《God, Help Us All [Monster Evolution/Progression/LitRPG]》


 Chapter 1: One Monster Step At A Time

    Chapter 1 - One Monster Step At A TimeArthur''s senses returned slowly, like pieces of a shattered mirror reforming one fragment at a time. He couldn''t remember the moment it had happened¡ªthe second where everything that made him him had been ripped away. But there was no question about it. Something had changed.


    He tried to scream, but his mouth wouldn''t open. Panic gnawed at him. He tried to breathe, only to find that he didn''t need to. His entire body felt wrong. Not just wrong¡ªforeign, alien.


    What''s happening? Where am I?His vision slowly adjusted to the murky, dark blue world around him. He was underwater. He could feel the water pressing in on him, tugging gently at what should''ve been skin but now felt like something thicker¡ªsomething harder.His limbs¡ªor what he assumed were his limbs¡ªjerked awkwardly as he struggled to make sense of his new form. His mind raced.


    He wasn''t human anymore. There was no doubt about that. Everything felt smaller, compressed, and heavy. His body responded sluggishly to his attempts at movement, and panic surged through him again.


    Breathe... I can''t breathe!


    But the need for oxygen never came. His body didn''t scream for air, and instead of suffocating, there was only an odd, cold calm. As his mind slowly settled, Arthur''s thoughts spiraled. How did this happen? One minute, he''d been... where? Earth? That felt right, but the memory was fuzzy, like trying to grab mist.


    The details of his previous life slipped further and further away with each passing second.


    No! No! Focus!


    He tried to control the rising sense of helplessness. There had to be a reason for this. He wasn''t dead¡ªat least, he didn''t think so. But if not, what was this new existence? A nightmare? Some sick, twisted hallucination?He forced himself to take in his surroundings. Shadows danced across the seafloor, and strange, sharp ridges jutted out of the rocky ground. He could make out jagged, coralline structures rising toward the surface, and far beyond them, the faint red glow of the horizon¡ªheat? Fire?


    Whatever it was, it was far off in the distance.


    The Scorching Badlands?


    The name flared into his consciousness out of nowhere. He didn''t know how or why he knew it, but somehow, it made sense.


    Arthur''s limbs¡ªor what passed for them¡ªtwitched as he instinctively tried to push himself up. He was low to the ground, close to the seabed, and when he focused on his surroundings, it wasn''t just the water''s muted pressure he felt. There was something slick and segmented where his legs should have been¡ªscaly, even. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in a shard of rock nearby, and what stared back at him was something reptilian.


    His heart¡ªor whatever was beating inside him¡ªlurched.


    I''m...The thought wouldn''t complete itself. Instead, he blinked at the creature in the reflection. The small, agile form had four muscular limbs, a tail for balance, and rows of sharp teeth barely visible behind a bony snout. He could almost feel the pulsing of primal energy in his veins, like raw power just waiting to be unleashed.This is real.


    The cold certainty of it finally settled into his mind. He was no longer human. He had been reborn as a primal, monstrous creature in a world that felt utterly alien. It was terrifying, but also... oddly thrilling? No, that was wrong. It should have been thrilling. Instead, fear crept back in like a tidal wave.


    Arthur tried to move again, dragging his new body across the seabed.


    His tail swished through the water, propelling him clumsily forward. His new legs¡ªthicker and tougher than anything he''d ever had before¡ªpressed into the ground, trying to find traction. The motions felt instinctual, even if his mind hadn''t fully caught up yet.


    I need to figure this out. Focus. Survive.


    But the primal ocean wasn''t giving him time to think. There was movement up ahead¡ªa glint of something small but sharp in the corner of his vision. Before he could react, it lunged.


    Pain shot through him as something clamped down on his tail. Instinctively, he whipped around, thrashing wildly. His attacker was small, but vicious¡ªa crab-like creature, about the size he was, with snapping claws that had already torn into his hide.


    Arthur roared¡ªor tried to, but what came out was a guttural hiss. He flung his body at the crab, slamming it into the rocks with a force that surprised him. The crab skittered back, but it wasn''t finished. Its pincers snapped with deadly intent, and it darted forward again. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The fight was raw, clumsy. Arthur didn''t know how to control his new body yet, but desperation drove him. He slashed with claws he barely understood, ripping at the creature''s armor until finally, with one final strike, he crushed the crab beneath his weight.


    The rush of adrenaline¡ªor whatever replaced adrenaline in his new form¡ªflooded through him as the crab lay still beneath him. He could feel its energy, its life force slipping away, and in the strange new biology of his body, something clicked.


    He had won.


    For a moment, the quiet of the underwater world returned, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He had just fought for his life¡ªfor the first time in this new existence¡ªand the weight of that realization pressed heavily on him.


    What now?


    As if in answer to his unspoken question, something new appeared in his mind. A pulse, like a flicker of light, danced at the edge of his consciousness, and then...


    [SYSTEM ACTIVATED]


    Congratulations, Arthur, you have defeated your first enemy: a Lesser Abyssal Crab.You have earned access to [Map].


    Arthur blinked, his mind reeling from the strange, disembodied voice. It felt alive, yet cold and detached, as if it were reading off from some kind of manual.


    Map?


    As soon as he thought the word, a dull, translucent map appeared in his vision, floating just outside his range of focus. It was hazy, incomplete¡ªa series of blurry lines that traced the rough outline of his immediate surroundings. The area around him was mostly a vague blob of blue and dark gray, with no precise detail, and a small blinking dot marked his location.


    Not exactly useful...The map was basic at best, providing no helpful information aside from his position in the world. It didn''t tell him what dangers lurked nearby or where safety could be found. Still, it was something¡ªan anchor in the midst of his confusion.Arthur''s mind raced. The system¡ªwhatever it was¡ªhadn''t given him much to go on. But if it was the key to survival, he needed to understand it, exploit it. He focused on the crab''s body, still lying crumpled before him.


    No further information followed, and the system remained eerily quiet. Frustration flickered through him, but he buried it quickly.


    No one was coming to save him. This world, this body¡ªeverything was new, and no amount of longing for his past life was going to change that.


    He was alone. And survival was all that mattered. Arthur glanced back at the map. The glowing dot that represented him was barely moving, and there were no signs of anything else in the immediate vicinity. His fight with the crab had been chaotic, raw, but now, with a moment to breathe, he could think more clearly. There had to be more to this system.


    He focused, searching for commands, for options, but nothing else appeared. The system offered only the map, and even that seemed frustratingly limited. But then again, why would he expect more?I''ll figure it out... eventually.


    For now, he needed to move. He didn''t know what other predators might be lurking nearby, but staying still wasn''t an option. He was vulnerable, weak. He needed to grow stronger, to evolve. Evolution. Almost immediately, Arthur snapped. Arthur''s body convulsed violently, his mind split between reason and instinct. A sudden, overwhelming force hit him like a tidal wave.


    He wasn''t thinking anymore. He couldn''t think. The primal urge surged through him, powerful and all-consuming. His vision blurred, darkened at the edges. His new body moved before his mind could catch up, driven by a hunger that was far beyond the need for food¡ªit was a need to survive, to dominate, to evolve.


    His jaws snapped open. He dove down on the crab''s lifeless body, tearing into it savagely, desperate to satisfy the gnawing hunger that twisted his insides. Flesh and shell crunched under his teeth, and with each bite, the hunger seemed to deepen. He ripped through the creature''s body, gorging on it in a wild frenzy, as though nothing else in the world mattered.


    Then, suddenly, it hit him. A warmth, radiating from deep within the crab''s broken form. He paused, blood and fragments of shell dripping from his maw. The sensation pulsed through him, a foreign energy that wasn''t his own, but it was intoxicating, compelling him to take more. Without hesitation, Arthur sank his teeth deeper, biting into the source of the warmth.A pulse of heat surged into his body like liquid fire, flowing through his veins and filling every corner of him. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened, and for the first time since waking in this new world, he felt a flicker of power.


    A core of some kind¡ªwarm and alive¡ªtransferred from the crab''s body into his own. It felt like something ancient, something primal had been absorbed into his very being.


    The world around him dimmed, and a strange pressure built up inside his chest. He didn''t know what it was, but instinctively, he understood: this was more than just sustenance. It was a piece of something far greater than either of them¡ªa fragment of power passed down through the ages.


    Ding!

 Chapter 2: To Evolve Or Not To Evolve?

    Chapter 2 - To Evolve Or Not To Evolve?The world around him dimmed, and a strange pressure built up inside his chest. He didn''t know what it was, but instinctively, he understood: this was more than just sustenance. It was a piece of something far greater than either of them¡ªa fragment of power passed down through the ages.Ding![SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]Congratulations, Arthur! You have absorbed the Soul Core of a distant descendant of the Titan of Mud.New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Hardened Carapace: Increase the durability of your scales by imitating the crab''s natural armor. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amphibious Adaptation: Gain improved mobility in water and limited ability to survive outside of it for longer periods.


    Mud Secretion: Produce a thick, mud-like substance that can be used defensively or to hinder enemies'' movements.


    Arthur''s mind spun as the system''s words appeared before him. The warmth of the crab''s soul core still coursed through him, seeping into his very essence. He could feel the power it offered, the paths it could unlock. Each trait pulsed in his mind like a beacon, urging him to choose, to shape his body into something stronger, more formidable.But it wasn''t just the system. The hunger that had driven him to this moment still lingered, coiling in the back of his mind. It had changed something inside him¡ªsomething that wouldn''t be easily undone.Survival. That was all that mattered. And now, he had a taste of what that could mean.*Arthur''s mind raced. The choices floated in his vision, taunting him. He could feel each option tugging at his instincts. He didn''t understand the system fully yet, but something told him this choice mattered. And it mattered now.He crouched lower, examining the crab''s broken body. Its shell had been tough. Even as he tore through it, the creature''s natural defense had resisted him, making him fight for every inch of ground. That shell had been its greatest strength, and it had nearly been enough to kill him.He couldn''t forget how vulnerable he had felt in the battle. His own skin¡ªscaly, yes, but thin¡ªhad been nothing compared to the crab''s. Each strike from the creature''s pincers had nearly ripped him apart.I need to survive. I need to protect myself.But the other options gnawed at him, too. Amphibious Adaptation would make him faster, better suited for this world of water and land. It sounded practical, useful even. He could already feel how slow and clumsy he was in this environment, and the idea of becoming more mobile, more in control, was tempting.Then there was Mud Secretion, a defensive ability that could potentially give him an edge in fights, slowing down enemies or trapping them in place. It sounded crafty, useful in a pinch, but did he have time to be crafty? Could he afford to think ahead when every moment could be a fight for survival?A low growl escaped him. His body tensed, his muscles coiling as if bracing for a blow. He had never been the type to make hasty decisions, but now¡ªhere, in this alien world¡ªhesitation felt like a death sentence.His mind flashed back to the crab''s final moments. The way it had fought, fiercely, using every bit of its natural armor to protect itself. He thought of his own skin¡ªhow easily it could be pierced, how vulnerable he had been in that battle.Survival comes first.He needed to defend himself before he could think of anything else. There would be time to worry about speed, tactics, or anything else later. For now, he had to endure. He had to be able to take the hits, and survive whatever came next.[Evolutionary Trait Selected: Hardened Carapace]As soon as the decision was made, Arthur felt a sharp tug at his core. His body responded instantly. Heat surged through him again, but this time it wasn''t the gentle warmth from before. This was harsher, more intense, like molten fire coursing through his veins. His muscles seized, and his limbs locked as the change began.His skin¡ªalready tough and leathery¡ªbegan to ripple. A sharp crack echoed through the water as the first layer of scales broke apart, replaced by something denser, heavier. The sensation wasn''t pain, but it wasn''t pleasant either. It was like his body was shifting, adapting under a force it couldn''t resist.He could feel the carapace forming, layer by layer. Each new plate of armor settled over him like a shield, thickening and reinforcing his natural scales. His limbs felt heavier, his movement more sluggish, but there was strength there, too. The kind of strength that promised endurance.Another crack, louder this time, and he let out a low hiss, digging his claws into the soft ocean floor beneath him. His back arched as the final layer of the carapace locked into place, and suddenly, it was over. The transformation stopped as quickly as it had begun, leaving him feeling... different.Arthur rose slowly, testing his body. The water slid off him more easily now, like oil over stone. His scales were no longer soft or pliant¡ªthey were hard, rigid, and unyielding. He ran a claw over his own skin, feeling the thick armor that had formed around him.He felt stronger. Not by much, but enough. Enough to know that the next time something came for him, he wouldn''t break so easily.This is it. The realization hit him as hard as the evolution had. This was the world he had been thrust into. It wasn''t a place of negotiation, compromise, or safety. It was a place where you either adapted, or you died.His goal wasn''t survival, not really. Survival was the bare minimum. His goal was evolution. To grow. To become something more than what he was now. Every creature he defeated, every core he absorbed¡ªit was fuel for that growth.Arthur stared down at the remnants of the crab. This was how it would be. Kill. Consume. Evolve. Each enemy would make him stronger. Each fight would push him forward, force him to change.There was a flicker of something deep inside him¡ªa strange, dark satisfaction. The system had made its choice, and now, so had he. He would eat, and grow stronger. He would survive, and not just that, he would thrive.There was no room for hesitation anymore. This was his life now.

 Chapter 3: One More Evolution

    Chapter 3 - One More EvolutionArthur stood, his newly hardened carapace reflecting the faint light filtering through the water. He scanned the environment, senses sharpened by the recent evolution. The dark water around him was still, but it wouldn''t stay that way for long.


    I need more. The hunger still gnawed at him, more controlled now, but ever-present. He had tasted power, felt it crawl through his veins and reshape him. And it wasn''t enough. Not by a long shot.


    He would need more creatures. More cores.


    He turned his attention to the distant glow of the Scorching Badlands. Something about that place called to him. A primal instinct, perhaps, or the system itself nudging him toward his next challenge.


    But then, reality hit him like a cold slap.


    Not yet.


    Arthur clenched his jaw. His body was stronger, yes, but it wasn''t enough. Not for that. The Badlands were a crucible, and he knew instinctively that if he set foot there now, it would be a death sentence. His newly strengthened form still felt too sluggish in the water, too raw and unfinished. The hardened carapace offered protection, but he hadn''t grown nearly enough. He was still small, still vulnerable.


    Whatever roamed the Badlands would tear him apart if he went now.


    The hunger inside him churned, dissatisfied with his reluctance. It gnawed at him, whispering to take the risk, to push forward regardless. But Arthur pushed it back. He needed more power¡ªmore evolutions¡ªbefore he could even think about setting foot in that molten wasteland.


    Survive first. Evolve later.


    He turned his gaze away from the Badlands, focusing on the dark, murky depths of the ocean around him. This was his domain for now. The primal ocean. Here, he could hone his instincts, test his limits, and prepare for the challenges ahead. He would take his time. He would devour more, grow stronger, and when the time came, he would be ready for the Badlands.


    Arthur''s tail swished behind him as he moved forward, slower this time, more deliberate. His senses extended outward, feeling for any sign of movement, any potential threat¡ªor prey. He had no intention of fighting something beyond his ability just yet, but he couldn''t afford to stop either. His path forward was clear: eat, grow, evolve. And repeat.


    As he moved, the system''s cold presence lingered at the edge of his consciousness, like a distant observer. It had given him a tool, a means to track his progress and guide him through this new world. But he knew there had to be more. He couldn''t rely on it blindly¡ªhe had to push himself further than it allowed.


    Still, his thoughts kept drifting back to that pull from the Badlands. That primal call, urging him forward, testing his patience.


    I''ll get there, he promised himself. But only when I''m ready.


    Arthur continued to move through the water, his hardened carapace making him feel more stable, more secure. The dark, oppressive weight of the ocean was no longer as threatening. His muscles worked with more precision, each step deliberate, each motion filled with intent. He was learning.


    But he still had a long way to go.


    *


    The primal ocean was vast, dark, and unforgiving. Arthur moved through it with a newfound sense of purpose, his muscles now better attuned to the weight of the water around him. The hardened carapace across his body had begun to feel natural, as though it had always been a part of him. Each step he took on the murky seabed sent ripples of power through his limbs, but he knew better than to overestimate himself.


    The glow of the Scorching Badlands was a distant memory now, no longer a pull that occupied his every thought. Instead, Arthur focused on what lay in front of him¡ªthis watery expanse filled with threats and opportunities alike. He moved cautiously, but not out of fear. This was his world now, and survival wasn''t just instinct anymore; it was strategy.


    He couldn''t afford recklessness. Not yet.


    The eerie silence of the ocean was broken by a sudden shift in the water. Arthur froze, his senses prickling. Something was nearby. Not large, but close. He turned his head, scanning the surroundings. The water was thick, visibility low, but he could sense it¡ªmovement in the dark, a ripple that wasn''t natural.


    Another predator, he thought, bracing himself.


    His claws dug into the seafloor as he crouched low, his body tensing for the inevitable confrontation. The silence stretched on, and then¡ªthere. A flicker of movement. A flash of scales.


    It lunged.


    Arthur barely had time to react as the creature barreled toward him from the shadows. It was fast¡ªfaster than the crab from before. A long, sinuous body, sleek and sharp, with glistening scales that reflected the faint light of the distant surface. It was about his size, though more streamlined, built for speed rather than raw power.


    Arthur twisted, his reflexes sharper now, his body moving with more precision than before. The creature''s jaws snapped shut inches from his throat, its teeth missing him by a hair''s breadth. He lashed out with his claws, striking at its side, but the creature was already darting away, weaving through the water with frightening agility.


    Damn! It''s fast!


    He backed up, keeping his eyes locked on his opponent. The creature circled him, its yellow eyes gleaming with predatory intent. It was testing him, looking for an opening. Arthur growled low in his throat, his hardened carapace gleaming under the dim light. He''d made the right choice¡ªhe could feel it now.


    The creature lunged again, faster this time, aiming for his exposed underbelly. Arthur twisted, using his tail to deflect the blow, but the creature''s speed was undeniable. It darted to the side, landing a strike against his flank.


    The impact was jarring, but Arthur barely felt it. The hardened carapace absorbed the blow, deflecting the creature''s sharp teeth with ease. He hissed in satisfaction. His decision to evolve his armor had been the right one. Without it, that bite might have torn through him. But the creature wasn''t done.


    It came at him again, its movements rapid and relentless. Arthur struck out with his claws, aiming for its head, but the creature ducked under the blow, circling him in a blur of motion. He could feel the weight of his carapace slowing him down. He was stronger now, yes, but heavier too. His opponent was faster, more agile, darting in and out like a shadow.


    A glancing blow struck his shoulder, and though the armor held, it was enough to stagger him. Arthur growled, frustration gnawing at him. He needed to be smarter, to use his surroundings.


    The creature lunged once more, but this time, Arthur didn''t dodge. He held his ground, letting the creature''s teeth scrape harmlessly against his armored side. It recoiled, confused by the lack of damage. In that moment of hesitation, Arthur struck.


    His claws connected with the creature''s flank, tearing through its thin scales. Blood clouded the water around them, a deep red swirling in the blue. The creature shrieked, its body twisting violently as it tried to escape, but Arthur wasn''t about to let it go. Not now. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He lunged forward, slamming his body into the creature, using his weight to his advantage. The hardened carapace made him more resistant to damage, but it also gave him an edge in brute force. The creature writhed beneath him, slashing at his belly, but the blows were weak, desperate. Arthur pressed down harder, his claws sinking into the creature''s flesh.


    It fought back viciously, twisting and snapping, but Arthur had the advantage now. He drove his claws into its side, feeling the life drain from it with each passing moment. The creature''s movements slowed, its struggles weakening.


    For a moment, Arthur hesitated. He could end it now, tear into the creature''s core and take its strength for his own. But there was a lingering doubt. This was no mindless battle for survival. This was something more. His thoughts, sharp and clear now, whispered that this was a fight for dominance.


    He needed to finish it.


    With a final, decisive strike, Arthur tore into the creature''s throat, silencing its frantic thrashing. The body went limp beneath him, and the ocean around them stilled once more. He stood there, panting, his heart pounding in his chest.


    The water was thick with blood, and the taste of victory lingered on his tongue. He had won. But the cost had been higher than he expected. His body ached from the fight, his muscles straining under the weight of the carapace. His decision to evolve had saved him, but it had also made him slower, more vulnerable to faster opponents.


    I need more.


    The thought came unbidden, a primal urge pushing him forward. He needed to evolve again, to grow stronger, faster. The carapace had been the right choice, but it wasn''t enough. Not yet.


    He leaned over the creature''s body, feeling the warmth of its core pulse beneath the surface. His claws trembled with the urge to devour it, to take what it had and make it his own. The system was silent for now, but he could feel it watching, waiting for him to make his move.


    Arthur hesitated for a moment, the hunger gnawing at him once more. He knew what he had to do. But there was no rush, not this time. The creature was defeated, and the ocean around him had fallen into silence once more.


    He could feel the pull of the system in the back of his mind, the faint whisper that told him to consume, to grow. But for now, he needed to rest. The fight had drained him more than he cared to admit, and he wasn''t sure what would happen after he took in the core.


    Later, he decided, stepping back from the body. The ocean had given him this victory, but he wouldn''t rush into his next evolution blindly.


    Arthur turned, scanning his surroundings for any other threats. The primal ocean held many secrets, and he wasn''t naive enough to think he had seen the worst of it. He needed to be ready for what came next. And that meant being patient.

 Chapter 4: Man, I’m Starting To Look Like G*dzilla

    Chapter 4 - Man, I''m Starting To Look Like G*dzillaArthur floated in the dark depths, his body still aching from the previous fight. Every muscle screamed in protest, a constant reminder that, despite his hardened carapace, he wasn''t invincible. The battle had been brutal, and his newfound power had barely been enough to keep him alive. The water around him was eerily still, giving him a brief moment of calm. But in this world, calm was a fleeting illusion.


    His limbs felt heavy, worn from the strain of combat. The deep gashes from the fight with the Speedy Fish¡ªthe sleek, predatory creature he had slain¡ªhad already started to heal, though slowly. His thickened armor had protected him, but his body had paid the price for every reckless blow he absorbed.


    He hovered over the lifeless body of the Speedy Fish, eyeing it warily. Its sleek form shimmered faintly in the dim light, its long, agile frame a testament to the speed and agility that had made it such a dangerous opponent. Even dead, it looked fast. And now, it was his.


    Arthur felt the familiar pull from deep within¡ªthe system''s cold presence stirring at the edge of his consciousness. The hunger inside him had been growing ever since the fight, gnawing at his insides, urging him to consume, to grow. He had resisted until now, knowing his body needed to recover before attempting another evolution. But he could wait no longer.


    He leaned in, his claws trembling with anticipation. His teeth sank into the creature''s flesh, and once again, the warmth spread through him¡ªdeeper this time, more potent. The taste was sharp, electric, unlike the crab before. This was different. This wasn''t just raw power¡ªit was speed, fluidity, something beyond brute strength.


    The warmth pulsed, and Arthur felt it surging through his veins, a foreign energy mingling with his own. For a brief moment, he lost himself in the sensation, the raw power coursing through him. And then, the system''s voice returned.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have absorbed the Soul Core of a distant descendant of the Titan of Speed.


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Agile Limbs: Enhance your overall speed and dexterity, allowing for quicker movements in both water and land environments.


    Velocity Strike: Gain the ability to perform an extremely fast, short-distance dash in combat, allowing you to strike enemies before they can react.


    Aquatic Swiftness: Adapt further to underwater environments, drastically increasing swimming speed while reducing the energy cost of movement in water.


    Arthur blinked, the words hanging in his mind like a promise. He had devoured the Speedy Fish, and now the system was offering him its power¡ªa direct descendant of the Titan of Speed. The weight of the decision settled on him immediately. Each option presented a new path, a way to evolve that would change how he fought, how he survived.


    His claws dug into the soft ocean floor as he mulled over his choices. The first trait, Agile Limbs, was tempting. It would make him faster in general, not just in water but on land as well. Speed was a constant advantage¡ªwhether in hunting, fleeing, or fighting¡ªand he knew he couldn''t afford to be slow forever, not if he wanted to survive against faster creatures.


    But then there was Velocity Strike. The idea of having a burst of speed in combat was alluring. Being able to dash forward, to hit before his enemies could react, could be the difference between life and death. It was specialized, though. Good for combat, but would it help him outside of a fight? And could he afford to focus only on battle? sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The third option, Aquatic Swiftness, was a more immediate benefit. He was still struggling with the sluggishness of moving through water. His hardened carapace made him slow, heavy, and in a world where speed often determined survival, becoming faster in the water could mean everything. He would be able to navigate the primal ocean with ease, outmaneuver predators, and reach new places quicker.


