to Mimicry (S)]


    Mimicry (S): Enhancing the power of skill replication, the user can permanently copy another person''s innate skill upon physical touch, acquiring it in its weakest form. The time required for absorption is reduced¡ªcopying from a low-ranking individual takes 5 seconds, while high-ranking individuals may still take minutes to hours. The copied skill must be trained or evolved to reach its full potential.


    Cost: 400 Mana per activation.


    Cooldown: 18 hours between uses.


    Limitations: The user cannot copy skills bound to a unique bloodline, divine authority, or exclusive traits. If interrupted during absorption, the process fails, and the cooldown is still triggered.


    Alex couldn''t help but grin.


    The upgrade was a success, and now Mimicry (S) was more efficient than ever.


    Absorbing skills were now quicker and cost less mana, but the best part was the speed¡ªhe didn''t know the exact number, but it was clear: he could copy abilities much faster than before.


    The time it took to copy from weaker foes had dropped dramatically, though he could never really know what time it took to copy skills from stronger enemies unless he tested it.


    Still, he was more than happy with the results.


    Every single one of his new skills had been upgraded, and now, he was as close to unstoppable as you could get under the tutorial rules.


    Alex turned his gaze to the stats tab.


    His heart rate ticked up, eager to see the changes that represented just how much stronger he''d become.


    Name: Alex Knight


    Rank: B


    Title: Apocalypse Baby


    Class: None


    Level: 79


    HP: 9068


    MP: 6400


    [Stats]


    Strength: 390


    Agility: 400


    Intelligence: 400


    Vitality: 400


    [Stat Points Available]: 8155


    [Powerstones]: 50


    [Skills]


    [Exploding Touch {S}] [Echo of Annahiliation {S}] [Arcane Dominion{S}] [Void Slip {S}] [Void Shroud {S}] [Spectral Barrage {S}] [Titan God''s Wrath {S}] [Limitless Drive {S}] [Godspeed Rampage {S}] [Void Gaze {S}] [Supreme Regeneration {S}] [Eternal Flame {S}] [Omnigaze {S}] [Stone Face {S}] [Terra Phase {S}] [Dominius {S}] [Godhand {S}] [World Breaker {S}] [One Shot One Kill {S}] [Black Flame {S}] [Omniview {S}] [Surge {S}] [Doppelking {S}] [Sixth Sense {S}] [Regnum Dominion {S}] [Illusion Resistance {S}] [Hellmarch {S}] [Imperium {S}] [Aerovale (S)] [Exsanguinate (S)] [Pain Mirror (S)] [Resurgence (S)] [Solar Judgement (S)] [Discern (B)] [Cryoforge (S)] [Metamass (S)] [Mimicry (S)]


    Alex nodded to himself, pleased with what he saw.


    Eight new skills, all upgraded to Rank S¡ªhis power had just skyrocketed. It felt like he was on the edge of something massive.


    But when his eyes slid over to his stats, a frown tugged at his lips.


    He saw that the numbers had dropped.


    And the reason was clear: he''d exchanged his attribute points for upgrade stones to power up his skills.


    But now, he needed to raise them back up.


    [Stats]


    Strength: 480


    Agility: 480


    Intelligence: 480


    Vitality: 480


    [Stat Points Available]: 7825


    [Powerstones]: 50


    Alex nodded as he allocated his stat points.


    He raised each of his attributes to 480 and left them there.


    He wanted to make sure that when he ranked up again, any additional attribute points from that upgrade would go to his stats as a reward, rather than getting wasted.


    Done with that, Alex''s focus shifted.


    He turned his attention to the new and improved clone skill now called Multiplicity.


    Thanks to this upgrade, he could not only create clones but also see and sense everything his clones experienced in real time.


    It was like he had eyes everywhere.


    He reached out, his focus narrowing on the one that had taken down the Beast Lord Evangel.


    With a single thought, he dismissed the clone.


    And the moment it disintegrated, a flood of memories rushed into his mind.


    The sensations were vivid¡ªimages, sounds, the rush of battle¡ªall crashing in like waves.


    The first thing that hit him was the realization: the Beast Lord Evangel hadn''t been an angel at all.


    The Beast Lord had been called Evangel, a colossal sky serpent that looked like a dragon.


    The image of the creature flashed in Alex''s mind¡ªa massive, winged serpent with gleaming scales, and eyes burning like molten fire, giving the creature an almost ethereal, otherworldly appearance.


    The air around it felt suffocated, and heavy, as if the very presence of the beast bent the atmosphere itself to its will.


    When its massive wings unfurled, they were impossibly thin, yet vast¡ªmore like sheets of razor-sharp parchment than wings, and the sky serpent cut through the sky.


    Its flight was...

 Chapter 233 - 233: Oracle Behind

    Its flight was flawless, a predator''s grace made deadly by it''s sheer size.


    Before Alex''s clone could get to the serpent, it had to fight its way through Drake''s minions¡ªflying enemies of equal ferocity, each one as relentless as the next.


    Using Aerovale, the clone was able to dominate the aerial battle, controlling the skies, and knocking down enemy after enemy with fluid, precise strikes. It was a battle of agility and timing, and the clone was built for it.


    But the hardest part came once Aetheris was finally within reach.


    The serpent''s healing ability made the battle even more brutal. Every time the clone landed a blow, the wounds would start to close, and the beast would regenerate. But the clone had something in its arsenal that would tip the balance.


    With [Exploding Touch], Alex''s clone pumped every bit of power into an explosion disk, pushing it to the absolute limit. When it detonated, the impact was devastating¡ªso powerful that even Aetheris''s regenerative ability couldn''t keep up.


    The blast was enough to break through its healing factor, turning the tide in the clone''s favor.


    The battle had been intense, but in the end, Alex''s clone emerged victorious, the sky serpent falling with a final, thunderous crash.


    It had been a hard-fought battle.


    But the rewards¡ªoh, the rewards¡ªhad been worth it.


    Alex shifted his focus, checking on the other clones.


    One was closing in on the location of a Beast Lord, getting closer with each passing moment.


    Another had just entered a Beast Lord zone, where the air was thick with danger and power.


    The last one was standing at the mouth of a cave, seemingly frozen in place, its attention fixed on something deep within.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "That''s odd," Alex muttered to himself.


    Curiosity gnawed at him.


    Why was the clone just standing there, doing nothing? What was it waiting for?


    His instincts kicked in, and Alex decided to dive deeper into the clone''s perspective, syncing with it even further, tapping into the sensations it was experiencing.


    As soon as he did, the force hit him.


    It wasn''t just the cave that felt strange¡ªit was what was inside.


    Alex felt the pull.


    It was like a magnet, tugging at his very being, pulling his attention toward it.


    But it wasn''t just that.


    The power emanating from within the cave was immense. It was raw, untamed, and overwhelming, oozing from every crack and crevice like a living force.


    Alex frowned and he checked the system map again. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On it showed the general location of the beast lord.


    But the cave he was looking at didn''t match any Beast Lord area.


    There was no indicator, no sign of the usual territory he was familiar with.


    This wasn''t a Beast Lord zone.


    It was something else.


    Something new.


    Something different.


    And that sparked his curiosity.


    Alex''s mind raced with questions.


    What was it? Why was it so powerful? What possibly be inside?


    His desire to know pushed him forward.


    He willed his clone to enter the cave, eager to get answers.


    The clone, standing at the mouth of the cave, hesitated for only a second before taking a slow step forward, each step bringing it closer to the unknown.


    But just as the clone reached the threshold, something stopped it.


    The familiar sound of the system.


    Ding!


    [Only the true body of player can enter.]


    Alex blinked.


    His clone was blocked from entering the cave.


    The system''s message was clear. It wasn''t just any barrier¡ªit was something meant for the player''s true form, not a clone.


    That... was interesting.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on the mouth of the cave.


    This was definitely something different.


    For the system to restrict access to only the "true body" of a player, it meant one of two things: either the cave was a trap set to deceive him, or it was hiding something grand¡ªsomething important.


    A small smirk tugged at the corner of Alex''s lips.


    He didn''t care which one it was.


    To him, it didn''t matter.


    His confidence surged.


    He trusted in his strength to handle anything that came his way.


    If it was a trap, he was ready to deal with it. If it was something grand, then he''d face it head-on. Either way, he could handle whatever lay inside.


    Besides, he was still under the tutorial rules. That meant protection.


    Anything too dangerous or absurd was out of the question.


    The system wouldn''t let anything truly catastrophic happen to him¡ªyet.


    Sixth Sense wasn''t picking up any signs of immediate danger either. No prickling on his skin, no gut feeling telling him to turn back.


    And Illusion Resistance would catch any trickery or deception before it even got close.


    So, with no hesitation, he decided.


    The cave wasn''t a threat.


    And even if it was, he had a lot of tools at his disposal to handle whatever.


    In the blink of an eye, Alex swapped places with his clone.


    The world seemed to twist around him for a fraction of a second as if reality itself had flipped.


    One moment, he was watching from his clone''s perspective, and the next, he was standing at the mouth of the cave, his feet on solid ground.


    The energy from the cave was even stronger now.


    The air around him hummed with energy.


    It was as if it was alive, pulling him in, wrapping around his body like an invisible force, urging him to step forward, deeper into its depths.


    "Alright let''s do this."


    Alex grinned ready to go in.


    But...


    Before his foot could even move, a voice rang out from behind him.


    "Stop!"


    The command was heavy, cutting through the air.


    It was cold, powerful, and left no room for argument.


    Alex''s muscles tensed, and he narrowed his voice.


    The voice¡­ it was familiar. Too familiar.


    He slowly turned around, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.


    And there he was.


    Right behind him.


    The overseer of the tutorial.


    That damned rabbit.


    Oracle.

 Chapter 234 - 234: Oracles Resolve

    Earlier


    In his endless white room, Oracle sat, his expression twisted into a deep frown as a flood of messages from the deities filled his vision.


    Annoying.


    They were all saying the same thing. Raging. Complaining. Seething.


    And all because a certain human was ignoring them.


    Deities were prideful, and they had every right to be. Their power was immeasurable, their influence vast. But that same arrogance made them insufferable at times.


    Sometimes, they needed to be knocked down a peg.


    And that''s exactly what Alex had done¡ªmetaphorically punched them in the face by disregarding their so-called divine presence.


    They didn''t like that.


    At all.


    And now?


    Now they were harassing Oracle, flooding him with demands, insisting he step in and force a meeting.


    Oracle sighed, rubbing his temples.


    He had far more important things to deal with than playing messenger boy for a bunch of sulking gods.


    He refused a meeting?


    Then ignore him.


    That was Oracle''s response to the deities.


    But that only infuriated them more¡ªbecause they couldn''t ignore him.


    They could have just moved on, found another player, shifted their attention elsewhere.


    But Alex was different.


    His potential was too vast. Too rare. Too valuable.


    There was no other player like him. No substitute. No second choice.


    They wanted him.


    But Alex?


    He didn''t care. He wasn''t bowing. He wasn''t playing by their rules.


    And as much as the deities despised him for it...


    His decision was the smartest one.


    Unlike other players, Alex didn''t need a sponsor to become a monster.


    If anything, having a deity''s backing would be a hindrance¡ªa leash disguised as a gift. It would limit his range, shackle his growth, and bind him to the boundaries of what his patron allowed.


    Why accept that?


    Why settle for a ceiling¡­ when you have the potential to shatter it entirely?


    Why walk the path of a mere champion¡­ when you could become something greater than a god?


    Not many could dream of reaching that height.


    But Alex could.


    Oracle sighed as he watched Alex''s power surge yet again.


    His encounter with the Reigners had almost made him reconsider.


    Maybe he should just leave Alex alone.


    Let him evolve into whatever abomination he was destined to become. Let the world witness the monster firsthand and deal with the consequences themselves.


    But...


    Oracle found that he couldn''t ignore it.


    Every fiber of his being burned with the urge to stop Alex.


    To erase him.


    Because Alex wasn''t just strong.


    He was an anomaly.


    A growing disaster.


    Oracle had watched as Alex maxed out every skill he owned, pushing them to S-rank without hesitation. Then, as if that wasn''t enough, he boosted his attributes to the limit.


    Now?


    He had stats that made zero sense for his level.


    That alone would''ve been bad enough.


    But no¡ªthe real problem was how stupidly fast he was leveling up.


    He was flying through ranks at a rate that shouldn''t even be possible.


    And worst of all?


    He had easily taken down a Beast Lord.


    Like it was nothing.


    Even his clone had barely broken a sweat against a Beast Lord.


    At this point, calling this a tutorial for Alex was laughable.


    The tutorial was meant to be grueling. Brutal. A trial by fire that forged players into warriors.


    Yet for Alex?


    It was easy mode.


    A game.


    And he was speedrunning it like a pro, blasting through every obstacle like they were nothing more than minor inconveniences. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was no stopping him.


    Oracle''s jaw clenched.


    If things kept going like this¡­


    Once the tutorial ended, Alex would be beyond him.


    Out of his reach.


    Out of anyone''s reach.


    And then¡ª


    Oracle would have to leave the human''s fate to the unknown.


    He refused to let that happen.


    There was only one way to get rid of Alex now.


    Oracle reached into the void and pulled out the orb.


    A deep, pulsing black sphere, swirling with shadows that seemed to consume the light around it.


    A system prompt appeared.


    [The Last Override]


    A forbidden artifact of immeasurable power. The Last Override grants an overseer temporary player status for exactly one minute. During this time, the user gains all the privileges and abilities of a player, allowing direct intervention in the system.


    Warning: Once the minute expires, the user is completely erased from existence¡ªmind, body, and soul.


    Oracle''s grip tightened around the artifact.


    This was his last resort.


    A weapon designed for absolute intervention.


    A gamble where the stakes were his very existence.


    If he used it, he''d gain just enough time¡ªa minute at most. A handful of seconds to end the anomaly.


    End Alex.


    And in exchange?


    He''d cease to exist.


    The system itself would wipe his presence from reality. No record. No memory.


    No one would ever know what he did.


    But Oracle didn''t care.


    Oracle''s fingers tightened around the Eclipse Core.


    His mind drifted back¡ªto then.


    To the destruction of entire worlds.


    To the aftermath of power left unchecked.


    To the mistake of letting a monster grow until it was too late.


    He had witnessed it before.


    A being whose potential as a disaster hadn''t been noticed in time.


    A force so overwhelming that by the time anyone tried to stop it¡­


    It was already too late.


    Oracle wouldn''t let history repeat itself.


    This needed to happen.


    His thumb brushed against the orb''s surface, the swirling darkness inside it pulling at his very existence.


    One activation.


    One minute.


    One chance.


    But just as he making up his mind¡ª


    Oracle froze sensing something.


    A presence¡ªvast, unfamiliar, and powerful¡ªhad descended upon the tutorial.


    It was like a ripple through reality itself.


    Oracle role as an Overseer kicked in, and he immediately pulled up the system interface.


    Lines of text and data flickered before him as he scanned the tutorial.


    What is this?


    A power had just entered.


    It was not the deities.


    Nor was it a threat.


    Something else.


    Oracle''s eyes narrowed as he analyzed the disturbance.


    Was this¡­ good?


    Maybe¡­


    Maybe this was something he could use against Alex.


    Oracle''s mind sharpened, instincts firing as he traced the source of the disturbance.


    His vision flickered, stretching across the tutorial''s vast landscape until he locked onto it.


    A cave.


    A strange, unmarked cave.


    And inside¡ªa presence.


    Powerful. Regal.


    The energy radiating from within wasn''t just strong¡ªit was commanding. The kind of force that only Reigners possessed.


    But that didn''t make sense.


    Something like this? Here?

 Chapter 235 - 235: Legacy Trial

    Oracle''s frown deepened. This cave hadn''t existed before.


    Had the tutorial spawned it?


    No¡­ this wasn''t something created by the system. This was foreign.


    The more he analyzed it, the more his confusion deepened.


    Then¡ª


    Ding!


    The system fed him new information.


    Lines of text flooded his vision.


    His eyes widened.


    "¡­What¡­ this¡­?"


    His voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief leaking into his tone.


    Then it hit him.


    "This is a legacy trial."


    A long pause.


    His breath hitched.


    Why?...


    "Why was there a legacy trial inside the tutorial?"


    Oracle hadn''t been informed of this.


    And that was a problem.


    Legacy Trials weren''t just rare. They were legendary.


    These trials only appeared once every thousand years¡ªa multiversal event so colossal that it could shake entire realms.


    And now, one had appeared inside the tutorial?


    Oracle''s grip on the Eclipse Core tightened.


    Legacy Trials weren''t ordinary opportunities. They were created by the Rulers¡ªthe beings above even deities¡ªto grant select players a chance at unimaginable power.


    Power strong enough to ascend to godhood.


    Power that had birthed the very gods ruling the universe today.


    The Blood Monarch.


    The Undying Monarch.


    The Earth Sovereign.


    The Dragon Emperor.


    Every one of them had started as a mere player.


    They hadn''t become gods overnight.


    But the power they gained from the Legacy Trial had set them on the path.


    Every single deity that existed today had once been a player who passed a trial like this.


    Not a single god had risen without it.


    And now¡­ one of these trials had appeared.


    Here.


    Inside the tutorial.


    Possessing that same opportunity.


    Oracle exhaled slowly, his fingers drumming against the Eclipse Core.


    Amusing.


    But also¡­ suspicious.


    Why?


    Why would a Legacy Trial¡ªsomething that only appeared once in a thousand years¡ªdescend into a mere tutorial?


    And more importantly¡­


    Why would it appear in the same place as Alex, the biggest anomaly the system had ever seen?


    A brief pause.


    Then realization slammed into Oracle like a freight train and his eyes widened.


    "Don''t tell me..."


    His breath hitched.


    "Was that the point?"


    The Legacy Trial wasn''t just some random event¡ªit was meant to bring together only the most powerful, unique players. It turned ordinary beings into legends, forcing them to compete in a deadly tournament for unimaginable power.


    But if one had appeared here, in the tutorial...


    The choice of who would be picked was clear.


    It had to be Alex.


    No other player, not a single soul in this system, could compare to his potential.


    "Please... don''t let it be him."


    In a panic, Oracle moved quickly.


    He didn''t waste a single second, diving straight into the system, scanning for Alex''s location.