    Arthur felt the hunger inside him stir, pushing him toward a choice. He needed to be faster. That much was clear. His carapace gave him defense, but without speed, he was vulnerable to faster creatures like the one he had just killed.


    His gaze fell on the lifeless body of the Speedy Fish. It had been a fast, deadly predator, but it had still fallen to him. He needed more than just brute strength. He needed balance.


    I need speed. But I can''t sacrifice everything for it. He thought of the Velocity Strike, and the image of a quick, lethal blow excited him. But more than that, he needed to survive in this ocean¡ªto move in it.


    The decision crystallized in his mind. He would prioritize his movement. Speed wasn''t just about combat¡ªit was about survival.


    [Evolutionary Trait Selected: Aquatic Swiftness]


    Arthur gritted his teeth as the evolution began. The warmth from the Soul Core grew, spreading through his limbs like wildfire. His muscles twitched, and for a moment, his entire body felt like it was being stretched in all directions. His legs, his tail, every muscle fiber was shifting, adapting. The water around him felt lighter, less resistant, as though it no longer had the same grip on his body.


    His limbs elongated slightly, the tension in his joints releasing as his frame became more streamlined. His tail, once thick and cumbersome, now tapered into a more fluid shape, perfect for cutting through water. Even his hardened carapace adjusted, the plates on his back shifting ever so slightly to reduce drag. It wasn''t a massive change, but it was enough. Enough to make him faster, more agile in this foreign world.


    He tested his new body, flexing his claws and swishing his tail through the water. He could feel it¡ªthe difference. The water flowed around him more smoothly, as though it no longer fought against him. His movements were quicker, more fluid, and for the first time since awakening in this world, he felt... free.


    Arthur moved forward, swimming through the dark water with ease. The weight that had slowed him before was still there, but now it was manageable. He could move with speed and precision, something that would have been impossible before. He twisted through the water, dodging invisible obstacles, feeling the way his body sliced through the ocean with newfound grace.


    This is better, he thought, his mind still reeling from the change. He was faster now, but more than that, he was learning. Each evolution made him stronger, each fight taught him something new. The system was giving him the tools to survive, but it was up to him to use them.


    I can work with this.


    But the hunger still simmered beneath the surface. No matter how much power he gained, no matter how much stronger he became, it was never enough.


    Eat. Grow. Survive.


    The rules hadn''t changed.


    But now, he was faster.

 Chapter 5: That Pearl’s Yours? Yoink, It’s Mine Now

    Chapter 5 - That Pearl''s Yours? Yoink, It''s Mine NowArthur moved through the ocean''s deeper reaches, his body gliding effortlessly in the water. The further he swam, the darker and more alien the surroundings became. The seabed dropped away into a jagged abyss, and strange, bioluminescent creatures flitted around him, their glowing bodies casting eerie shadows along the rock formations. Every now and then, he felt a twinge of caution, an instinctual reaction to the unfamiliar territory.


    He paused, sensing something new. The system''s [Map] flickered in his mind, a faint outline appearing just in the corner of his vision. For the most part, it was vague, incomplete, showing only blurry regions of the ocean around him. But one thing stood out clearly now: a large, pulsing red spot.


    It was close. Very close.


    Arthur hovered for a moment, unsure. His instincts screamed at him to avoid it at all costs. The red mark on the map wasn''t just a warning¡ªit felt like a direct threat. Whatever it was, it was dangerous, far more dangerous than anything he had encountered so far. His body tensed, every fiber of his being telling him to turn around, swim away, find a safer route.


    But then there was the other voice. The hunger. It gnawed at him constantly now, always whispering, always pushing him forward. And as he stared at the red spot on the map, that hunger surged. He could practically taste the potential of what lay ahead¡ªa creature so powerful, so rich in energy that it would be the perfect feast. If he could defeat it, he would grow stronger, much stronger.


    His mouth tightened into a grim line. There was a time to be smart, and a time to be bold. But now... he needed to survive. He needed to get stronger, and that meant knowing when to choose his battles. This wasn''t it.


    Not yet, he thought, reluctantly turning away from the red mark.


    His hunger hissed in protest, but Arthur knew better. He''d learned quickly enough that raw strength wasn''t enough in this world. He needed to be patient, and for now, that meant avoiding whatever lurked in the red zone.


    He continued forward, weaving through the towering rock formations that jutted up from the ocean floor. The deeper he swam, the more the landscape changed. The water here was colder, still, and the life around him had become stranger. Fish with glowing eyes and translucent bodies darted through the crevices, while thick, twisting plants moved with an unnatural rhythm.


    That''s when he saw it.


    Up ahead, nestled within a small alcove between two rocks, was a massive clam-like creature. Its shell was large and jagged, covered in barnacles and seaweed, blending perfectly with the surroundings. But it wasn''t the clam itself that caught Arthur''s attention¡ªit was the jewel inside it.


    The clam had opened just enough to reveal a pearl, but not just any pearl. This one gleamed with an otherworldly light, pulsating softly with a deep, enchanting glow. The sight of it hit Arthur like a wave of pure desire. His stomach clenched, and hunger roared inside him.


    I need it.


    He didn''t understand why, but that jewel called to him. It was unlike anything he had seen before¡ªalmost as if it radiated raw energy. His claws flexed involuntarily, drawn toward the light. He could feel the power within the pearl, and his body craved it. The hunger wanted it. Needed it.


    Arthur moved closer, cautiously at first, scanning the area for any sign of danger. The clam remained still, its massive shell creaking slightly with the gentle movement of the water. It looked harmless, passive even. His instincts didn''t scream danger, and the system remained silent. Maybe this was his chance.


    He extended a claw toward the pearl, its glow intensifying as he neared it. His heart pounded, excitement and hunger intertwining. Just a little closer, and it would be his¡ª


    Suddenly, the shell snapped shut.


    Arthur recoiled, barely avoiding getting his claw trapped between the clam''s jaws. The entire structure shuddered, the ground vibrating beneath him. The stillness of the moment shattered. From beneath the clam, something slithered out. Long, slimy, and unnervingly fast.


    An octopus-like appendage shot toward him, wrapping around his leg before he could react.


    Arthur hissed in surprise, thrashing against the grip, but it was too late. The clam had been a lure. The real creature was something far more dangerous.


    Out from beneath the clam emerged a massive, writhing form¡ªpart clam, part octopus, its body grotesque and covered in thick, armored plates. The Gleamtooth Kraken, as Arthur would soon learn, was a terrifying blend of mollusk and cephalopod, and it wasn''t about to let him take its prized jewel.


    The tentacle tightened around his leg, pulling him toward the clam''s jagged mouth. Arthur clawed at the ground, trying to free himself, but the creature''s strength was overwhelming. His hardened carapace protected him from the sharp edges, but the crushing grip of the tentacle made it hard to move.


    The Kraken lashed out with another appendage, this one aimed at his side. Arthur twisted, using his newfound agility to dodge the blow, but the Kraken was relentless. Another tentacle wrapped around his arm, yanking him toward its open maw.


    This is bad.


    Arthur struggled, his claws scraping against the seafloor as the Kraken dragged him closer. He could feel its slimy tendrils tightening around him, trying to crush the life from his body. His carapace was holding¡ªfor now¡ªbut it wouldn''t last forever. He needed to escape.


    He slashed at the tentacles with his claws, slicing through one of them with a satisfying crack. The Kraken recoiled, momentarily loosening its grip, and Arthur seized the opportunity. He twisted his body, lashing out with his tail and breaking free from the remaining tendrils. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the Kraken wasn''t done. It roared¡ªor something close to a roar, a deep, guttural sound that reverberated through the water¡ªand lunged again. This time, it aimed directly for Arthur''s chest, its maw wide open, razor-sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.


    Arthur barely managed to dodge, the Kraken''s teeth snapping shut inches from his armor. His body ached from the effort, his energy reserves running low. He needed to end this, but the Kraken was faster than he''d expected. Each time he landed a blow, it seemed to recover quicker, its tentacles snaking toward him with renewed fury.


    And the pearl. That damn pearl still glowed within the clam''s shell, tantalizing him with its promise of power.


    Arthur made a split-second decision.

 Chapter 6: Soul Core Of The Elder Beast

    Chapter 6 - Soul Core Of The Elder BeastAnd the pearl. That damn pearl still glowed within the clam''s shell, tantalizing him with its promise of power.


    Arthur made a split-second decision.


    As the Kraken lunged at him again, Arthur darted toward the clam, using his new Aquatic Swiftness to outmaneuver the creature. He could feel its tentacles reaching for him, but he was faster now. Just fast enough.


    He reached out, claws extended, and snatched the pearl from inside the clam''s jaws. For a brief moment, the world seemed to slow. The pearl pulsed in his hand, and a surge of energy flowed through him, giving him the strength he needed to escape.


    But it wasn''t over.


    The Kraken screeched in fury, its tentacles lashing out wildly as Arthur pushed himself forward, fleeing from the enraged beast. His limbs burned, his chest heaving with effort, but he didn''t stop. He couldn''t stop. The Kraken was close behind, its rage palpable in the water around them. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur''s heart pounded as he swam faster, his body screaming in protest. The Kraken''s tentacles scraped at his tail, but he pushed harder, the pearl''s energy fueling his escape. He could feel his strength waning, his body on the verge of collapse, but he couldn''t afford to stop now.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Kraken gave up the chase, retreating back into the darkness with a final, furious shriek. Arthur collapsed onto the ocean floor, gasping for breath. His body was battered, his carapace cracked in several places, but he had survived.


    The pearl glowed faintly in his hand, its energy still pulsing softly. But Arthur didn''t feel victorious. He had barely escaped with his life, and the fight had been far more difficult than he''d anticipated.


    His ego, once swelling with the confidence of his recent victories, now felt bruised. He had underestimated the dangers of this world¡ªagain. And this time, it had almost cost him everything.


    He stared down at the pearl, its light reflecting in his eyes.


    This world is unforgiving.


    And Arthur knew now, more than ever, that he had a long way to go before he was ready for whatever lurked in the deeper parts of the ocean.


    Arthur floated near the ocean floor, his body still aching from the battle. Every movement sent sharp, burning sensations through his muscles. He could feel the cracks in his hardened carapace, the toll the Kraken''s furious attack had taken on him. But he had survived¡ªbarely. The memory of the Kraken''s tentacles wrapping around him, dragging him toward its jagged maw, played over and over in his mind. That fight had been too close, too chaotic.


    As the tension of the fight slowly drained from his body, he allowed himself to think about everything that had happened since waking in this alien world. For so long, he had been focused purely on survival, on reacting to the threats around him. But now, as he drifted in the stillness, he felt something else creeping in: the realization that this was no nightmare he could wake from.


    This is real. I''m really here... wherever this is.


    Arthur''s mind wandered as he scanned the dark water around him. This world, these creatures, the system¡ªnone of it felt familiar, yet there was a certain strange logic to it all. It was a brutal, raw place where only the strong survived, where each kill brought power, and evolution was a matter of life and death.


    But what had he been before this? A human. That much he knew. He had been something... different. Something that didn''t belong here. His memories were hazy, scattered like the fragments of a dream he couldn''t quite piece together. He had lived on Earth¡ªthat much was clear. The taste of familiar foods, the feel of pavement under his shoes, the sound of cars... all those little details flickered briefly in his mind before slipping away, just out of reach.


    What had happened? Why was I here? And why couldn''t I remember more?


    Think, damn it. He clenched his teeth, his claws curling into the soft seafloor below. He was certain of one thing: his life as a human had ended. It wasn''t a death in the conventional sense¡ªhe could feel that¡ªbut it was an end nonetheless. He had been taken from one reality and thrust into another, without warning or explanation.


    Arthur sighed, though the action felt strange in his new body. The dull pain in his limbs reminded him he had no time to dwell on the past, not when survival demanded his full attention. But the questions lingered.


    Earth is gone. That''s all that matters now.


    Shaking off the fog of those thoughts, Arthur turned his attention back to the pearl. It lay cradled in his claws, still glowing faintly from the battle, though the light had dimmed slightly. He could feel the pulsing energy within it, the same primal force that had drawn him to it in the first place. But now, there was something else. An instinctual understanding¡ªa knowing¡ªthat this was more than just a pearl.


    This was a Soul Core, but not like the ones he had absorbed before. This one felt ancient, volatile, compressed with far more power than the core of the Speedy Fish or the crab. As he stared into its glowing surface, a strange truth dawned on him.


    This isn''t just any core... this came from something much greater.


    Images flickered through his mind. Visions of fire, of molten earth and searing heat. A great beast wreathed in flame, towering above the primal landscape. He couldn''t see its form clearly, but the sense of its power was overwhelming. It was ancient, far older than anything he had encountered before. A direct descendant of the Titan of Fire, once a ruler of this brutal world, now reduced to a shimmering pearl clutched in his claws.


    Arthur''s grip tightened around the pearl. He knew what he had to do.


    Without hesitation, he opened his jaws and devoured the pearl.


    The moment it passed his lips, a surge of heat exploded within him. It was nothing like the warmth he had felt with the previous cores¡ªthis was fire, pure and unrelenting. His entire body tensed, muscles seizing up as the energy coursed through his veins. The heat burned, consuming him from the inside out, threatening to tear him apart.


    Arthur gritted his teeth, riding out the pain. He had felt this before, in smaller doses. The moment of change, the moment when his body reshaped itself under the influence of the Soul Core. But this time, it was more intense, more violent. His bones ached, his muscles screamed, and for a brief moment, he feared he wouldn''t be able to withstand it.


    Then, the system spoke.

 Chapter 7: Rematch With The Mini-Kraken

    Chapter 7 - Rematch With The Mini-KrakenThen, the system spoke.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have absorbed the volatile Soul Core of a long-dead Elder Beast, a direct descendant of the Titan of Fire.


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Infernal Scales: Strengthen your carapace with a layer of fire-resistant scales, providing enhanced protection against both heat and physical attacks.


    Ember Breath: Gain the ability to exhale a stream of embers and fire, dealing burning damage to enemies over time.


    Molten Core: Imbue your attacks with a molten heat, causing additional burning damage to anything you strike with your claws.


    Arthur gasped, his chest heaving as the system''s voice faded. The fire inside him still raged, but it had settled into a steady burn now, a controlled inferno that pulsed with every beat of his heart. He could feel the power it offered, the potential locked within each of the options. This was more than just survival now¡ªthis was a path toward true strength, something far beyond the raw physicality he had known so far.


    Fire-resistant scales? Fire breath? Molten attacks? Each option echoed in his mind, each one tempting in its own way.


    Arthur clenched his claws, feeling the weight of the decision. The Kraken had almost defeated him, had left him broken and bruised. He couldn''t afford to make the wrong choice. He needed to get stronger¡ªnow.


    His eyes flicked toward the distant glow of the Scorching Badlands. He hadn''t forgotten the red mark on the map, the warning that had flashed in his mind. He knew he would need more than just defense when the time came to face whatever lurked there. He needed to be able to strike, to burn through whatever threatened him.


    [Evolutionary Trait Selected: Molten Core]


    The moment the choice was made, Arthur''s body convulsed. The fire within him intensified, burning hotter, deeper, until it felt like his very blood had turned to molten lava. His muscles rippled, expanding as his frame grew. He could feel his bones stretching, his carapace thickening, his limbs growing longer and more powerful. Every part of him felt heavier, denser, but also stronger.


    He was growing.


    The ground beneath him shifted as his body expanded, his tail lengthening, his claws becoming sharper. The transformation was slower this time, more deliberate. His body was reshaping itself, not just to survive, but to dominate. He could feel the molten heat in his claws now, simmering just beneath the surface, ready to be unleashed at a moment''s notice.


    By the time the evolution was complete, Arthur stood taller, broader. He glanced down at himself, realizing just how much he had changed. He was bigger now, around the size of an adult crocodile. His limbs were thicker, his carapace harder, but it was the molten energy coursing through him that felt the most different.


    Arthur flexed his claws experimentally, and as he did, he could feel the heat surge through them, a molten edge forming around his fingertips. His strikes would now leave more than just cuts¡ªthey would burn. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But with that new power came a new hunger.


    Arthur''s stomach clenched, the gnawing emptiness inside him growing louder. His larger form demanded more. More food. More energy. The hunger was always there, lurking beneath the surface, but now it was insistent, driving him forward.


    Bigger means hungrier, Arthur thought grimly, his claws digging into the seafloor.


    He was evolving, yes, but with every evolution, the stakes grew higher. His enemies would get stronger, and so would the hunger. He would need to hunt, to feed, to keep growing. There was no stopping now.


    Arthur glanced toward the dark abyss ahead, his senses heightened, the primal urge to survive stronger than ever.


    *


    Arthur swam through the cold depths, his body now heavier, more powerful, and surging with molten energy. The seafloor below was a jagged landscape of rocks coated in luminescent moss that bathed the area in a faint, eerie glow. Small eel-like creatures flitted in and out of cracks, their glowing eyes tracking him, but he had no time for them. His focus was on one thing.


    The mini-Kraken.


    He hadn''t forgotten how it had nearly killed him, how it had dragged him toward its jagged maw, poised to devour him. But this time, he was ready. His larger, evolved body pulsed with the power of his Molten Core, and he was determined to test his new strength.


    The faint red glow of the Scorching Badlands shimmered in the distance as Arthur approached the mini-Kraken''s lair. The water grew heavier, the pressure more oppressive, but none of it fazed him. His molten heat surged through his veins, strengthening him with every pulse. His claws flexed instinctively, and his muscles coiled with anticipation.


    The instant he crossed into the mini-Kraken''s territory, the creature lunged from the shadows. Its tentacles whipped toward him like deadly lashes, slicing through the water with terrifying speed.


    Arthur twisted his body to the side, narrowly avoiding the first strike. His newfound agility, thanks to his Aquatic Swiftness, allowed him to outmaneuver the beast. With a powerful swipe of his claws, he countered. The molten heat surged through his fingers, and when his claws slashed across the mini-Kraken''s side, its dark, rubbery flesh sizzled and bubbled, releasing a sickening stench into the water.


    The mini-Kraken screeched, recoiling in pain, but Arthur wasn''t finished. He advanced, slamming into the creature with all his weight. The hardened carapace of his back collided with the mini-Kraken''s squishy body, sending shockwaves through the water. He could feel the brittle snap of its bones beneath his assault.


    But the mini-Kraken was far from defeated.


    As it flailed, tentacles whipped toward him in a chaotic frenzy, one managing to coil around his hind leg, squeezing with brutal strength. Arthur growled, feeling the pressure build, but the molten heat in his claws surged even stronger. He slashed downward, severing the tentacle in one clean strike. Dark purple blood clouded the water, but the mini-Kraken wasn''t done yet.


    It thrashed violently, propelling itself backward with its remaining tentacles as it tried to retreat to the safety of its shell. In desperation, the mini-Kraken unleashed a barrage of ink into the water, creating a thick, black cloud that quickly enveloped them both. The inky darkness surrounded Arthur, obscuring his vision, making it difficult to track his enemy''s movements.


    For a moment, the water was still. Arthur floated in the thick blackness, his senses heightened, his molten core burning beneath his scales. He could hear the faint sound of water shifting, the subtle movements of the mini-Kraken as it prepared its next attack.


    Suddenly, out of the darkness, a tentacle lashed out, wrapping around Arthur''s neck, choking him. Another tentacle whipped around his midsection, squeezing tighter and tighter. The pressure was immense, threatening to crush him. Arthur growled, his body tensing as he struggled against the mini-Kraken''s grip. The creature was trying to strangle him, suffocate him in its inky veil.


    But Arthur wasn''t done yet.


    He summoned the molten heat from within, feeling it surge to his claws. His body burned with fire as he raked his claws against the tentacle strangling his neck, severing it with a fiery slice. The water hissed and bubbled where the molten heat touched, and the mini-Kraken screeched in agony as its limb was cut away.


    It retreated again, this time with more desperation. Arthur could feel its panic. It wasn''t used to being hurt, wasn''t used to losing.


    The mini-Kraken, growing more erratic, sprayed streams of boiling ink-laced water at Arthur, each strike meant to push him back. The scalding water struck his scales, sending waves of burning pain across his body, but his molten core gave him the edge. His scales resisted most of the heat, protecting him from the worst of the damage.


    Arthur growled, dodging another tentacle. His mind raced. He could feel the creature''s desperation. It was trying to keep him away, trying to keep distance. Why? He glanced around the battlefield, and something clicked. The creature was avoiding the tall spires of salt-like crystal. Arthur''s eyes widened.


    Salt. The mini-Kraken was avoiding the salt spires.


    A memory from his human life flashed through his mind¡ªslugs couldn''t handle salt. He grinned, baring his sharp teeth. This would be the key to his victory.


    With a feral growl, Arthur tore one of the salt spires from the ground with his claws, snapping it free with sheer strength. The spire was heavy, but Arthur was stronger now. He hefted it over his shoulder and hurled it straight at the mini-Kraken.


    The spire slammed into the creature''s side, and the reaction was immediate. The mini-Kraken screeched in pain, its body writhing as the salt made contact with its flesh. Where the salt touched, its rubbery skin shriveled and cracked, burning as if it had been doused in acid.


    Arthur grinned. He had found its weakness.


    He tore another spire from the ground, advancing on the retreating mini-Kraken. The creature lashed out with its tentacles in a desperate attempt to stop him, but Arthur was faster, more focused. He dodged the strikes, his claws scraping the ground as he hefted the second spire.


    The mini-Kraken, now limping from its injuries, tried to flee, but Arthur wouldn''t let it escape. With one final roar, he hurled the salt spire into its path. The spire pierced through the creature''s rubbery body, pinning it to the ground.


    The mini-Kraken convulsed, its tentacles flailing wildly as its body dissolved around the salt spire. It let out one last agonized screech before its body went limp.


    Arthur, panting heavily, approached the fallen creature. The water around him still bubbled with the remnants of his molten power, and the air smelled of burnt flesh. He looked down at the mini-Kraken, its body now a shriveled, lifeless husk.


    Without hesitation, Arthur flicked his middle claw in a human gesture¡ªflipping the dead creature off.


    It''s over.

 Chapter 8: You Want Some Of These Molten Claws?

    Chapter 8 - You Want Some Of These Molten Claws?It''s over.


    He stood over the Kraken''s lifeless body, watching as the last of its tentacles twitched before going still. Despite its size¡ªslightly larger than him¡ªthe Kraken had been no match for his newfound power. It had barely put up a fight.


    Arthur glanced down at the Kraken''s charred flesh, the molten heat from his claws still radiating off its body. He reached down, tearing off a chunk of the cooked flesh, and devoured it. The taste hit him immediately¡ªrich, savory, with a hint of salt. The heat from his claws had roasted the Kraken''s flesh perfectly, turning it into a feast. He tore into it again, devouring the creature with a hunger that seemed insatiable.


    But as he ate, something felt... off. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No system notification. No new traits or evolution options. Nothing. Arthur paused, swallowing the last bit of Kraken meat. The usual pulse of energy, the surge of power that came with absorbing a Soul Core, was absent.


    What''s going on?


    He frowned, glancing at the Kraken''s body. Was it because he was stronger now? Had the Kraken''s core simply been too weak to offer him anything new? Whatever the reason, Arthur felt no stronger than he had before the fight. The Kraken had been a challenge in the past, but now it was just a meal.


    Before he could think on it further, the system''s [Map] flickered to life in his mind, pulsing with a low, steady beep. Arthur''s eyes narrowed as he focused on the map, his heart rate spiking. Several yellow blips had appeared around him, closing in from all sides.


    He turned, scanning the dark water. In the distance, he saw them¡ªshadows moving in unison, long tentacles and slick, clam-like shells gliding through the water. More Krakens. Fifteen, maybe more. All of them smaller, but they moved with purpose, their yellow eyes glowing faintly in the gloom.


    Looks like I''ve attracted some attention.


    The Krakens moved as a pack, spreading out to surround him. Arthur''s heart raced, not with fear, but excitement. His claws flexed, heat pulsing through them as he prepared for the fight. These creatures had no idea what they were walking¡ªor rather, swimming¡ªinto.


    A wicked smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.


    Perfect. A solution served on a silver platter.


    The first of the baby Krakens lunged, its tentacles whipping toward Arthur with reckless speed. Arthur sidestepped easily, his new agility allowing him to move effortlessly through the water. He retaliated with a quick slash of his claws, severing the Kraken''s head in one swift motion. The body fell limp, sinking into the depths below.