    His hands flew over the controls, tracing the energy, the pull of the anomaly.


    And there it was.


    Alex.


    Right in front of the cave.


    The trial was already targeting him.


    "No!"


    Oracle''s roar echoed through the air, the ground beneath his feet cracking as his fist slammed into it, sending shards of stone flying.


    The fury inside him surged like a tidal wave, but there was no stopping it.


    How lucky could one person get?


    Why were the Reigners letting this happen?


    Didn''t they see it? Didn''t they understand that Alex was a ticking time bomb, a potential world-destroying disaster in the making?


    And now, right in front of him, Alex stood at the mouth of the cave¡ªhis presence drawing the eerie, pulsing aura from within.


    The power from the cave seemed to call to him, tugging at Alex''s very being.


    It was happening.


    Oracle''s anger flared hotter, his thoughts racing.


    How could the Reigners be so blind?


    They were supposed to control the chaos, to keep things in check, but now¡ªthis anomaly¡ªthis player who defied everything¡ªwas standing at the threshold of godlike power.


    Oracle was furious.


    Why was everything in the universe intent on making Alex so unstoppably broken?


    Every step Alex took seemed planned, like the universe itself was clearing his path, removing obstacles as if they were nothing more than stepping stones to greater power.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Oracle''s teeth ground together, his frustration boiling over.


    His hands clenched into fists, knuckles white with rage.


    All of this was leading to the very thing he''d feared.


    Alex was growing stronger with each passing second, and everything Oracle had done to contain him felt like it was falling apart.


    Every victory, every new power Alex gained, only confirmed what Oracle had been dreading: he was becoming the very threat Oracle feared.


    And like always, Oracle would have to react. He couldn''t sit back and let this happen.


    No.


    This had to be stopped.


    No more delays. No more waiting.


    He would end this.


    Now, there was no guarantee that Alex would come out on top, no promise that he would win the Legacy Trial.


    After all, there would be players from across different universes¡ªinsane, powerful beings of all species, each as unpredictable and dangerous as Alex himself.


    Some might even be more anomalous than Alex.


    But that didn''t matter.


    As long as there was even a sliver of a chance that Alex could win, Oracle couldn''t let that happen.


    If Alex became a Legacy holder if he claimed the power that came with it...


    Nothing¡ªnot a single force in this universe¡ªwould be able to stop his rise.


    Alex would grow too strong, too fast.


    His potential would be unstoppable. The world would be at his mercy.


    And Oracle knew exactly what that meant: his worst fear would come to life.


    He couldn''t let it happen.


    Not now.


    Not ever.


    With a sharp click of his teeth, Oracle vanished.


    One moment, there was nothing¡ªthen, bam¡ªhe reappeared right behind Alex, just as he was about to step into the cave.


    In an instant, Oracle''s presence crashed down like a thunderclap.


    His voice, full of authority and cold fury, boomed through the air.


    "Stop."


    Every muscle in his body coiled with intent.


    No matter the cost, no matter the means, he would stop Alex from stepping into that cave.


    sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 236 - 236: Games

    Alex''s brow furrowed, his gaze locking onto the small, suited figure standing before him. His instincts screamed at him, but not out of fear¡ªjust confusion.


    What the hell is it doing here?


    Oracle didn''t move. Didn''t blink. Just stared.


    His sharp crimson eyes burned with something unreadable.


    His pristine black coat billowed slightly in the wind, both paws clasped behind his back as if he were some wise old sage.


    A moment stretched between them.


    A man and a rabbit, locked in a silent standoff.


    Oracle was the first to break the silence.


    "We meet again, Alex Knight."


    His voice was calm, but there was a weight behind it, something heavy¡ªsomething dangerous.


    Alex''s frown deepened.


    Something felt off.


    The timing was too precise. Too convenient.


    Why now?


    Why did Oracle suddenly appear the moment he was about to enter the cave?


    The Overseer had been silent all this time, watching as he tore through obstacles, leveled up at an absurd rate, and even took down a Beast Lord like it was nothing.


    Not a single word, not a single interference.


    And yet now, when he stood before this strange cave, Oracle shows up and tells him to stop?


    Weird.


    Alex folded his arms.


    "What do you want?" His tone was casual. His eyes narrowed


    ."Shouldn''t you be in your fancy white room, monitoring the tutorial? Y''know, messing with my system like you always do?"


    He watched closely, waiting for Oracle''s reaction.


    Oracle''s mind raced.


    He knows.


    Of course, Alex would know¡ªOracle''s interference in the system had been blatantly obvious. But this also meant something else.


    Alex was wary of him.


    That was a problem.


    And an even bigger problem?


    Alex was just one step away from entering the cave.


    Even if Oracle used The Last Override, there was no guarantee he could stop him in time.


    Damn it!


    He cursed inwardly, his paws tightening behind his back.


    How the hell was he supposed to convince Alex not to enter a cave that could potentially grant him the power to become a literal deity?


    That was like trying to convince a starving wolf to ignore a fresh kill.


    Alex tilted his head, watching the rabbit with sharp, calculating eyes.


    "You still haven''t answered my question."


    His voice cut through Oracle''s thoughts like a blade.


    Oracle snapped out of his thoughts, forcing himself to focus.


    Think. Think! sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But no words came.


    He really hadn''t planned for this.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "If I remember correctly, you just yelled at me to stop."


    Oracle hesitated.


    "...Yes. I did."


    His own voice sounded shaky.


    Why was he this nervous?


    Maybe it was because Alex''s aura was... different.


    It wasn''t just strong¡ªit was monstrous.


    The man standing before him now was nothing like the wimpy player who first entered his domain.


    "And why is that?"


    Alex asked, his piercing gaze daring Oracle to explain himself.


    Oracle exhaled sharply, forcing himself to keep his composure.


    "That place is dangerous," he said. "Unfortunately for you... you wouldn''t be able to handle the danger it will bring."


    Alex''s brow twitched.


    Discern was a passive skill¡ªit worked automatically, without effort.


    And right now, it told Alex something interesting.


    Oracle wasn''t lying.


    But he wasn''t telling the whole truth either.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Every place I''ve entered in this tutorial has been dangerous," he said. "When I stepped into the Beast Lord zones, why didn''t you show up then?"


    Oracle didn''t even hesitate.


    "Because you could handle it. And the Beast Lords are under my jurisdiction. Whatever''s inside that cave is something else entirely¡ªstrange and foreign. Until I inspect it, every player should stay clear."


    "Because it''s dangerous?" Alex pressed.


    "Yes."


    A simple answer. A little too simple.


    Alex hummed, his gaze flickering toward the cave entrance.


    He seemed to be pondering something.


    Alex took a second, then slowly raised a finger.


    "And what if I don''t mind the danger?"


    Oracle blinked. "Pardon?"


    Alex''s voice remained calm¡ªalmost too calm.


    "Listen, Oracle, you''ve said hello, warned me about the dangers, and given me your official ''stay away'' speech. Good job." He clapped his hands once, slow and deliberate. "But here''s the thing¡ªI still want to explore whatever''s inside this cave. Would that be a problem?"


    Oracle''s gaze hardened.


    He studied Alex for a long moment, searching for hesitation.


    There was none.


    Then he exhaled, his voice firm. "Yeah. It would be."


    Alex raised a brow, interest piqued. "Oh? And why''s that?"


    Oracle bit his lip slightly, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.


    He hated when denizens tried to act smart with him.


    Know your place.


    But this time, he couldn''t say that.


    He needed Alex to believe him.


    He needed a solid reason¡ªone that would actually make Alex reconsider.


    And that made him panic.


    Alex, impatient as ever, pressed him.


    "I don''t have time to waste, Oracle. Every second I stand here listening to you is a second I could be using to explore whatever''s inside that cave."


    Oracle grasped for something¡ªanything.


    "Well... hmm... it''s dangerous and highly anomalous. Even I am not fully aware of the threats it holds."


    Alex tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze locked onto Oracle.


    "Nah... I don''t buy that," he said smoothly. "I think you are aware. Aware of both the dangers and the rewards. Am I right?"


    Oracle''s grip tightened around the orb, his frustration mounting.


    "There is no reward," he said flatly.


    Alex immediately smirked. "Another lie."


    He exhaled, shaking his head as if disappointed. "Okay, listen. I know something in there is reaching out to me for a reason. So, I''m going in. Simple as that. But hey, if I get out¡ªsince you mentioned it''s dangerous, and I didn''t forget that¡ªI''ll report back to you. How about that?"


    Oracle''s expression darkened.


    "Don''t play games with me, human."


    Alex shrugged. "Games? The way I see it, you''re the one playing. I just want to put myself in danger. What''s it to you?"


    Oracle ground his teeth, his fingers curling tightly around the Eclipse Core.


    His patience was slipping.


    He really wanted to use it now.


    Alex turned away. "Alright, if we''re done talking, I might as well¡ª"


    "Wait!"


    Oracle''s voice cracked like thunder, his aura exploding outward.


    The sheer force of it made the ground tremble beneath them.


    Alex halted.


    "I said you cannot go," Oracle growled, eyes blazing. "You don''t understand. Go fight a Beast Lord, challenge death itself if you want¡ªbut this..."


    He jabbed a finger toward the cave. "No player is...

 Chapter 237 - 237: Be Prepared

    He jabbed a finger toward the cave. "No player is allowed inside."


    "You mean I''m not allowed in," Alex corrected, his gaze sharp.


    Oracle''s frown deepened.


    "Well," Alex continued, voice calm but firm, "you can''t tell me what I can or can''t do."


    Oracle''s fur bristled.


    "I CAN!"


    His voice boomed, shaking the entire area.


    "I''M THE OVERSEER!"


    Alex exhaled through his nose, unimpressed and unmoved.


    "Seriously? You don''t hear the desperation in your own voice?"


    "Don''t test me human."


    "Oh do your worst."


    Alex teased and without hesitation, he took a step forward.


    Oracle flinched.


    His heart clenched.


    Alex was in the cave. He had totally ignored his threat.


    A soft chime echoed in Alex''s mind, and a notification flashed before his eyes.


    Alex''s breath hitched as he read it.


    Then, a slow, satisfied grin spread across his face.


    "Oh? If I wasn''t supposed to enter¡­" He turned to Oracle, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Then why am I getting a notification that I''m eligible to participate in something called a Legacy Trial?"


    Alex kept his gaze locked on the glowing text in front of him, scanning through the details.


    "Don''t read that!" Oracle''s voice cracked with urgency, panic creeping into his usually composed tone. "The system hasn''t flagged this as dangerous, which means it''s still letting players in, right?"


    Alex barely spared him a glance.


    He hummed thoughtfully, eyes flicking through more of the information.


    Then, his lips curled into a grin.


    "Oh? A tournament against powerful players like myself? And¡ªhold on¡ªnew realm players?" He chuckled. "No clue what that means, but they sound like fun opponents."


    Oracle clenched his jaw.


    He clicked his teeth in frustration.


    "You have no idea what you''re signing up for." His voice was low, measured, but there was an unmistakable edge of dread.


    Alex turned to him, amusement flickering in his eyes. "But you do. And isn''t that exactly why you''re trying to stop me?"


    Oracle stiffened. "I''m just doing what''s best for the players."


    Alex arched a brow.


    "It is my duty," Oracle insisted.


    Alex scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he stared down Oracle.


    "Don''t hide your bias, Carrot Nibbler," Alex said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It''s pretty obvious you don''t want me around. Ever since you found out I''m an anomaly, you''ve been trying to get rid of me. Talking about how you''d kill me if you could¡ªnonsense like that. So don''t give me that ''duty'' crap."


    Oracle''s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    His jaw tightened, eyes flicking to the orb he held.


    He hated this. He hated Alex''s audacity, his sheer defiance.


    But more than that, he hated that he couldn''t just get rid of him like he wanted.


    He wanted to end this, to eliminate Alex before he became a threat, but now?


    With one word, Alex could activate the Legacy Trial and vanish.


    And everything Oracle feared would be set in motion.


    Alex''s words cut through the tension.


    "You''ve been messing with me from the start," he continued, his voice steady, but carrying an edge of annoyance. "For some reason, everyone else got a class, but you didn''t let me choose one. Not that I''m complaining... But then, you throw me into a dangerous zone with no weapons, no equipment. Not even the basics¡ªlike shopping, or how to read a map. And to top it all off, you get other players to attack me and brand me as a monster, saying I was about to become some freakin'' Beast Lord."


    Oracle''s eyes flashed, but he quickly masked his irritation with a forced smile.


    He tried to stay calm, offering a way out.


    "Well, if it''s a class you want, you can choose one now," he said, trying to be reasonable.


    Alex didn''t even hesitate. "Like hell I will."


    Oracle''s smile faltered, but he pushed forward, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "Maybe... I could give you a unique item or weapon along with it."


    Alex''s gaze hardened, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Don''t bother, Rodent."


    The insult hit its mark.


    Oracle''s jaw clenched, his fists tightening as Alex''s words stung.


    "You bastard," he growled, "If you don''t even want a class, why complain about it?"


    Alex shrugged, his expression unfazed.


    "I dunno, maybe it''s because I''m just pissed off at how unfair everything''s been. Pissed that you''ve been targeting me, trying to mess with my life, and going as far as shrinking my skills." He took a step forward, his gaze intense. "Like that''s something I can just ignore."


    Oracle''s glare hardened. "Unfair? You''re the one walking around with a broken title."


    Alex''s lips curled into a cheeky grin. "Well, it''s not my fault I''m special, is it?"


    The words hit Oracle like a slap in the face, but he didn''t show it.


    He narrowed his eyes, his voice low and dangerous. "You''re right. It''s not. But don''t think that gives you a free pass to participate in some grand trial against powerful figures just because you''re a bit of a genius."


    Alex didn''t flinch. His confidence only seemed to grow with Oracle''s frustration.


    "I doubt I''m a ''bit'' of a genius if you''re making such a big deal out of it. But, yeah, I''m accepting the prompt."


    Oracle''s expression darkened, his teeth grinding together.


    He knew he was losing control of this situation, and that thought alone made his temper flare.


    But there was nothing he could do to stop Alex now.


    Oracle''s voice boomed, filled with frustration. "You''re making a mistake!"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed, his tone as cold as ice. "I don''t think you care that much."


    He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.


    "What are you really afraid of, Oracle? That I''ll actually win this trial?"


    Oracle scoffed, brushing off Alex''s question with a wave.


    "There''s no scenario where that happens. You have no idea what kind of entity you''ll face in there. You''re playing with forces you can''t comprehend."


    Alex''s grin spread wider, eyes gleaming with defiance.


    "The fact that you''re lying means I actually have a shot, don''t I?"


    Oracle''s jaw clenched. "No, that''s not¡ª"


    But Alex cut him off, his grin never fading. "Well, thanks for the vote of confidence. I really needed that, Carrot Nibbler."


    "No, don''t!" Oracle shouted, stepping forward with urgency, his eyes locked on the glowing prompt before Alex. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex was already making his choice.


    Without hesitation, his fingers hovered over the prompt.


    "Yes. I agree to participate in the Legacy Trial."


    "Wait, don''t!" Oracle''s voice cracked, but it was too late.


    In a flash, Alex vanished, the prompt''s light fading in the air, and with it, the unique signature that came with the Legacy invitation.


    Oracle stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the now-empty cave, his chest heaving.


    The silence around him felt suffocating.


    Then, Oracle crumpled to the ground, his knees hitting the stone floor with a heavy thud.


    His hands trembled, fists clenched in frustration.


    The reality of the situation hit him hard.


    Alex was already in and there was nothing he could do about it.


    But there was no way he was going to just sit back and wait.


    With burning anger in his chest, Oracle gritted his teeth.


    There were only two things he could do now.


    One: Hope that Alex wouldn''t make it out alive.


    Two: Be prepared if he does.


    And gods, he prayed it would be the first¡ªbecause if Alex returned, Oracle wasn''t sure he could deal with the version of Alex that would return. Even with the The Last Override.

 Chapter 238 - 238: Three Selections

    As soon as Alex accepted the prompt, the world around him exploded into streaks of light.


    It felt like being launched through space in a ship moving at the speed of light.


    But he wasn''t just surrounded by stars¡ªthey were everywhere.


    Above, below, beside him.


    Twisting and stretching into glowing ribbons, bending reality itself.


    Colors warped into each other like paint swirling in water, as if he were slipping through the cracks between dimensions.


    His body floated. Limbs loose. No gravity, no weight. Just him, drifting through this tunnel of cosmic chaos.


    Time¡ªor whatever passed for it in this place¡ªfelt stretched thin.


    Like a rubber band about to snap.


    And yet¡­ it wasn''t disorienting.


    If anything, Alex felt amazing.


    No disorientation. No motion sickness.


    Just this strange calm and a buzzing energy in his chest.


    He stared at the shifting waves of color around him, eyes wide, lips parting slightly.


    "This doesn''t seem like teleportation," he muttered.


    It felt like a transition.


    A true shift between worlds.


    Like plunging into the depths of some cosmic ocean¡­ diving past the surface and heading straight into something deeper.


    Something unknown.


    It wasn''t instant.


    Which meant¡­ he had time before he reached wherever this place was taking him.


    And, he figured he might as well make use of the pocket of silence.


    So, he turned his focus inward¡ªchecking on the one thing he couldn''t stop thinking about.


    His clones.


    Had they disappeared when he got yanked out of the tutorial? Or were they still out there doing their thing?


    He closed his eyes and reached out with his mind, tapping into the faint threads that connected him to the scattered fragments of himself.


    Each clone left behind a subtle pull, like invisible wires stretching across worlds.


    Alex waited¡­


    One heartbeat.


    Two.


    And there it was.


    Still active.


    Then another.


    And another.


    All three clones¡ªstill in play.


    Alex smirked a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.


    "Perfect."


    They hadn''t been dismissed.


    His presence was still there¡ªthrough the clones.


    That meant something important.


    He could still operate inside the tutorial¡­ even while being somewhere else entirely.


    Alex grinned. Multitasking at its finest.


    He closed his eyes again, letting his mind follow the thread to each of his clones¡ªchecking what they were up to.


    The first one?


    Locked in a full-on brawl with beasts.


    The battlefield looked like a dungeon¡ªmulti-floor, dim lighting, the air thick with danger. Each level seemed more brutal than the last, and his clone was tearing through it like a beast unleashed.


    The second?


    Moving through a different region. It was on a hunt, scanning over maps and terrain, searching for the second Beast Lord''s lair. Sharp, methodical, efficient.


    And the last one¡ªthe one who had discovered the Legacy Cave and swapped places with him was sitting calmly under a tree¡­ casually eating roasted rabbit.


    Just chillin''.


    But it wasn''t exactly peaceful.


    From the corner of the clone''s vision, several figures watched him from the treeline¡ªspying.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "Those guys never learn."


    They were either from Ethan''s crew? Or Darrel''s?


    Hard to tell. But it didn''t matter.


    The clone knew he was being watched.


    He could feel the eyes on him from the shadows of the trees.


    But he didn''t care.


    As long as those spies didn''t get too bold¡ªdidn''t try to move in¡ªhe wouldn''t be forced to crush their bones into fine dust.


    Simple boundaries.


    Pleased with the situation, Alex shifted his focus back to the present.


    He exhaled slowly, letting go of the background noise in his mind, and turned his attention to the golden interface glowing in front of him.


    It shimmered like molten sunlight, pulsing with quiet power.


    He needed to jog his memory¡ªget a proper read on what this Legacy Trial really was.


    Then, like it had been waiting for his cue, the notification from earlier reappeared¡ªhovering before his eyes:


    [Alex Knight]


    [You have been chosen to be a Legacy Holder.]


    Legacy: Ascension to Godhood


    You stand at the threshold of a destiny forged beyond mortality. The Reigners¡ªancient beings who rule entire planes¡ªhave marked you. Few are chosen. Fewer survive.


    You are no longer a mere player. You are a Candidate for Divinity.


    Forge your Pantheon.


    Shape your Doctrine.


    Bind followers to your Pact, empowering them with your will.


    Transcend the mortal coil.


    Become a force worshipped, feared, and obeyed.


    [Legacy Trial]


    Compete against beings drawn from countless universes¡ªhumans, demi-humans, spectral races, abyssal spawn, and creatures birthed in planes where time folds and suns bleed. Each wields strange magics, divine blessings, or monstrous heritage.


    Only one will inherit the Legacy.


    Only one shall stand among the Deities.


    Alex leaned in, his eyes narrowing with excitement.


    From what he gathered so far, the Legacy Trial was no ordinary challenge.


    The winner wouldn''t just walk away stronger¡ªthey''d gain power that rivaled actual deities.


    Scratch that. They became one.


    Insane.


    It was exactly the kind of power Alex wanted.


    But it wasn''t going to come easy.


    With a quick swipe, he pulled up more details.


    The glowing text shifted, rearranging into a new header that revealed details of the trial.


    First Selection ¨C Screening Test


    Pass the individual selection set by the Proctor. Losing in this round you will be transported back to your world.


    Second Selection ¨C Tournament Phase


    Fight against challengers from different species. Though you will be healed and returned back to the tutorial. Soul rending injury is likely and guaranteed if you end up killed.


    Third Selection ¨C The Legacy Race


    A chaotic free-for-all across a dynamic battlefield. Face demonic beings, form alliances, betray them, and survive. Death here is permanent participate at your own will.


    Main Reward:


    The Mantle of a Newborn God.


    Alex''s heartbeat kicked up a notch.


    He was going to fight creatures from different realms.


    Not just humans. Not just monsters.


    But actual otherworldly beings.


    Alex grinned excitedly.


    He didn''t even know what thrilled him more¡ªthe shot at godhood¡­ or the chance to throw hands with something that had six arms and flaming horns.


    Probably both.


    Alex clenched his fists, knuckles cracking.


    Legacy Holder, huh¡­?


    He grinned wide, eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    Then the air around Alex began to hum¡ªa low, steady vibration that crawled across his skin.


    The starry streaks surrounding him blurred faster, warping into a tunnel of light speeding toward infinity.


    The transition was picking up. Fast.


    But weirdly, his body didn''t budge.


    No spinning. No tumbling. No queasy gut.


    It was like all this insane cosmic movement had zero effect on him.


    Convenient.


    He''d seen enough sci-fi movies to know space travelers usually puked their guts out when their ships hit light speed.


    The last thing he needed was to be disoriented right before getting tossed into a battle with aliens or eldritch monsters.


    Then the light flared¡ªwhite¡­ then violet¡­ then a blinding obsidian black.


    And just like that, it all stopped.


    The weightless drifting vanished.


    Gravity came crashing back.


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


    With a heavy thud, Alex''s boots hit solid ground.


    He blinked rapidly, the blinding light slowly clearing from his vision.


    And then... he saw it.


    A colossal stone arena, rising like a forgotten relic of an ancient empire, but floating in the middle of a vast, endless sky.


    There were no walls. No horizon.


    Just an endless, star-strewn sky above, and a sea of rolling clouds far beneath, as if a storm was waiting to swallow the world whole.


    At the center of this arena stood a massive circular platform, its surface etched with glowing symbols¡ªeach one pulsing with a faint, eerie light.


    Around him, scattered about¡ªstood other people.


    About thirty of them.


    Humans.


    Like himself.


    And they all turned to look at him.

 Chapter 239 - 239: Dragon Emperor

    Alex didn''t flinch at the gazes.


    He calmly looked around.


    And he could tell from what he sensed that these were not just any humans.


    These ones radiated power.


    Some more than others.


    Way more.


    Their eyes flicked over briefly, sizing him up, before they quickly glanced away.


    Alex couldn''t help but notice their lack of surprise.


    He figured this kind of sudden appearance must''ve been routine for them as this must be how others arrived as well. Or maybe, he just wasn''t impressive.


    Who knows.


    He stood still, taking in the sight around him.


    His gaze swept across the group, and he couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe.


    "So... this is what the system meant by ''players from another world,''" he muttered to himself.


    These weren''t the players from his tutorial or the numerous tutorials that existed in his world.


    No.


    These were people from other worlds. Other versions of Earth.


    Alex was the only one from his world chosen for this.


    As he scanned the crowd more closely, using Omni View details started to stand out.


    Some of them wore enchanted armor, the metal shimmering with glowing runes that seemed to pulse with life.


    Others wielded weapons that moved with an energy of their own¡ªblades that shimmered with raw heat, frost creeping along the edges, or weapons crackling with aetheric energy, like they were alive.


    A few had cloaks that rippled and shimmered without a single gust of wind, each marked with strange crests or beast emblems that gave them an air of mystery.


    One girl caught his attention¡ªshe was floating a few inches off the ground, her hair flickering like flames as if it had a life of its own.


    A guy nearby had a greatsword so massive it looked like it should''ve been impossible for him to even lift. But he held it like it weighed nothing, a deadly ease in his every movement.


    And then there was another, sitting on the ground, lazily sipping from a crystal flask, his fingers flicking as he cast illusion spells that danced across the sky, leaving glowing trails in their wake.


    This wasn''t just a group of players.


    These were monsters.


    The best of the best.


    Each of them carried an aura of someone who had survived the impossible¡ªpeople who had bled, battled, and come out on top, standing victorious.


    Alex observed, figuring some of them had to be New Realm players. The ones Oracle had mentioned.


    Because there was no way some of these candidates were regular tutorial players.


    He''d reached the peak of the tutorial, and he knew exactly what the ceiling looked like. But half of the people around him were on a whole different level.


    Some of them oozed power, practically radiating with a boundless potential that seemed almost¡­ unstoppable.


    And that wasn''t something that could be achieved in the tutorial.


    Unless one was Alex.


    So, he quickly pieced it together.


    New Realm players were those who had graduated from the tutorial, leaving behind the safety of its boundaries to face the brutal, unfiltered dangers of the world outside, gaining experience and power beyond what Alex had been exposed to.


    And these were the people he was going to compete against...


    "Cool."


    Alex then took a moment to scan the arena again.


    The floating coliseum seemed to hum with a quiet tension like the air itself was holding its breath.


    Most of the gathered humans kept to themselves, speaking in low murmurs, their voices barely rising above a whisper.


    Every now and then, Alex caught a snatch of conversation, words like "strategy" and "potential threats" floating through the air.


    Meanwhile, some of the competitors were just watching, their eyes scanning the arena and sizing up the others¡ªlike he was doing.


    Alex felt the weight of several gazes land on him as well. It wasn''t surprising. The arena was full of sharp eyes, so Alex didn''t mind.


    After all, he was doing the same thing.


    And anyone who wanted to smoke with him would get flames.


    Sure, most of the players around him were powerful.


    Especially the New Realm players.


    But for all their strength, not many caught Alex''s attention.


    None of them sparked the thrill Alex was looking for.


    That instinctive, spine-tingling feeling you get when a real predator enters the room.


    None of them... except for one.


    Alex''s eyes zeroed in on a lone figure standing at the far side of the arena.


    This guy wasn''t trying to be noticed.


    No flashy display. No glowing weapons. No familiars or magical beasts ready to pounce.


    He wasn''t doing anything special.


    He was just standing there, perfectly still.


    And that stillness? That''s what made him dangerous.


    Alex''s instincts screamed at him as he locked onto the man.


    The air around him felt heavier, thicker like something massive was pressing down on him.


    The guy''s mana¡­ was ridiculous.


    It didn''t leak out like the others, glowing and sparking off the edges of their auras.


    No, this guy''s power was contained¡ªcoiled, like a serpent waiting for the perfect moment. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His skin was tanned, his hair short and silvery, catching the light like strands of molten metal. His expression? Impossible to read¡ªcompletely neutral, like a blank slate.


    His outfit was simple, almost plain: a dark, sleeveless robe that moved with an eerie fluidity, high combat boots that looked worn but reliable, and twin vambraces made from something that could only be dragon bone¡ªcrystallized.


    Behind him, were sheathed two massive dual-blades.


    Although this guy wasn''t trying to stand out, the sheer force of his presence made it impossible to ignore him.


    Even the rest of the players instinctively avoided going near him.


    Then, Alex felt it.


    The intense pressure, the suffocating presence he''d been feeling, was suddenly gone.


    Completely.


    It was like the guy''s aura had disappeared into thin air. No trace. No hint. No whisper of power.


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    "Insane."


    Only someone with ridiculous control over their energy could pull something like that off. It was like he had flipped a switch and erased all traces of his presence, making himself utterly invisible.


    Then the strange man''s posture shifted, his gaze lifting slowly, deliberately, until it locked onto Alex''s.


    Their eyes met and Alex''s body instinctively tensed up.


    He had been staring too much and had gotten caught.


    The man''s gaze was intense and intimidating, but Alex didn''t cower.


    He raised his chin slightly, not as a challenge, but as a greeting.


    Then, something shifted in the man''s expression¡ªjust a flicker, a spark of interest.


    It was subtle, but Alex saw it.


    And the stillness was gone.


    Without hesitation, the man moved.


    His steps were confident, and unwavering, as he walked straight toward Alex.


    This motion caught the attention of some people


    And, one voice broke the tension.


    "Hey, isn''t that him?"


    The words rippled through the crowd.


    More whispers followed.


    "The one and only candidate."


    "The Dragon''s Emperor''s recruit."


    "He''s here¡­ participating too?"


    Listening.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed as the murmurs reached his ears.


    Dragon Emperor?


    The words echoed in his mind.


    He''d heard that name before, but from where?


    His thoughts raced as he tried to place it.


    And then, before he could piece it together, the mysterious figure was right in front of him.


    Without a word, the man extended his hand toward Alex.


    "Nice to meet you, Alex Knight," the man said, his voice smooth and calm, but there was power in every syllable. "I''m Adam Evargel."


    Alex''s gaze flickered to his hand, but his focus was instantly drawn to the man''s eyes¡ªgolden, glowing like they held the light of another world.


    The intensity of those eyes almost felt like they could burn right through him.


    Alex''s mind went still for a moment.


    The moment the name hit him, the memory clicked.


    Dragon Emperor.


    It was one of the deities, that had requested a meeting with him along with numerous other gods.


    Adam didn''t wait for him to say anything, as he added smoothly, with his hand still extended.


    "My Master would like to have a word with you."

 Chapter 240 - 240: Possessed

    "My Master would like to have a word with you."


    Adam''s voice was calm but layered with something deeper.


    His eyes glowed gold, unnaturally bright, and his hand remained outstretched.


    There was a subtle pressure behind his words¡ªlike a force gently nudging Alex''s mind forward. A coercion effect.


    Probably some kind of passive skill meant to make people nod and follow like sheep.


    It was too bad for him; Alex wasn''t just anyone.


    His resistance to illusions, mind tricks, and mental manipulation held firm.


    The effect bounced right off.


    Alex exhaled, raised his hand slowly... and brushed Adam''s offer aside with a casual shrug.


    "Sorry," he said, tone sharp and flat. "I''m not interested in meeting this master of yours."


    Adam''s glowing eyes flickered.


    His hand dropped, just slightly.


    Shock broke through the mask of calm on his face¡ªjust for a second.


    He hadn''t seen that coming.


    Most players would''ve jumped at the chance. Eager. Wide-eyed. Grateful just to be noticed.


    Maybe Alex didn''t realize what he was turning down.


    Adam''s brow furrowed, and he narrowed his glowing eyes to study him more closely.


    Then his expression shifted.


    His eyes widened in surprise.


    "You..." he muttered, stunned. "You''re still a tutorial player?"


    Alex simply nodded.


    There was nothing wrong in admitting it after all he wasn''t the only tutorial player here.


    That made Adam''s shock double.


    He took a step back, blinking like he''d just seen a glitch in the system. There was no way. No way someone this powerful¡ªthis composed¡ªwas still in the tutorial phase.


    It finally made sense. That must be why he doesn''t understand what this means¡­


    Adam exhaled sharply and then straightened.


    Time for a little context.


    "You clearly don''t know who the Dragon Emperor is," he said, his tone a little sharper now. "He''s not just some high-tier boss or a system NPC. He''s one of the strongest deities in existence. His power? Near infinite. Real myth-level stuff."


    He stepped closer again.


    "Players would kill¡ªliterally kill¡ªfor a shot at inheriting his legacy. The fact that he wants to meet with you?" Adam pointed. "It means he''s considering making you his candidate. And let me be clear¡ªhe doesn''t hand out invitations. Ever."


    A pause.


    Then, more firmly: "Don''t waste this offer, Alex."


    Alex listened quietly, arms crossed, eyes calm.


    He waited until Adam finished talking before replying¡ªvoice steady, firm.


    "Well... I don''t want to be a candidate."


    Adam blinked.


    For a second, he just stared, trying to figure out if Alex was joking.


    Then he realized he wasn''t.


    A crease formed between Adam''s brows.


    Was this guy just na?ve¡­ or straight-up insane?


    "The only reason you''re saying that is because you''re still in the tutorial," Adam said slowly, trying to be patient. "You don''t get it yet. Outside the tutorial? It''s hell. Every step forward is blood, death, and desperation. If you''re not under the protection of a deity, you''re a target. An easy one."


    "No new realm player would ever say no to this offer. Not when the Dragon Emperor himself is extending a hand. That kind of chance doesn''t come twice."


    Adam''s words were heavy, and serious.


    But Alex didn''t flinch.


    He didn''t even hesitate.


    "My answer is still a no."


    Adam stared at him, stunned.


    Then exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose.


    "You''re either the bravest player I''ve ever met¡­ or the dumbest."


    He sighed again, then gave a slow shake of his head.


    "The Dragon Emperor¡­ will not be pleased by your refusal."


    "Well, I don''t care," Alex said casually, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder. "After all, I''ve already refused many."


    Adam froze.


    "Many... what do you..."


    He trailed off, confusion etched across his face.


    Then Adam''s head suddenly jerked upward, like a string had been yanked. His pupils dilated, and in the blink of an eye, his eyes lit up¡ªglowing an intense, burning gold.


    The air shifted.


    Alex felt it immediately.


    The chatty guy in front of him was gone.


    In his place stood something else.


    The sheer weight of the aura pouring out from Adam was suffocating¡ªlike a massive hand pressing down on the entire arena.


    Alex narrowed his eyes, watching carefully.


    Adam¡ªor whatever was now in control¡ªlocked eyes with him.


    "YOU!" he roared.


    His voice wasn''t just loud¡ªit rippled.


    The entire floating coliseum trembled as if thunder had cracked through its core.


    Dozens of players jerked their heads toward them. Conversations halted. Footsteps froze.


    Even the seasoned New Realm players, immediately tensed.


    They understood.


    "Who the hell is that guy?"


    "Doesn''t he know who Adam is?"


    "He''s a tutorial player. He probably has no clue."


    "Damn... he''s really done it now."


    Whispers rippled across the arena like sparks jumping from wire to wire.


    Alex stood still, frowning, eyes fixed on Adam¡ªor rather, the thing speaking through him.


    The presence pouring out of him was no longer human. It was thick, ancient, and coiled with fury.


    Then came the voice. Deeper. Heavier. Like molten iron being forced through the cracks of a volcano.


    "You dare... refuse me?"


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    No way...


    He tilted his head slightly, staring harder.


    Don''t tell me¡ª


    Is this the Dragon Emperor himself?


    He blinked once, then gave a half-shrug.


    "Sorry..." Alex said dryly, "Who the hell are you again?"


    "Damn you..."


    SLAP!


    Adam''s head snapped sideways from the force.


    He stumbled a step, nearly losing his balance.


    Alex''s eyes went wide.


    What the hell?


    He just¡­ slapped himself?


    The furious aura that had been flooding the coliseum vanished in an instant¡ªlike someone had flipped a switch. It evaporated so fast it left behind a weird silence. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam straightened slowly and turned toward Alex, his expression now calm¡­ and weirdly apologetic.


    "Sorry," he said, rubbing his jaw. "My master tends to do that sometimes."


    Alex narrowed his eyes, suspicious.


    "Wait¡­ you mean you don''t have control over your own body?"


    Adam shrugged with a half-smile like this was just another Tuesday.


    "I do. Mostly. But I can''t say it''s a hundred percent. My master has the ability to temporarily possess me if he really wants to."


    "Really?" Alex asked, brows raised. He stared at Adam like he''d grown a second head.


    Adam quickly waved his hands.


    "It''s not as bad as it sounds. I mean¡ªit only happens if I allow it!"


    Alex gave him a slow, suspicious look.