    The first mini-Kraken lunged, its tentacles whipping toward him with reckless speed. Arthur sidestepped, his new agility allowing him to glide effortlessly through the water. He retaliated with a swift slash of his claws, severing the Kraken''s head in one motion. Its body twitched, then sank into the depths below, leaving a trail of blood in the water.


    Two more mini-Krakens surged toward him, one from above, the other from below. Arthur twisted, spinning through the water, and lashed out with his tail. The impact sent one Kraken crashing into a nearby rock, its shell cracking from the force. The second Kraken tried to wrap its tentacles around him, but Arthur''s molten claws sliced through the limbs with ease, leaving the creature writhing in agony before he finished it with a bite to its core.


    As the fight continued, the water became a swirling battlefield of blood, ink, and flashing tentacles. Arthur moved with precision, his body now fully adapted to the underwater environment. His molten claws left sizzling trails as they tore through flesh, cooking the mini-Krakens alive with each strike. Tentacles flew through the water as he ripped them apart, and yet more of the creatures came, determined to swarm him.


    Arthur''s claws blazed with molten heat, but as he severed another Kraken''s tentacle, the creature retaliated, spraying him with a blast of boiling ink-laced water. The scalding liquid struck his side, burning through his scales and sending a wave of pain coursing through his body.


    He hissed, recoiling from the impact.The mini-Kraken wasn''t done. Another blast of boiling ink shot toward him, but Arthur was prepared this time, dodging it as he appeared behind the creature in an instant, chomping on it''s head with a clean bite, killing it as it turned albino white.


    He devoured the head, feeling some sense of energy returning back to his body, as he glared at the other Mini-Krakens. . .before he flipped all of them off.


    The fight then became a blur of motion, Arthur''s body moving with fluid grace as he tore through the pack of Krakens. His molten claws left trails of sizzling heat in the water, each strike cooking the creatures alive. Tentacles flew, blood clouded the water, and the Kraken horde fell one by one. Arthur didn''t slow down, didn''t stop. Each kill was cleaner, faster, more decisive than the last.


    It wasn''t long before the last of the Krakens fell, its body twitching in the water as Arthur tore into its core. He devoured it without hesitation, feeling the familiar warmth spread through his body as he consumed the Kraken''s flesh.


    But still¡ªnothing. No system notification. No evolution.


    Arthur''s excitement dulled into frustration. He had killed them all, fifteen in total, and still there was no reward. No surge of power, no new traits to unlock. He was stronger than these creatures, sure, but to gain nothing from the fight felt... wrong.


    He swallowed the last bite of Kraken flesh, his stomach churning with the weight of the meal. And then, a new sensation crept over him¡ªheaviness. His body felt sluggish, weighed down by the sheer volume of food he had consumed. His limbs grew heavy, his vision blurred slightly as exhaustion began to set in.


    What''s happening...?


    Arthur shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He had eaten before, killed before, but this was different. His body wasn''t trying to evolve¡ªit was shutting down. He felt... tired. Bone-deep tired.


    I need to rest.


    His eyes scanned the ocean floor, searching for shelter. In the distance, tucked between two jagged rocks, he saw a small underwater cave. It was dark, the entrance partially obscured by thick seaweed and rock formations, but it would do. He needed to get out of the open, away from whatever else might be lurking nearby.


    Arthur pushed himself forward, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. His muscles burned from the effort, his body demanding rest. He reached the cave, slipping inside with a sense of relief. The water inside was still, quiet, the thick rock walls blocking out the distant glow of the Scorching Badlands.


    Arthur curled up against the cave''s wall, his body finally giving in to the weight of the meal. His eyelids grew heavy, and the world around him began to fade. He hadn''t evolved this time. Not yet. But he could feel it coming, lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment.


    For now, though, he would sleep.

 Chapter 9: How Do You Walk On Two Legs, Again?

    Chapter 9 - How Do You Walk On Two Legs, Again?Arthur drifted through darkness.


    There was no sound, no movement, just the weight of the void pressing down on him from all sides. He couldn''t see his own body, couldn''t feel the water around him, couldn''t even hear his own breath. It was as though he had been swallowed by the abyss itself, lost in an endless sea of nothingness.


    Where am I? The thought echoed in his mind, but there was no answer.


    He tried to move, to swim forward, but his limbs felt distant, disconnected. The void held him in place, its oppressive weight crushing him, making him feel small. Insignificant.


    Then, in the far distance, something shifted.


    A light¡ªor rather, the suggestion of a light¡ªflickered in the darkness. It was faint at first, barely noticeable, but as Arthur stared, it grew. Slowly, steadily, it expanded, casting a pale, eerie glow over the void. And then... it opened.


    An eye.


    A single, slitted eye, more massive than anything Arthur had ever seen, a hundred times his size, if not more. Its pupil was a thin, dark slit, surrounded by a sea of molten gold that shimmered like liquid fire. The eye blinked once, a slow, deliberate motion that sent ripples through the void, as if the very fabric of reality had trembled in its wake.


    Arthur froze, paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of the creature before him. His heart pounded in his chest, fear clawing at his insides. He had never felt so small, so utterly powerless. The eye seemed to stare right through him, its gaze piercing, all-knowing. It was as if the creature could see every thought, every fear, every weakness he had ever held.


    For a moment, Arthur couldn''t breathe. The pressure of the eye''s gaze was overwhelming, crushing him beneath its weight. His body trembled, instinct screaming at him to run, to hide, but there was nowhere to go. He was trapped in the void, alone, and the titan before him could snuff him out with a single thought.


    The eye narrowed slightly, and Arthur could feel the curiosity in its gaze. It was studying him, watching him with an almost casual interest, as though he were nothing more than an insect caught in its sight. But there was no malice, no anger¡ªjust the cold, indifferent stare of a creature so far beyond him that he couldn''t even comprehend its existence.


    Arthur wanted to scream, but no sound came.


    And then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the eye closed, and the darkness swallowed him whole once again.


    And then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the eye closed, and the darkness swallowed him whole once again.


    Arthur jolted awake, his heart racing, his body drenched in sweat¡ªor what passed for sweat in this underwater world. He gasped for breath, his chest heaving as the remnants of the dream clung to him like a heavy fog.


    What was that...?


    His mind raced, replaying the vision of the slitted eye over and over again. The sheer size of the creature, the weight of its gaze... it had been unlike anything he had ever experienced. He could still feel the fear gnawing at the edges of his mind, the memory of how small and helpless he had felt in its presence.


    But there had been something else, too. A spark of curiosity, a flicker of challenge. The creature, whatever it had been, had looked at him not with malice, but with intrigue. As though it was waiting to see what he would become.


    Arthur sat up, shaking off the remnants of the dream. It didn''t matter what that thing was. He wasn''t going to be afraid of it. If anything, it had just given him a new goal.


    One day... He clenched his claws, his mind hardening with resolve. One day, I''ll become something so powerful that I won''t feel that small again.


    As his breathing steadied, Arthur noticed something different. His body... it felt heavier, larger. He looked down at himself and realized with a start that he had grown during his sleep. His limbs were longer, his carapace thicker, and his tail stretched out several meters behind him. He was now the size of two fully grown crocodiles, maybe even larger.


    But despite the growth, there had been no evolution, no new powers granted by the system. It was as if his body had expanded, but something was holding him back from taking the next step. The hunger gnawed at him, sharper now than ever before. His larger form demanded more energy, more sustenance. He needed to feed.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a faint beeping sound in his mind.


    The [Map].


    Arthur blinked, focusing on the system''s display. A yellow marker had appeared, not far from where he had been resting. It pulsed gently, guiding him toward a deeper part of the underwater cave. His instincts flared¡ªthis was something important, something worth investigating.


    Driven by both hunger and curiosity, Arthur pushed himself forward, following the yellow marker through the cave. The water grew colder as he swam deeper, the walls narrowing around him until he had to squeeze through jagged crevices just to keep moving. But the map guided him with precision, always showing the way forward.


    After several minutes, the tunnel widened, and Arthur found himself in a massive, open chamber.


    It was breathtaking.


    The water here was still, almost like glass, and the cave walls were lined with glowing crystals, each one radiating a soft, blue light that illuminated the entire space. The crystals shimmered like stars, casting flickering reflections across the water''s surface. It was a mystical clearing, a hidden sanctuary far beneath the ocean''s depths. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur swam to the edge of the water, his body gliding smoothly through the stillness. The yellow glow of the [Map] faded as he reached the shallow incline, where the ground sloped upward into a dry, rocky platform. He hesitated for a moment, his senses heightened, and then hauled himself out of the water.


    The cool air met his thickened carapace as his limbs dragged his heavier, bulkier form onto the land. He could feel the weight of his new size¡ªhis larger limbs, his broader tail, and the sheer mass that made each step a little slower, a little more deliberate. His muscles ached from the growth, but there was something else, too. Something that tugged at his instincts as he stood upright on solid ground for the first time since his transformation.


    Arthur''s limbs twitched, his body no longer comfortable on all fours. The primal urge to stand¡ªreally stand¡ªnagged at the back of his mind. Slowly, unsure of what his body was trying to tell him, he began to shift his weight backward. His thick tail, once used for balancing himself underwater, pressed down against the rocky platform, providing support as he pushed himself up.


    His claws scraped against the ground, and his hind legs trembled with the effort. He hadn''t stood like this since¡ªsince before. Since he had been human.

 Chapter 10: Eating Someone That Looks Like Me Is Weird

    Chapter 10 - Eating Someone That Looks Like Me Is WeirdHis claws scraped against the ground, and his hind legs trembled with the effort. He hadn''t stood like this since¡ªsince before. Since he had been human.


    I remember this... The thought felt distant, almost like a memory from another lifetime. His body had once been upright, bipedal. This position wasn''t new to him, yet it felt so alien in his current form. His new limbs were longer, heavier, not as nimble as his human legs had once been, but they held his weight, and slowly, he rose higher. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His body adjusted, his tail shifting for balance, and finally, Arthur stood tall¡ªlike a predator on two legs. His claws dangled by his sides, flexing as he looked down at his new form. He could see the bulk of his chest, the dense scales covering his limbs, and the massive claws that could now reach farther than ever before.


    The sensation was strange. His center of gravity had shifted, and it took a moment to find the right stance, his legs stiff as they tried to hold him steady. It was like trying to walk again after a lifetime of crawling.


    Arthur took a tentative step, his claws digging into the rocky floor beneath him. His legs wobbled slightly, unsteady at first, but with each step, he began to adjust. His tail swayed, a counterbalance to his forward motion, and slowly, surely, he grew more comfortable in this new form.


    Despite the unfamiliarity, something about standing upright felt right. Like this, he wasn''t just a creature of the sea anymore. He was something more¡ªsomething closer to what he had once been, yet undeniably different.


    His memories of Earth were faint now, fragmented images and sensations that slipped away as quickly as they came. But as he stood there, towering over the ground on two legs, he felt a strange connection to his past self. To the human who had once walked on two legs, free of the hunger that now gnawed at him.


    Arthur glanced down at his claws, flexing them as they gleamed in the glow of the cave''s crystals. This is what I am now. A predator.


    The crystals surrounding him pulsed, their soft light brightening, as though responding to his presence. The cave felt alive, charged with energy.


    What is this place?


    Arthur moved cautiously, his eyes scanning the cavern. The air was thick with the scent of earth and stone, mixed with the faint, metallic tang of the crystals. He could feel the energy radiating from them, seeping into his body with every breath. It wasn''t overwhelming, but it was enough to make him feel... alive.


    His hunger, however, remained relentless. Even in this mystical place, the gnawing emptiness in his gut refused to be ignored. He had followed the map here for a reason, and whatever that reason was, it had to be close.


    Arthur''s gaze fell on a large cluster of crystals near the back of the cavern, their glow brighter than the rest. Something about them seemed... off. As he approached, he noticed that the ground around the cluster was disturbed, as though something had been here recently.


    His instincts flared, and Arthur crouched low, ready for anything. His claws flexed, molten heat surging through them as he prepared for whatever might be waiting for him in the shadows.


    Whatever''s here... I''ll take it.


    *


    Arthur''s nostrils flared.


    A scent, faint at first but unmistakable, drifted through the cave. It was sweet, metallic, and sharp¡ªblood. Fresh blood. His muscles tensed immediately, and something deep within him stirred, a primal hunger igniting at the very thought of it. The smell overpowered his senses, filling his mind with nothing but the overwhelming need to hunt. His vision sharpened, his focus narrowing in on the source of the scent. Whatever it was, it had only recently been killed.


    He crouched low, his new bipedal stance allowing him to move with more agility than before. His tail dragged lightly across the rocky ground, a counterbalance that kept him steady as he stalked forward. The hunger in him roared louder, almost overpowering his thoughts. He could feel his claws twitching in anticipation, the molten heat within them ready to strike.


    Something''s close. Something weak.


    Arthur followed the scent deeper into the cave, his eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings. The glow of the crystals cast eerie reflections across the walls, but he ignored them. His mind was locked on the trail, his instincts sharpening with each passing second.


    He moved quickly, silently, until the scent grew stronger¡ªthicker, almost suffocating in its intensity. Arthur slowed his pace, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of movement ahead. There, lying on the rocky floor, was a creature.


    It was reptilian in form, large but clearly weakened. Its dark scales gleamed in the dim light, and blood oozed from a deep gash along its side. The creature resembled a crocodile, its long body sprawled across the ground, its breathing labored. Arthur felt a strange sensation creep up his spine as he looked at it¡ªan odd sense of familiarity.


    It looks... like me.


    The creature was almost a mirror image of Arthur¡ªscaled, reptilian, powerful. But unlike him, it remained on all fours, its body hunched low to the ground. Its sharp, yellow eyes flickered weakly, barely noticing Arthur''s presence as it bled out from the wound. For a moment, Arthur hesitated. Seeing this creature, so similar to himself, triggered something human in him¡ªa brief flash of empathy, perhaps.


    But that moment passed quickly.


    The hunger roared back, louder now, drowning out any hesitation. He wasn''t a human anymore. He was a predator, and this creature was prey. Weak, bleeding prey.


    Arthur''s claws flexed, the heat within them surging as he approached the crocodile-like creature. It let out a faint growl, more of a whimper than anything, but it was too weak to fight back. Without another thought, Arthur lunged.


    His claws sank deep into the creature''s neck, cutting through scales and muscle with ease. The creature shuddered once, then went still, its life force slipping away in an instant. Arthur wasted no time. He tore into its flesh, the rich, nutrient-filled meat flooding his senses as he devoured the fallen prey.


    The taste was overwhelming, far more potent than anything he had eaten before. Each bite seemed to fill him with energy, the creature''s strength transferring into his own. His hunger, for the first time in what felt like ages, began to subside. Arthur ate until he could feel the strain in his belly, the gnawing emptiness inside him finally giving way to a sense of fullness.


    He wiped his mouth with the back of his claw, surprised at how satisfied he felt. The creature, despite its weakened state, had been filled with nutrients, far more than any of the baby Krakens he had feasted on earlier. It was as if this kill had been meant for him, a gift from the cave itself.


    But then, just as the thought crossed his mind, a high-pitched, blood-curdling shriek echoed through the cave.

 Chapter 11: Eating A Wendigo?

    Chapter 11 - Eating A Wendigo?But then, just as the thought crossed his mind, a high-pitched, blood-curdling shriek echoed through the cave.


    Arthur spun around, his heart skipping a beat as the sound reverberated through the walls. The crystals around him pulsed, their glow intensifying as the shriek faded, leaving a cold silence in its wake. Arthur''s claws flexed instinctively, his muscles tensing as his eyes scanned the cave for the source of the sound.


    Then he saw it. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emerging from the shadows, crawling along the ceiling of the cave, was a figure unlike anything Arthur had encountered before. Its body was gaunt, skeletal, its limbs elongated and twisted at unnatural angles. Its skin was pale, almost translucent, and its eyes glowed with a sickly yellow light. But it was the face that sent a chill down Arthur''s spine¡ªa grotesque, twisted maw filled with jagged teeth, hanging open as if unhinged.


    It reminded Arthur of something. Something from his past. A creature from human folklore.


    Wendigo.


    But this was no ordinary Wendigo. As the creature lowered itself from the ceiling, its eyes fixed on Arthur with a burning intensity. And then, from its open maw, a burst of flame shot out, scorching the air between them.


    Arthur barely dodged in time, the searing heat grazing his side as he rolled to avoid the blast. His heart raced, the reality of the situation hitting him all at once. This wasn''t just a creature. This thing was a monster, a twisted hybrid of human and beast, capable of wielding fire as if it were part of its very being.


    The Wendigo-like creature screeched again, flames flickering from its maw as it lunged at Arthur. He reacted on instinct, his claws igniting with molten heat as he met the creature head-on. Their claws clashed, the force of the impact sending sparks flying in every direction. Arthur twisted, slashing at the creature''s side, but it was fast¡ªfar faster than anything he had fought before.


    The Wendigo dodged his attack, its long, skeletal limbs twisting unnaturally as it moved. Arthur could feel the heat building in the air around him, the creature''s fire ready to burst forth at any moment. He had to be smart. His strength alone wouldn''t be enough to take this thing down.


    As the creature lunged again, Arthur ducked low, using his tail to knock it off balance. The Wendigo hissed in frustration, flames spilling from its maw as it stumbled backward. Arthur took the opportunity to strike, his claws slashing across the creature''s chest, leaving deep, molten cuts in its pale skin.


    But the Wendigo didn''t back down. It roared, flames bursting from its mouth in a wave of searing heat. Arthur leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast, but the heat still singed his scales. The creature was relentless, its movements erratic, unpredictable.


    Arthur''s mind raced. He couldn''t win this fight with brute strength alone. He needed to outthink the creature, to use its own power against it. As the Wendigo lunged again, Arthur feigned weakness, stumbling backward as if he had been caught off guard.


    The creature took the bait, rushing toward him with a triumphant screech. But Arthur was ready. At the last second, he twisted his body, dodging to the side and slamming his tail into the creature''s legs. The Wendigo shrieked, its balance thrown off as it fell to the ground, flames sputtering from its maw.


    Arthur didn''t hesitate. He pounced, his molten claws sinking deep into the creature''s chest. The Wendigo thrashed wildly, its limbs flailing as it tried to free itself, but Arthur held firm. With one final, savage strike, he tore into the creature''s throat, silencing its cries once and for all.


    The Wendigo''s body went limp beneath him, its yellow eyes flickering out as the flames in its maw died.


    Arthur stood there, panting, his body trembling from the exertion of the fight. His side ached where the creature''s fire had grazed him, but he had won. Barely. The Wendigo had been faster, more dangerous than anything he had fought before, but his tactics had saved him.


    As the adrenaline began to fade, Arthur stared down at the fallen monster, his mind racing with questions. What was this thing? Why had it looked so much like the creatures from his past life?


    But, he needed to eat and recuperate first.


    *


    Arthur stood over the fallen Wendigo, his chest still heaving from the fight. His claws dripped with the creature''s blood, the acrid scent of its burnt flesh lingering in the air. The once fearsome hybrid monster now lay lifeless beneath him, its twisted form grotesque in the flickering light of the cave''s crystals. The sight stirred something within Arthur¡ªnot disgust, not pity¡ªbut a growing hunger for power.


    It''s time.


    He crouched down, his mouth watering as he tore into the Wendigo''s flesh. It tasted bitter, like ash, and was tougher than the meat of any creature he had eaten before, but he pushed through, driven by the hunger and the promise of what consuming this monster might bring. As he devoured the creature, he felt something strange¡ªan energy not like the raw power of the Kraken or the Speedy Fish, but something more elusive, more ethereal.


    Arthur had noticed it early on, even during his first evolution. Every time he devoured a creature''s Spirit Core, the changes were immediate¡ªhis body would grow stronger, more resilient, and with each transformation, his wounds would heal rapidly. It was like the act of consuming these cores didn''t just enhance his abilities; it also mended him from the inside out.


    As Arthur finished devouring the Wendigo, the deep gashes and burns from their battle, which had seared his scales and left him bruised, began to mend themselves. He could feel the pulsing heat within his body as the energy from the Spirit Core flowed through him, targeting the damaged areas of his flesh. The torn skin closed, the bruises faded, and the lingering aches dissolved. His muscles, once fatigued, now felt refreshed, as though they had never been strained in the first place.


    Each time he consumed one of these Spirit Cores, the process was the same. It wasn''t just a matter of gaining new abilities; his body was being repaired, restored to a better version of itself. The deeper the core''s power, the more thorough the healing process. The Kraken had left him bruised and battered, but after consuming its core, he had been made whole again, and stronger for it. The Wendigo''s core, being more ethereal, had a different quality, but it still healed his wounds with a strange, creeping warmth that spread through his limbs.


    The system seemed to reward him not just with power, but with survival itself. Arthur felt that as long as he kept consuming, kept growing, his body would continue to recover and evolve, making him harder to kill with each new battle.


    And then, just as he swallowed the last bite, the system returned.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have devoured the Spirit Core of a distant descendant of the God of Fear.


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Aura of Dread: Project an overwhelming sense of terror to nearby enemies, causing them to hesitate or flee in fear.


    Shadow Step: Temporarily become one with the darkness, allowing for swift movement unseen by enemies.


    Nightmare Vision: Peer into the minds of those around you and manifest their deepest fears as illusions.

 Chapter 12: Aura Of Dread

    Chapter 12 - Aura Of Dread[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have devoured the Spirit Core of a distant descendant of the God of Fear.


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Aura of Dread: Project an overwhelming sense of terror to nearby enemies, causing them to hesitate or flee in fear.


    Shadow Step: Temporarily become one with the darkness, allowing for swift movement unseen by enemies.


    Nightmare Vision: Peer into the minds of those around you and manifest their deepest fears as illusions.


    Arthur froze as the options appeared before him. These weren''t like the physical enhancements he had received from his previous evolutions. They weren''t about strength or speed, but something far more dangerous: control over fear. It was unsettling, and yet, he could feel the potential coursing through him¡ªthe ability to not just kill his enemies, but break them, to make them cower before him.


    A grin crept across his face, his sharp teeth glinting in the crystal light. The power of fear... it was intoxicating.


    I can do more than just survive now. I can make them fear me.


    His eyes flicked between the options. The Aura of Dread resonated with him. He had seen how fear could cripple, how the Wendigo''s shriek had unsettled him for a moment in their fight. To turn that feeling back on his enemies, to make them hesitate, give him an advantage¡ªthat was real power. But then, there was Nightmare Vision, the ability to manipulate minds, to turn fear into something tangible. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What''s better? The immediate effect of terror or the ability to make them see their worst nightmares?


    After a moment''s thought, Arthur made his decision. He chose Aura of Dread. He needed something immediate, something to turn the tide in his favor when the odds were against him.


    [Evolutionary Trait Selected: Aura of Dread]


    This time, the evolution was fast. Arthur''s body pulsed with a strange, invisible energy that spread through him like wildfire. His muscles tensed, his vision sharpened, and the air around him seemed to thicken. It wasn''t painful, just... different. He could feel the change deep inside, something primal shifting within him.


    The power of fear wasn''t something physical¡ªit was a presence, a force that radiated from him like an unseen wave. He could feel it seeping into the air around him, pulsing just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.


    And then, the [Map] flickered.


    Yellow blips appeared, moving closer from multiple directions. Arthur''s eyes narrowed. It seemed the Wendigos weren''t solitary hunters. A pack was closing in on him, likely drawn by the death of their kin.


    His claws flexed, the molten heat pulsing through them as he prepared for another fight. But this time, he wasn''t going to rely solely on his strength. He could feel the new power inside him, the Aura of Dread, swirling like a storm just waiting to be released.


    Arthur crouched low, his senses sharpening as he listened for the approaching Wendigos. The cave was silent for a moment, save for the faint drip of water from the stalactites above. Then, from the shadows, he saw them¡ªdark shapes, moving quickly, their skeletal forms twisting and contorting as they closed in.


    The Wendigos were smaller than the one he had fought before, but there were at least fifteen of them, their glowing yellow eyes reflecting the light of the crystals as they bared their teeth at him. They circled slowly, surrounding him, their gaunt bodies moving with unnatural speed.


    Arthur grinned. Let''s see what this new power can do.


    He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the energy inside him, and then he released it.


    The effect was immediate. The air around him grew thick with tension, a palpable force that radiated outward like an invisible wave. The Wendigos froze, their movements faltering as the Aura of Dread washed over them. Their glowing eyes flickered, and for the first time, Arthur saw hesitation in their predatory gaze.


    One of them screeched, but it was a cry of fear, not anger. The others followed suit, their skeletal limbs trembling as they stared at Arthur with something close to terror. He could see it in their eyes¡ªthey were no longer looking at him as prey, but as something far more dangerous. Something to be feared.