    "That didn''t seem like you ''allowed'' anything just now."


    Adam let out a weak laugh, scratching the back of his neck.


    "Okay, maybe that one was a little forceful. But look, it''s not all bad."


    He flexed an arm, muscle bulging beneath his robe.


    A faint glow ran along his vambrace.


    "There''s a lot to gain¡ªlike strength, insight, power most players can only dream of."


    He pumped his arm again like a gym bro trying to sell protein powder.


    Alex wasn''t impressed.


    He just shook his head.


    "Yeah, still not buying it."


    To him, this wasn''t an upgrade. It was a red flag.


    Possession? Even temporary?


    Nope.


    Didn''t matter how powerful the god was¡ªAlex wanted....

 Chapter 241 - 241: Proctor

    Didn''t matter how powerful the god was¡ªAlex wanted to be in control of his body 24/7.


    No exceptions.


    "So... what do you say? Will you still refuse the meeting?" Adam''s voice held a faint edge now. Less polite. More curious. Maybe even a little desperate.


    Alex didn''t flinch.


    "Yes."


    Adam blinked.


    "You''re not even going to consider it?"


    "Nope." Alex''s tone was flat.


    Final.


    Like he''d already moved on in his head.


    Adam stared for a beat, clearly not used to hearing no.


    Especially not when the Dragon Emperor was involved.


    A quiet moment passed.


    Then Adam let out a breath and shifted gears.


    "You''re not a new realm player..." He squinted, really looking at Alex now. "So how the hell did you get so strong so fast?"


    Alex shrugged like it was nothing.


    "Strong? I don''t consider myself strong."


    Adam narrowed his eyes.


    Yeah. He wasn''t buying that for a second.


    "Well..." Adam leaned in slightly. "Your power is way beyond what anyone should be capable of in the tutorial. There''s no way you''re just some regular player."


    "Is it? I don''t think so," Alex replied casually.


    "Why are you trying to avoid the topic?" Adam asked, folding his arms.


    "Am I?"


    "You are."


    "I don''t think so."


    "Stop talking like that."


    "Like how?"


    Adam let out a groan and facepalmed, dragging a hand down his face in pure frustration.


    Alex grinned¡ªinwardly, of course.


    The guy standing in front of him was supposed to be this serious, deadly type with that whole silent-warrior energy.


    Instead, he was flailing like a sitcom side character.


    Way too dramatic. Not at all the mysterious badass from earlier.


    Alex found it kind of amusing.


    Seeing Adam casually chatting with a tutorial player, a wave of confusion spread through the crowd.


    Especially among the new realm players.


    They could feel it¡ªAlex''s energy didn''t match a normal tutorial player''s. But even still, why was Adam¡ªthe chosen candidate of the strongest deity¡ªtalking to him?


    Whispers rippled across the arena.


    Then, someone decided to step in.


    A single figure broke away from a group of new realm elites and started walking toward them with confident, measured steps.


    The nearby players let out low sighs.


    "Ugh. Here comes trouble."


    "Why''s he getting involved?"


    "Figures. He can''t resist drama."


    But of course they dare not voice out their dislike,


    "Adam," the newcomer called out, voice smooth but sharp.


    Alex turned.


    A new player was approaching¡ªtall and lean, dressed in flowing silver-and-purple robes that shimmered faintly with arcane energy.


    Dozens of rings glittered on his fingers, each pulsing with power.


    He had pale skin, long white hair that looked almost metallic, and an air of someone who thought very highly of himself.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Who''s that guy?" he asked. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mikel Vladros," Adam responded with a heavy exhale, his tone low, almost reluctant.


    "Vladros?" Alex repeated, his mind racing.


    The name clicked in his head. It was familiar¡ªhe knew he''d heard it before.


    He quickly checked his previous notifications.


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you]


    [The Blood Monarch - Vladros demands a meeting with you]


    Alex''s eyes widened.


    It was him alright.


    The damn blood monarch.


    Great, just what he needed.


    Another candidate of a troublesome deity.


    "What do you want, Vladros?" Adam asked, his voice flat.


    Mikel tilted his head slightly, his pale eyes glinting with curiosity as he scanned Alex.


    "Who is he?" Mikel asked, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    Alex noticed that Mikel''s gaze never quite landed on him, his eyes flicking past him like he wasn''t even there.


    Adam, on the other hand, was having a whole different reaction.


    He casually placed a hand on Alex''s neck, like they were best friends, and said, "He might be my new best friend."


    Mikel, still not fully acknowledging Alex, raised an eyebrow and asked, "A candidate?"


    "Possibly?" Adam replied nonchalantly.


    Alex shot Adam a sharp, questioning stare. What the hell are you doing?


    But Adam just grinned, completely unfazed.


    Alex sighed in exasperation.


    Seriously, this guy?


    Finally, Mikel''s gaze snapped toward Alex.


    His eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned him up and down.


    He scoffed, almost dismissive.


    "Hmm. You''re certainly not normal, but you''re still weak. I see no reason why the Dragon Emperor would be interested in you."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, unfazed.


    "What''s it to you?"


    Mikel''s lip curled into a sneer.


    "I just find it... repulsing. That someone as pathetic as you think he''s worthy of the Dragon Emperor''s legacy."


    Alex''s brow furrowed in annoyance.


    "You sound jealous."


    "Jealous?" Mikel''s tone was dripping with disdain.


    Alex smirked, leaning slightly forward.


    "Why? Isn''t your deity enough? His feelings will be hurt when he finds out his son wants to kiss another daddy''s foot."


    Mikel''s face twisted in fury.


    "You bastard, you''re quite gutsy."


    Alex didn''t flinch. He shot a sharp look back.


    "And you''re quite arrogant. It''s repulsive."


    Mikel''s expression turned cold, his voice dripping with superiority. "Are you trying to provoke me?" He spoke as if addressing an insect beneath his boot. "You have no idea of the gap between us."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, unbothered.


    He casually bumped his fist into his palm with a taunting grin. "By all means, enlighten me. I haven''t beaten up a new realm player before."


    Mikel''s face reddened with rage, his aura beginning to surge and crackle with raw power. The air around him grew heavy, vibrating with the intensity of his anger.


    "You bastard!!"


    But just as the tension between them reached its peak, a booming voice cut through the air like a whip.


    "Enough!!"


    The voice wasn''t thunderous, but it carried an undeniable weight¡ªeach word cutting through the air like a sharp blade. Without any need for volume, it demanded attention. Every head snapped toward the source.


    Emerging from the shadows, a figure in a flowing white robe adorned with golden swirls moved toward them. The robe shimmered as it caught the light, giving off an almost ethereal glow. But it was the figure''s face that sent chills down Alex''s spine.


    Instead of a normal face, there was only swirling darkness¡ªan endless void that seemed to twist and shift. It was unsettling, like staring into the abyss itself.


    The figure moved to the center, its every step silent yet purposeful. The players instinctively formed a wide circle around it, the space crackling with anticipation.


    "It''s the proctor," someone whispered, their voice laced with awe.


    Mikel, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, slowly reined in his aura.


    With one last venomous glare at Alex, he turned and walked away, leaving the center open for the proctor.


    Alex grinned.


    His excitement grew as he stared at the calm figure standing motionless in the middle of the circle.


    The tension in the air was palpable, and Alex couldn''t suppress his thrill.


    He knew what was coming next.


    The first selection''s about to begin.

 Chapter 242 - 242: First Selection

    The atmosphere shifted instantly the moment the faceless proctor stepped into the center of the Coliseum.


    Every whisper died. Every breath held.


    He moved with slow, deliberate steps, his white robe trailing behind him like a ripple through water.


    Intricate golden swirls were etched into the fabric, glowing faintly as if alive, pulsing in rhythm with something ancient.


    His hood hung low, casting a heavy shadow where a face should be.


    But there was no face.


    Beneath the hood was a swirling void¡ªdarkness that churned like living smoke. No eyes. No mouth. Just a pulsing, hypnotic blackness that radiated quiet, overwhelming power.


    Like staring into the center of a black hole.


    A cold chill swept through the Coliseum.


    Thirty players stood around the arena''s edge, caught in the gravity of his presence. Half of them were still tutorial players. The other half were new realm players¡ªstronger, more experienced, more dangerous.


    Most of the players shifted uncomfortably, nerves rising in the air like static before a storm.


    But scattered among them were the calm ones.


    Sharp-eyed. Steady. Unshaken.


    The kind of players who weren''t just hoping to survive the selection.


    Alex could tell right away¡ªthe ones who looked calm and confident were the new realm players.


    They weren''t just putting on a show.


    These were people who had seen things. Fought through harder challenges. Endured way more than anything the tutorial ever threw at him.


    You could see it in the way they carried themselves. No wasted movement.


    No wide-eyed stares. Just quiet focus. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And when the Proctor arrived, that focus locked in.


    Even Adam, who had been nothing but jokes and chatter a moment ago, went dead serious.


    His whole vibe shifted.


    The goofy energy vanished, replaced by something cold and unapproachable.


    Alex, though, didn''t flinch.


    He stood there, arms crossed, letting the tension wash over him.


    His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the Proctor.


    No face. No features. Just that swirling black void beneath the hood.


    Activating Omni View, Alex''s vision shifted. Streams of data and energy signatures danced in his sight¡ªand immediately, he noticed something.


    The Proctor was radiating a strange kind of energy.


    But what stood out more was the familiarity.


    He''d seen this kind of energy before¡ªflowing from the new realm players.


    Even more clearly, he remembered it surging out of Adam back when he got possessed by his deity.


    It was strange.


    The energy didn''t feel like anything Alex had ever sensed before this¡ªnot from beasts, monsters, or even those overpowered creatures back in the tutorial.


    It was like the air itself got heavier just by being near him.


    And Alex wanted to understand it.


    Before he could think further, the Proctor spoke.


    His voice wasn''t loud, but it cut through the silence like a blade.


    "Welcome to the First Selection."


    The players stiffened.


    Then the Proctor raised a hand and calmly explained the rules.


    "This trial is simple. You will endure my aura."


    "It will increase in strength over time. One by one, the weak will fall."


    "The moment you collapse¡ªwhether you faint, kneel, or lose consciousness¡ªyou are disqualified."


    Alex noticed the immediate shift in body language around him. Spines straightened. Breathing slowed. Everyone was mentally preparing.


    Then the Proctor delivered the final blow.


    "Only the last eight remaining will pass and move on to the next selection."


    Eight.


    Out of thirty.


    A murmur rippled through the crowd.


    Only eight?


    That meant over two-thirds of them were getting kicked out¡ªbrutally.


    The Proctor raised a hand, and the whispers died instantly.


    "This trial is not merely to test endurance."


    His voice echoed across the coliseum, calm but sharp.


    "The second selection takes place in a realm with intense gravitational pull. If you cannot withstand my aura here, you''ll be crushed there. So consider this¡­ a kindness."


    That last word lingered like a threat dressed in silk.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Kindness, huh?


    He glanced around¡ªcounting.


    Fifteen tutorial players.


    Fifteen new realm players.


    And only eight spots?


    Yeah, the odds weren''t exactly stacked in his favor.


    He knew it without needing a system prompt¡ªthis test wasn''t made for people like him. It was built for the new realm players. The veterans.


    They stood straighter. Their expressions unreadable.


    Their bodies already braced for whatever was coming.


    They were confident.


    Prepared.


    But Alex though he had the confidence aspect in the bag, didn''t have the preparation.


    There was no way to know what to expect.


    But nevertheless, he wasn''t planning on losing to anyone.


    He would stay on his feet¡ªno matter what.


    Even if it killed him.


    The Proctor''s faceless void tilted slightly.


    "Alright then. Let''s begin."


    There was no countdown. No warning.


    Just like that¡ª


    The aura hit.


    WHOOM!


    It was like a silent explosion. No sound. No flash. No dramatic light show.


    But the impact?


    Immediate.


    The air changed. It thickened.


    Pressed down like a mountain had dropped from the sky.


    A wave of invisible force crashed over the coliseum, slamming into every player at once.


    Instantly¡­


    Ten players dropped like dominoes.


    Some face-planted straight into the dirt with heavy thuds.


    Others fell backward stiffly, like their strings had been cut mid-puppet show.


    A few just slumped to the side, eyes rolling back, like their souls had been yanked right out of them.


    Unmoving. Unconscious. Done.


    Alex raised a brow.


    "Woah."


    He blinked, watching the bodies scattered across the coliseum.A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    "That was fast."


    The players didn''t even get the chance to realize they''d failed.


    Above each of their unconscious forms, a faint notification flickered into view:


    Ding!


    [You have failed the First Selection of the Legacy Trial]


    [Returning to Tutorial¡­]


    One by one, the fallen players began to fade.


    Their bodies dissolved into shimmering wisps of light¡ªvanishing like they were never there to begin with.


    Just like that¡­ ten were gone.


    Only twenty remained.


    The pressure still hung in the air. Heavy. Relentless. Like a mountain slowly settling on their shoulders.


    Alex exhaled through his nose, steady but alert.


    His skin tingled¡ªlike tiny pins were pressing into every inch of him.


    But he was holding strong.


    His enhanced stats had toughened him up.


    He flexed his fingers, adjusting his stance.


    Then slowly scanned the others still standing.


    Some standouts apart from Adam and Mikel were a guy who had hair like wildfire¡ªliterally. Blazing red strands flickering with heat, and ember-glow eyes that looked ready to burn holes through steel.


    And a woman dressed in natural armor¡ªthick vines coiled around her limbs, leafy tendrils swaying at her ankles like they had minds of their own.


    There were...

 Chapter 243 - 243: Pressure

    There were others too¡ªMost of them new realm players.


    Every single one of them was still standing like nothing was happening.


    Some of them even had their arms crossed, heads tilted, like they were bored.


    Not a drop of sweat.


    Not a flinch.


    It was like the pressure didn''t even exist for them.


    Too comfortable¡­


    Alex didn''t like that.


    Then, without warning, the Proctor raised his hand again.


    And the pressure increased.


    BOOM!


    The aura slammed down again.


    Harder. Heavier.


    Like a second wave in a tsunami, crashing right on top of the first.


    WHUMP!


    Three more players dropped.


    One let out a sharp scream, clutching his head as he curled into a fetal position. His body twitched once¡­ then vanished in a flash of light. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The second toppled over like a statue¡ªstiff, silent, and frozen mid-breath before hitting the ground with a thud. Gone.


    The third fought it, his knees buckling.


    Gritted his teeth.


    Yelled.


    Really hit that super saiyan note.


    But he was not that guy.


    He collapsed, eyes rolling back, and vanished like the others.


    Three gone. Just like that.


    Alex exhaled slowly.


    He was starting to feel the pressure now.


    The proctor raised his hand again.


    BOOM.


    Another spike in pressure.


    But this time¡­ no one fell.


    Alex grit his teeth slightly.


    Damn¡­ it''s getting real.


    His gaze flicked toward Adam and Mikel.


    And he noticed their posture hadn''t change. Not even a little.


    Adam stood like a statue¡ªarms folded, eyes half-lidded like he could fall asleep.


    Mikel looked almost bored, like this was beneath him.


    They''re not even flinching... Alex thought, eyebrows twitching.


    The laid-back attitude from the new realm players was getting under his skin.


    The proctor raised his hand again.


    BOOM.


    Another spike in pressure.


    A few players staggered¡ªone guy grunted, sweat dripping from his brow¡ªbut they stayed up.


    Alex shifted his footing, rolling his shoulders as if brushing off the invisible weight pressing on him.


    This pressure¡­ it''s no joke.


    Then, without warning¡ªanother increase.


    WHUMP.


    It felt like the air had turned to concrete, weighing down on every inch of his body.


    Alex let out a sharp breath through his nose, jaw clenching as the pressure sank deeper into his bones.


    Still standing. Still good.


    But his eyes weren''t just on himself.


    He scanned the new realm players again, narrowing his gaze.


    That strange energy¡­


    It was flowing off them in visible waves now¡ªlike steam rising from hot metal. It crackled around them, pulsing with power.


    It''s the same energy I saw before...


    Back when Adam got possessed by his deity.


    That same eerie aura was leaking off almost all of them now.


    And suddenly, it clicked.


    That''s it. That''s why they''re not breaking a sweat.


    That energy or whatever it is... was protecting them. Empowering them.


    Alex''s hands clenched at his sides.


    He didn''t have whatever that was. Not yet.


    That was exactly why the strain hit tutorial players more than the new realm.


    Another increase.


    Alex pressed his lips together in a tight line.


    His breath hitched. Inhale, exhale¡ªit took more effort now, like each breath was being dragged through mud.


    His body was starting to protest. The weight of the pressure wrapped around him like chains, making each muscle scream. His legs felt like lead, each second dragging him closer to his breaking point.


    But he was still standing.


    He locked his knees and pushed himself taller, refusing to buckle.


    His vision blurred a bit at the edges, but he fought it back.


    It was too damn early to fall, too embarrassing to lose at the first selection.


    That wasn''t how this was going to end.


    The proctor''s head tilted slightly, as if he were amused by the struggle of the players.


    Then, without warning, the pressure surged again.


    A shockwave of invisible force slammed into the players, and two of them dropped instantly.


    One guy staggered, struggling to keep his footing.


    His legs shook like jelly, and he tried to push himself up, but his body betrayed him.


    He wobbled once... twice... before he collapsed face-first onto the ground with a low grunt.


    The second player, a girl, let out a sharp scream, desperately clawing at the floor, her fingers digging into the stone like she could stop the force. But it was no use.


    Her body shimmered once, then vanished, as if she''d never been there.


    Now fifteen players were gone.


    More than half had fallen.


    Only fifteen remained.


    Alex felt his muscles strain harder now, his body starting to protest against the weight pressing down on him.


    But he gritted his teeth, fighting it off.


    His grip on the ground tightened as he held his stance, refusing to give in.


    He needed to steel is resolve.


    Things were only going to get worse from here.


    He steadied himself, drawing in a deep breath.


    His eyes flickered over to check the state of other players¡ªsome were in a visibly worse state than him.


    Alex nodded inwardly.


    He only needed to outlast them.


    But he wasn''t about to get complacent.


    If it came down to it, he''d pull out everything he had.