    Arthur moved.


    With a savage growl, he lunged at the nearest Wendigo, his claws glowing with molten heat as they tore through its chest. The creature shrieked, but it was a weak, pitiful sound, cut short as Arthur ripped through its fragile form. He turned to the others, who had begun to back away, their confidence shattered by his Aura of Dread.


    But Arthur wasn''t done.


    He slashed through the pack, each strike precise and brutal, his molten claws leaving trails of burnt flesh in their wake. The Wendigos tried to flee, their gangly limbs scrambling over each other as they attempted to escape the overwhelming sense of terror that Arthur now projected. But it was no use. One by one, they fell to his claws, their bodies crumpling to the ground as Arthur tore through them.


    It wasn''t long before the cave was silent once more.


    Arthur stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving with exertion. The bodies of the Wendigos littered the cave floor, their skeletal forms twisted and broken. He wiped the blood from his claws, his mind buzzing with the power he had just unleashed.


    This... this is real power.


    He could feel it now, a shift in his mentality. He wasn''t just surviving anymore. He was thriving. His body craved more power, more evolution, but it wasn''t just about the hunger now. It was about control¡ªcontrol over his enemies, over their fear.


    Arthur glanced down at the fallen Wendigos. Most of them were dead, but a few were still intact, their bodies twitching slightly as the last bits of life faded from them. He considered finishing them off, but he felt... full. Satisfied.


    Leave them for later, he thought, a smirk playing on his lips. If he ever needed to eat again, the remains would be there, waiting for him.


    With that, Arthur turned away from the carnage and moved deeper into the cave. The crystals lining the walls seemed to grow larger as he ventured further in, their light brighter, casting shimmering reflections across the rocky surfaces. The air was colder here, and the ground sloped downward, leading into a deeper part of the cave.


    Arthur''s steps were slower now, more deliberate. The battle had been exhilarating, but it had also left him with a sense of something... more. The Aura of Dread still lingered around him, a constant reminder of the new power he wielded. But there was a deeper hunger now, not just for food, but for domination.


    He could feel his human instincts fading, replaced by something far more primal. His thoughts were clearer, his goals sharper.


    I am becoming something else, he realized, his eyes narrowing as he gazed deeper into the cave. Something stronger. Something worthy of fear.

 Chapter 13: First Contact With A High Human

    Chapter 13 - First Contact With A High HumanArthur continued his slow descent into the cave, his senses on high alert as the narrow tunnel gave way to broader, crystalline walls. The light from the glowing crystals intensified, casting shimmering reflections along the jagged surfaces. He ran his claws along one of the walls, testing its strength. The crystals were hard, far tougher than he''d expected, like solidified quartz. They glistened with an unnatural beauty, but something about them made his skin prickle.


    As he moved deeper, his eyes caught sight of something disturbing: deep, jagged gashes carved into the crystalline walls. The gouges were irregular, wild, as if something massive had slashed through the rock with ferocious strength. Arthur''s muscles tensed immediately, and he crouched low, scanning the area for any signs of movement. The cave was still, but the sight of the gashes was enough to put him on edge.


    What could''ve done this? he thought, his eyes narrowing. Whatever creature had made those marks had to be powerful¡ªperhaps even more dangerous than the Wendigo-like monsters he had already faced. The Nooms, as he remembered the system calling them. His claws flexed in anticipation, molten heat flickering through them as he prepared for a potential fight.


    But nothing came.


    Arthur pressed on, his pace slow, deliberate. The further he went, the more gashes he saw, some deeper than others. The crystalline walls, which had once seemed impenetrable, now bore the scars of some ancient battle. He couldn''t shake the sense that this place had been a battleground for something monstrous.


    Eventually, the tunnel opened up into a large chamber, unlike any part of the cave Arthur had seen before. His eyes widened as he took in the sight.


    The entire room was filled with massive, mirror-like crystals, their surfaces polished to perfection. Each one reflected the light in sharp, fragmented patterns, creating a dizzying array of colors that bounced around the chamber. Arthur moved forward cautiously, his footsteps echoing softly in the cavernous space. The reflections distorted his figure, making him look taller, more monstrous in the shimmering glass. His shrieks and growls echoed back at him in eerie waves, twisting and overlapping like whispers.


    In the center of the room was a pedestal¡ªtall, smooth, and completely out of place in the otherwise chaotic, natural cave. The pedestal seemed ancient, carved from stone that had long since faded to a dull gray. There was something unnerving about it. Arthur''s instincts immediately screamed at him to stay away, warning him that whatever lay ahead was dangerous, even more so than the Nooms he had faced.


    His body tensed, but his eyes were drawn to the pedestal nonetheless. He stepped closer, his hunger for power gnawing at him. He could feel it¡ªsomething was here, something that could help him grow stronger.


    But his senses screamed at him to stop. To turn around and leave this place.


    This is wrong... something''s not right, a voice in his mind whispered.


    Arthur clenched his jaw, his claws twitching at his sides. The memory of the titanic creature from his dream flashed in his mind¡ªthe slitted eye, massive and all-knowing, staring down at him with that overwhelming sense of curiosity and power. He had felt small then, but the hunger in him refused to let that happen again.


    He wanted to be powerful enough to stand against something like that.


    He wanted to be something like that.


    Ignoring the warning in his mind, Arthur extended his tail and nudged the pedestal.


    The room went silent.


    For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the crystals around him began to pulse, their light intensifying as a low hum filled the chamber. Arthur took a step back, his claws flexing instinctively as the pedestal shimmered and shifted. Its surface rippled like water, and in a flash of light, the stone structure transformed into a glowing, translucent hologram.


    Before him stood the image of a woman¡ªhuman, beautiful, and clearly out of place in this monstrous world. Her features were sharp, her eyes a piercing blue, and her hair was tied back in a neat bun. She wore a sleek, dark uniform that seemed to blend elements of both science and combat gear, and as she stood on the pedestal, her expression was one of both calm and urgency.


    "Greetings, explorer," the hologram spoke, her voice clear but distant, as if it had traveled through ages to reach him.


    Arthur tilted his head, curious but wary. The woman''s hologram flickered slightly as she continued to speak, her gaze sweeping across the room as if she could see the reflection of herself in the mirror-like crystals.


    "My name is Dr. Elara Venhalis, a member of the S-ranked exploration team tasked with investigating the Scorching Badlands. This is¡ªwas¡ªa newly formed region, thought to be the result of ancient tectonic shifts combined with volcanic activity. The High Humans and the Elder Dwarves deemed it a place of significant interest due to its unstable environment and the strange phenomena occurring within the region."


    Arthur listened intently, though some of her words were foreign to him. High Humans? Elder Dwarves? The terms stirred something in his memory, remnants of his human life, but they felt distant, disconnected.


    "We¡ªmy team and I¡ªwere sent here on an expedition," Elara continued, her voice tinged with regret. "We believed the Badlands to be a recent formation, but we were wrong. This place is far older than we anticipated, and much more dangerous. The creatures we encountered... The Nooms. Twisted abominations, part monster, part spirit. They hunt in packs and have the ability to manipulate fire and fear. We were... unprepared."


    Arthur''s mind flashed back to the Nooms he had fought, their skeletal forms and fiery breath. These creatures had a name, huh. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And these are apparently one of the more easily killed monsters in this terrain," Elara said.


    "But either way, the last of us... died here, in this chamber. The Nooms overwhelmed us. I''m the only one left... or, I was." Elara''s hologram flickered again, her form unstable. "Before I succumbed to the Nooms, I left behind something important. A treasure. It''s... here. The orb."


    Her gaze shifted to the center of the room, where a faint glow now emanated from the pedestal. Arthur''s eyes followed hers, locking onto the object she had mentioned. It was an orb, small and crystalline, floating just above the pedestal''s surface. It glowed with a soft, pale light, but even from a distance, Arthur could feel the raw energy radiating from it.


    "This orb," Elara continued, her voice trembling slightly, "contains pure essence. It was left behind long before any of us came here, a relic of someone¡ªor something¡ªfar greater than we can imagine. The power within this orb is... limitless. If properly harnessed, it could advance civilization beyond anything we''ve ever known."


    "This orb would have made all our deaths worth it."


    Arthur stepped closer to the orb, his hunger for power intensifying with each word. The energy coming from the orb was intoxicating, almost like the Spirit Cores he had consumed, but... more. Far more.


    "But," Elara said, her voice darkening, "if a monster were to consume this essence... if something like the Nooms, or worse, were to harness this power... it could mean devastation for this world.


    "God help us all if that happens."


    Arthur stopped, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the orb.


    Elara''s hologram flickered once more before fading completely, her last words echoing in the chamber.


    Arthur stared at the orb, its glow casting soft shadows across his monstrous figure. He knew exactly what he was going to do.


    Limitless power...


    Arthur''s maws widened so hard, he looked like the incarnation of evil.

 Chapter 14: First Stage Evolution: Abyssal Drake!

    Chapter 14 - First Stage Evolution: Abyssal Drake!Limitless power...


    Arthur''s maws widened so hard, he looked like the incarnation of evil. ''Thank you for your sacrifice, miss~'' Without hesitation, Arthur lunged forward, his jaws closing around the orb. The energy surged through him immediately, far more intense than anything he had felt before. His body trembled as the essence flooded his veins, raw and untamed. It wasn''t just power¡ªit was something more, something primal, something... ancient.


    Arthur''s eyes gleamed as the last of the orb''s essence disappeared into him. A slow, wicked smile spread across his face, the reflection in the crystal showing the monstrous grin of a predator who had just discovered something far greater than any simple prey. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    *


    MAJOR TURNING POINT


    Arthur could feel it.


    The moment the orb''s essence settled inside him, something profound shifted within his body. His muscles tensed, his skin prickled, and an intense heat coursed through his veins, stronger than any previous evolution. But this was more than the usual transformation¡ªthis was something greater.


    It was as if his very core was expanding, warping under the weight of the new power he had consumed. His vision blurred, his body going numb as waves of raw energy pulsed through him, building into a violent crescendo. He collapsed to the ground, unable to control the force erupting inside him. The world around him darkened, the crystal reflections becoming little more than flickers in the shadows.


    Then came the voice of the system.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have absorbed a vast quantity of pure essence and unlocked your First Stage Evolution.


    Choose Your Path:


    Molten Drake: A drake born from fire, your molten core will intensify, granting you dominance over flame and molten rock. Your scales will become heat-resistant, and your fire-based abilities will grow exponentially.


    Abyssal Drake: A drake of the dark depths, your essence will align with the void. You will command shadows, water, and the crushing depths of the sea. Your body will become more fluid, allowing for swift movement through dark environments.


    Thunder Drake: A drake imbued with the power of the storm, you will command lightning and thunder. Your body will become lighter, and your strikes will carry the fury of the storm itself.


    Arthur''s vision swirled as the choices appeared before him. His body trembled violently, feeling as though it might break apart from the sheer force of his impending evolution.


    First Stage Evolution. The term echoed in his mind, followed by the system''s explanation. He learned that all creatures with divine or titanic lineages¡ªbeasts descended from Titans, Gods, Devils¡ªunderwent five major evolutions before reaching their full potential. To become a Fully Realized Titan or God, one had to survive these five stages, each one pushing the boundaries of their strength and reshaping their existence. Arthur had now reached the first of those stages.


    He stared at the choices before him, the promise of becoming a powerful elemental drake. Each one resonated with the creatures he had consumed, but his heart thrummed with excitement at the potential. Molten Drake, with its fiery dominion, called to the remnants of the Titan of Fire''s essence that still simmered within him. Abyssal Drake felt eerily familiar, connected to the void he had experienced in his dreams and the strange depth of his soul. Thunder Drake would bring the storm, the power to strike from afar, with devastating speed.


    The decision seemed impossible. But something deep within Arthur¡ªsomething tied to his hunger for power¡ªguided him toward the shadows.


    [Path Selected: Abyssal Drake]


    As soon as the decision was made, the world around him exploded in light. Arthur roared, his voice a guttural, primal scream as his body began to change. His limbs twisted and elongated, his claws sharpened to lethal points, and his scales darkened to a deep, abyssal black. He could feel his insides shifting, his core expanding, reshaping itself into something more.


    And then, deep within him, something unlocked. A core, invisible and untouchable, yet all-encompassing. It pulsed with power¡ªvoid-like and eternal. The system whispered its name: Void Core.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Your Void Core has been unlocked.


    The Void Core grants access to Essence, the life force that fuels the elemental powers of this world. Without essence, one cannot control the elements. As your Void Core grows, you will unlock more features within the system.


    It is the reason you have evolved so quickly, able to absorb the abilities of those you devour.


    Nurture your core, and your evolution will accelerate, allowing you to reach heights others can only dream of.


    Arthur''s body glowed with the surge of new power, his Void Core thrumming with a pulse that seemed to vibrate through every fiber of his being. The core was tied directly to the system, expanding with each step he took toward ascension. This core, he realized, was the reason he could evolve so rapidly, why he could absorb the skills of the monsters he devoured.


    But there was more. A new function appeared in his mind¡ªsomething that would make his journey easier, more efficient.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    New Function Unlocked: [Inventory]


    Your [Inventory] can now store up to 100 kilograms of material. Only dead organic matter can be stored. Use it wisely.


    Arthur''s thoughts barely had time to process the new information as his body began to grow even larger. His scales thickened, his muscles bulged, and his size expanded until he dwarfed his former self. His new form was a terrifying blend of reptilian and draconic, his wings beginning to form along his back, though they remained rudimentary for now.


    His transformation wasn''t just physical¡ªhe could feel the change in his mind, his instincts becoming sharper, more beast-like. He could sense the essence around him, the lifeforce that flowed through the world. It pulsed in the crystals, the rocks, the very air he breathed. The Void Core inside him hummed, ready to devour more, to grow even further.


    But as the evolution neared its peak, Arthur felt his body slowing down, a strange lethargy overcoming him. His vision blurred, and he realized, just before his eyes closed, that he was entering a state of metamorphosis¡ªan egg-like slumber, where his body would fully adapt to his new form.


    Arthur''s massive frame curled inward as a thick, cocoon-like substance began to form around him. His new abyssal scales gleamed as the crystal-clear fluid enveloped him, hardening into a shell-like casing that sealed him away. It pulsated, the essence from his transformation sending waves through the cave.


    And those waves... they did not go unnoticed.

 Chapter 15: The World’s Reaction To My Awakening

    Chapter 15 - The World''s Reaction To My Awakening1 Second After Arthur''s Evolution


    Far away, in the heart of the Scorching Badlands, the air began to shift as if the very atmosphere itself was being compressed by an unseen force. The dry winds that constantly swept across the molten plains stilled, and the oppressive heat of the Badlands grew even hotter. The ground, scorched and blackened from the ever-present flow of magma, started to tremble. Fissures formed in the cracked earth, glowing with an ominous red as they leaked streams of molten lava.


    Beneath the surface, the Grand-Child of the Titan of Fire stirred.


    Its body, coiled within a massive pool of molten rock, shifted lazily at first. The creature was immense, its scales glowing like embers, each one as large as a boulder and radiating unbearable heat. Its form, though reptilian, was colossal, with a long, serpentine body that twisted and wound around the magma like an ancient dragon nesting in a volcano. But there was something more¡ªsomething terrifying about the creature that defied its size alone. A mini-volcano protruded from its back, spewing ash and molten rock in sporadic bursts as if the very landscape of the Badlands had come to life on the creature''s spine.


    Its eyes opened slowly, two molten orbs of pure fire that flickered and blazed with intensity. The heat from its gaze alone was enough to melt the surrounding rock into liquid pools, causing the molten sea in which it rested to bubble and surge violently. With a low, rumbling growl, the titan-descendant raised its head, its neck muscles rippling as rivers of lava flowed down its massive form. The ground trembled more violently now, and the scorching air became so thick with heat that even the strongest of creatures lurking in the Badlands fled in fear.


    Small but powerful beasts, creatures that had adapted to the harsh, molten terrain¡ªlava-scaled drakes, magma serpents, and ember wolves¡ªscrambled for safety as the great beast stirred. Their hardened forms, once so at home in the blistering heat, now seemed insignificant in the face of the titan''s awakening. The intense waves of heat radiating from the creature caused entire rock formations to crack and shatter, sending cascades of molten stone flowing across the land.


    As the titan-descendant uncoiled its body, it let out a deafening roar¡ªa sound that was less like a cry and more like the eruption of a volcano. The roar echoed through the Badlands, sending shockwaves across the molten landscape. Mountains in the distance rumbled, their peaks smoking as dormant volcanoes stirred to life, responding to the titan''s call. The sky itself seemed to tremble, clouds of ash and smoke swirling above as the roar reached up into the heavens.


    The creature''s roar wasn''t just a sound¡ªit was a declaration, a challenge to the one who had disturbed its slumber. Arthur''s evolution had sent ripples of power throughout the world, and this descendant of the Titan of Fire had felt it, deep in the core of its being. The roar carried with it a warning, a promise of destruction to any who dared challenge the dominion of fire in this realm.


    Lava cascaded down the titan''s massive form, flowing from the mini-volcano on its back, which erupted sporadically in response to the creature''s fury. Each explosion sent showers of molten rock into the air, the ground shaking with every burst. The creatures of the Badlands, normally fearless, scattered in terror, their instincts screaming at them to escape the wrath of the fire titan.


    As the roar subsided, the titan-descendant slowly lowered its head once more, the fiery light in its eyes dimming slightly as it settled back into the molten sea. But the earth continued to tremble, the air still thick with tension, as the creature''s massive body coiled into the molten rock once again. Though it returned to sleep, its presence now loomed over the Badlands, a warning that should Arthur¡ªor any other¡ªgrow too bold, they would face the full wrath of a descendant of the Titan of Fire.


    For now, the beast rested, but it would not forget the pulse of power that had woken it. It would wait¡ªuntil the time came to claim dominion over whatever force had dared to challenge its rule.


    And as the Scorching Badlands quieted once more, the echoes of the titan''s challenge lingered, carried on the molten winds.


    Across the vast expanse of the world, where towering mountains kissed the skies and ancient forests whispered with the knowledge of centuries past, tremors of a different nature stirred the hearts of the powerful. Arthur''s awakening, his evolution, sent ripples through the land, waves of essence so intense that they could not be ignored by those who ruled in silence.


    In the heart of the Elven Kingdom, perched high atop the sacred trees of the woodlands, sat a lone figure.


    The Emperor of the High Elves, a being known as Elandor the Verdant, sat on a terrace carved into the largest tree in his domain. The ancient city of Sylvanholt stretched out beneath him, its graceful spires and winding bridges woven seamlessly into the branches of massive trees. His harp, an elegant instrument made from the finest wood and string, rested on his knee, its gentle melody echoing through the air as he played.


    But something shifted. A wrong note sounded¡ªa discordant pluck, accidental and jarring.


    Elandor''s pointed ears twitched, his fingers freezing in place as he sensed it¡ªa tremor, an omen coming from the north. His eyes, sharp and bright as emeralds, narrowed as he looked out over his vast forested kingdom. The verdant leaves of the trees whispered to him, rustling in agitation as the essence from Arthur''s evolution washed over them.


    "The balance is shifting," he murmured softly, his voice lilting but filled with tension. He could feel it¡ªa new power, raw and untamed, something born of chaos and void. It gnawed at the peace of his realm, a disturbance in the delicate harmony that the High Elves had maintained for centuries. He placed his harp aside and rose to his feet, the soft rustle of his robes the only sound in the stillness.


    Elandor turned his gaze northward, toward the distant lands shrouded in shadow, where the Scorching Badlands lay beyond his reach. Though he could not see the source, he knew something had awakened, and it would not rest until it had devoured everything in its path.


    "This... cannot be ignored," he said, his voice a whisper carried by the wind. "Prepare the council. We must watch for what comes next."


    In the mountains to the west, beneath the stone halls of a forgotten kingdom, another figure stirred.


    Deep within the Ironhold, an underground fortress nestled within the spine of the Graycrag Mountains, the Great King of the Elder Dwarves, known as Thurak Stonefist, stood in his forge, hammering away at a weapon fit for kings. The clang of metal echoed through the stone corridors, a rhythmic beat that had persisted for hours as molten steel shaped itself under his mastery.


    But suddenly, the hammer paused in mid-swing. Thurak''s weathered hand, calloused from centuries of working the forge, froze as the tremor hit. Not a physical one¡ªno. This was something far deeper, something that resonated within the stone itself.


    The essence.


    Thurak''s sharp, gray eyes widened as he felt the pulse of power travel through the rock, reaching him in the depths of his stronghold. He set his hammer down, its weight resting against the anvil with a dull thud, and placed his hand on the stone wall beside him. The stone whispered its secrets, telling him of a power rising, a force unlike anything seen in millennia.


    "Damn it all," Thurak muttered, his gruff voice a low rumble. "Somethin''s stirring in the north. Too soon. Too damn soon."


    In a city of spires built high into the clouds, among the realm of the Angels, a figure sat upon a throne of light.


    The Archangel & Most Radiant Being, Seraphiel Dawnwing, stood in the grand temple of Zephyrion, the floating citadel of the angelic race. His brilliant wings, radiant and shimmering like the dawn sky, were folded behind him as he gazed down at the world below. The celestial halls echoed with hymns, the sound of angelic choirs filling the air with serenity and peace.


    But in the midst of the ethereal music, Seraphiel felt the shift. His wings twitched, his divine senses flaring as a ripple of essence disturbed the perfect harmony of the heavens. His golden eyes sharpened, and he stepped forward, his gaze turning toward the far-off horizon, beyond the edge of his kingdom.


    "Something rises," he murmured, his voice melodic but tinged with concern. He closed his eyes, sensing the essence flowing through the world, disrupting the natural order. This power, whatever it was, felt different. It felt... dangerous.


    His wings spread wide, glowing with celestial light as he lifted himself into the air, hovering above the temple. The angels around him fell silent, watching their leader with reverence as he surveyed the distant lands.


    "A new threat has awakened," Seraphiel declared, his voice ringing with authority. "We must watch, and we must be ready. The time of peace may be drawing to a close."


    Across the world, similar moments played out.


    In the savage wilderness, the Chief of the Beastmen, a hulking warrior known as Zorin the Untamed, snarled as he felt the pulse of Arthur''s evolution ripple through the wilds. His animalistic instincts flared, warning him of a threat growing far beyond his borders. He let out a guttural roar, a challenge to the unseen power rising in the north.


    And in the golden halls of the High Human Empire, the Emperor''s personal Avatar, a man known only as Caius the Unyielding, sat in quiet contemplation, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. The tremor that had passed through the world reached him, a subtle but undeniable warning that the balance was shifting. His steel-gray eyes hardened as his great blade shone before his eyes.


    "Prepare the legions," Caius commanded his generals. "And, alert the king. Something''s brewing in the south. This time. . .this time, we will not be caught unprepared."


    As these powerful beings stirred, across the world, monsters, warriors, and kings alike felt the shifting tides of fate. Arthur, still encased in his cocoon, dreamed of what was to come, his body changing, his power growing.


    The world held its breath, knowing that when he emerged, nothing would be the same.


    The First Stage Evolution of a being with Arthur''s potential was not just the beginning of his journey¡ªit was a declaration to the world that a new force had awakened. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Titan Of Destruction had started its first evolution.

 Chapter 16: Is That Boss Music I Hear?

    Chapter 16 - Is That Boss Music I Hear?The yellow dot was close now¡ªjust beyond the next chamber.


    Arthur''s heart raced with anticipation as he stepped into the clearing. The walls here were jagged, broken, as though something massive had scraped its way through. The gashes in the stone were deeper than any he had seen before, cutting through the crystal like it was nothing. Whatever had made those marks was powerful¡ªbrutal.


    As Arthur moved deeper into the tunnel, he noticed a subtle but distinct change in the terrain. The once crystalline walls that had been sharp and jagged shifted into something altogether more grotesque. The surface beneath his claws became slick, a strange slimy texture coating the floor and walls, glistening faintly in the fading light of the crystals.


    Arthur crouched low, his claws digging into the ground for stability, but the moment he touched the slimy substance, a sharp pain shot through his hand. His scales, usually resistant to almost anything, sizzled slightly where they made contact with the strange slime. He recoiled, shaking his claw, watching as small wisps of smoke rose from the spot. Whatever this stuff was, it was toxic¡ªacidic enough to eat away at his otherwise impenetrable scales.


    He growled low in his throat, more irritated than harmed, but the sting of the terrain left him cautious. He carefully avoided the slick patches where he could, but the tunnel was becoming more treacherous with each step forward.


    The air itself had changed as well. The coolness of the cave was now accompanied by a smell¡ªsharp, acidic, and strangely tantalizing. It was a scent that carried with it both danger and an irresistible lure. Arthur found his nostrils flaring, the scent filling his lungs with an almost magnetic pull. It was a scent that promised power and destruction, but it came with a warning¡ªa subtle reminder that this place was not one to be taken lightly.


    The walls dripped with the same toxic slime, the once crystalline structure now corrupted by whatever creature had marked this territory. Arthur''s gaze sharpened, his claws flexing as he prepared for whatever lurked ahead. The yellow dot on his map blinked ominously, just beyond the next chamber.


    And then, he heard it.


    A low, rumbling growl echoed through the cavern, shaking the very ground beneath his feet. The sound was guttural, primal.


    Arthur''s claws flexed instinctively, the molten heat rising within them as he prepared for the fight.


    Time to devour again.


    He stepped forward, his massive form casting a shadow across the chamber. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    *


    Arthur stepped cautiously through the hole in the wall, his senses tingling with anticipation. The narrow, toxic tunnel he had just emerged from opened up into something vastly different¡ªa wide expanse that immediately threw him off guard. What he saw before him was nothing short of breathtaking.


    The clearing was vast, easily stretching a few hundred meters in every direction. The ground beneath his feet wasn''t the jagged, rocky terrain of the crystal caverns, nor the slimy, acidic nightmare he had just come from. Instead, it was covered in a fine, blue sand, its texture soft yet firm, like crushed glass that didn''t cut. Pools of still water dotted the clearing, lagoon-like formations reflecting the ceiling above, which was made entirely of shimmering, multicolored crystals.


    The ceiling crystals stretched high into the cavern, their surfaces catching the light from the few glowing stones scattered throughout. They hummed with an ethereal, melodic tune, a soft vibration that sent shivers down Arthur''s spine. The sound wasn''t unpleasant¡ªit was beautiful, in a way that only deepened the odd serenity of the space.


    Arthur''s molten claws scratched against the blue sand as he stepped forward, entranced by the strange harmony of this place. The cool air made him feel lighter, and for a moment, his hunger seemed to recede as he took in the beauty around him. His [Map] flickered, indicating he was still deep within the Crystal Caverns, but this place seemed otherworldly, different from the dark and dangerous tunnels he had just escaped.


    As he ventured further into the clearing, something caught his eye.


    In the center of the room, scattered like broken toys, lay the mangled remains of what looked like Nooms¡ªthe creatures Arthur had fought earlier. Their bodies were twisted, shredded, and burned, as if they had been feasted upon by something just as monstrous. Chunks of flesh were missing from their forms, their limbs ripped apart, their hollow eye sockets staring vacantly into nothing.


    Arthur crouched down, inspecting the remains. The markings on their bodies were brutal¡ªclaw marks, burns, and deep gashes sliced clean through bone. It was clear these creatures had met their end violently, just like prey. And something had been feasting on them.


    Just like me, Arthur thought, feeling a strange kinship with the unknown beast that had slaughtered these creatures. He and this unseen predator had more in common than he''d like to admit.


    The melodic hum of the crystals above him echoed through the chamber, calming his racing thoughts. The tall crystal spires that jutted out of the ground throughout the clearing pulsed with faint energy, as if alive, the hum changing in pitch whenever he moved closer. There was something about these spires that drew his attention.


    Arthur''s claws grazed the surface of one of the spires, and he immediately felt a strange sensation. The material was coarse, grating against his scales in a way that felt almost uncomfortable, like it was... irritating.


    Salt? He blinked, surprised at the revelation.


    The realization simmered in his mind, but before he could explore it further, something dripped onto his shoulder.


    Arthur froze. The liquid that hit him was thick, pungent, and immediately burned into his scales, hissing upon contact. He hissed in return, shaking it off as he looked up toward the ceiling.


    There, clinging to the crystals above him, was a massive creature. Its skin was slick and gleamed in the dim light, a pale, translucent gray with streaks of green running down its sides. It was twice the size of Arthur, its bloated body sagging heavily as it hung from the ceiling like a grotesque chandelier.


    And then it dropped.


    BOOM!

 Chapter 17: Fuck Em Slugs

    Chapter 17 - Fuck Em SlugsAnd then it dropped.


    BOOM!


    The impact shook the ground beneath Arthur''s feet as the monster slammed into the blue sand with a wet, sickening squelch. He took a step back, his claws instinctively flexing, molten heat surging through them in preparation for the coming fight.


    The creature before him was unlike anything he had faced before. A giant sea slug, bloated and glistening with acidic slime. Long, sinewy tendrils unfurled from its body, writhing in the air like whips, each one tipped with a razor-sharp edge that gleamed like steel. Its eyes were little more than sunken pits, but Arthur could feel its gaze on him, cold and malevolent.


    It didn''t speak in the way a human would, but Arthur could hear it, a deep, gravelly voice that scraped against his mind like nails on stone.


    "You... die..." the slug hissed, its voice slow, each word dripping with malice.


    Arthur growled, the instinct to fight rising within him as he sized up the creature. He didn''t need the system to tell him what it was. Somehow, deep within him, he already knew its name.


    Slugterra.


    It was a beast on the verge of its own First Stage Evolution, much like Arthur had just undergone. The tension between them was palpable, both predators standing at the precipice of greater power, but only one would walk away from this encounter.


    The slug moved first.


    Its massive body lunged forward with surprising speed, the razor-tipped tendrils whipping through the air toward Arthur with lethal precision. Arthur dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the slashing attack as the tendrils gouged deep trenches in the blue sand where he had stood. He could feel the heat of the acid dripping from the slug''s skin, sizzling wherever it touched.


    Arthur retaliated, his claws extending into long, molten blades as he slashed at the creature''s flank. His attack struck true, cutting deep into the slug''s flesh, but the acid immediately splattered onto him in response. Arthur roared in pain as the burning liquid seared his scales, forcing him to pull back.


    This thing''s a tank, Arthur thought, circling the slug as it writhed and turned to face him again. Its tendrils lashed out in a flurry, forcing Arthur to dodge and weave, his movements growing more desperate as the fight wore on. The slug was relentless, its attacks faster than he expected for a creature of its size, and its acidic body made every strike against it costly.


    The slug''s tendrils whipped toward Arthur''s face, forcing him to retreat toward one of the crystal spires. His back pressed against the cool surface of the spire as he barely avoided another lashing attack.


    Then it hit him. The salt. The slug had been avoiding the spires.


    A memory flashed in Arthur''s mind, a distant recollection from his previous life as a human. Slugs hated salt. It was a simple fact, one he had learned long ago, but now it felt like the key to surviving this fight.


    Arthur grinned, baring his teeth as a plan formed in his mind.


    He lashed out with his claws, breaking off a chunk of the nearby spire. The crystalline material crumbled in his grip, and he threw the salt-like shard at Slugterra. The moment it hit, the slug let out a hideous shriek, its slimy skin bubbling and sizzling as the salt burned into it.


    It works!


    Arthur broke off another chunk of the spire, hurling it at the slug. The creature writhed in agony, its tendrils flailing wildly as it tried to retreat, but Arthur was relentless. He grabbed another shard, then another, pelting the slug with chunks of salt until its once-imposing form began to shrink and weaken.


    With one final roar, Arthur broke off a massive spire, holding the jagged crystal high above his head as he stalked toward the retreating beast. Slugterra, realizing its end was near, tried to flee, its sluggish body dragging itself toward the nearest tunnel. But Arthur was faster.


    "Annoying little worm," Arthur growled, his voice low and filled with menace.


    With a final burst of strength, Arthur drove the massive crystal shard into the slug''s body, aiming for the creature''s tiny hole near its base. The salt spire pierced through its form, embedding itself deep within the slug''s flesh.


    Slugterra let out one final, pitiful gurgle before collapsing in on itself, the acidic slime sizzling and melting away under the power of the salt. The cavern grew still, the melodic hum of the crystals returning to fill the silence left in the wake of the battle.


    Arthur stood over the dead slug, breathing heavily, the thrill of the fight still coursing through his veins. He flicked the remnants of slime off his claws, then raised his middle finger in a mock salute to the fallen beast.


    "Thanks for the workout," he muttered, his grin widening as he turned away from the corpse.


    NOTE: Arthur is only speaking through his mind. His words are more like roars if you listen from outside.


    *


    For the first time in his new life, he felt a pang of disgust as he considered devouring the creature. Its acidic slime still bubbled slightly, the stench of its body lingering in the air like a foul perfume.


    He sighed, his claws twitching in frustration. "I guess you don''t get to pick your meals in this life," he muttered, his voice thick with sarcasm. Despite his distaste, his hunger¡ªfueled by his ever-growing size¡ªreminded him that he had to consume. The system demanded it, and so did his body.


    Arthur leaned down, sinking his teeth into the slug''s soft, slick flesh. The taste was worse than he expected¡ªslimy, sour, with a hint of something rancid. He swallowed, grimacing as the thick sludge coated his tongue. It was the first time he had ever felt truly revolted by his food. Usually, the creatures he devoured were either satisfying or filled with enough energy to make the taste irrelevant, but Slugterra? This was different. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ugh... never again," Arthur growled, shaking his head in disgust. But as he bit deeper, his senses tingled with anticipation. He could feel the Spirit Core of the monster deep inside its body. That was where the real value lay.


    Finally, as he reached the core, the system chimed.

 Chapter 18: Incarnation Of Pure Evil

    Chapter 18 - Incarnation Of Pure Evil"Ugh... never again," Arthur growled, shaking his head in disgust. But as he bit deeper, his senses tingled with anticipation. He could feel the Spirit Core of the monster deep inside its body. That was where the real value lay.


    Finally, as he reached the core, the system chimed.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have defeated a First Stage Slugterra. Despite lacking a lineage, this creature had nearly reached the Second Stage through sheer will and evolution. You now have the following choices:


    Steel Tendrils: Absorb Slugterra''s ability to harden parts of your body into steel-like tendrils, capable of both offensive and defensive uses.


    Acidic Slime: Develop the ability to secrete an acidic slime from your body, allowing for defense and trapping enemies.


    Essence Absorption: Absorb Slugterra''s essence to progress your Void Core. Strengthen your connection to your elemental power, specifically the element of darkness, advancing your abilities.


    Arthur paused, reading through the options carefully. His eyes lingered on the third choice¡ªEssence Absorption. It was different from the usual choices of physical enhancements. For the first time, he wasn''t just being offered another skill or tool for his body, but something that could fuel his core directly.


    "Essence absorption..." Arthur mused aloud. The very thought of advancing his Void Core intrigued him. If this slug had managed to evolve so far without any lineage, then perhaps essence was the key to not just surviving, but thriving. His Void Core was tied to his system, and growing it meant unlocking more of the system''s potential. It had been the reason he evolved so quickly, devouring the essence of those he killed.


    The choice was obvious.


    [Essence Absorption Selected]


    As the system processed his decision, Arthur felt the familiar rush of energy. But this time, it was different. The power didn''t just fill his muscles or sharpen his claws¡ªit flowed inward, deep into his Void Core. The sensation was almost soothing, like sinking into a deep, dark pool. His connection to the element of darkness grew stronger, and for the first time, he felt the terrain around him shift in his favor.


    The darker the environment, the stronger he would become.


    Arthur grinned, flexing his claws as the energy pulsed through him. He could already sense it¡ªthe way shadows clung to him, empowering his movements. The essence was more than just power. It was a link to something far greater, something elemental and primal. The more essence he absorbed, the closer he felt to truly unlocking his Void Core''s full potential.


    With the slug fully devoured, Arthur glanced at its massive body. The [Inventory] would be useful here, but as he tried to shove the slug into it, the system buzzed with a rejection message.


    [Inventory Capacity Exceeded]


    Arthur rolled his eyes, the annoyance creeping back in. The slug was far too big to fit. He scowled, deciding it wasn''t worth the effort of dragging the remains around. "Guess I''ll just stick with the Nooms," he muttered, turning back toward the clearing.


    As he approached the spot where the mangled Nooms had been, Arthur''s eyes narrowed. Something was wrong. The corpses were gone¡ªevery single one of them. The ground where they had once lay was now spotless, as though they had been wiped from existence. But in the center of the clearing, something new had appeared.


    A small, slime-like egg.


    It pulsed faintly, glowing with a soft, golden light. Arthur crouched low, studying the egg with suspicion. His instincts immediately flared, warning him that this was no ordinary monster. The system confirmed it.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    This egg belongs to a rare creature of great lineage¡ªa direct descendant of the Titan of Light, preparing to advance to its First Stage Evolution. You have two choices:


    Absorb the Egg: Devouring this egg will grant you immense power, pushing your Void Core to the peak of the First Stage. This action will however, bring upon you a great trial.


    Imprint Your Essence: You may spare the egg and imprint your essence upon it, creating a bond between you and the creature. This will make the creature loyal to you, akin to a "child" that will obey your commands.


    Arthur''s eyes widened at the revelation. A Titan of Light? The creature growing inside that egg was descended from one of the most powerful lineages in the world, a stark contrast to the slug he had just devoured. The potential of consuming such a being was immense¡ªit would catapult him to the peak of the First Stage. Yet the second option lingered in his mind.


    Imprinting his essence would allow him to control this creature, essentially making it his servant. Not a mindless beast, but a loyal companion, something that would fight for him and grow alongside him.


    Arthur''s thoughts whirled as he weighed his options. The hunger in him urged him to devour the egg, to absorb the raw power that came with it. He had learned from Slugterra''s evolution how far a creature could go without lineage¡ªhow much potential lay in the sheer will to evolve. But this egg was different. Its lineage gave it an inherent advantage, a power that Arthur could use to his benefit.


    He looked at the glowing egg, his mind flickering back to his previous life as a human, where dilemmas like these were usually about morals or survival. Now, it was about power¡ªcontrol or consumption.


    Arthur''s grin faded into a contemplative frown. "What would you do, slug?" he muttered to the memory of the creature he had just defeated, as if expecting an answer.


    He had never thought about having companions. Everything up until now had been survival of the fittest, devouring and growing. The idea of something by his side¡ªsomething loyal¡ªwas almost foreign.


    His claws twitched as he made his decision. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 19: Beware, The Light Is Approaching

    Without a second thought, he opened his maw and swallowed the egg whole.


    The moment it slid down his throat, the world seemed to shatter.


    An explosion of light detonated within him, setting his nerves ablaze. It wasn¡¯t the warm, nourishing light he expected¡ªit was searing, violent, like his insides were being scorched from the inside out. Arthur¡¯s entire body convulsed, his massive frame wracked with pain as if his own blood had turned into molten lava.


    The light inside him fought¡ªno, it warred¡ªwith the darkness that had already taken root in his core. His Void Core, the very essence of his being, rejected the light as if it were poison.


    Arthur gasped, his breath ragged. His muscles strained, and his scales began to pulse, flashing from deep, abyssal black to a radiant, blinding white. The contrast was striking¡ªhis body flickered like a beacon, each pulse threatening to tear him apart.


    No, no... this isn¡¯t right!


    The pain was unimaginable, as though his body was being stretched to its limits, the light and darkness battling for dominance within him. His vision blurred, spots of white overtaking his sight as he stumbled backward. The balance was slipping. If he couldn¡¯t control it, if he didn¡¯t rein it in, he would be torn in two.


    With great effort, Arthur let out a guttural roar, his voice reverberating through the cavern, shaking the very crystals that surrounded him. His claws dug into the ground beneath him, and he forced his focus inward, commanding the two warring elements to obey.


    I am the one in control. Not you.


    The light pulsed again, searing through his veins, but Arthur gritted his teeth and shoved it down. He could feel his Void Core resisting, pushing against the foreign energy with all its might, but Arthur refused to let it win. He was stronger than this. His will, his desire for power, was stronger.


    Bit by bit, he forced the light and darkness to coexist. Slowly, agonizingly, the war inside him began to settle, the two forces no longer trying to destroy one another but instead... merging. His scales still flickered, but this time, the pulses became rhythmic, the flashes of black and white syncing as though his body was finally finding its balance.


    Then, with a sudden rush, the pain subsided. The light did not disappear¡ªit tempered itself, melding into his Void Core, becoming a part of him. The feeling was unlike anything he had experienced before¡ªa perfect harmony between the abyss and the radiant.


    Just as he caught his breath, the system chimed.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations for being the third creature to have both the primal elements of Light & Darkness coexist at your will.


    Arthur blinked, the words barely sinking in. Only two others? He didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it, because the next notification sent a chill through his spine.


    [WARNING: The Light is approaching...]


    Before he could process what that meant, Arthur felt a sudden pull. The world around him dissolved into nothingness, and in the next instant, he found himself standing on a different plane altogether¡ªa mindscape of some sort.


    Clear, shimmering sands stretched infinitely in all directions, glowing under the gentle warmth of a heavenly light that poured from above. The light here wasn¡¯t harsh like before¡ªit was pure, almost peaceful. And yet, there was something unnerving about it. Arthur¡¯s instincts screamed danger, though he couldn¡¯t immediately see why.


    Then he did.


    A figure appeared, materializing from the light itself. It was beautiful, terrifyingly so. A creature with an angelic, bipedal form, towering at the same size as Arthur, with wings that shimmered like ethereal butterfly wings¡ªdelicate but somehow more powerful than any weapon. Its eyes burned with fury, radiant and scorching, and its very presence made Arthur feel as though he were being judged by something far beyond his understanding.


    The Titan of Light.


    "You..." the Titan¡¯s voice was like a choir of a thousand angry gods, each syllable dripping with fury. "You dare devour my descendant?"


    Arthur¡¯s body tensed. He couldn¡¯t win. He couldn¡¯t fucking win.


    Arthur barely had time to react.


    Before he could even brace himself, the Titan moved¡ªno, it blurred. One moment it was in front of him, its angelic form towering above the glowing sands, and the next, it had closed the distance between them with terrifying speed. Arthur¡¯s eyes barely registered the movement before the Titan¡¯s fist connected with his jaw. The force was unlike anything he had ever experienced¡ªfar more than the brutal slugs he had fought in the past. This was pure, celestial might, a power born from light itself.


    The impact sent him flying across the sands, his body crashing against the ground like a ragdoll. He skidded to a halt, pain radiating through every bone in his body. His jaw throbbed, his vision blurred, but he could still see the Titan¡¯s form stalking toward him.


    Before he could rise, another strike came¡ªthis time to his midsection. The Titan¡¯s fist sunk into his ribs, and Arthur felt something crack. He gasped, his mouth filling with blood as he doubled over, his entire body screaming in agony. The ground trembled with every blow, and Arthur knew, deep down, that he was completely outmatched.


    The Titan was on him again, faster than he could react. Another blow slammed into his skull, sending him tumbling backward. Arthur tried to fight back, his claws lashing out in desperation, but it was like trying to fight the wind. His attacks were slow, lumbering, and the Titan danced around them with ease. The Titan¡¯s eyes, filled with righteous fury, narrowed as it dodged each of Arthur¡¯s swipes, barely exerting any effort.


    Arthur tried to channel the darkness within him, the new power he had gained. And, he didn¡¯t know how but, the darkness flared to life, wrapping around his claws like tendrils of shadow.


    But of course, the Titan swatted it away with a single movement, its wings shimmering with radiant light.


    The Titan¡¯s voice was cold, filled with fury as it spoke again, "You dare use the darkness against me?"


    Its hand shot out, grabbing Arthur by the throat with effortless strength. Arthur gasped, his body thrashing as he tried to free himself from the Titan¡¯s grip, but it was no use. The Titan lifted him off the ground as though he weighed nothing, its glowing eyes boring into his soul. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I loved my descendants," the Titan snarled, its voice trembling with barely contained rage. "Each one of them was precious to me. And you... you consumed them."


    Arthur¡¯s claws scraped uselessly at the Titan¡¯s arm, his muscles straining as he tried to break free. His molten claws, his strength, everything that had made him feel invincible until now, was utterly meaningless in the face of the Titan¡¯s overwhelming power. It was like trying to tear through steel with bare hands.


    The Titan squeezed tighter, its grip cutting off Arthur¡¯s air, the light from its eyes growing brighter, more dangerous. Arthur¡¯s vision blurred, and his lungs burned as he struggled to breathe. His Void Core pulsed in protest, darkness trying to rise within him, but every time it did, the Titan¡¯s light smothered it, stamping it out with ease.


    Arthur tried to fight back¡ªhe really did.


    With one final surge of effort, he let out a feral growl, his claws flashing as he swung them at the Titan¡¯s face. This time, the attack connected, leaving a shallow gash on the Titan¡¯s cheek.


    The Titan froze.


    For a moment, Arthur thought he had managed to turn the tide. But the look in the Titan¡¯s eyes told him otherwise.


    The Titan¡¯s fury exploded.


    It slammed Arthur into the ground with enough force to shake the entire mindscape. The sands trembled beneath them, cracks forming in the clear earth as Arthur¡¯s body sunk into the ground. Pain erupted through his entire frame, his bones screaming as if they were being torn apart. And before he could recover, the Titan was on him again.


    Its fists rained down like meteors, each blow hitting harder than the last. Arthur felt his scales shatter, his flesh tearing under the relentless assault. His vision swam as blood filled his mouth, the metallic taste coating his tongue as he gasped for air.


    Every attempt to fight back only seemed to make the Titan more furious.


    Arthur¡¯s claws scraped uselessly against the sand as he tried to rise, but the Titan¡¯s foot came down on his back, pinning him to the ground. It pressed harder, and Arthur felt his ribs groan under the pressure, threatening to snap.


    "I will see to it," the Titan whispered, its voice filled with cold wrath, "that you are erased."


    Arthur¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as the Titan raised its glowing hand. Light poured from its palm, radiating with an intensity that made Arthur¡¯s eyes burn just to look at it.


    This is it, he thought, his mind reeling from the sheer brutality of the assault. He had faced death before, but this... this was different. There was no escape, no last-minute save, no trick he could pull to get out of this one. He was finished.


    The light grew brighter, almost blinding now.


    I¡¯m going to die¡­


    ¡­


    ..


    .

 Chapter 20: Darkness + Light = ?

    I¡¯m going to die¡­


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    But then, something else stirred. Something deep, ancient, stirred beneath the sands. The clear ground began to darken, shadows creeping up from the depths like tendrils of the abyss, swallowing the light.


    The sands beneath them shifted, darkening, and a low rumble echoed across the mindscape. The Titan of Light froze, its expression shifting from anger to... fear?


    Out of the corner of Arthur¡¯s eye, something moved¡ªan eye, massive and slitted, opening within the void of the darkened sands. A low, primal rumble echoed across the mindscape, a sound so deep it seemed to resonate with the very core of his being. The light around them flickered, dimming as the presence of something far more ancient, far more powerful than the Titan of Light, began to rise.


    The voice was more of a force than a sound, and with those simple words, the Titan of Light recoiled in terror. It tried to flee, its wings flaring as it attempted to escape into the safety of the heavens, but the voice spoke again.


    The voice that followed wasn¡¯t just heard¡ªit was felt.


    "Be gone."


    The words shook the very fabric of the mindscape. The Titan of Light recoiled, its wings flaring wide as it tried to flee. It moved faster than Arthur could comprehend, but the voice spoke again.


    "Be Gone."


    The Titan of Light didn¡¯t even have time to scream. It simply... vanished. Erased, as though it had never existed.


    Arthur collapsed, gasping for air, his body trembling from the brutal assault. Every inch of him ached, his scales cracked and broken, his muscles torn from the repeated blows. He barely had the strength to lift his head, let alone move.


    And then, he saw it.


    The eye¡ªthe same one that had appeared in his earlier visions¡ªwas staring down at him, its gaze cold and ancient. It didn¡¯t speak this time, but the message was clear.


    The primal force of Destruction had saved him. And before it vanished into the void, it gave Arthur a single, terrifying command.


    "Devour."


    With that, the eye closed, and Arthur was plunged back into reality.


    *


    Arthur gasped as he woke with a start, his entire body drenched in sweat, his mind reeling from what had just happened. His muscles ached, his very essence felt like it had been torn apart and rebuilt. But the system chimed once more.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    New Passive Ability Acquired: Synergy


    Light and Darkness now coexist within your Void Core. When exposed to light, your body will heal over time. When enveloped in darkness, your overall abilities will be enhanced. Synergy between these two elements allows one to activate the other when present.


    Arthur¡¯s lips curled into a sharp grin, though his mind was still buzzing from the encounter. The rewards were immense, but the experience had shaken him to his core. He had come so close to death¡ªso close to being nothing more than a broken shell.