    [Aegis Arcane] would shield him from this crushing pressure, a barrier of mystical defense he could rely on when things got tight. And if that wasn''t enough, [Titan God''s Wrath] would skyrocket his strength¡ªmaking him an unstoppable force.


    His options were ready.


    He just needed to stay steady and wait for the right moment.


    The proctor, clearly seeing the number of players had been cut in half, narrowed his eyes.


    The air around him crackled, a surge of energy building with ominous force.


    Then his voice cut through the heavy silence.


    "I will now¡­ switch things up."


    Everyone tensed.


    Alex''s heart skipped as he readied himself.


    Even the seasoned new realm players dropped turned serious.


    They knew what was coming. It was about to get real.


    Without another word, the proctor''s hand shot up.


    BOOM!


    The ground seemed to tremble as a wave of pressure slammed into everyone like a collapsing mountain.


    Alex''s eyes widened as his knee almost it the ground.


    "Seriously!"


    The proctors'' aura''s pressure didn''t just increase¡ªit tripled.


    The pressure earlier that felt like a steady 5 now felt like a brutal, suffocating 15, crushing down with the force of a hundred suns.

 Chapter 244 - 244: Not Happening

    Alex Knight''s knee nearly slammed into the ground.


    The pressure hit him like a truck¡ªno, like a mountain suddenly dropped on his back.


    His entire body screamed in protest.


    His legs buckled.


    His vision wavered.


    But he didn''t fall.


    He refused to fall.


    Gritting his teeth, he dug his feet into the ground. Muscles quivered. His back arched. Every fiber in his body strained under the invisible weight, but somehow¡ªhe held.


    The Proctor hadn''t just turned things up a notch.


    He''d tripled it.


    Not a gradual rise. Not a smooth ramp-up.


    Just¡ªBOOM¡ªthree times the pressure.


    And the effect was brutal.


    THUD!


    THUD!


    Two tutorial players dropped like puppets with their strings cut.


    One collapsed face-first with a sickening thump.


    The other let out a shaky whimper before fainting entirely, their body unraveling into shimmering particles of light.


    Gone.


    And just like that, only ten remained.


    Eight new realm players.


    Two tutorial survivors.


    Not a single new realm player had dropped yet.


    But the once-unshakable calm of the new realm elites¡­ was starting to break.


    Even Mikel¡ªthe quiet, cold one who always stood like he was above the rest¡ªhad shifted his stance. Just a bit. One foot sliding back, trying to adjust under the weight.


    His fingers twitched at his side.


    His brow tightened with focus.


    That flawless aura of confidence? Flickering.


    But not Adam.


    He stood dead center, arms folded, face unreadable.


    Not a flinch. Not a bead of sweat.


    Not even a blink.


    Like the pressure didn''t exist at all.


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    What a monster.


    That strange energy¡ªthe same one he''d seen before¡ªwas wrapped around Adam like an invisible shield, pushing back against the crushing aura with ease.


    It wasn''t just protecting him. It was resisting the pressure altogether.


    Alex stared harder, narrowing his focus.


    The longer he watched, the more he began to notice.


    Patterns.


    Movement.


    The way the energy shifted, flowed, responded¡ªit wasn''t just raw power. It was alive.


    And then... something inside him shifted.


    A flicker.


    Like a spark catching in the dark.


    His chest tightened.


    It felt like a locked door deep inside was beginning to rattle¡ªfaint, but real.


    Like something hidden was responding to the pressure.


    Whatever this strange power was¡ªthe one that flowed through the new realm players like it was second nature...


    It was in him too.


    Buried.


    Dormant.


    But it wasn''t going to come out on its own.


    He''d have to drag it out.


    The Proctor''s silent gaze swept across the remaining ten. His aura still surged through the air like a living storm, crushing, unrelenting.


    Only eight would move on.


    And he wasn''t stopping until the rest were broken.


    Yet even he seemed... intrigued.


    This wasn''t how he thought it would go.


    By now the selection should have ended.


    With all the tutorial players eliminated¡ª outclassed, done.


    But two still stood.


    Still resisting.


    That alone was impressive.


    They were holding firm under the weight of the aura without any help from nature''s energy¡ªthe energy that most of the new realm players had already mastered.


    But there was something else.


    A faint flicker was building inside one of the tutorial players.


    The Proctor''s faceless void of a head tilted ever so slightly.


    One of the tutorial players was on the verge of something far rarer.


    Alex Knight was it.


    He was starting to tap into nature''s energy¡ªwithout external help.


    Something that is usually only triggered once a player reaches S-Rank.


    But the man in front of him was trying to do it at B-Rank.


    Absurd.


    Unheard of.


    No one stepped into that level of energy control this early. Not without help. Not without a system-triggered evolution.


    Now the question hung heavy in the air:


    Would Alex break through¡­ or would he break apart?


    Odds said the latter.


    But the Proctor wasn''t one to bet against miracles.


    He raised his hand¡ªcalmly, almost lazily¡ªand let the pressure rise once more.


    A deep, rumbling groan echoing across the Coliseum as the aura thickened.


    It crawled in¡ªslow and relentless¡ªlike gravity itself was tightening its grip on every bone, every muscle, every nerve.


    It felt like the world had turned to lead.


    Like invisible hands were squeezing the life out of every player still standing.


    And in the center of it all¡­


    Alex stood, body trembling, mind screaming, something inside him straining to break free.


    All ten remaining players were struggling now.


    All nine, really¡ªbecause if Adam felt anything¡­ he didn''t show it.


    He stood perfectly still. Arms crossed. Calm. Unbothered.


    Like the pressure didn''t even exist.


    Beside him, Mikel was visibly straining¡ªhis body now glowing faintly.


    A thin sheen of red energy rippled across his skin like heat waves, reacting to the crushing force.


    He could''ve used a skill to ease the burden. He should''ve.


    But watching Adam hold out¡ªno aura, no flashy ability, just raw, stable presence¡ªlit something in him.


    A challenge.


    So Mikel clenched his jaw and matched him, pushing back against the weight using nothing but his own blood-red aura, pulsing from his core like fire licking the air.


    A silent battle of pride.


    But not everyone had the privilege to be proud.


    As the pressure rose to unbearable levels, several players flared with power.


    Skills ignited like mini-explosions¡ªbarriers, shields, glowing limbs, elemental pulses¡ªwrapping around their bodies like armor.


    Their energy lit up the Coliseum in bursts of color.


    Some were surrounded by glowing circles etched with runes.


    One had spikes of stone rise from the ground, anchoring her in place.


    One player activated a frost skill¡ªa swirl of icy mist coiling around his arms and legs. The cold numbed the weight, dulling the strain as frost crackled across the floor beneath him.


    Another player slammed his palms together, and a bright rune flared to life between them. It pulsed like a heartbeat, wrapping him in a protective shield of soft golden light.


    Whatever worked.


    Because at this point?


    It was survive or vanish.


    They were adapting.


    Quickly. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Smartly.


    Using their skills to survive the crushing pressure.


    And Alex watching, felt the temptation clawing at him.


    His hand twitched, fingers curling instinctively.


    He had the skills.


    He could easily breeze past this selection.


    But¡­


    He refused.


    His hand dropped to his side.


    Jaw tight.


    Chest rising and falling under the weight.


    Because if he took the easy road, he wouldn''t awaken it.


    The power Adam wielded.


    And that wasn''t happening.

 Chapter 245 - 245: Awaken

    Alex felt it¡ªthat flicker.That spark deep inside. It was the same energy that the new realm players used without a second thought. It was clawing its way toward the surface, fighting to break free.


    But if he caved now? If he gave in and relied on his skills to make it easier?


    He would never awaken that power.Never reach that next level.


    So he didn''t. He dug in his heels.


    The next wave hit.


    Not as violently as the first, but still unforgiving. Like a tidal wave crashing against his bones. The pressure built, forcing his body to fight harder.


    His muscles screamed.His bones creaked.His skin tingled under the weight, as though something inside him was trying to tear free.


    Groans echoed across the coliseum as the other players¡ªthe new realm elites¡ªstarted to shift, their faces twisting in discomfort.


    Alex heard them cursing and grumbling.


    They hadn''t expected this.


    Hadn''t expected two tutorial players to still be standing.


    They were supposed to have this in the bag.This was supposed to be beyond the tutorial players.But two of them were still enduring.


    And that pissed them off.


    In their minds, a new realm player couldn''t possibly lose to a tutorial player, as they were far more advanced and stronger. So the two tutorial players still in the game were making this selection way harder than it had to be.


    "Your struggles were futile. Give up," a new realm player uttered to him.


    Alex scoffed inwardly.


    Futile? I don''t think so.


    He didn''t know about the second tutorial player, but he had no intention of dropping out here.


    The second tutorial player was a female, standing a few meters away, and Alex glanced to his right to check on her.


    She was breathing hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly.Her shoulders were hunched, straining against the pressure.


    But her eyes were wild, burning with ferocity.


    Then, without a second thought, she activated a skill.


    A green rune materialized behind her, glowing brightly.It spun around her like a wheel of ancient power.And then¡ª


    She merged with a glowing, floating creature.A beast.It was something between a falcon and a lion, made entirely of glowing feathers and razor-sharp claws.


    The creature''s form wrapped around her, binding to her body like living armor.A fierce, ethereal avatar, shimmering with energy, swirling around her as if it were part of her.


    She had chosen to use her trump card.


    A last-resort move¡ªa gamble to survive.


    A move that could propel her to the next round.


    Some of the new realm players didn''t take that well.


    Hissing and cursing.


    Especially the ones still struggling to stay on their feet.


    This was going to be drawn out for longer.


    Alex, however, respected her resolve.Her willingness to risk it all just to stay in the game.


    He wanted both of them to make it to the next selection, just for the flex.To show that the tutorial players weren''t just survivors¡ªthey were contenders.


    But even with that, he didn''t change his approach.


    He just kept doing what he was already doing¡ªenduring.


    Grinding through the pain.


    The proctor increased the pressure once again.


    A low hum echoed as the aura ramped up. The weight of it crushing everyone.


    Then, a sharp cry pierced the air.


    Someone had collapsed.


    And it wasn''t just anyone.


    It was a new realm player.


    The one who had told Alex to give up.


    The others around him stumbled, their faces twisted in disbelief, as they watched the new realm players burst into light. Eliminated.


    Seeing this made the other new realm players start to panic.


    Meanwhile, Alex was elated that one of the new realm players had finally fallen.


    But he couldn''t bring himself to smirk.


    The urge was there, but he couldn''t risk it.


    One slip, one moment of arrogance, and he might lose focus.


    He didn''t want to be the next to get eliminated.


    It was taking him every ounce of willpower he had to hold on.


    The pressure around him was suffocating.


    Unbearable.


    It felt like his bones were made of glass, every inch of his body on the verge of splintering.


    His heart thundered in his chest like it was trying to break free.


    Each breath was a struggle. It felt like he was breathing underwater, a cinderblock crushing his chest with every inhale.


    But amidst the chaos, the thing inside him¡ªthat flicker of power¡ªwas still there.


    Clawing. Pushing. Fighting to get out.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    He knew¡ªhe just had to hold on a little longer, and something would snap.


    Something would surge from deep inside him.


    It was almost there.


    He could feel it.


    And then¡ª


    WHOOM! S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Another wave rippled through the air.


    The ground beneath Alex''s feet shuddered, vibrating with raw power as the pressure surged again, pushing down with an intensity that made the air feel thick.


    His vision started to blur at the edges like a fog was closing in on him.


    His knees buckled.


    And he muttered inwardly,


    I''m going to fall. I''m going to get eliminated.


    His body screamed at him¡ªevery cell, every muscle, begging him to use a skill. Just one.


    A small boost, a fraction of power¡ªanything to give him relief.


    But Alex didn''t budge. He refused.


    He wasn''t going to take the easy way out.


    And then... he dropped.


    .


    .


    .


    But not down to the ground¡ªinside himself.


    It was like falling into a deep, endless pool, sinking into something vast and unknown.


    Physically, he was still standing¡ªunmoved, rooted to the spot¡ªbut inside, he was spiraling, tumbling through the darkness of his own mind.


    He was spiraling into something ancient, powerful¡ªa force beyond comprehension.


    And then¡ªhe saw light.


    A swirling storm of green and gold, dancing through the air like fireflies, wild and untamable.


    It was beautiful, mesmerizing¡ªand then it clicked.


    CLICK.


    A sudden, sharp snap. Like a door unlocking.


    Alex''s eyes shot open, wide with shock.


    Reality snapped back.


    He was still standing, still locked in place, but something inside him had shifted.


    Ding!


    [You have awakened Nature''s Energy: Emi]


    [System Update In Progress¡­]

 Chapter 246 - 246: Diamond

    A soft glow curled around Alex''s arm like mist, winding slowly across his skin in delicate, swirling patterns.


    The sensation was strange¡ªwarm, like sunlight finally reaching skin that hadn''t felt it in a long time.


    But more than anything¡­ it felt alive.


    It coiled around him like it had a mind of its own¡ªcurious, gentle, wild.


    Then a notification flashed across his vision.


    Ding!


    [You have awakened Nature''s Energy: Emi]


    [System is now undergoing an update¡­]


    His breath hitched.


    A pulse of warmth spread through his chest, radiating outward like ripples in still water.


    The message faded, but something remained¡ªa quiet, steady hum in the back of his mind.


    Something inside him had changed.


    It was strange.


    Just a moment ago, the Proctor''s aura had felt like a mountain pressing down on his back.


    His lungs had been burning. His muscles were on the edge of giving out.


    Every heartbeat had sounded like a countdown to collapse.


    But now the pressure was gone.


    The crushing weight had vanished¡ªcompletely.


    And what once felt like drowning, now felt like standing in a breeze.


    Alex blinked.


    Took a slow breath but there was no resistance.


    He lifted his foot and cautiously stepped forward¡ªhalf-expecting his knees to buckle from the ever-growing pressure from the proctor.


    But they didn''t.


    No tremble. No strain.


    In fact¡­ he felt lighter. Balanced. Like his center of gravity had shifted¡ªcalmer, more in control.


    It was a feeling Alex had never known.


    Unfamiliar¡­ but damn, it felt good. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So this is what Adam and the rest of the new realm players felt?


    Across the arena, Adam''s eyes snapped toward him.


    And for the first time in the entire trial, the silver-haired elite looked stunned.


    Shocked.


    He watched¡ªthe way pure, refined Emi swirled around Alex as if it had chosen him.


    Like he hadn''t just awakened the energy¡­But belonged to it.


    "A tutorial player¡­ awakening Emi on his own?"


    Adam muttered, barely audible.


    His brows furrowed.


    "No divine guide. No system assist. Just¡­ willpower?"


    He stared harder, like trying to make sense of something that shouldn''t exist.


    Was that even possible?


    That wasn''t how it was supposed to work.


    He had awakened with the guidance of his deity.


    A divine presence had personally opened the path for him.


    Most others¡ªespecially those from the tutorial¡ªonly awakened when the system decided they were ready.


    But this?


    This was something else entirely.


    Alex hadn''t just awakened any Emi.


    It was pure Emi¡ªthe kind that only the most gifted new realm players manifested after being trained and blessed by a higher power.


    And yet, here he stood. No divine hand.


    No system intervention. Just sheer instinct, pressure, and raw, unshakable willpower.


    A genius.


    No¡­ an anomaly.


    Adam slowly shook his head, lips tightening.


    Now it made sense. The strange curiosity his deity had shown.


    The pull toward this one tutorial player, of all people.


    Now, he understood why.


    Why had his deity gone so far as to possess him?


    Why Alex give off such an unnerving, unusual aura


    The player standing before him wasn''t just a diamond in the rough.


    No.


    He was the whole damn mine.


    A goldmine of raw, terrifying potential.


    If Alex became a legacy candidate for the Dragon Emperor, House Dravonicus would lock in the top spot, no questions asked.


    Even if he joined any other major house, the entire balance of power across the realm would tilt.


    He was that dangerous.


    And that valuable.


    Adam''s jaw tightened. His pulse picked up.


    He''d made his decision.


    He was going to bring Alex into his faction¡ªno matter what it took.


    Whether through influence, alliance¡­ or force.


    Across the coliseum, the Proctor tilted his head slightly, noticing the swirling Emi around Alex.


    Even without facial features, it seemed amused. Intrigued.


    The kid had actually done it.


    A one-in-a-billion miracle.


    This made the trial a hell of a lot more interesting.


    Now he was truly looking forward to how it would all end.


    But enough waiting.


    It was time to wrap this up.


    He had been increasing the pressure gradually¡ªwarned them each time he was about to push further.


    But this time there would be no announcements.


    He was going to increase the pressure by several folds whoever hits the ground first would be the one to be eliminated.


    The Proctor, standing tall above them, raised his hand one final time.


    And then¡ª


    WHOOOM!


    A fresh wave of crushing force slammed down like a hammer, sudden and violent.


    The air bent. The ground cracked. Players gasped and staggered.


    This was it.


    The deciding round.


    The arena shook.


    A thunderous pulse of pressure exploded outward, echoing like a cannon blast.


    Groans rippled through the coliseum as nearly every player dropped lower in response.


    Cracks spiderwebbed beneath their feet. Dust kicked up.


    Alex''s knee buckled hard. But with his newly awakened energy, he was able to maintain his stance.


    Mikel clenched his jaw, his face twisted in pure effort. Veins popped along his temple like they might burst.


    The girl with the vines trembled¡ªher plant-like armor flickering, edges curling and wilting like a dying flower under heat.


    Even Adam¡ª


    The calm, unshakable Adam faltered,


    His stance shaking.


    Several stumbled¡ªsome caught themselves just in time, but others weren''t so lucky.


    THUD!


    Two dropped¡ªAt the exact same time.


    A new realm player named Buzz, and the second female tutorial player¡ªEve.


    Their bodies hit the ground with dull, sickening thuds.


    Then, just like that, the pressure vanished.


    The Proctor lowered his hand, and his crushing aura receded like a storm pulling back into the clouds.


    Silence hung for a beat... then the tension snapped.


    The survivors exhaled in shaky relief.


    Some collapsed to their knees, others just stood there, gasping for breath like they''d just escaped drowning.


    It was over.


    The final eight had been chosen.


    Eve, one of the fallen, trembled violently, her fingers clawing at the ground as she tried to rise.