    That Titan... it could have ended him. Were Titans that strong? He had already gone through his first major evolution!


    He was an Abyssal Drake now!


    And, that Titan blitzed him in seconds?


    He growled low, the satisfaction of his new power mixing with the fear that still lingered from the battle. One thing was certain: the rules of this world were more complicated than he thought.


    And there were beings far more dangerous than him out there.


    For now.


    *


    Arthur¡¯s muscles still ached from the beating he¡¯d endured in the mindscape, but the thrill of his newly acquired Synergy ability simmered beneath his skin. There was power in the air¡ªthick and palpable¡ªand his Void Core buzzed with anticipation. He needed to test it, to understand just how deep this newfound connection between light and darkness ran.


    Moving deeper into the crystal cave, he sought out the darker corners, away from the gleaming light of the towering crystal spires. The shadows stretched long as he descended, the air growing cooler. Each step felt deliberate, purposeful, as if his body already knew what was waiting for him in the darkness.


    The moment he stepped into the gloom, everything changed.


    Arthur gasped, his entire body vibrating with energy. It was as if his very essence doubled, no¡ªtripled, in strength. His limbs felt lighter, his movements swifter. It was an overwhelming surge of power, like he had downed ten red bulls in a single breath. The connection was immediate, primal. Darkness wasn¡¯t just his ally now¡ªit was his fuel, igniting something deep within him.


    He flexed his claws, feeling the molten heat swirling through them. A grin tugged at his maws. With a flick of his wrist, he swiped at the nearest crystal, and molten fire blazed from his claws.


    Hisssssss...


    The crystal didn¡¯t just crack¡ªit melted, the glowing residue dripping like molten glass onto the cave floor. The molten heat felt stronger here, more intense, almost as if the dark amplified it beyond anything he had experienced before. His claws shimmered with a brighter hue, the heat radiating off them in waves.


    Arthur chuckled darkly. Synergy wasn¡¯t just a passive skill¡ªit was an amplifier. The darkness itself was bending to his will, enhancing his power in ways he hadn¡¯t fully realized until now.


    "Looks like darkness and I are going to be good friends," he muttered, stepping further into the shadows. Every inch of his body buzzed with raw, untamed energy. He could feel it thrumming in his veins, pushing him to test the limits of what this synergy could truly achieve.


    His gaze drifted to his tail, thick and muscular, coiled behind him like a waiting serpent. He hadn¡¯t given it much thought since his transformation, but now¡­ now he felt the potential in every fiber.


    The dark energy continued to pulse around him, amplifying every sensation. Arthur flexed his tail, feeling the raw strength that had come with his new form. It moved like an extension of his will, responding instantly as he swiped it across the cave floor. The force of the movement sent a gust of water and debris scattering in all directions, the sharp crack echoing off the crystalline walls.


    Not bad. But he wanted more.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, focusing on one of the sturdier crystal formations further ahead. It jutted out of the cave floor like a jagged spear, its shimmering surface glowing faintly even in the darkness. He positioned himself, tensing his muscles before twisting his body in a sudden, fluid motion.


    Wham!


    His tail slammed into the crystal spire with a sound that reverberated through the entire chamber. The crystal buckled under the impact, cracks spiderwebbing out from the point of contact. Arthur¡¯s tail vibrated from the force of the strike, but the crystal didn¡¯t shatter¡ªat least, not yet.


    Arthur bared his teeth. "Let¡¯s see how much more you can take."


    With another surge of dark energy fueling him, Arthur swung his tail again, this time with even more force. The strike was brutal, the molten power from his core pouring into his tail as it connected with the crystal once more.


    Crack!


    The crystal spire shattered into pieces, fragments flying through the water in a glittering spray. Arthur watched with satisfaction as the remnants clattered to the cave floor, the water around them steaming from the heat still radiating off his tail. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He swished his tail through the water, the remnants of the molten power still flickering along its length. His strength was undeniable¡ªenhanced, sharpened by the darkness that surrounded him. Every inch of his body felt like a weapon, his tail especially.


    Arthur chuckled, the sound low and dangerous in the quiet of the cave. "Yeah, this will do."


    Testing the limits of his newfound strength, both in his claws and tail, left him invigorated. He could feel the power building within him, the essence of darkness intertwined with his very core. This world was unforgiving, but now¡­ so was he.

 Chapter 21: Onwards To The Next Monster

    Arthur¡¯s mind still reeled from his encounter in the mindscape. That battle had nearly killed him, and worse, it had humiliated him. Arthur had been helpless.


    The thought of it gnawed at him. He gritted his teeth, claws flexing as the glow from the crystal cave bathed him in eerie light. One thing was crystal clear to him now: he needed more than physical strength to survive this world. The next time, if there was another Titan or some mind-invading beast, he would need protection against mental assaults.


    "I need... something," he muttered under his breath. His mind drifted toward thoughts of monsters he might come across, creatures that might have mental resistance or even manipulation abilities. If he could find one with the right traits, he could devour it¡ªtake its essence, just like he had done before. The thought of another Titan entering his mindscape and toying with him made his scales itch. No. Never again. He wasn¡¯t a masochist. He¡¯d learn to shield himself from that kind of attack, evolve in more than just his physical form.


    But for now, his immediate goal was clear. He needed more first-stage monsters. The essence he had gained from the Slugterra was a start, but it wasn¡¯t enough. His gut told him that something big was waiting for him once he reached the second stage. Something profound. A major evolution that would elevate him into a new realm of power.


    With a flick of his tail, Arthur turned his attention to the piles of Noom remains from his earlier conquests. They lay scattered across the cavern floor, remnants of past victories.


    "Might as well take some souvenirs," he mused with a smirk. He activated the [Inventory] system, marveling at the surreal feeling of storing bodies within the void-like space. One by one, he packed away as many as the system allowed¡ªpiling in Noom corpses, and shards of crystal as he prepared for his next journey.


    "Good enough," Arthur muttered as he glanced at the [Map] once more. The yellow dot¡ªthe same one that had once been a terrifying red¡ªhovered ominously in the waters below. He had evolved since then. His power had grown, his molten claws now pulsed with heat, and his darkness-enhanced senses made him feel like a predator on the verge of a new hunt. The time had come to see just how far he¡¯d progressed.


    With one last look at the cave¡¯s sparkling crystal ceiling, Arthur dove back into the water. The coldness of the lake greeted him like an old friend, the pressure of the deep weighing on his thickened body, but it no longer felt like a hindrance. If anything, it felt natural. His rudimentary wings allowed him to glide effortlessly through the water, and his streamlined body cut through the currents like a blade.


    The lake opened up before him, vast and full of life. Strange creatures lurked in the shadows, fantastical beasts that seemed both beautiful and deadly. A school of fish swam by, their scales gleaming like gemstones, each one the size of a small horse. Tentacle-like plants drifted in the water, swaying hypnotically with the current, their tips glowing with bioluminescence.


    Arthur didn¡¯t just admire the scenery, though. He was the predator here. Every movement was calculated, and every creature that dared approach was met with his razor-sharp claws and molten power. A particularly bold eel-like monster lunged at him, teeth bared and lightning sparking around its body. Arthur smirked as he dodged its attack effortlessly. His claws cleaved through the eel in one swift motion, and before the creature even had time to react, Arthur bit down, devouring its essence in seconds. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Snack. He thought, licking the blood from his maw. It was good, but it wasn¡¯t enough to make a difference.


    The deeper Arthur swam, the stranger the creatures became. A massive, jellyfish-like monster with tentacles that shimmered with fire attempted to entangle him, but he snapped its tendrils with ease, tearing through its soft body and leaving it to drift lifelessly in his wake. More monsters came, each one larger and more dangerous than the last, but each one fell just as easily. His hunger was insatiable, and with every kill, he felt his strength grow, his essence accumulating for the next great evolution.


    But something changed.


    The water around him grew hotter, almost uncomfortably so. Arthur paused, his molten claws glowing brighter as he moved deeper into the lake. Steam rose from cracks in the lakebed, and bubbles of gas escaped in slow, rhythmic bursts. He swam through a field of vents, each one releasing scalding steam that clouded the water with thick mist. The heat here was intense, oppressive, but it didn¡¯t bother Arthur as much as it might have before. His scales resisted the heat, though he could still feel the heavy pressure of the environment around him.


    And then he saw it¡ªskeletons.


    The bottom of the lake was littered with bones. Not just any bones, but the remains of massive creatures. Skeletons of past monsters lay scattered across the seabed, some still intact, others broken and weathered by time. Arthur¡¯s eyes scanned the scene, lingering on a particularly enormous set of bones¡ªfar larger than anything he¡¯d encountered before. Its skull alone was larger than Arthur¡¯s entire body, its jaws filled with rows of sharp, jagged teeth. Whatever it had been in life, it had clearly ruled this part of the lake.


    Arthur¡¯s instincts screamed at him. Something had killed it. And it wasn¡¯t far.


    His [Map] pulsed again, the yellow dot shifting, moving closer to his location. Arthur¡¯s claws twitched in anticipation, molten heat swirling around them as he swam forward. His eyes narrowed, the heat of the water intensifying around him. The creature¡ªwhatever it was¡ªwas close.


    A low growl escaped his throat as the yellow dot blinked ever closer.

 Chapter 22: The Serpent Versus The Drake

    Arthur floated silently in the darkened waters of the underwater gas seeps, his eyes locked on the approaching yellow dot on his [Map]. The water here was thick with heat and bubbles, and the ground was littered with bones¡ªskeletal remains of creatures that had long perished in this hostile biome.


    He sensed it in the way the water was moving in waves around him. He dubbed the monster he was about to face - The Serpent.


    The Serpent was coming, and Arthur wasn¡¯t going to face it head-on. He¡¯d learned that lesson from his fight with the SlugTerra. Ambush was key.


    The temperature of the water spiked as the Serpent slithered into view, its length seemingly endless. Its massive body, easily ten times Arthur¡¯s current size, stretched far into the depths of the darkened water, coiling and uncoiling like an endless nightmare. Its scales shimmered like molten iron, each one thick and jagged, glistening with the sulfurous gases that it expelled. The very water boiled in its presence, the currents warping under the intense heat radiating from the beast. Bones, once buried in the seabed, shifted and clattered as the Serpent¡¯s bulk disturbed them with each movement, its presence bending the environment to its will.


    The darkness of the cavern did little to obscure its form; if anything, it enhanced the eerie glow that flickered from the Serpent¡¯s eyes. They weren¡¯t just eyes¡ªthey were like twin beacons of crystalline fire, burning with the primal energy of something far older than Arthur could comprehend. They watched him, cold and calculating, and then... it spoke.


    "I ssssee youusss...," it hissed, the sound a twisted symphony of malice and decay. Its voice wasn¡¯t just heard; it was felt. It reverberated through the water, creeping into Arthur¡¯s very bones, wrapping around his mind like an invasive tendril, squeezing. The sheer weight of the Serpent¡¯s presence pressed against him, making it hard to breathe¡ªeven though he didn¡¯t need to in this form.


    The Serpent shifted, its body snaking closer, displacing the water in waves that sent ripples through the bones and skeletal remains littering the cavern floor. As it moved, its voice slithered into Arthur¡¯s mind again, more forceful this time, more invasive.


    "Thisss isss my domain... and you, you are nothing but a flessssshy morsel, a little thing to be devoured, much like many others that have comeeee heressss."


    Arthur¡¯s molten claws flexed instinctively, the heat in them rising as his nerves screamed at him to act. But he held still, every muscle in his body taut with tension. The Serpent¡¯s words were poison, designed to weaken, to erode the mind before it struck. Arthur knew that kind of tactic. He¡¯d read about it, seen it in games. This thing wanted him scared, wanted him broken before it even took a bite.


    "I have ssslain creaturesss far more powerful than you...," the Serpent hissed, its voice rising, filling the cavern. Its body twisted, wrapping around one of the towering skeletal remains, a massive ribcage from a long-dead monster, and crushed it effortlessly in its coils. The bones shattered like glass, fragments sinking into the depths below. "You will join them... jusssst another sssoftssskinned fool who thought they could challenge the Sssserpent... the King of thissss placccce!"


    It was a challenge. The Serpent didn¡¯t just believe it was superior¡ªit knew it was. The confidence in its voice was absolute, unwavering, built on eons of survival and victory. It had never lost. Never been bested. And it didn¡¯t think Arthur was even worth a true fight.


    "Sssstep out of the dark, draake..." it hissed again, the words turning to a taunt. "Come and let me feel your bonesss crack in my jawsss... let me drink from your molten core... Let me sssee how long you can cling to your pitiful exissstencce before I take it from you."


    "You cannot hide from mee, little draake... I have ruled thisss placce for centurysss... and no prey hasss ever essscaped me..."


    Arthur¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, every word tightening the pressure in his mind. The Serpent was drawing closer, circling him like a predator, its eyes glowing brighter, more menacing with every word. The very water around them seemed to throb with the Serpent¡¯s dark energy. The sulfurous mist that seeped from its scales clouded the water, reducing visibility, making the beast seem even more like a creature of nightmare than it already was.


    "You think hiding in the dark will sssave you?" the Serpent hissed. "I can sssmell you, I can tassste your fear... Come out, draake... let me end your misssery..."


    It paused, then spoke once more, its voice lowering, becoming almost a whisper, but no less terrifying. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ssssoon... I will feassst."


    The Serpent moved closer, its body rippling with deadly grace. It didn¡¯t rush¡ªthere was no need. It believed Arthur was already defeated, that this fight was over before it had even begun.


    It coiled its body, preparing for what it thought would be an easy kill. But Arthur wasn¡¯t done yet. His claws flexed, the molten heat pulsing through him, his mind clearing from the fear the Serpent had tried to instill. It had made one fatal mistake.


    It underestimated him.


    Arthur¡¯s pulse quickened, his molten claws glowing faintly beneath the surface.


    He wasn¡¯t afraid¡ªnot anymore. He¡¯d faced death before, and he¡¯d come out stronger every time. This fight would be no different. But he needed to wait for the right moment, to get close enough to strike before the Serpent could react.


    The Serpent coiled through the water, its tail flicking lazily as it passed by Arthur¡¯s hiding place. Arthur held his breath, his eyes narrowing as the massive creature glided past, completely unaware of his presence.


    Now.


    Arthur exploded from the shadows, his body surging forward with all the speed his new wings could muster. His molten claws ignited, blazing with intense heat as he aimed for the Serpent¡¯s underbelly¡ªits weakest point. He slashed through the water, his claws making contact with the Serpent¡¯s sulfurous exoskeleton.

 Chapter 23: Rookie Mistake

    Arthur burst from the inky shadows, his new wings unfurling like jagged obsidian blades, propelling him forward with a force that churned the dark waters behind him. His molten claws ignited mid-strike, glowing like twin suns dragged from the depths of hell, and he drove them toward the exposed underside of the Serpent¡ªa vulnerable patch hidden beneath layers of sulfur-stained armor. The water around him roiled, boiling in response to the sheer heat radiating from his talons.


    The Serpent¡¯s scream was not a sound but a vibration, a deep, resonating tremor that shook Arthur¡¯s bones and threatened to shatter the cavern¡¯s walls. Its colossal body writhed in agony, sulfurous gas seeping from fresh wounds. But Arthur gave it no reprieve. He was relentless, claws carving fiery paths into the creature¡¯s flesh with every furious swipe. Steam exploded into the water as molten claws met acidic blood, turning the abyss around them into a battlefield of hissing bubbles and corrosive mist.


    The Serpent thrashed wildly, its titanic coils snapping with a force that could have crushed mountains, but Arthur moved with a dancer¡¯s grace¡ªno, a predator¡¯s instinct. His Synergy with the darkness wrapped around him like a second skin, blurring the lines between shadow and motion. It felt like swimming through pure thought, every movement frictionless, every dodge effortless. As the Serpent¡¯s massive tail whipped toward him, Arthur folded his wings tight and dove, the tail narrowly missing him by inches, stirring a shockwave that displaced the murky water.


    Arthur slipped beneath the beast again, claws crackling with renewed heat. Each strike was sharper, deeper, a deliberate dissection of its defenses. Where the Serpent¡¯s gas hissed out in bursts, Arthur¡¯s molten trails cauterized it, sealing shut what should have festered and spread.


    The beast¡¯s roar became desperate¡ªferal. It lashed out with both its tail and fangs, twisting its entire body into chaotic knots, a vortex of limbs and venom. But Arthur remained a ghost in the shadows. He darted between strikes, appearing just long enough to leave another blazing gash in the monster¡¯s side before vanishing again. His heart pounded, the rhythm of battle aligning with the pulse of his Synergy, the shadows whispering strategies that no mortal mind could have devised.


    "You dare challenge meee?!" the Serpent screeched, its voice full of fury. "I will devour you, little draake!"


    The Serpent¡¯s body convulsed, and suddenly, the entire battlefield shifted. The geothermal vents beneath them erupted, spewing boiling steam and molten rock into the water. The heat was overwhelming, and Arthur felt the pressure of the steam pushing against him. The Serpent had manipulated the environment, turning the battlefield into a death trap.


    Arthur gritted his teeth, his claws slashing through the thick steam as he dodged another one of the Serpent¡¯s attacks. It was regenerating¡ªslowly, but surely. The gashes Arthur had inflicted were closing, the flesh knitting itself back together as the Serpent absorbed the geothermal energy from the vents.


    He needed to end this quickly.


    Arthur swam upward, using his wings to gain height. The Serpent followed, its crystal eyes glowing with hatred as it pursued him through the boiling water. Arthur dove down, aiming for the Serpent¡¯s head, his claws glowing with molten heat. But just as he was about to strike, the Serpent¡¯s tail whipped around, faster than he could react.


    Wham!


    Arthur was slammed into the seabed, the impact knocking the wind out of him. He struggled to get up, but before he could, the Serpent¡¯s massive body coiled around him, crushing him in its grip.


    "Sssstruggle all you want, draake..." the Serpent hissed, its voice dripping with malice. "You are mine now..."


    Arthur growled, his molten claws digging into the Serpent¡¯s flesh, but it wasn¡¯t enough. The pressure was too much. He could feel his hard ribs cracking, the air being squeezed from his lungs. The Serpent¡¯s body tightened around him, its crystal teeth gleaming as it prepared to strike the final blow.


    No. Not like this.


    Arthur¡¯s mind raced. A memory flickered in Arthur¡¯s mind¡ªhis crystals!


    Whipping out a crystal from his [Inventory], Arthur grabbed it, its jagged edges cutting into his claws. The Serpent¡¯s fangs were inches from his face, its body tightening around him like a vice. Arthur grinned, his eyes gleaming with defiance.


    "Not today."


    He slammed the crystal into the Serpent¡¯s side.


    The reaction was immediate.


    The Serpent screamed, its body convulsing as the salt from the crystals burned through its flesh like acid. Its coils loosened, and Arthur took the opportunity to break free. He slashed at the Serpent¡¯s body with his molten claws, each strike sending the creature into a frenzy of pain and panic.


    The Serpent¡¯s body convulsed, thrashing with such force that the water itself seemed to tremble. The salt crystal burned into its flesh, hissing and bubbling as it dissolved into its scaled hide. The creature¡¯s eyes, once burning with cruel amusement, flared wide with shock and agony. Its mouth opened in a shriek that sounded more like metal being torn apart.


    "I¡­ will¡­ not¡­ fall¡­ to you¡­" the Serpent hissed, voice slurring, body writhing uncontrollably. It lashed out wildly, acidic gas spilling from its pores as it thrashed the water, creating deadly whirlpools of corrosive mist. Arthur barely dodged the next strike as the Serpent¡¯s massive tail swung past, missing him by inches.


    The water boiled around them, thick with the poisonous fumes. Arthur¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. This monster wasn¡¯t just flailing in pain¡ªit was still dangerous, deadly. One wrong move, and he¡¯d be skewered by those razor-like tendrils or worse, melted alive by the very air around the beast.


    The Serpent coiled tighter, its body trembling. "How¡­ dare¡­ you¡­" Its eyes glowed with hatred, like it couldn¡¯t comprehend that this "little drake" had wounded it so deeply.


    Arthur grabbed another salt crystal and charged, his molten claws heating the water around him as he aimed for the creature¡¯s head. He had to end this. Now.


    The Serpent¡¯s massive form twisted again, but it was slower now, the salt burning deeper into its body. Arthur leaped, salt crystal raised high above his head, and with a furious roar, he slammed it down.


    The crystal plunged into the Serpent¡¯s gaping maw, driving straight through its upper skull and pinning it to the seabed. The Serpent¡¯s eyes widened, pupils dilating as the salt dissolved through its brain. It let out one final, ear-splitting screech before its body fell limp, coiled and motionless.


    Arthur stood above it, chest heaving, eyes wide with adrenaline. He roared in triumph, the sound echoing through the water. He had done it. He had killed the monster. He flexed his molten claws, the heat still radiating from them as the last remnants of the Serpent¡¯s life force slipped away.


    But something gnawed at him. Where was the system notification? Why hadn¡¯t he felt that familiar rush of power?


    Arthur froze. The Serpent¡¯s body was too still. Too quiet. Slowly, realization dawned. He turned, eyes narrowing just in time to see the Serpent¡¯s jaws snap shut, crushing the salt crystal inside.


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

 Chapter 24: Tribulation Lightning’s A Bitch

    But something gnawed at him. Where was the system notification? Why hadn¡¯t he felt that familiar rush of power?


    Arthur froze. The Serpent¡¯s body was too still. Too quiet. Slowly, realization dawned. He turned, eyes narrowing just in time to see the Serpent¡¯s jaws snap shut, crushing the salt crystal inside.


    "Currrseee Youuuuusssss!" it hissed, voice ragged but alive. Before Arthur could move, the Serpent lunged, its massive maw catching his arm. There was a sickening crunch.


    Arthur roared in pain as the creature tore through his thick hide, ripping his arm clean from his body. Blood poured into the water, thick and black, clouding his vision. The Serpent thrashed again, and Arthur¡¯s mind blanked with agony.


    But something stirred within him. Rage.


    The Synergy activated, twice the normal output, coursing through his veins like wildfire. His scales began to glow, a deep, furious red, the heat building within him. Arthur¡¯s muscles rippled as he turned, his one remaining arm catching the Serpent¡¯s jaw. His claws dug into its flesh, searing through muscle and bone.


    "You should¡¯ve fucking stay dead!"


    With a snarl, he planted his feet on the seabed, using the leverage to tear the Serpent¡¯s maw open wider. The creature shrieked, thrashing with its last strength, but it was too late. Arthur pulled, using all his might, until the Serpent¡¯s jaws ripped apart with a sickening snap.


    The body went limp, this time for real.


    Arthur let the remains fall, panting heavily, his vision blurring from the pain in his torn limb. His blood swirled in the water, mixing with the Serpent¡¯s.


    Arthur¡¯s mind was already fading when he felt a sharp pull within his chest. His Void Core, humming with primal energy, latched onto the dying Serpent¡¯s Spirit Core. Without warning, the essence of the fallen beast surged into him, drawn by the raw gravitational force of his Void Core. Arthur¡¯s body convulsed, a pulse of energy flooding through him, every fiber of his being screaming in protest as the dead Serpent¡¯s power tried to merge with his own.


    Then, the system chimed in.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have defeated the First-Stage Serpent of the Geothermal Abyss, a distant descendant of the Titan Serpent¡ªLeviathan.


    You have absorbed its Spirit Core.


    Arthur¡¯s void core roared to life, greedily pulling in the Serpent¡¯s power, breaking down the essence of the ancient creature and fusing it with his own. The pain was intense, burning through his body as the Spirit Core¡¯s energy intertwined with his Void Core, seeping into every part of him. He could feel the Serpent¡¯s memories¡ªthe primal need to dominate, the suffocating pride of being an apex predator¡ªmixing with his own thoughts.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Corrosive Skin: Your scales become infused with a corrosive agent, causing physical contact with enemies to melt and burn.


    Geothermal Mastery: Gain control over geothermal energy, allowing you to manipulate heat and pressure in your surroundings.


    Essence Absorption: Absorb The Serpent¡¯s essence to progress your Void Core. Strengthen your connection to your elemental powers, advancing your abilities. Evolution To Stage Two Available!


    Arthur¡¯s eyes flickered with exhaustion, barely able to focus. His mind was spinning, his body screaming in protest. Without a second thought, he selected Essence Absorption.


    And then, everything went black.


    As he faded into unconsciousness, one final thought crossed his mind.


    Next time¡­ finish the damn job before celebrating.


    *


    Arthur¡¯s body felt heavy, almost like a gravitational pull was dragging him down to the abyss. The remains of the Serpent lay motionless, and Arthur¡¯s battered form sat on the seabed, unconscious yet undergoing a powerful transformation.