    But her body wouldn''t listen.


    She coughed¡ªhard.


    Blood splattered from her lips, staining the floor beneath her.


    The fused beast that had wrapped around her like armor flickered¡ªthen shattered into glowing fragments, vanishing in a burst of ethereal light.


    A few meters away, Buzz the new realm player was still on the ground, unmoving.


    His wide eyes stared up in disbelief, his face twisted in shock.


    He hadn''t seen that coming. No one had.


    One second, the pressure was bearable.


    The next¡ªit wasn''t.


    Like someone had yanked the floor out from under him.


    Buzz had been playing it cool. Laid back.


    He hadn''t even bothered activating a skill.


    But when the Proctor cranked the weight without warning, the shift was instant.


    Too fast.


    He didn''t stand a chance.


    Before he could even think to...

 Chapter 247 - 247: Perfect Moment

    Before he could even think to respond, he hit the ground.


    Now he was sitting up, dazed, chest heaving, trying to process what just happened.


    His eyes flicked to the side.


    To the second player who had fallen at the same time he did.


    At first, he thought it was a new realm player but seeing it was a tutorial player gave him hope.


    Both of them had dropped at the same moment¡­But who hit the ground first?


    It had to be her, after all her strength was nowhere his.


    He had hope now that he wasn''t going to get eliminated.


    The Proctor then approached the two fallen players.


    Buzz''s head snapped up, speaking with confidence.


    "She hit the ground before me. I''m sure of it!"


    Most of the new realm players agreed with Buzz''s statement.


    Eve didn''t utter a word.


    Still on her hands and knees, coughing up blood, she wasn''t even sure when she fell.


    Her only focus had been holding on for as long as she could.


    But she believed if anyone would know the truth, it was the Proctor.


    As it was his duty to monitor things like this,


    The crowd fell silent.


    All eyes were on the proctor, whose finger cut through the air, and Eve braced herself.


    Please don''t be me...


    The Proctor then pointed.


    ...


    Not to her.


    Much to her in relief.


    But to Buzz.


    Buzz''s breath caught.


    "Buzz Lightyear, you have been eliminated." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Buzz''s eyes went wide.


    What?


    His chest felt like it had been punched.


    "No!" he shouted, his voice cracking in disbelief.


    "That''s wrong!"


    He scrambled to his feet, stumbling slightly.


    "This isn''t right! She fell first¡ªI swear it!"


    "You will return to your world," the Proctor said, his voice cold and final. "Your journey ends here."


    Buzz''s stomach churned.


    "No... wait. You''re mistaken," he insisted, stepping forward, desperation flooding his voice. "It was her! She fell before me!"


    But the Proctor didn''t respond.


    He didn''t need to.


    It was the Proctor''s job to monitor every second of this trial, to be as precise as a clock. He didn''t miss a thing.


    Even the tiniest fraction of time¡ªa nanosecond¡ªwas enough.


    And in that moment, the Proctor had seen it.


    Buzz''s knee had hit the ground first, just before Eve.


    Buzz''s arrogance had led to his downfall.


    Buzz''s face twisted in disbelief.


    "No! This isn''t fair!"


    His voice cracked as he took a step forward, anger flashing in his eyes.


    "She hasn''t even finished te tutorial! She doesn''t belong here¡ªshe has no business chasing a legacy!"


    The Proctor didn''t flinch.


    He didn''t even acknowledge Buzz''s outburst.


    With a cold, almost bored gesture, he snapped his fingers.


    In an instant, Buzz''s body shimmered like a mirage, glowing particles bursting into the air.


    And just like that, he was gone.


    Vanished.


    Silence.


    The arena felt heavier, like the weight of the moment hung in the air.


    Only eight remained.


    The remaining players stood, some hunched over, barely able to catch their breath.


    Sweat clung to their faces, dripping down their necks.


    Muscles shook as the aftershock of the Proctor''s pressure lingered in the air.


    The weight of the trial still pressed on them, each of them fighting to stay upright.


    The Proctor''s non-existent gaze swept over them, not a hint of emotion emanating from him.


    "Congratulations," he said, his voice cool, almost detached. "You might have passed the First Selection."


    A few of the survivors exchanged glances.


    Some looked proud, shoulders squared, while others simply exhaled, faces pale and tired, thankful just to be standing.


    The relief in the air was palpable, but the Proctor''s tone didn''t give them much time to savor their victory.


    "In a minute," the Proctor continued, "you will be transported to the location of the Second Selection. Prepare yourselves."


    The group once again tensed. It was going to be brutal from here on.


    Alex stood apart from the group.


    His posture was calm, almost serene, despite the lingering exhaustion.


    His arms rested at his sides, eyes locked forward.


    Around him, Emi swirled gently, a soft, steady shimmer, like a quiet flame, not raging or chaotic, but under perfect control.


    It moved with him, in harmony with his every breath, giving off a sense of balance that hadn''t been there before.


    His gaze shifted towards Eve, the second tutorial player on the ground.


    They had both been the underdogs, the ones no one had expected to last this long.


    But here they were, both of them having made it through the First Selection.


    The odds hadn''t been in their favor¡ªbut against all expectations, they had survived.


    He met her eyes briefly¡ªsilent acknowledgment passed between them. They both had a long way to go, but this small victory was theirs.


    They had earned it.


    Adam didn''t want to waste a second.


    He was determined to convince Alex to consider the Dragon Emperor as a deity and join their House after Alex finished his tutorial.


    Walking to Alex he uttered.


    "Congrats on awaken..."


    Adam didn''t get the chance to finish. Frozen with his hand raised, Alex walked away.


    Not even a glance in his direction.


    His focus was elsewhere, locked on something else entirely.is


    Adam forcibly smiled, a vein appearing on the side of his head, twitching.


    Meanwhile, Alex headed straight for the collapsed tutorial player¡ªthe girl who had fought tooth and nail to stay on her feet.


    She''d fused with her summon just to keep going, pushing herself beyond her limits.


    Now, she lay motionless on the cold stone floor, her body twitching from the strain, blood staining her lips.


    Alex knelt beside her, ignoring everything else.


    Her eyes fluttered open, barely able to focus.


    She blinked in confusion, her vision blurry as she tried to make sense of what was happening.


    And why Alex was leaning beside me.


    "What are you¡­"


    Her voice was weak, barely above a whisper, her body still trembling.


    Alex didn''t answer.


    Instead, his hand began to glow faintly, a soft light radiating from his palm.


    Though Alex had no real reason to help her¡ªafter all, she could very well become a future rival.


    But there was something about the moment, something about seeing her injured, that stirred a sense of curiosity inside him.


    Then a thought came to mind.


    This was the perfect moment to test it out.


    The perfect moment to test his healing skill.


    [Resurgence]

 Chapter 248 - 248: Emi

    A soft, golden glow radiated from Alex''s palm as he activated [Resurgence]


    Eve''s body lit up, bathed in the warm energy.


    Her bloodied lips stopped bleeding.


    The gashes across her skin closed.


    Cracked bones shifted and snapped back into place with a subtle hum.


    Strength returned to her limbs, and her breathing steadied.


    Her eyes shot open.


    She gasped and sat up, blinking like someone waking from a nightmare.


    Then she looked at him.


    Speechless.


    Alex raised an eyebrow and muttered casually, "You''re welcome."


    That snapped her out of it.


    Her eyes narrowed, and she said slowly.


    "I didn''t exactly ask you to help."


    "Fair enough," Alex said, his tone calm, unreadable.


    He hadn''t done it for thanks.He just wanted to test his new skill¡ªResurgence. Simple as that.


    He stood up, brushed his hand off on his pants, and turned to walk away.


    But then he heard her voice behind him. Soft. Almost embarrassed.


    "¡­Thank you."


    Alex paused mid-step but didn''t look back."No need. I just wanted to experiment with my new skill. That''s all."


    "Well¡­ I''m glad I got to be your test subject," Eve said.


    Despite her sarcasm, her voice held genuine relief. Without his help, she wouldn''t have stood a chance in the next round.


    Her injuries would''ve slowed her down¡ªand with New Realm players as competition?She would''ve been wiped out in seconds.


    She had seriously considered quitting if she was allowed.


    As moving on while half-dead would''ve made surviving the next round pointless.


    Now¡­ at least she had a shot.And that was all thanks to him¡ªwho healed her without asking for anything in return.


    As Alex walked away from Eve, he came face-to-face with Adam.


    Adam stood there, arms crossed, rubbing his chin with a smirk playing on his lips.


    "Wow," he said. "You can heal too?"


    "Yeah."


    Alex nodded in response.


    Then he paused¡ªremembering how he had brushed Adam off earlier.


    "My bad," he added. "I ignored you before." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam raised an eyebrow. "You saw me wave?"


    "I did."


    "And you walked past me anyway."


    Alex shrugged. "Had something to do."


    "Ha ha¡­ ha ha ha ha¡­"Adam laughed¡ªthough it came out strained, almost cracking halfway through.


    "I thought you didn''t see me, but you did, huh? Hah¡­"


    Adam had never been ignored before.As a Dragon Emperor candidate, he was used to commanding attention¡ªwhether he wanted it or not. When he spoke, people listened. When he moved, they watched. Getting snubbed? That wasn''t something that ever happened.


    Until now.


    Adam let out a sharp breath and shook his head, swallowing the sting to his pride.


    Why? Because Alex had more raw potential than himself.


    That fact alone made it easier to let the humiliation slide.


    Besides, Alex was still a fresh tutorial player. Naive. Green.


    He didn''t know the weight of what he''d done.


    Adam straightened, cleared his throat, and forced a smile back on his face.


    "I couldn''t help but notice you awakened," Adam said, his voice light but his eyes sharp.


    Alex''s eyes snapped toward him, caught off guard.


    He noticed that?


    So this guy really was paying attention.


    Adam wasn''t just talk¡ªhe was sharp. Observant. Maybe even dangerous.


    Still, Alex figured if Adam knew something about this strange energy pulsing inside him, it couldn''t hurt to listen.


    "Yeah¡­ I awakened something called Emi," Alex admitted. "But I''m not exactly sure what that means."


    Adam''s face lit up with a grin, clearly pleased to have a reason to explain.


    "Well then," he said, brushing imaginary dust from his coat. "You''re in luck. Because I do."


    He raised a finger like a professor about to lecture.


    "Emi is a fundamental force. Think of it like nature''s hidden current¡ªan invisible energy that flows through every living thing. Trees. Animals. Even air. It''s everywhere."


    Alex nodded slowly, following along.


    "In some places, Emi is thicker¡ªricher. Those are hotspots, where power can bloom faster. Certain zones in this world are more dangerous... and more rewarding."


    He leaned in slightly.


    "Without Emi, you couldn''t even be a player. When the System descended, it created a core inside each humankind of like a filter or engine. That core regulates Emi, and keeps it from overwhelming us. It is also the reason you were brought to the tutorial world because the torrent of energy that entered your world would have been too much for an unprepared body to bear."


    Alex raised a brow, intrigued.


    Adam continued.


    "At first, a Player''s Core is small, fragile. But as they fight, survive, and defeat beasts, their Core grows stronger. Bit by bit, it adapts¡ªable to hold more Emi, and store more power. This gradual growth is what most is called "leveling up."


    But here''s where things get serious.


    Once a Player reaches a certain threshold¡ªusually much higher than average¡ªthe System steps in again. It partially unlocks their Core, upgrading it. From that point on, they''re no longer just passively absorbing energy fed to them through the System. Now, they can actively draw in Emi straight from the environment.


    Sounds like a major power-up, right?"


    Alex responded, "It does."


    "But there''s a risk. Raw Emi isn''t ready to use. It''s wild. Unstable. Dangerous. Before it can be turned into something usable¡ªmana¡ªit needs to be refined. That refining happens inside the Core, like a forge purifying metal. If the process fails¡­ if the Core can''t keep up¡­ that raw Emi doesn''t just sit there. It corrupts. It twists the Player''s body. Warps their mind. And sometimes, what comes out the other side isn''t human anymore. That''s why the System exists¡ªto prevent that from happening. It acts as a safety net, purifying the energy when the Core can''t. And that''s why awakening too early, before the body and Core are ready, is normally impossible.


    This is exactly why the System is so important¡ªit acts like a built-in safety filter. It quietly, constantly purifies the Emi you absorb, making sure it''s safe before your body can use it."


    See, for the average Player, their Core isn''t strong enough to handle purification on its own. It relies on the System to do the heavy lifting. And awakening? That''s something the System carefully controls. It won''t let you take that step unless you''re fully ready.


    But you¡­

 Chapter 249 - 249: Last to Leave

    But you¡­You weren''t built to awaken yet. Your rank says you''re not ready. Your system shouldn''t have allowed it. And still, here you are¡ªnot only awakened but with pure, refined mana already flowing through you. No corruption. No backlash. No mutation.


    That kind of internal refinement? That''s not just rare. It''s impossible¡ªunless a deity personally intervenes...or something even greater than a deity is at work."


    Or your stats is way more advanced than your rank.


    Alex said inwardly.


    The pieces were starting to come together.


    That''s why the System had suddenly kicked into overdrive and started upgrading itself.


    It was trying to catch up to him.


    The System hadn''t been ready for it¡ªbecause, at his current level, he shouldn''t have been able to access Emi at all. That kind of energy? It was reserved strictly for S-Rank players and above. Players who had already been tested. Players whose bodies had been trained to survive it.


    And yet¡­ here he was.


    Still technically B-Rank.


    But his stats are already pushing S-Rank levels.


    That was the only reason the Emi hadn''t corrupted him.


    His body, already stronger than most, could handle the pressure¡ªeven if the System hadn''t caught up yet.


    He turned toward Adam, his eyes sharp now, voice edged with curiosity.


    "Alright¡­ So how does this Emi relate to the deities?"


    Adam''s face lit up like he''d been waiting for that question.


    A chance to pitch the Dragon Emperor? Perfect.


    Adam''s eyes gleamed as he stepped closer to Alex, his voice taking on a confident, almost eager edge.


    "Well, that has everything to do with Aspects," he began, clearly excited to share.


    "Each deity has their own Aspect¡ªa sort of dominion over a theme, a force. Fire. Blood. War. Judgment. Death. You name it, there''s a deity who rules over it."


    Adam''s hands moved as he spoke, gesturing for emphasis like he was painting a picture with his words.


    "When you become a legacy candidate for one of them, your Emi aligns with that Aspect. It changes. It specializes." He smirked as if he already knew what was coming. "That alignment¡ªis what unlocks real power."


    He leaned in closer, almost as if he were sharing a secret.


    "You see, specialization is key. Denizens¡ªPlayers like you and me? We can''t afford to spread ourselves thin. The deeper you go, the more important it becomes to focus. Otherwise, you''ll hit a wall. Fast. That''s why choosing a deity isn''t just smart¡ªit''s necessary."


    "A lot of solo Players try to go it alone... and end up realizing too late they''re out of their depth. That''s when they wish they had a deity behind them, pushing them forward. So when a deity extends an invitation to become a legacy candidate? You don''t ignore it."


    Adam''s voice dropped, his tone turning serious, almost threatening.


    "Because if you reject them?" He let the words hang in the air for a beat, letting the weight of what he was about to say sink in. "When you''re finally desperate... they won''t accommodate. Gods are petty like that."


    Alex folded his arms, standing tall as he let the warning echo in his mind.


    After a long pause, Alex finally spoke, his voice casual but with an edge of curiosity.


    "But with this legacy trial... I can become a deity myself. Right?"


    Adam blinked, taken off guard by the question. For a moment, it was like he didn''t know how to respond. Then, he shook his head in disbelief.


    "Seriously? That''s what you''re thinking about?" Adam let out a sigh, rubbing his temples like he was dealing with a headache. "Yes, technically, passing the legacy trial could make you a deity. But come on¡ªonly one person has ever succeeded. And that was millions of years ago. He vanished after that¡ªcompletely disappeared."


    Alex smirked, a playful glint in his eyes as he tapped his chin thoughtfully.


    "One in a million, huh? That number might change soon."


    "Alex, you''re not¡ª"


    Before Adam could finish, a sudden ding! cut him off.


    Both of them looked up as a notification flashed in front of Alex''s eyes.


    Ding!


    [You will now be transported to the next selection of the trial][Brace Yourself]


    The notification blinked out of existence.


    Adam sighed, his shoulders slumping in resignation.


    "We don''t have enough time to talk more."


    "Well¡­ thank you for the information," Alex said, flashing Adam a quick smile.


    "I''ll tell you more when we meet again. But just so you know, all of this will be explained if you accept the Dragon Emperor as your deity."


    Alex shrugged, as he casually waved off the idea.


    "Eh... pass."


    Then Adam vanished.


    One by one, the others began disappearing too, each swallowed by the shimmering light that marked their transition to the next round.


    Alex stood still, watching them go.


    He knew why Adam had spent so much time talking to him. It wasn''t just to be friendly¡ªit was to pitch his deity. To sell the idea that choosing a god, his god, was the smart play.


    But Alex had already made up his mind.


    No meetings. No pacts. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially not now that he didn''t fully understand what was going on.


    Just as he was lost in thought, a voice called from behind.


    "Good luck."


    He turned.


    Eve stood there with a faint smile¡ªthen, just like the others, she vanished in a burst of light.


    Only two left now.


    Alex slowly turned his head¡ªand locked eyes with the last remaining player.


    Mikel.


    The blood dude?


    He stood silently, staring at Alex with a strange, unreadable expression. Like there was something he wanted to say... but couldn''t.


    Then he, too, faded away.


    Leaving Alex alone.


    Alex raised an eyebrow, a bit confused by the way Mikel looked at him.


    But he didn''t dwell on it.


    What bothered Alex more was the pattern he was starting to notice.


    Why am I always the last one to be transported out of a place? It had happened after the nightmare trial ended as well.


    He was also the last to leave.


    Odd.


    Real odd.

 Chapter 250 - 250: Alien Race

    Alex reformed inside a vast, white chamber.


    He didn''t land with a thud or stumble in confusion¡ªhe just appeared, like reality had snapped its fingers and dropped him there.


    Silence hit him first.


    Thick. Absolute. No wind. No hum. Not even the sound of his own breathing echoed back at him.


    He glanced around.


    The ground beneath his feet gleamed like polished marble, smooth and cold-looking, but it didn''t feel cold. Overhead, the ceiling stretched so high it blurred into nothing¡ªjust an endless haze.


    No doors. No windows. No walls.


    Just white. Endless, glowing white that pulsed softly¡ªlike he was standing inside a living, breathing thing.


    It reminded him of Oracle''s room.


    Sterile. Unsettling.


    Before he could take a single step, a familiar chime cut through the silence,a glowing blue message blinked into view in front of him.


    Ding!


    [Welcome to the Second Selection of the Legacy Trial]


    Alex raised an eyebrow and flicked his fingers through the air, opening his system interface.


    His first thought was that his system had finished upgrading.


    But as he checked, he saw that it was still upgrading.


    [System Upgrade: 47% Complete]


    So¡­ not quite.


    The upgrade still wasn''t done.


    But apparently, he could still receive notifications.


    That''s convenient.


    If the system had stayed completely silent until the upgrade was finished, he''d be walking blind through whatever madness came next.


    He could still use his skills.


    Still fight. Still, make enemies bleed.


    And that was the only thing that mattered.


    Then...


    Ding!


    Another notification blinked into existence.


    This one looked different.


    The text shimmered gold, stylized like the start of some ancient prophecy.


    [You have now entered the Tournament of Eight]


    [Sixty-Four Challengers Participating]


    [Each is the top surviving representative of their people]


    [The Strongest of Eight Races]


    [You are one of them]


    Alex muttered under his breath with an excited grin.


    "Okay¡­ this definitely sounds like something epic,"


    Suddenly, the space around him changed.


    Eight shimmering holograms burst to life, one by one¡ªflickering like stars caught in mid-spin. They hovered in the air, slowly rotating in a perfect circle around him.


    Not just images.


    They felt alive. Like ancient monuments built from magic and memory.


    Each one radiated energy¡ªhistory, pride, raw strength.


    Living symbols of entire civilizations.


    Alex turned to the first glowing figure that rotated into view, its form elegant, sharp, and deadly.


    Elves - Elegant warriors, naturally attuned to Emi. Their race wielded magic like an extension of breath. Elves specialized in precision, speed, and long-range combat¡ªlethal with a bow or blade.


    Beneath the description, a glowing 3D figure came to life.


    An androgynous warrior formed from light and magic¡ªlong silver hair trailing behind them like mist. A flowing cloak danced around their body, shifting with invisible wind. Behind them, a sword floated silently in midair¡ªuntouched, weightless.


    Their eyes stayed closed.


    Then¡ªsnap¡ªthey moved.


    A blur of motion. The blade sliced forward, carving through the air in an arc so clean it didn''t look real. Effortless. Beautiful. Lethal.


    Alex stood there, jaw slightly dropped, unable to look away.


    Whoever designed this had truly outdone themselves.


    It felt like watching art come to life.


    Then the realization hit him.


    Elves were real?


    The fantasy world he''d imagined as a kid was becoming something tangible.


    The impossible was right in front of him.


    And then, the next figure rotated into view.


    Dwarves ¡ª Stout, heavyset warriors with more stubbornness than body fat. Dwarves were living tanks¡ªslow, yes, but absurdly durable. They didn''t dodge. They didn''t bend. They took hits, smiled, and hit back harder. And their gear? Always custom-forged, always enchanted, always deadly.


    The 3D figure beneath the description was a stocky brute.


    Bare-chested, his torso built like a forge wall.


    His beard was thick, braided with metal rings. Even without armor, the guy looked unbreakable.


    But then the armor came¡ªchunky shoulder plates, glowing faintly from inside, as if still hot from the forge.


    Blackened steel, trimmed with glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His armor didn''t gleam¡ªit smoldered.


    Charred edges, runic markings glowing faintly, like it had just been pulled out of a volcano.


    He lifted a massive Warhammer with one hand¡ªlike it weighed nothing. Cracked his neck. Then stomped once, the holographic ground shuddering beneath his feet.


    Alex blinked. "Cool."


    He wasn''t sure if Dwarves believed in subtlety.


    But they definitely believed in force.


    The next race to materialize was a unique one.


    Animas - Hybrid creatures, part human, part animal. Each Anima bore traits of their beast-blood¡ªjaguar speed, wolf instincts, and hawk vision. Fast. Fierce. Ferally intelligent. Their fighting style was wild and unpredictable.


    The hologram below then shifted into focus, revealing a lithe woman, crouched low like a jungle cat ready to strike.


    Her eyes gleamed bright yellow, slit like a predator''s.


    Black fur covered parts of her body in streaks: across her arms, down her legs, along the curve of her tail that twitched behind her with perfect balance.


    Panther.


    She flexed her fingers¡ªlong, curved claws clicking softly with each motion.


    Then she sniffed the air and in the blink of an eye she vanished.


    Then reappeared behind her own hologram.


    Fangs bared. Eyes wild. A hunter''s grin spread across her face.


    Alex let out a low whistle.


    "Half-human, half-animal, huh?"


    To him these weren''t just alien races¡ªthey were fantasy creatures.


    Legends made real.


    And he was in it. Living the dream.


    He chuckled to himself, eyes still locked on the panther woman''s tail as it flicked lazily.


    "Maybe... if I get the chance... I could touch it."


    "Just once."


    Next race.


    Demons ¨C Not all demons are evil¡ªbut all of them are dangerous. Twisted magic, destructive auras, and unshakable egos defined them. They wielded cursed Emi like second nature¡ªwarping the battlefield, setting traps, and dominating through psychological pressure.


    The 3D image of the demon was that of a crimson-skinned male with onyx horns and burning eyes floating just above the ground. His Emi pulsed erratically¡ªfiery one second, shadowy the next. Sigils crawled across his skin like living tattoos. An eerie smile on his face.


    "Nah."


    Alex shook his head.


    He wasn''t buying that ''Not all are evil crap.''

 Chapter 251 - 251: Underdogs

    There had never been a single instance¡ªin games, anime, or movies¡ªwhere demons weren''t the bad guys. It was practically written into their DNA.


    Sure, these demons might be different from the ones in pop culture.


    But judging by the way this one smiled while standing in literal hellfire?


    "Yeah. Not that different."


    Still¡­ the idea that demons¡ªand elves, dwarves, beast-hybrids¡ªall actually existed?


    That messed with his head a bit.


    He glanced at the spinning projections around him and let the thought settle.


    What if the people who created fantasy races¡­ never really created anything?


    What if they were just catching glimpses¡ªfleeting visions¡ªfrom another world?


    If that was the case¡­ then were all stories, every myth, every monster, just glimpses of another world?


    Alex shook his head.


    Nah.


    That sounded way too far-fetched.


    Next was...


    The Tranagians ¨C Living trees, awakened by ancient Emi. Towering plant beings with bark for skin and sunlight in their veins. Tranagians weren''t fast¡ªbut they didn''t need to be. With regeneration and elemental control, they were walking sieges.


    The 3D figure of it was massive, moss-covered, and ancient-looking. Its entire body groaned with the sound of shifting wood, like a forest stretching after a long slumber.


    Its arms were thick branches, its legs rooted into the earth with every heavy step. Green veins glowed beneath cracked bark, pulsing with life. As it moved, flower petals drifted from its joints, like leaves caught in an eternal breeze.


    The whole thing radiated patience. Power. Age.


    Watching it was like watching a mountain decide to walk.


    "...Groot?"


    Alex muttered, half in awe, half in amusement.


    That was basically what it looked like.


    He couldn''t believe there was a universe where an entire population of Groot-like creatures existed.


    This made Alex wonder what other alien races existed in the multiverse.


    So he checked out the 6th alien race.


    Vorakans ¨C "Born for War. Bred to Win."


    The closest thing to human and demigods. Towering figures with flawless physiques, Vorakans were faster, stronger, and more aggressive than any species had a right to be. Their homeworld was forged through combat¡ªand only the strongest survived long enough to speak. Honor-bound and bloodthirsty.


    Alex''s eyebrows shot up.


    "Okay, that description is kind of terrifying," he muttered to himself.


    Then the holographic figure appeared.


    It was a towering humanoid figure, massive and carved from obsidian. It was like watching a living statue, muscles rippling beneath golden armor, glowing faintly like the sun''s last rays at twilight. His short, jet-black hair was swept back, his face set in a permanent look of judgment as if this being had seen all the worlds and deemed them all wanting.


    The Vorakan raised his fist slowly, and the very air around it seemed to crack. Not from impact¡ªno. It was the sheer weight of the idea that his punch could shatter reality itself.


    Alex felt the intensity of it.


    And titled his head. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Okay, whoever designed this clearly has a thing for Vorakans," Alex muttered. The animation of this figure was the most detailed by far¡ªevery movement sharp, every muscle flexing like it was meant to tear through worlds.


    The Vorakans were so similar to humans in appearance... but definitely not in the way they operated.


    Next up on the list... the 7th alien race.


    Kruckles - Colossal beings of muscle and bone. Berserker titans with primal instincts and zero impulse control. Kruckles didn''t fight to win¡ªthey fought to break. Their weapons were crude, massive, and absurdly powerful. Tactics? None. Subtlety? Zero.


    Alex grinned. Okay, another cool one.


    The 3D hologram flickered to life beneath the name.


    What appeared wasn''t just a figure. It looked like pure chaos, solidified into a massive form.


    Its jaw jutted forward, tusks gleaming like ivory daggers.


    Its arms were like tree trunks, the muscle so thick it seemed ready to tear through the very air itself.


    A huge cleaver, almost the size of a small building, dragged behind it like a broken mountain waiting to smash anything in its path.


    "Kinda reminds me of Doomsday," Alex muttered, rubbing his chin.


    Then came the last one.


    Certainly not the most impressive.


    Humans - "Limitless Potential. Unyielding Drive."


    The wildcard of the cosmos. Humans don''t have wings, claws, or magic-infused blood running through their veins. They weren''t born with any natural advantages. But what they lacked in raw power, they made up for in adaptability. To many, they were the underdogs. To the system, they were the race with the most potential.


    "So we''re the underdogs, huh?" Alex grinned. "I like the sound of that."


    The 3D figure materialized beneath the name with a soft flicker, its form simple. A young man, standing tall and unassuming, wrapped in tattered leather armor that had seen its share of battles.


    There was nothing flashy about him. No glowing aura. No mystical energy crackling in the air around him.


    His eyes, sharp with defiance, gleamed with an inner fire¡ªlike he''d been through hell and come back stronger.


    His body was covered in scars, the marks of a life lived on the edge.


    His knuckles were rough and bruised, evidence of countless fights.


    He looked...ordinary.


    Alex squinted, disappointment creeping in.


    The figure that represented humanity was pretty boring.


    Alex couldn''t help but feel let down.


    Out of all the possible choices, this was the character that had to represent the entire human race? It wasn''t just plain¡ªit was underwhelming.


    Barely any flair.


    A dude in tattered leather with scars, like some random street fighter.


    "Seriously, they couldn''t have picked a worse character to represent humans?" Alex muttered, shaking his head.


    In his mind, Adam would''ve been perfect.


    Maybe even an image of himself would''ve been better. Something with a bit more punch.


    But instead, they chose this...


    Alex clicked his teeth.


    Obviously, this was done on purpose to paint humans as weak.


    The other alien races will no doubt underestimate us.


    Alex sighed.


    I take it back. The architect of the hologram wasn''t as cool as I thought.


    Just as that thought settled, a new notification blinked into view.


    [SECOND SELECTION RULES]


    [TOURNAMENT OF EIGHT]

 Chapter 252 - 252: Tournament of Eight

    Alex leaned in, eyes narrowing, ready to absorb the details.


    [SELECTION RULES ¨C TOURNAMENT OF EIGHT]


    ? 64 Players remain. Each of the Eight Races has selected their top 8 Champions, chosen through brutal Trials unique to their kind.


    ? Players have now been divided into 8 Tables. Each Table features one representative from each Race¡ªeight contenders in total.


    ? Match Format: Single-Elimination Gauntlet. All battles are 1v1 duels. The winner of each match advances within their Table. Only the Final Victor from each Table moves on to the Third Selection.


    ? Audience: The High Pantheon watches. Deities. Legacy Holders. System Architects. All observing. Judging. Measuring worth. They cannot interfere with the matches¡ªbut their eyes are everywhere.


    ? Note: Victory isn''t the only path to ascension. Exceptional skill, creativity, or defiance may catch a deity''s attention.


    Alex let out a low whistle, his eyes glued to the screen as he processed the rules.


    "So¡­ this wasn''t just a bloodbath...This was a goddamn audition."


    Win, and you get to climb the ladder.


    Lose, and maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªa god points at you and says, ''That one''s mine.''


    A chill ran down his spine.


    The idea of deities watching made Alex''s stomach tighten.


    He''d pissed off a few of them¡ªmaybe more than a few¡ªbut was that really going to be a problem now?


    No.


    There was a rule, and that rule was clear: the gods couldn''t interfere with the matches.


    They could watch, judge, whatever¡ªbut they couldn''t harm him.


    So there was nothing to fear.


    The thought settled in his chest like a heavy stone, grounding him.


    He pushed aside the unease gnawing at the back of his mind and focused on the next thing.


    He wasn''t about to let some divine eyes intimidate him.


    Then, like clockwork, another notification popped up in front of him, flickering to life with a smooth buzz.


    [You have been assigned to: Table IV]


    [Participants at Table IV:]


    The text dissolved into an image, hovering like a glowing tournament bracket. Alex leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the matchups.


    Side A


    ¡ª Alex (Human) vs Tharnok (Vorakan)


    ¡ª Sylen (Elf) vs Brakka (Kruckle)


    Side B


    ¡ª Vess (Tranagian) vs Kira (Anima)


    ¡ª Grugrim (Dwarf) vs Malik (Demon)


    The names and races appeared in clean, sharp lettering, and Alex felt the weight of his first match settle over him.


    His heart skipped, but a rush of adrenaline followed right after.


    Alex grinned.


    Quite the cast, he thought, his eyes flicking over the list again.


    The names. The matchups.


    Each one sent a chill down his spine, but not the kind that made him want to back down. No, it was the kind that made his blood heat with excitement.


    This is going to be good.


    As his gaze lingered on the names, a dark sense of bloodlust seemed to seep off the holographic list.


    It was almost like he could feel the murder in the air¡ªeach name oozing danger.


    Tharnok, the Vorakan, was his first opponent.


    That wasn''t just any opponent.


    From the description of the Vorakan, they were practically walking demigods. A Vorakan could crush a person with a flick of their wrist.


    But that was only the first challenge.


    If he won¡ªand he would¡ªhe''d face more.


    Three, to be exact.


    If he defeated Tharnok, he''d have to fight whoever came out on top between Sylen, the Elf, and Brakka, the Kruckle.


    He could already picture it: the elf''s speed, the Kruckle''s raw, berserk strength. Two extremes in one match.


    And then... whoever survived that chaos would go up against the victor from Side B.


    Vess (Tranagian) vs Kira (Anima)


    Grugrim (Dwarf) vs Malik (Demon)


    Each of those battles would be brutal. And he''d have to go through it all if he wanted to stand at the top.


    And that was the exact same gauntlet every other player in the first round had to face.


    Cool. Real cool.


    What this meant was that no two players from the same race would face off until the third round.


    Alex''s grin stretched wider.


    He could already feel the energy bubbling inside him¡ªthe energy he''d awakened during his trials was still fresh, making his entire body crackle with raw power, and he was itching to test it out.


    His eyes locked onto the name of his first opponent once again.


    A Vorakan named Tharnok.


    Alex''s mind flickered back to what he knew about Vorakans from the description.


    Aggressive. Bloodthirsty.


    A race of warriors forged by combat, with no love for mercy.


    The thought of facing one of them, right out of the gate, sent a thrill down his spine.


    His opponent was perfect.


    He was brimming with newfound energy, Emi still surging through him like fire in his veins.


    He wanted to see just how far his strength could stretch¡ªhow much damage he could really dish out.


    And what better way to test it than against a foe who could take hits?


    The floor beneath his feet then started to pulse with light, a hum of ancient energy filling the air, as though the very ground beneath him was charged with power.


    A distant rumble followed, like the grinding of forgotten machinery awakening after centuries of silence.


    The ground trembled beneath him. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So much that Alex felt it in his bones.


    The ceiling above him then split open with a deafening roar, and a beam of light shot down from above as if the gods were casting judgment.


    Pillars of searing energy slammed into the arena, each one crackling with raw power and scorching the air.


    It was like the arena itself had come to life.


    Alex''s heartbeat quickened.


    But it wasn''t fear he felt.


    It was exhilaration.


    His fists clenched by his sides.


    "It''s time."


    [Prepare for Battle: Round 1]


    [Opponent: Tharnok of the Vorakan Warborn]


    [Transporting to Stage¡­]


    The platform beneath him began to rise¡ªslow, steady¡ªlifting Alex toward the heart of the arena.


    Up above, the roar of the crowd slammed into him.


    Chants echoed from every direction, wild and thunderous.


    Alex inhaled deeply, letting the chaos fill his lungs.


    This was it.

 Chapter 253 - 253: Begin

    The moment Alex came fully into view, sound exploded around him like a tidal wave.


    Roars.


    Deafening, bone-rattling, stadium-shaking cheers that slammed into his chest and echoed through his bones. The kind of noise that made one heart skip and blood race.


    He looked up¡ªand froze for a second.


    A sea of alien spectators packed into a colossal floating coliseum, stacked high like some impossible space-age stadium.


    Floating platforms hovered above the tiers, creating multiple levels of chaos.


    And the crowd?


    They were warriors. Elites.


    Players from all corners of the cosmos¡ªeach one dangerous in their own right.


    Every seat was filled.


    Horned giants with tusks and tribal paint. Scaled archers with glowing eyes.


    Sentient crystals that pulsed with color as they chanted.


    Beasts in jagged armor.


    Cloaked mages whose eyes flickered with arcane power.


    They didn''t sit and watch¡ªthey screamed.


    Roared for their champions.


    Above it all, floating in the sky like orbiting satellites, giant screens rotated in slow, steady circles¡ªflashing names, ranks, stats, kill counts.


    And then¡ªhigher up, like gods in a pantheon¡ªwere the skyboxes.


    A glittering halo around the arena, each one reserved for the big shots.