    His [Void Core] hummed, vibrating deep within him, a gravitational force pulling in the ambient energy around him like a black hole. The water rippled, disturbed by the sheer force of the energy draw. The moment had come.


    And then, the system chimed in.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Essence Absorbed: Evolution To Stage Two Initiated!


    Arthur¡¯s entire form began to glow, his flesh tightening, his molten claws retracting as his body was pulled inward, compressed by the system¡¯s demands. His consciousness drifted into a dark, dreamlike state, floating in a void as his physical body was cocooned in an egg-like shell that began forming around him.


    What¡¯s¡­ happening? Arthur¡¯s thoughts were sluggish, his mind adrift in the darkness.


    But something stirred within him¡ªan innate understanding, a primal instinct that guided his evolving body.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Warning: Second Stage Evolution Will Invoke Heavenly Tribulation.


    Survive to complete the evolution.


    The words flashed in his mind, but they barely registered. Arthur¡¯s body had already been encased in a crystalline egg. The outside world, once full of deadly predators and ruthless battles, now felt distant. All that mattered now was survival. His essence swirled within the egg, pulsating like molten energy waiting to be unleashed.


    Then, the environment changed.


    Outside the egg, the ocean seemed to freeze in anticipation. The water around Arthur¡¯s The cocoon lay dormant, shrouded in the oppressive quiet of the ocean¡¯s depths. But the sea knew what was coming. There was a strange tension in the water, a stillness that even the long-dead bones of ancient creatures seemed to sense. The seabed quivered, as though bracing itself for something inevitable. Then¡ª


    CRACK! S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The first bolt of lightning struck. It was a sharp, searing blast of energy, carving through the water like it was air, defying the laws of the ocean. The surface trembled, and the earth groaned under the weight of divine force. A soundless roar tore through the water, followed by a massive shockwave that sent everything rippling outward.


    Another bolt¡ª BZZZZT!


    This wasn¡¯t normal lightning; it was heavenly. The kind that didn¡¯t care if its target was in the depths of the ocean or high on a mountaintop. It came directly for Arthur. The forces behind evolution had chosen him for their wrath. His egg, a fragile thing against the cosmic forces bearing down on it, trembled under the pressure. Each crackle of lightning zeroed in, bursting through the water in waves of white-hot fury.


    Inside, Arthur was no longer aware of the physical world. He floated in his mindscape, a dark void illuminated only by the piercing flashes of divine judgment. He couldn¡¯t scream. He couldn¡¯t even move. Trapped within the cocoon, his body was being systematically torn apart, rebuilt with every painful second. It wasn¡¯t just the lightning that was reshaping him¡ªit was the very essence of Light and Darkness swirling in a chaotic storm within his core.


    CRACK!


    The egg split with each strike, its crystalline surface spider-webbing with bright, glowing cracks.


    "Will I survive this?" Arthur thought, a rare flicker of doubt creeping into his mind. The Heavenly Mandate wasn¡¯t just testing his body¡ªit was testing his resolve, his will to evolve, to ascend.


    BZZZT!


    The lightning hit again, harder this time. It wasn¡¯t just pain anymore¡ªit was raw, unrelenting power. His core, the Void, struggled to contain the onslaught. The elemental forces of Light and Darkness clashed violently, each bolt pushing and pulling at his essence, threatening to tear him apart from the inside. His thoughts blurred, the agony so intense it felt like fire burning through every fiber of his being.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Tribulation Progress: 30%


    Endure the Heavenly Lightning to complete Stage Two Evolution.


    Arthur¡¯s teeth ground together, though he had no physical form within his cocoon. His consciousness trembled under the weight of the trial. His body was being tempered like steel under a hammer, yet he gritted his metaphorical teeth and held on.


    The tribulation wasn¡¯t a quick ordeal. Days passed¡ªweeks even. Time had become an abstract concept. His mind reeled with exhaustion, the continuous strikes of lightning battering at his will. He was beyond pain now¡ªhe was surviving on sheer grit. The darkness around him pulsed, growing stronger with each strike, and he clung to it, drawing strength from the deep void.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Tribulation Progress: 60%


    Endure. The trial nears its peak.


    The cracks in the egg deepened, molten light pouring from them, each bolt reshaping him more violently than the last. Light and Darkness surged in his core, each fighting for dominance. Arthur was their battleground. Synergy, the delicate balance that kept him together, wavered, threatened to collapse.


    "Not yet. Not now."


    The egg glowed brighter, searing red and deep black swirling within it. His muscles expanded, his body growing larger, his tail longer, his claws sharper. The very heat of the abyss began to feed him as his new form solidified. Wings¡ªlarger than before¡ªpulsed with the primal energy of the ocean, preparing for deeper waters.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Tribulation Progress: 90%


    Hold steady. The final strike approaches.


    The last bolt of lightning came like a hammer blow. CRASH! The water exploded in a surge of force, a blast that rocked the entire seabed and sent tremors through the ecosystem. The bones of ancient creatures rattled as the final trial began. Arthur¡¯s egg shattered, the divine energy bursting out in a blinding flash of light that temporarily turned the dark ocean into day.


    Arthur, within the shattered remnants of his cocoon, felt the power coursing through him. The elements¡ªthe Void, the Light, the Darkness¡ªall coalesced inside him, forming a new, more powerful form. His body had been broken down and rebuilt, his muscles stronger, his claws sharper, his scales harder.


    The system was the first to chime in.

 Chapter 25: Evolution To A Drake Of Destruction

    Arthur stood within the crumbling remains of his cocoon, a husk of shimmering fragments drifting into the dark water, dissolving like memories of a past life. He drew his first breath as something new, and power surged through him¡ªwild, overwhelming, limitless. It was as if the universe itself had cracked open, pouring its raw essence into the marrow of his bones. The Void, the Light, and the Darkness didn¡¯t just reside within him¡ªthey had become him. The elements no longer fought for dominance. Instead, they wove together, threading through every fiber of his being like a cosmic symphony brought to life.


    His muscles rippled with uncontained energy, coiling beneath his skin like serpents waiting to strike. He flexed his claws, and they responded with a low hum, sharper than obsidian, each curve etched with the faint glow of runes forged from pure light. They gleamed with a deadly, divine purpose, promising annihilation to anything that dared stand in his way. His wings stretched wide, unfurling like a banner of night sky, flecks of starlight glimmering along the edges, and in their span, Arthur felt the touch of limitless freedom.


    His scales¡ªonce marred from battle¡ªwere now an unbreakable armor, gleaming like molten metal cooled under the blackest ocean depths. They no longer just shielded him; they radiated power, a blend of shadow and radiance that pulsed like the heartbeat of a forgotten god. The touch of the Void resonated in his core, an endless emptiness that did not devour but offered potential¡ªpotential to create, to unmake, and to bend existence itself to his will.


    Light flickered through his veins, not soft or forgiving but blazing, fierce¡ªlike a sun barely contained beneath fragile flesh. It coursed through him, making his senses sharper, his thoughts faster, his mind clearer than it had ever been. He could feel it beneath his skin, a scorching brilliance that demanded release, aching to burn away anything that dared threaten him. And yet, the Darkness tempered it¡ªcool, seductive, wrapping itself around the Light like a lover¡¯s embrace, softening the edges, ensuring balance. It gave Arthur precision where there might have been recklessness, cunning where there could have been blind rage.


    Every part of him was sharper¡ªhis senses, his instincts, his very soul. He could feel the water pressing against his body, each current bending to his presence. The light from distant sources shimmered and bent as it touched his scales, unable to fully capture his form, as though reality itself struggled to define what he had become.


    The system was the first to chime in.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur!


    You are the first monster to successfully reach Stage Two in under a week.


    New evolutionary choices available:


    Infernal Abyss Drake: You become a dark flame user, mastering both heat and shadow. Your body becomes lighter, increasing speed and enhancing stealth in low-light environments. You¡¯ll blend fire and darkness to create devastating flame attacks that are cloaked in shadow, leaving your enemies scorched and blinded. Your flames can target not just the body but the soul energy of your foes, causing both physical and spiritual damage.


    Drake Of Unity (Rare!): Harness the powers of light and darkness in perfect balance. You will gain the ability to alternate between radiant attacks and shadow manipulation. Your body will be smaller but denser, allowing for extreme agility, and your Void Core will evolve to handle seven major elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Light, and Darkness). The synergy between these elements will make each one stronger in the presence of its opposite, and you¡¯ll grow stronger as you maintain equilibrium.


    Drake Of Destruction (Unique!): Unleash the raw, untamed power of destruction. Your body will grow massive and resilient, built to withstand extreme forces while delivering devastating blows. You will possess the ability to break down matter and energy, reducing everything in your path to ruin. However, your element of light and darkness will be sacrificed. Additionally, you will only be able to choose one other element in the future. The [Synergy] skill will be sacrificed, replaced with the passive/active ability [Destruction Pulse], allowing you to either passively gather and emily low-shockwaves of destructive energy. If used in Active mode, you will release all the destructive energy inside you in a blast, weakening and breaking down anything they touch.


    Arthur wanted to curse out loud when he saw the options. Each one was tempting in its own way, but two stood out among the rest: Drake of Unity and Drake of Destruction.


    The Drake of Unity was the first to catch his attention. The idea of wielding both light and darkness¡ªof being able to harness seven elements¡ªseemed like a path to limitless potential. He would become a force of balance, a master of versatility, never tied down to one form of attack. The thought of being able to channel the strength of fire, water, lightning, and more appealed to him on a primal level. It was practical, precise, and full of untapped power.


    But as Arthur considered it, a creeping doubt settled in. Would balance truly make him invincible? Could he stand toe-to-toe with titans who embodied pure, overwhelming force? He recalled his brutal encounter with the Titan of Light¡ªthe way he had been beaten down mercilessly in the mindscape, his balance of light and darkness doing little to protect him. That titan had barely broken a sweat while smashing Arthur into the ground.


    Then there was the Drake of Destruction¡ªthe raw, savage power that called to him like a primal urge. The idea of becoming a walking cataclysm, breaking down everything in his path, had a certain allure. The power of destruction wasn¡¯t just about brute strength; it was about finality. No matter how strong something was, it could be destroyed.


    But the cost... He would have to sacrifice the balance he had worked so hard to achieve. No more light. No more darkness. Just destruction, and in the future, only one other element to command. The thought of giving up the light felt like throwing away everything he had gained from surviving the Titan of Light¡¯s assault. After all, hadn¡¯t he earned that power? The very essence of his void core was built on the synergy between light and darkness.


    Yet, the Drake of Destruction promised the ability to end foes with overwhelming might. And in the back of his mind, the image of the massive eye from his dreams loomed larger. It had been watching him, judging him¡ªand now, he felt an undeniable pull toward destruction. There was something deeper there, something he couldn¡¯t quite put into words. It felt like a destiny he couldn¡¯t avoid.


    His thoughts swirled in an endless loop, flicking back and forth between the two choices. Unity gave him versatility and strategy. Destruction gave him the purest form of power¡ªthe ability to obliterate anything in his path.


    Was it worth the sacrifice?


    Arthur hesitated, his mind weighing the consequences, but the memory of the eye¡ªthe Titan of Destruction¡ªpushed him forward. There was no reason to ignore the call of something far greater than himself. He was being pulled toward a path of chaos, and for the first time, he felt... compelled to embrace it.


    He would choose destruction.


    Arthur¡¯s consciousness ebbed away as the system silently recorded his decision. The remnants of his cocoon glowed faintly, raw power swirling around him as the transformation began. His body wasn¡¯t awake yet¡ªhe still slumbered in the shattered shell¡ªbut inside his core, his fate had been sealed. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His evolution into the Drake of Destruction was already underway.


    Arthur remained unconscious, still encased in the shattered remnants of his cocoon. His body was still absorbing the power of the tribulation, raw energy coursing through his veins. But deep inside his core, the system waited for a decision, eager for the next stage of his evolution.


    Inside the remnants of his cocoon, he stirred, not yet awake¡ªbut soon. Very soon.

 Chapter 26: The High Council (1)

    Interlude: The Council Of Kings


    The grand halls of Zephyrion, the floating citadel of the angels, were radiant, the light filtering through the celestial marble casting soft, ethereal shadows across the room. Statues of the Old Gods stood vigilant along the walls, silent reminders of an ancient order. Today, the five leaders of the world¡¯s great races gathered under the guise of unity, though none among them felt kinship. The Council of Kings, a temporary alliance forged in times of crisis, was nothing more than a brittle truce, often stained with old grudges and hidden agendas.


    This was one such time.


    It had been called only in times of great crisis, and now, the shifting of the world¡¯s balance demanded their attention once more.


    Seated at the center of the room was Seraphiel Dawnwing, Sovereign of the Angelic Race, her ethereal wings folded behind her like shimmering curtains of light. Her golden eyes flickered with restrained frustration as the others took their seats. To her right sat Zerathiel, the High Human Emperor, his cold blue eyes surveying the room with a detached indifference that only emperors could afford. Across from him, Gorak Stormfang, Chief of the Beastmen, scratched his clawed fingers against the stone, his amber eyes burning with impatience.


    "Is it too much to ask," Gorak growled, his voice thick with irritation, "that we skip the pleasantries? We know why we¡¯re here."


    Zerathiel¡¯s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. "I didn¡¯t realize you had such a limited attention span, Stormfang. Perhaps I should send you some human literature to broaden your horizons." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Careful, human," Gorak snarled, baring his fangs. "I¡¯ve never needed words to prove my strength."


    "Please," Elandor the Verdant, Emperor of the High Elves, interrupted, his smooth voice lilting with the elegance of a thousand years of elven rule. "If we¡¯re going to insult each other, at least be creative. These old quarrels bore me."


    Zerathiel¡¯s smile faded, but his eyes remained locked on Gorak. The tension between the High Humans and the Beastmen was ancient, rooted in countless battles over territory and supremacy. But this council, though fragile, demanded cooperation¡ªeven if the knife remained hidden behind their backs.


    Seraphiel raised her hand, her voice calm but firm. "This is neither the time nor the place for petty bickering. We are here because something has changed in the world. A new power has emerged¡ªone we cannot afford to ignore."


    Thurak Stonefist, the gruff King of the Elder Dwarves, grumbled from his seat. His heavy arms rested on the stone table, fingers still calloused from centuries of working the forge. "You speak like we don¡¯t feel it. The whole damned mountain¡¯s been humming with it for days. But what¡¯s worse is that it¡¯s growing. Whatever it is, it¡¯s on a bloody fast track to the Second Order."


    Seraphiel nodded. "The creature has evolved at a speed unprecedented in history."


    Gorak snorted. "Good. Let it grow. I¡¯ve never been one to turn down a proper challenge. Whatever it is, we can crush it before it becomes a real problem."


    "Crushing it," Elandor said smoothly, "might not be as simple as you believe, Gorak. Not all threats can be faced head-on with brute force."


    Gorak¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. "Is that how you justify hiding in your trees every time a war breaks out? The elves always find a way to disappear when things get difficult."


    Elandor smiled faintly, his green eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. "Perhaps. Or perhaps we simply choose our battles more wisely than those who charge headlong into the fray, only to bleed for nothing."


    "Enough!" Zerathiel¡¯s voice, sharp as a blade, cut through the exchange. His steely gaze moved between Gorak and Elandor. "This is not the time for old grudges. We¡¯re facing something we don¡¯t fully understand."


    "Understand this, human," Gorak said, his growl low and menacing. "When the time comes, I¡¯ll be there, teeth and claws. Just make sure you don¡¯t trip over your pretty little sword."


    Seraphiel exhaled softly, her patience wearing thin. "We must focus. What we felt is a shift in the very essence of the world, something powerful enough to unsettle the balance. The Scorching Badlands are stirring, and we all know that means trouble."


    Thurak, ever pragmatic, leaned forward. "You don¡¯t get this kind of power for free. This thing¡ªwhatever it is¡ªhas to be feeding on something. It¡¯s probably devoured more than we can imagine, and at this rate, it¡¯ll reach the Second Order in weeks."


    Seraphiel¡¯s wings fluttered slightly as she spoke, her voice even but urgent. "We cannot wait for that to happen. If it reaches the Second Order, we¡¯ll lose the opportunity to intervene."


    Elandor, still the calmest among them, raised an eyebrow. "And what do you suggest? We hunt it down? The world is vast, and we know little about this new power. Acting rashly could do more harm than good."


    Zerathiel¡¯s hand tightened around the hilt of his blade. "I am not in favor of inaction. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared."


    "Funny, coming from the race that¡¯s always scheming," Gorak muttered, earning a glare from Zerathiel. The Beastmen had never trusted the High Humans, their rivalry going back centuries, but the fragile peace of the Council kept their swords sheathed. For now.


    Thurak leaned back, stroking his thick beard. "I agree with the elf, for once. We need to understand what we¡¯re dealing with before rushing in. But we can¡¯t just sit on our asses either. We need to keep an eye on this thing."


    Seraphiel, though frustrated with the division among them, nodded. "Then it¡¯s decided. We will watch, but we must be prepared to act swiftly if necessary."


    "Then we are agreed?" Seraphiel asked, her eyes sweeping over the gathering. "We will observe for now. But should the threat grow¡ª"


    The temple shuddered.


    It was faint, almost imperceptible to those not attuned to the flow of essence in the world, but to the five leaders, it was as clear as the tolling of a bell. A pulse of power, raw and primal, rippled through the very foundations of the citadel. Seraphiel¡¯s wings flared wide as her eyes widened in realization. The others looked toward the horizon, their expressions darkening.

 Chapter 27: The High Council (2)

    The temple shuddered.


    It was subtle¡ªlike the first crack in a dam holding back an ocean. To ordinary senses, it would have felt like nothing more than a distant tremor, easily dismissed. But to the five leaders, it was unmistakable. A pulse of power, ancient and untamed, rippled outward in waves, threading through the stones beneath their feet and the air around them, stirring the essence that slumbered deep within the citadel¡¯s bones.


    Seraphiel¡¯s wings snapped open, feathers shimmering with celestial radiance, each one bristling with tension. Her sharp intake of breath echoed like a prayer unspoken, her golden eyes wide with sudden clarity. "It has begun," she whispered, as if naming it aloud gave the moment weight.


    Zerathiel was on his feet in an instant, hand on his blade, while Gorak sniffed the air, his nostrils flaring.


    "Tribulation," Elandor whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of power.


    A sudden stillness washed over the council as they all felt it¡ªthe crackle of divine energy in the air. Far to the north, a wave of unimaginable force was gathering. It was a power that sent shivers down their spines, one they hadn¡¯t felt in eons.


    "That... can¡¯t be possible," Thurak muttered. "It¡¯s... already undergoing tribulation?"


    Zerathiel¡¯s voice was grim. "The same power we felt a week ago. It¡¯s evolving again."


    Gorak¡¯s fists clenched, his voice filled with anticipation. "Damn thing¡¯s growing fast."


    Seraphiel, usually calm and collected, spoke with uncharacteristic urgency. "If this creature survives the tribulation... it will be beyond our control."


    Elandor¡¯s face, usually serene, was drawn with concern. "A monster that grows this quickly... If it reaches the Second Stage in a week, how long before it reaches the Third? Or Even The Sixth? No-no, a monster like this? It will break-much less challenge- the balance of the world."


    "Not to mention," Seraphiel sensed, and analyzed the essence of the power. Her voice trembled as the weight of the realization settled on her shoulders. "An essence of destruction," she whispered, her celestial eyes narrowing with fear.


    The atmosphere in the chamber grew thick as her wings shifted, a rare sign of her unease. Her golden gaze darted to each of the leaders before her, and in the silence that followed, the tension escalated to an unbearable height.


    "A monster chosen by a Titan?" Thurak Stonefist grunted, his hand tightening into a fist against the table. "That¡¯s impossible. Titans haven¡¯t chosen anything since the dawn of the First Age."


    "Yet the essence is undeniable," Seraphiel insisted. "I¡¯ve felt nothing like it since the Time of the First Betrayal." Her words echoed through the chamber like a hammer striking iron. The realization sent ripples of fear across the faces of the others, each one understanding the gravity of what she meant.


    "But... destruction?" Elandor¡¯s usually calm voice wavered as his elven eyes gleamed with cold intelligence. "There is only one Titan tied to such a force."


    The room fell silent, each leader unwilling to speak the name. But the image loomed over them like a dark storm cloud. The First Titan. The oldest, most feared of all¡ªthe Titan of Destruction. The being responsible for countless cataclysms that had nearly torn their world apart in ages long forgotten.


    "It cannot be..." Zerathiel¡¯s steel-blue eyes darkened with the weight of the revelation. His voice was laced with disbelief, but the energy rippling across the room left no room for denial. "The First Titan vanished millennia ago. Sealed, exiled. No mortal could withstand inheriting that kind of power."


    "And yet here we are," Elandor whispered. "A creature¡ªa mere monster¡ªis rising under its influence. No ordinary being could trigger such tribulation, nor survive it."


    Zerathiel leaned forward, his expression hardening. "If this is true... If that Titan has chosen a successor¡ªthen this is not a threat we can watch passively. We need to eliminate it. Now."


    Gorak slammed his fist into the table, the force of the blow reverberating through the chamber. "And how do you propose we kill something blessed by destruction itself? Even our Avatars would be hard-pressed against a monster growing at this rate!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The silence that followed was suffocating. Each leader bore the weight of their own history, their own legacy. For centuries, they had managed to stave off wars and cataclysms with tenuous peace. But this? This was a force they couldn¡¯t control. It was raw, primal, and¡ªworst of all¡ªinevitable.


    Elandor¡¯s sharp green eyes flickered with hesitation. "We might be facing annihilation on a scale unseen since the birth of our realms. We¡¯ve fought against each other, against gods, and even against demons. But The Titan of Destruction? If this monster truly inherits its power, there may be no force in this world capable of stopping it."


    Zerathiel¡¯s tone was cold and commanding, his leadership shining through the haze of panic. "We will stop it. We don¡¯t have the luxury of hesitation. We act now, or we allow this thing to grow until it¡¯s too late."


    "And do what?" Gorak growled. "Send our armies to the Badlands? To what end? Throwing bodies at a creature tied to destruction will only serve to fuel it further. You know this as well as I do."


    Seraphiel spoke again, her voice low but firm. "The balance of our world has already shifted. If we fail to act... it will tip entirely. The Five Avatars must intervene. They are the only ones capable of holding the line."


    "But even the Avatars¡ª" Thurak began, but was quickly cut off.


    "They are our best hope," Seraphiel countered. "The Avatars of our races were chosen to act when the balance of the world is at stake. This is exactly what they were made for."


    Zerathiel stood, his armor gleaming under the temple¡¯s light. "Agreed. We send the Avatars. Immediately. We must stop this monster before it grows any further."


    "All In Favour?"


    The council, once divided, now shared a collective dread. Their course was clear.


    The Council of Kings had made their decision.


    "Ready the Portals. And, Summon Your Avatars." Seraphiel muttered, fear evident in her voice. "Set course to the Badlands."

 Chapter 28: Second Stage Of Monster Evolution (1)

    Arthur stirred.


    Inside his cocoon, he could feel the remnants of the tribulation storm still echoing through his bones, a faint hum of power lingering in his body. The egg that had once encased him was in pieces, shards of the hardened shell floating in the water around him. The light was faint, dimmed by the vastness of the underwater cave. The moment his eyes opened, he knew something had changed.


    His claws flexed, the sensation of strength coursing through his new form. He moved with ease, his body now massive, easily dwarfing the size he had been before. The transformation had left him powerful, but also... different.


    The system¡¯s voice chimed in, breaking the silence.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]:


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have successfully evolved to Stage Two!


    The screen blinked in his mind¡¯s eye, and Arthur could feel a new layer of power pulsing through him. His Void Core, now stronger than ever, hummed with energy, actively drawing in essence from the surrounding water. It was a slow, constant process, but he could feel it¡ªthe essence flowing into him, subtly strengthening his stamina and healing the minor wounds from his previous battles. His connection with the elements of Light and Darkness had grown deeper, more innate, as though they were now part of his very soul.


    But there was something else.


    His Void Core was showing cracks.


    Arthur¡¯s molten eyes flickered with curiosity. The core, once smooth and solid, now had tiny fractures running across its surface, like something inside it was trying to break free. The system had said nothing about it¡ªyet¡ªbut he could feel it, the latent energy, the pressure of something vast within him waiting to be unleashed.