    Legacy Holders.


    But above even them¡ªfar above the chaos and noise¡ªwas the real power.


    It wasn''t a box.


    It was a chamber¡ªa massive, circular capsule of crystal-clear glass, floating mid-air like some kind of divine observatory.


    It hovered alone, untouched by the noise, untouched by gravity.


    Runes swirled around it in slow orbits, glowing faintly, with godly energy.


    Inside?


    Alex could feel them.


    Their presence leaked through the cracks¡ªjust enough to know they were there.


    Flickers of golden light.


    He swallowed.


    He couldn''t see them. But he felt them.


    Their attention, and it pressed down on him.


    He let out a slow breath, trying to calm the spike of adrenaline.


    His heart kept hammering like a war drum in his chest.


    Then, one of the massive floating screens flashed¡ªand there it was.


    His profile.


    ALEX (HUMAN)


    Origin: Earth | Tutorial Player | No Legacy Affiliation


    Previous Trial: Tutorial Phase ¨C Cleared


    Simple. Plain. Kinda underwhelming.


    Then, right next to it, his opponent:


    THARNOK (VORAKAN WARBORN)


    Origin: Vorakan | New Realm Elite | No Legacy Affiliation


    Previous Trial: Tutorial Phase ¨C Cleared


    Alex narrowed his eyes.


    "New Realm Elite," huh?


    So they were both unaffiliated. Both made it through the first phase.


    The only real difference was that Tharnok was considered a new realm elite, while Alex was still a tutorial player.


    Now, Alex had no idea how strong a New Realm Elite was supposed to be.


    Most likely stronger than him.


    But honestly? Didn''t matter.


    He''d find a way to close the gap in strength.


    The audience, however, wasn''t so sure about that.


    "He''s facing a Vorakan right off the bat. Talk about bad luck."


    "He''s from the tutorial bracket? How did he even pass Phase One?"


    "No emblem¡­ no legacy mark¡­? Yeah, he''s cooked."


    Laughter broke out. Low chuckles. Full-on howls.


    Waves of mocking murmurs rolled through different sections of the arena like a ripple of scorn.


    Alex didn''t hear their words.


    But he felt them.


    The air buzzed with it.


    Doubt. Contempt. Disbelief.


    And beneath it all¡ªsomething colder.


    Anticipation.


    Not for him to win.


    No. They were waiting to watch him get wrecked.


    They wanted blood.


    They expected his.


    A low rumble then shook the floor beneath Alex''s boots.


    He tensed.


    Panels shifted across the arena with heavy metallic clicks. Massive gears groaned to life, their grinding echo deep and thunderous¡ªlike the throat of a sleeping beast awakening.


    From the platform opposite him, something rose.


    A shadow at first. Then a form.


    Then a figure.


    It was his opponent.


    Tharnok.


    The crowd erupted the instant he appeared.


    Roars exploded like cannon fire.


    The entire arena quaked with it¡ªthousands of voices screaming, chanting, howling in unison.


    The energy shifted. It was no longer amusement.


    It was bloodlust. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tharnok stood tall at the center of his rising platform¡ªstill as a statue carved for war.


    He wore a sleek, obsidian-black uniform, more military than ceremonial, tailored to his frame like armor made for a predator.


    His skin was bronze, sun-baked and battle-hardened. Thick cords of muscle coiled beneath the suit, like compressed steel wires ready to snap.


    And across his face¡ªone detail stood out.


    A jagged scar slashed down the left side of his jaw, carving through an eye that glowed faintly red.


    That eye never blinked.


    He didn''t tower like a giant.


    But the weight he carried¡ªthe presence¡ªwas crushing.


    Every step Tharnok took radiated quiet violence.


    Not the loud, flailing kind.


    The cold, efficient kind.


    This wasn''t some wild berserker.


    This was a killer carved by war.


    Alex felt it immediately.


    His instincts flared¡ªsharp and sudden.


    A twist in his gut.


    A primal, animal-level signal screaming: Run.


    But he stood his ground.


    That''s when the air shimmered above the arena floor¡ªlike heat waves bending light.


    A figure appeared from thin air, descending smoothly with a swirl of silver fabric.


    The Proctor.


    Their cloak snapped in the windless space as they landed gently between both fighters¡ªunshaken, untouchable.


    Clad in the same flowing, metallic robes as before, he didn''t walk¡ªHe hovered.Effortless. Controlled. Suspended in midair like gravity bowed to him.


    A radiant glyph pulsed beneath his feet with each subtle shift of motion, keeping him aloft like a divine puppet master''s string.


    His face remained hidden beneath a hood that shimmered like starlight trapped in silk¡ªimpossible to focus on, always shifting.


    But when he spoke¡­


    The entire arena trembled.


    His voice boomed, deep and commanding¡ªlike a god wasn''t asking for silence¡­ but taking it.


    "COMBATANTS."


    A pause.


    Arms spread wide.


    "THE RULES ARE SIMPLE: KILL YOUR OPPONENT TO WIN."


    Alex furrowed his brow.


    "Right...simple indeed."


    He remembered the rules he read that dying here didn''t mean dying forever. You will still be returned back to the tutorial but will suffer soul damage.


    Alex had no intentions of dying though.


    With a smooth motion, he summoned his weapon.


    And drew his newly acquired daggers, Scarlet Fang.


    The blades hissed to life, glowing with a deep crimson aura.


    The edges were jagged like a predator''s tooth, pulsing faintly with inner heat. Energy coiled around it, and the very air around Alex warped from the pressure.


    Alex raised the blades, his feet shifting into a balanced stance.


    His heart pounded like a war drum.


    He was ready.


    Then Proctor raised a single hand and uttered.


    "BEGIN."

 Chapter 254 - 254: Dont Die Easily

    A sharp chime rang out¡ªclear and pure, like a divine bell tolling¡ªas soon as the proctor uttered the word for the match to begin.


    The crowd erupted.


    A tidal wave of cheers and chaos.


    Then someone from the stands yelled:


    "BREAK HIM, THARNOK!"


    But... Tharnok turned toward the alien who had spoken, glaring daggers¡ªand the alien froze.


    The rest of the spectators were also shaken.


    His cold gaze had cut through the chaos of the crowd, silencing it in an instant.


    The roar of the arena stopped.


    Everything went still.


    Alex''s breath slowed, wondering what was happening.


    With just one look, his opponent had silenced the crowd.


    How powerful must he be for the people to fear him?


    But it was more than just power. It was because he was a Vorakan.


    They were a terrifying race that no one wanted to cross¡ªso everyone avoided provoking them.


    Tharnok then returned his gaze to Alex, locking eyes with him.


    He stood on the opposite side of the arena, towering and still. His arms were folded across his chest¡ªa wall of quiet confidence.


    Those glowing crimson eyes stared Alex down, almost mocking.


    There was nothing in his hands.


    No weapon.


    Just a man.


    No¡ªa monster.


    Tharnok''s posture was relaxed and unbothered.


    To him, Alex wasn''t an opponent.


    He was just another weakling to be crushed.


    Alex prepped himself. He wondered if he should make the first move.


    But with the deadly aura emanating from Tharnok, he hesitated.


    There were just too many unknowns.


    So the two just stared at each other.


    Alex''s eyes peeled on him, waiting.


    Ready.


    But then¡ª


    Tharnok vanished.


    Gone.


    Like a shadow swallowed by the arena''s lights.


    Alex''s eyes snapped wide.


    No wind. No flash. No blur of motion.


    One second, he was there.


    The next¡ª


    BOOM!


    Pain exploded across Alex''s chest like an iron fist smashing into him at full force.


    It felt like a cannonball slamming into his ribs. His body shot off the ground¡ª


    The force of the blow flinging him backward like a ragdoll.


    His feet left the floor, and for a split second, nothing made sense¡ªjust a blur of stone, metal, and the deafening roar of the crowd.


    The world tilted¡ªspun out of control.


    Everything went sideways.


    Alex tumbled¡ªrolling, bouncing¡ªacross the arena floor, every bit of him crashing against the hard ground.


    Momentum carried him further¡ªtoward the edge of the arena, where a fall would send him spiraling into the abyss.


    He could barely keep his eyes open, the shock still buzzing through his body.


    Only sheer desperation saved him from going over the edge.


    Mid-air, Alex twisted his body, flinging his weight sideways.


    His heel slammed into the ground, scraping hard across the arena floor as he dug in.


    Doing anything to stop the slide.


    Sparks flew.


    His body skidded¡ªinches from the ledge.


    Then he stopped.


    Alex exhaled heavily.


    He froze, breath caught in his throat.


    His vision swam¡ªcolors bleeding into each other like a warped painting.


    His eyes dropped to his arm.


    And then he saw it.


    It was bent the wrong way.


    Bone jutting beneath the skin, white and jagged.


    His fingers twitched.


    Then the pain hit.


    Blinding. Searing.


    Like a hot blade ripping through every nerve.


    Alex clenched his jaw.


    It had happened so fast.


    Too fast.


    He wasn''t one to be caught off guard¡ªhe had a passive skill that let him react on instinct.


    But his dodge reflexes had been useless.


    His alert senses didn''t fire.


    Alex hadn''t even seen the punch.


    Not the wind-up.


    Not the movement.


    Just the impact.


    The only thing that saved him from getting his chest caved in was the instinctive flick of his arm¡ªa split-second block before the hit landed.


    And even that had shattered his bones.


    He winced, sucking in a breath as pain pulsed through his body.


    But then, his regeneration skill kicked in.


    The bone shifted, slowly snapping back into alignment.


    Flesh bubbled and stretched, stitching itself together like a time-lapse in fast-forward.


    Muscle reformed beneath torn skin.


    Alex clenched his teeth, rising slightly.


    He glared at Tharnok.


    He now knew why Tharnok used no weapon.


    It was because his fists were the weapons.


    This wasn''t some tutorial monster.


    This wasn''t a beast lord.


    This was something else.


    This was a new realm player from a race forged in war.


    Built for violence.


    Born to kill.


    And he''d almost eliminated Alex in one punch.


    Tharnok didn''t move after the attack.


    He stood right where he had punched from, feet planted like a mountain, casually cracking his knuckles one by one.


    Each pop echoed like a countdown.


    A grin crept across his face¡ªnot smug.


    Not mocking.


    Hungry. Entertained.


    Alex slowly pushed himself up, breath steady, eyes locked.


    His freshly mended arm flexed, fingers curling into fists.


    He couldn''t afford to play games here.


    This wasn''t someone he should toy with¡ªor could toy with.


    So he decided to become serious.


    His pupils shimmered as he activated Omni Gaze and Omni View, power surging through his senses.


    His irises lit with a faint glow, shifting into something... more.


    Vision snapped into overdrive.


    The blur of the world vanished.


    Everything sharpened¡ªlike flipping to HD in real life.


    He saw the rise and fall of Tharnok''s chest.


    The twitch in his shoulder.


    The faint hum of energy coiling through his arms.


    It was like watching a machine with the casing ripped off¡ªall the gears and wires exposed, spinning in real-time.


    Alex then raised his left hand, gripping the dagger tight. Somehow, it hadn''t been flung away when he tumbled.


    With a focused breath, he activated Exploding Touch¡ªa spark of energy flaring in his palm.


    The aura surged down his arm, coiling around the blade. It pulsed once. Primed.


    Ready to transfer on will.


    Across the arena, Tharnok''s eyes flickered.


    His brow lifted.


    He''d noticed the energy shift in Alex. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He grinned, baring sharp teeth, tilting his head slightly.


    "Oh?" His voice was low and rough, like gravel-grinding steel.


    "You''ve got tricks¡­ Good."


    He then took a step forward.


    The ground cracked beneath his boot.


    A burst of pressure rippled out with the motion, distorting the air around him like heat off pavement.


    "It would''ve been a shame¡­ if you died easily."

 Chapter 255 - 255: Alex vs Tharnok

    Alex stood at the ready.His eyes, glowing faintly as his ocular abilities were active, locked onto the figure ahead.


    Tharnok stretched his neck with a casual crack, then crouched low like a predator about to pounce.Then he attacked.


    Tharnok blurred into motion, faster than a lightning bolt, crossing the arena in an instant.


    But this time, Alex saw it.


    Omni Gaze tracked Tharnok''s motion¡ªand he reacted.He ducked the first strike, Tharnok''s fist whistling inches over his head and obliterating the ground behind him. Stone exploded in a spray of shrapnel.


    Then Alex countered, launching a kick that pushed Tharnok off the platform.His aim?


    To get him to fall.


    But to his surprise, Tharnok floated instead.


    The Vorakan could fly.Seriously...


    Alex frowned.


    That takes [Aerovale] out of the equation.


    Tharnok attacked again, but Alex rolled to the side.Then another fist followed, and Alex leapt backward, skidding across the floor. The sheer force of the blow cracked the surface where he''d just been.


    Each blow was like a meteor strike.


    Tharnok didn''t let up.He charged again, swinging with wild power. Blow after blow¡ªbut Alex sidestepped, avoiding them all.


    The alien crowd began to yell.


    "Stay still, coward!""Just let him tear you in half already!"


    Alex only focused on dodging, his eyes sharp.


    "What''s this?" Tharnok said in a disappointed tone. "I thought you had something to dish out, but all you''re doing is jumping like a monkey."


    Alex didn''t react. The blows kept coming.If he was even a second late, he''d be paste.


    Alex spun behind Tharnok¡ªbut Tharnok twisted, backhanding.


    Alex raised his arm just in time, but the hit landed.


    Crack!


    Pain flared through Alex''s ribs as he was flung back.


    But he wanted that hit.


    Even through the agony, his hand shot forward¡ªgrabbing Tharnok''s wrist mid-strike.


    And with that contact, Alex did three things:


    First, he used Pain Mirror¡ªa cursed sigil flaring, as a faint rune etched itself onto Tharnok''s palm.


    Second, multiple explosion disks were slapped onto Tharnok''s body as he used [Exploding Touch].


    Third, with a breath, Alex summoned a pulse of freezing energy from his palm using Cryoforge. Ice crawled instantly up Tharnok''s arm, then shoulder, then across his chest, locking him mid-motion in a frozen shell.


    Tharnok''s body was frozen in place, still mid-swing. His red eyes widened in surprise behind the encased shell.


    Alex''s boots skidded back from the last impact.He felt the pain from the blow, but he ate it up and palmed both hands together.


    Now!


    BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!


    Back-to-back detonations echoed through the arena like thunderclaps.


    The ice holding Tharnok shattered.Chunks of ice flew in every direction.Flames consumed Tharnok.Smoke erupted everywhere.A wave of dust rolled across the floor.


    Alex rose to his feet.His eyes scanned the cloud of smoke.


    The hopeful part of him told him that had to work.But the rational part of him doubted it¡ªTharnok was no ordinary foe.


    His rational part won.


    A shape moved in the haze.


    Alex heard a twitch. Then heavy footsteps.Slow. Deliberate.


    Tharnok stepped out of the smoke, eyes glowing brighter than before.


    Unharmed.


    There were scorches on his uniform. Steam hissed from his skin.But not a single drop of blood spilled.


    Alex''s jaw clenched. "No way¡­"


    The crowd went wild, cheers and roars shaking the arena.


    Tharnok just grinned, walking confidently toward Alex.


    "That attack wasn''t bad," he said, voice low, gravelly. "But it was not good enough."


    Alex clicked his teeth. One of his most powerful attacks was eaten up like it was nothing. Sure, the explosion wasn''t Amped to the max¡ªbut still, he expected Tharnok to have received some damage. Not come out unscathed.


    And that''s when Alex saw it.


    The faint glow beneath Tharnok''s skin.


    His muscles flexed like coiled metal, veins glowing faintly with blue-white energy.


    And then it clicked.


    Tharnok''s Emi¡­ it''s not external. It''s internal.


    His energy was infused¡ªwoven directly into his bones, muscles, and nerves like a living conduit.


    This explained why the Vorakan used no weapon.


    His body was the weapon.


    And that applied to other Vorakans who used their Emi through raw amplification, pushing their bodies past natural limits¡ªMaking them creatures designed for combat.


    A chill crept down Alex''s spine.


    Tharnok''s grin widened, sensing Alex''s unease.


    "Don''t despair, worm." Tharnok cracked his knuckles, his Emi pulsing like a heartbeat. "You have to give all you got before you give up."


    Alex grinned.


    "Oh, is that so? Maybe I will give it my all. But I''m afraid you''ll die before you get to see everything."


    "Trust me, worm. I won''t," Tharnok said¡ªand launched forward.


    But Alex had already reacted. He could see several steps ahead.


    He threw a hand out¡ªspectral daggers ripped free from the air around him, whirling into existence like summoned ghosts. Dozens hovered, each glowing with crimson runes.


    Then Alex slashed his arm forward.


    The spectral daggers shot through the air¡ªarcing like comets, streaking toward Tharnok in a wide formation.


    Tharnok didn''t slow as the blades drew in, using his body to receive the attack.


    The spectral daggers hit their mark in rapid motion.


    BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!


    Each blade erupted the instant it touched Tharnok''s body, explosions lighting up the arena like a storm of red stars.


    A hush fell over the crowd.


    Smoke billowed, shrouding the Vorakan in a thick black cloud. The heat rolled in waves, and the shockwaves rattled the metal underfoot.


    Alex stood at the ready.


    He didn''t move.


    He was sure this wasn''t enough to deal with Tharnok.


    And he was right.


    Crunch.


    A footstep exploded out of the smoke.


    A blur of bronze muscle and black steel.


    Alex barely had time to react.


    He leapt back¡ª


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    Too late.


    Tharnok was already on him, a fist barreling toward his chest.


    Alex twisted at the last second, just enough to avoid the full force¡ªbut the blow grazed his cheek.


    Skin shredded. Blood sprayed.


    Alex barely reacted.


    He leapt away, creating distance.


    Tharnok didn''t even pause¡ªand followed.


    He was too locked in.


    Too focused on the hunt.


    So much so, he didn''t notice.


    A cut on his chin¡ªsimilar to that of Alex.


    Alex''s boots skidded along the floor as he slid to a stop, then took a heavy inhale¡ª¡ªand exhaled, using [Echo of Annihilation].


    A visible ring of distortion shot from his mouth like a shockwave, rippling with pure sonic force twisting the air.


    WHOOOOM!