    As his senses adjusted, Arthur took a moment to assess his new form. He was much larger now, about the size of a baby King Kong, his blackened scales darker and tougher than before. Two small horns had sprouted on the sides of his head, adding to his imposing appearance. His wings¡ªpreviously rudimentary¡ªhad grown significantly, though still not meant for flight. They would, however, make swimming a lot easier.


    He stretched his new limbs, testing their strength, before the system chimed again.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    New features unlocked: [Analysis] and [Profile Interface]. You are now able to view the status of creatures equal to or weaker than you.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes gleamed. Finally, something useful. The world around him wasn¡¯t a complete mystery anymore. Now, he could see his enemies for what they truly were.


    He mentally summoned his profile.


    Profile: Arthur


    Race: Drake Of Destruction


    Realm: Second Stage


    Size: 75 feet


    Core: Void Core (Cracked, absorbing essence)


    Elemental Affinity: Destruction


    Abilities:


    Hardened Carapace: Increase the durability of your scales by imitating the crab¡¯s natural armor.


    Aquatic Swiftness: Adapt further to underwater environments, drastically increasing swimming speed while reducing the energy cost of movement in water.


    Aura of Dread: Project an overwhelming sense of terror to nearby enemies, causing them to hesitate or flee in fear.


    Destruction Pulse: Emit destructive energy in low-level shockwaves passively, weakening surrounding structures. Activate to unleash a powerful blast of destructive force, breaking down physical and energy-based obstacles.


    Arthur read through the list, his attention lingering on the note about his Void Core. It seemed to be cracking, like something inside wanted out. He scrolled further, when suddenly a new notification flashed.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Select your path: Good, Neutral, or Evil.


    Arthur stared at the prompt. His mind raced through the possibilities. He had anticipated something after his evolution, but this?


    The system elaborated, breaking down each path:


    The Good path promised blessings from the world itself. But there was a catch¡ªhe would be bound by the rules of justice and morality. Arthur scoffed. It wasn¡¯t in his nature to help everyone he crossed paths with. The idea of sacrificing his goals for the sake of others? That didn¡¯t sit right with him.


    The Evil path was the opposite. Raw, unbridled power in exchange for living in constant conflict. He¡¯d be hunted by those who deemed him a threat, always needing to look over his shoulder. And though it offered strength, it also painted a target on his back.


    Arthur narrowed his eyes. The Neutral path intrigued him the most. It didn¡¯t promise glory or destruction, but freedom. The system explained that choosing this path meant walking the line between light and dark, good and evil. The world wouldn¡¯t punish him for stepping on toes, nor would it reward him for doing the "right thing." Arthur would live solely for himself, free of alliances or enemies... as long as he maintained balance. If he strayed too far in either direction, the path would shift.


    Arthur¡¯s claws flexed as he weighed his options. The Evil path was tempting¡ªimmense power, no moral limits¡ªbut there was a reason he had fought the Titan of Light in his mindscape. He still had an affinity for the Light, despite his leanings toward destruction. Giving up that part of himself felt... wrong. And yet, the Good path felt too restrictive. He wasn¡¯t here to play savior.


    Neutral was the only real choice. It gave him the freedom to evolve on his terms, without the weight of the world judging his every move.


    "I choose the Neutral path."


    A soft glow enveloped him, and Arthur felt a subtle shift in his being. A delicate halo of neutrality, neither radiant nor dark, hovered just above him. It wasn¡¯t powerful, but it was there¡ªa symbol of the balance he would walk.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have chosen the Neutral path. You will receive no boons or punishments from the world, but your actions must remain balanced. Stray too far in either direction, and your path will change. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur grunted. This was good. No chains, no limits. Just him and his ambition. He lived for himself¡ªhe wasn¡¯t about to let some divine powers dictate his every move.


    He opened up his profile again.


    Profile: Arthur


    Race: Drake Of Destruction


    Path: Neutral (New!)


    Realm: Second Stage


    Size: 75 feet


    Core: Void Core (Cracked, absorbing essence) [Mythical Grade]


    Elemental Affinity: Destruction [Beginner]


    Abilities:


    Hardened Carapace: Increase the durability of your scales by imitating the crab¡¯s natural armor.


    Aquatic Swiftness: Adapt further to underwater environments, drastically increasing swimming speed while reducing the energy cost of movement in water.


    Aura of Dread: Project an overwhelming sense of terror to nearby enemies, causing them to hesitate or flee in fear.


    Destruction Pulse: Emit destructive energy in low-level shockwaves passively, weakening surrounding structures. Activate to unleash a powerful blast of destructive force, breaking down physical and energy-based obstacles.


    Curiosity itched at him. His [Map] had expanded during the evolution. He brought it up, watching as the scope of the world unfolded before his eyes. The Scorching Badlands¡ªonce a terrifying territory¡ªwas now just a small island surrounded by the vast ocean. Far off to the north, a place called the Icy Peaks caught his eye. It looked like an inhospitable, frozen wasteland, and Arthur quickly dismissed it.


    There were more pressing matters.


    His gaze settled on the filters now available to him. He quickly eliminated red dots¡ªthose signifying creatures far too powerful for him right now. He wasn¡¯t ready for them, not yet. Green and yellow markers remained, including a faint yellow one nearby, hidden close to where the Serpent had emerged. It was weaker, but not to be underestimated.


    Arthur smirked. "A mental ability... perfect."

 Chapter 29: Second Stage Of Monster Evolution (2)

    His gaze settled on the filters now available to him. He quickly eliminated red dots¡ªthose signifying creatures far too powerful for him right now. He wasn¡¯t ready for them, not yet. Green and yellow markers remained, including a faint yellow one nearby, hidden close to where the Serpent had emerged. It was weaker, but not to be underestimated.


    Arthur smirked. "A mental ability... perfect."


    After his brush with the Titan of Light in his mindscape, Arthur knew he needed protection. No more surprises. No more vulnerable moments where his thoughts were invaded. This yellow dot was his next target.


    He turned toward the Serpent¡¯s lifeless body, still stretched across the seabed. His [Inventory], now capable of holding a hundred tons, couldn¡¯t store the entire carcass, but he wasn¡¯t about to leave it all behind. With a snarl, he sliced off a chunk of its flesh, storing it for later use. The Void Core inside him hummed in anticipation, already feeding off the essence of the world around him, though the absorption rate was minimal.


    Satisfied, Arthur started swimming toward the yellow dot on his [Map]. The faint pull of his Void Core stirred deeper inside him, like a well of untapped power. His second-stage evolution had begun, and the path forward was clear.


    Arthur grinned, his massive, new form cutting through the water with ease.


    *


    Arthur¡¯s molten claws flexed as he hovered above the lifeless body of the Manta-Ray. Its once brilliant lightning-infused wings were now still, charred by the destruction he had wrought. The battle hadn¡¯t been easy. The monster had thrown both lightning and mental attacks at him, stunning him into moments of frozen vulnerability.


    But in the end, Arthur had triumphed.


    His breath was ragged, his massive form trembling as the battle¡¯s adrenaline began to fade. The lake¡¯s waters rippled with the fading energy of their clash, and in the eerie silence that followed, a sound Arthur had come to anticipate rang out¡ªan all too familiar chime echoed within his mind, signaling his well-earned reward.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations, Arthur! You have absorbed the Soul Core of a direct descendant of the Mental Demon King.


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Thunder Mind: Strengthen your mental defenses, reducing the duration and impact of mental-based attacks.


    Electric Surge: Generate electricity within your body, allowing you to infuse your physical attacks with lightning. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Psionic Barrier: Create a shield of pure mental energy, capable of deflecting physical and elemental attacks.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed as he analyzed his options. The Manta-Ray had been no ordinary opponent. Its mastery over lightning and mind-based attacks had tested him like few other creatures had before. And now, those very traits were laid before him. But the one that pulled at him most¡ªthe one he had sought from the moment the Serpent had nearly crushed him¡ªwas mental.


    "Thunder Mind..." Arthur muttered, the weight of the choice heavy in his mind. He had been caught off-guard by mental attacks before, but never again. He needed to protect himself from such vulnerability. His horns, already gleaming with subtle power, seemed to pulse in agreement.


    "I¡¯ll take it," Arthur growled, the decision made.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have chosen the Thunder Mind evolution.


    A pulse of energy coursed through Arthur¡¯s body, his vision blurring for a moment as the power of the Manta-Ray¡¯s core seeped into him. His horns began to elongate, their once dull ridges sharpening as they grew longer. Veins of crimson light etched themselves into the base of his horns, spiraling upward, forming intricate runes that throbbed with mental power. They were no longer just for show. These horns were a conduit now, a reservoir for his growing mental abilities.


    Arthur felt a chill pass through him. The horns weren¡¯t just a new weapon¡ªthey were a warning to others. The more mental power he gained, the stronger they would become. His instincts told him that with time, they would become a symbol of fear among those who crossed his path.


    But that was for later. For now, he had a new skill to test. His attention shifted to his map. With a flick of his claw, he filtered out all unnecessary information, focusing solely on monsters with mental abilities.


    A few scattered green and yellow dots remained¡ªsome close, some further into the Badlands, but one faint yellow beep lingered nearby, nestled near where the Serpent had once dwelled. Arthur¡¯s lips curled into a grin.


    "That one¡¯s mine," he hissed, and with a powerful stroke of his wings, he propelled himself toward his next target.


    The lake teemed with life, creatures darting through the dark waters, oblivious to the predator that swam above them. Arthur moved like a shadow, his enormous form slipping through the currents with the grace of a far smaller creature. The Manta-Ray¡¯s evolution had amplified his aquatic speed, and now, the water was his domain.


    But it wasn¡¯t long before he encountered the first of his targets. A sleek, eel-like creature, its scales shimmering with a strange psychic energy, rose from the depths to challenge him. Its eyes gleamed with malevolent intelligence, and without hesitation, it shot a pulse of mental force at Arthur.


    Arthur winced, the force striking him like a hammer to the skull, but his newly evolved Thunder Mind absorbed most of the blow. Snarling, he lashed out, his claws finding the creature¡¯s soft underbelly and tearing through it with ease. The fight was over in seconds, the eel¡¯s psychic power no match for the sheer physical might of the newly enhanced Abyssal Drake.


    "Not bad," Arthur grunted, watching the eel¡¯s lifeless form sink to the bottom of the lake. But he wasn¡¯t done.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have absorbed the Soul Core of a distant descendant of the Mind Weaver.


    New Evolutionary Traits Available:


    Psionic Wave: Release a wave of psychic energy that disrupts the concentration of enemies, disorienting them for a short time.


    Arthur didn¡¯t hesitate. He absorbed the Psionic Wave into his growing arsenal, feeling the subtle power settle into his horns. The hunt continued, and with each battle, he grew stronger. His map guided him to one creature after another, each more challenging than the last.

 Chapter 30: Finally Stepping Foot On The Island

    The gargantuan Angler Fish loomed in the darkness, its grotesque body almost blending into the surrounding abyss. Only the ethereal glow of its bioluminescent lure stood out¡ªa beacon of hypnotic, psychic energy that seemed to pulse in time with Arthur¡¯s heartbeat. The lure danced, twisting and turning in a mesmerizing, otherworldly pattern, trying to wrap itself around his mind and lull him into a trance. The cold, unfeeling stare of the fish¡¯s eyes seemed to pierce into his soul, its maw opening slightly, revealing rows of jagged, needle-like teeth that promised a swift and agonizing end.


    But Arthur was no longer the naive fighter who had faced the eel and Manta Ray, vulnerable to their tricks and illusions. He had grown stronger, more resilient. He clenched his jaw, molten claws blazing with power as he focused on the core of his being¡ªhis will. He would not be a puppet. With a surge of determination, Arthur charged forward, his claws cutting through the darkness like molten blades. The psychic pull weakened as his molten energy surged, and with a single swipe, he left the once-hypnotic Angler Fish in shreds, its bioluminescent glow fading as it crumpled into the abyss.


    No sooner had the light from the Angler Fish died away than the earth beneath Arthur quaked, and out from the shadows emerged the giant Crustacean. Its hard, rock-like shell seemed impenetrable¡ªan armor forged by centuries of underwater evolution. Each step it took made the seabed shudder, and Arthur knew immediately that brute strength alone wouldn¡¯t suffice this time. Then, with a swift flick of its massive pincers, the Crustacean¡¯s power became apparent¡ªtelekinesis. Massive boulders and debris, remnants of ancient shipwrecks, rose into the murky waters, suspended momentarily before they flew towards Arthur with terrifying speed.


    Arthur braced himself, weaving through the projectiles, his horns blazing with an ominous, blood-red glow. He could feel the crushing weight of the boulders as they smashed into the seabed, each impact sending shockwaves that rippled through the water. The Crustacean¡¯s eyes glinted with malicious satisfaction, as if it had already declared itself victorious.


    But Arthur was relentless. He felt every beat of his heart, every surge of power coursing through his veins. He would not be deterred. With a roar, he surged forward, using his body as a battering ram, his molten energy turning his very flesh into a weapon. He rammed into the Crustacean¡¯s shell, feeling the impact reverberate through his bones. The shell cracked, then shattered. Arthur¡¯s claws followed, tearing apart what remained of the Crustacean¡¯s defenses. Its telekinetic hold wavered, then dissipated, and with a final, decisive strike, Arthur ended the beast, its broken shell crumbling away like sand in the current.


    The victories should have been exhausting, but instead, Arthur felt the power growing within him, his horns pulsing with greater strength, the runes etched into them glowing brighter¡ªblood-red, fierce, ominous. It was as if the abyss itself acknowledged his power, surrendering to the destructive force he had become.


    But the abyss was not yet finished testing him.


    The final battle emerged from the darkness¡ªa strange, ethereal jellyfish-like creature, its tendrils glowing with an eerie, psychic energy. Unlike the others, this creature did not rely on brute strength or physical attacks. It sought something deeper, something more insidious. Its tendrils reached out, not to strike, but to infiltrate Arthur¡¯s mind, probing the depths of his consciousness, seeking to fracture his will from within.


    Arthur¡¯s vision blurred. He stumbled, feeling the creature¡¯s psychic grip tighten around his thoughts, squeezing until his sense of self began to splinter. Whispers echoed in his ears¡ªtaunting voices, doubts, fears. He could feel the abyss closing in on him, drowning him not in water, but in despair.


    But Arthur was not alone in his mind. The power of his Thunder Mind surged, crackling like a storm within him. He focused on the electric fury coursing through his veins, pushing back against the mental invasion. The whispers became a dull hum, and then silence. His eyes snapped open, burning with rage and defiance.


    With a furious roar, Arthur unleashed his Destruction Pulse¡ªa wave of sheer force that tore through the water, crashing into the jellyfish-like creature. Its glowing tendrils flickered, then shattered, its delicate form disintegrating under the might of Arthur¡¯s unleashed power. The storm he had conjured tore through it like a whirlwind through a fragile web, leaving nothing but fading echoes in its wake.


    Arthur stood in the aftermath, his chest heaving, his horns blazing with the blood-red runes that marked his victories


    With each new victory, Arthur¡¯s horns grew longer, curving inward like the horns of a dark demon, the runes now glowing with a sinister, ominous red light.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have acquired five mental skills. Would you like to fuse them into a new ability? This fusion may result in a stronger ability¡ªor failure.


    Arthur grinned at the challenge. His claws flexed, the thrill of risk running through him. "Let¡¯s do it." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The system buzzed, and for a moment, his world went dark as the power within him churned and combined.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Congratulations! You have successfully fused your mental abilities into a new skill: [Psychic].


    New Ability Unlocked: [Psychic]: Manipulate the world around you with beginner-level telekinesis and telepathy. Control objects with your mind, and communicate mentally with those in your vicinity.


    Arthur felt the power surge through him. His horns pulsed, the runes now blazing like fire as the mental energy coursed through his veins. He could feel the world differently now¡ªsense the movement of water, the subtle shifts in the environment, and even the faint thoughts of the creatures around him.


    Compared to how he was now, he was practically blind before. An evil grin appeared below his snout.


    He was ready. He looked into the near-distance of the shores.


    It was time for him to make his debut.


    *


    From the still depths of the lake, a colossal shadow began to stir. Black scales, each one sharper than the jagged rocks of the Badlands, shimmered beneath the murky waters as Arthur¡¯s wings unfurled with raw, menacing power. The water, once calm, rippled violently, pushed aside as the beast that had been forged in battles far beneath the surface ascended. His red-tinted horns, now long and wickedly curved, gleamed with malevolent runes, pulsing with the energy of his newfound psychic abilities.


    The world above, the scorched wasteland that was the Scorching Badlands, seemed to tremble as Arthur¡¯s massive form broke the surface.


    Hissssss!


    Steam rose in a hissing cloud where the heat of the Badlands met the cold waters, as if the land itself was recoiling in fear. His claws dug deep into the earth, each step leaving craters as he emerged fully, his form towering above the charred plains.


    The Scorching Badlands had always been a brutal place¡ªa forgotten island where volcanoes hissed and spat, where the air was thick with sulfur, and the ground was littered with the bones of beasts that had dared to challenge the land. It was a realm untouched by kindness, a lawless territory ruled by the strongest. But now, something far greater has arrived.


    A Challenger.


    This challenger, his obsidian-black scales reflecting the fiery red of distant volcanoes, towered over the landscape like a demon rising from the abyss. His wings, leathery and vast, spread wide behind him, casting an enormous shadow that swallowed the land beneath. His horns pulsed with glowing red runes, the veins alive with the mental energy he had harvested from countless battles.


    His slitted eyes swept over the barren land before him.


    The Scorching Badlands had been ruled by savage beasts, but they had not seen anything like him before. The sky seemed darker, the very air heavier as if the world itself knew what had come to its shores. The once-untamed land now had a new apex predator¡ªone who had mastered destruction itself.


    In the distance, geysers of molten rock burst from the earth, and towering creatures that had long roamed this forsaken land raised their heads. Even the largest among them¡ªthe land-dragons with their volcanic breath and titanic strength¡ªpaused, sensing the arrival of something beyond their comprehension. The earth trembled beneath Arthur¡¯s feet, each step sending ripples through the hardened ground, as if the land was kneeling to its new ruler.


    Arthur roared, a sound that shook the very core of the Badlands, echoing off distant volcanoes and sending flocks of monstrous birds fleeing into the skies. The red runes on his horns flared brighter, a beacon of his ascension, his power, his claim. The Scorching Badlands would bend to him¡ªor burn in his wake. The land that once swallowed titans now had a new master. And the world, from the coldest peaks to the darkest seas, would soon tremble at the rise of the Drake of Destruction.


    The world would never be the same.

 Chapter 31: The Scorched Flats

    The cracked, blackened ground of the Scorched Flats hissed beneath Arthur¡¯s claws as he made his way across the desolate landscape. Each step echoed with a dull crunch, releasing puffs of sulfur and ash into the air. His wings lay tucked against his back, his 75-foot-tall frame casting a monstrous shadow over the jagged terrain. The heat was oppressive, with waves of molten air warping the horizon like a mirage, making the world ahead look distant and dream-like.


    Arthur flexed his claws, feeling the scalding ground beneath his feet, and activated [Analyze]. The system hummed in his mind, flashing information across his vision in faint green script.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    Location Identified: Scorched Flats


    Terrain Type: Hostile


    Threats: Heatwaves, molten sulfur geysers, unstable ground


    Warning: Extreme temperature fluctuations detected. Beware of geysers. Combat on this terrain may incur environmental hazards.


    Arthur narrowed his eyes as the system fed him data. The sulfur-laced air stung his nostrils, though his new form seemed to withstand the heat better than his previous one. The ground cracked with every step, the searing wind pulling moisture from his scales. He tilted his head, sensing something ancient in the way the landscape stretched endlessly, scarred and battered as if by the hand of time itself.


    There was awe here. And nostalgia. The feeling slithered at the back of Arthur¡¯s mind¡ªan instinctive sense that this place was not merely hostile but significant, like it had witnessed events far older than memory. Though the details of his past life as a human were faint and fleeting, he couldn¡¯t help but feel humbled by the sight.


    This land wasn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit was a monument to survival.


    He pressed forward, his wings rustling faintly as molten geysers erupted in the distance, vomiting golden sulfur into the air. The landscape shifted, jagged rocks shaped by ancient forces standing like tombstones for the long-forgotten dead.


    That¡¯s when he saw it¡ªa small abandoned campsite nestled between two warped boulders. Arthur lumbered toward it, curiosity piqued, and crouched low to inspect the area.


    The camp was nothing more than a ring of stones and the charred remains of torches, burnt wood reduced to crumbling black flakes. Arthur traced a claw along one of the stones, the heat barely registering against his scales. Something about the arrangement of the site spoke of humanoid hands, of people once eking out survival in a place even monsters feared to tread.


    [Analyze] Activated


    Traces of humanoid activity detected. Age: Centuries old.


    Presence: Nomadic. Origin Unknown.


    Arthur tilted his head. Nomadic tribes? Here? How had they managed to survive? More importantly, why had they come here in the first place?


    Before he could ponder further, his instincts screamed a warning.


    A howling gust of heat tore through the Scorched Flats, carrying with it the scent of sulfur and ash. Arthur tensed, sensing movement within the shimmering haze ahead. His claws dug into the cracked ground, molten eyes narrowing as dark shapes darted through the thick steam, using the geysers to mask their presence. He barely had time to activate [Analyze], and the system¡¯s familiar pulse filled his mind.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    Species: Sulfur Prowlers


    Size: Medium (5-7 feet long)


    Stage: First Stage ¨C Peak


    Abilities:


    Heat Cloak: Blends into hot environments, becoming nearly invisible among steam and geysers.


    Coordinated Strike: Attacks with pack precision, synchronizing movements to overwhelm prey.


    Sulfur Fang: Bites inject a mild paralytic toxin, weakening targets.


    Threat Level: Moderate ¨C Recommended approach: Eliminate Alpha to break coordination.


    The notification blinked away just as the Prowlers attacked. Their jackal-like bodies moved with terrifying grace, sleek and muscular forms darting through the waves of heat. Their glowing yellow eyes shimmered like embers in the haze, locked on Arthur¡¯s massive frame with predatory intent.


    Arthur snarled, his wings flaring as he braced himself, but the first bite came faster than expected¡ªfangs scraping his hind leg, leaving trails of burning venom. Another leaped from a nearby geyser, claws flashing as it raked across his flank.


    The pack didn¡¯t fight like mindless beasts. They fought like hunters.


    The first bite landed on his hind leg, and Arthur snarled as claws scraped against his hardened scales. Another prowler lunged from the side, its sulfur-coated claws raking across his forearm. Their attacks were relentless¡ªcoordinated ambushes, striking and retreating into the steam like phantoms.


    Arthur roared, thrashing his massive tail to keep them at bay. But the Prowlers were faster, more agile. They darted in and out of the scalding mist, using the heat to mask their movements. Arthur¡¯s wings flared, sending gusts of air through the battlefield, but it wasn¡¯t enough.


    They¡¯re working as a pack, Arthur realized, rage simmering beneath his scaled hide.


    He leaped back, gaining distance, and focused on his [Aura of Dread]. The air around him thickened with fear, an oppressive force that crept into the minds of his enemies. The Prowlers faltered, their glowing eyes flickering with hesitation.


    Arthur saw his chance.


    His horns pulsed with red light as he unleashed [Psychic], sending a mental shockwave through the pack. The Sulfur Prowlers howled, disoriented, their minds briefly stunned by the invasive force. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now!" Arthur growled, summoning the destructive energy inside him.


    He roared as [Destruction Pulse] surged outward, a wave of destructive force rippling through the air and tearing across the cracked ground. The shockwave slammed into the prowlers, reducing five of them¡ªincluding the Alpha¡ªto lifeless husks. Their charred bodies crumbled to ash, scattering in the searing wind.


    Arthur straightened, panting slightly, his wings lowering as the remaining prowlers retreated into the steam, watching him from the shadows. Their glowing eyes shimmered with fear¡ªbut also cunning. They wouldn¡¯t forget him.


    Arthur watched them go, the scent of sulfur thick in the air. As the adrenaline faded, he noticed something unsettling¡ªno system notification. No surge of power.


    Nothing.


    His eyes narrowed. "So... I need to devour them."


    The realization settled in, cold and unforgiving. His [Destruction Pulse] was a double-edged sword. While it allowed him to eliminate enemies swiftly, it also robbed him of the chance to absorb their essence. A lesson learned, and one that wouldn¡¯t be forgotten.


    He lumbered toward the smoldering bodies, tearing a chunk from the Alpha¡¯s carcass and storing it in his [Inventory], now a hundred tons deep. His jaws clamped down on another corpse, and he devoured it, feeling the faintest flicker of strength return to him.


    Arthur curled his claws into the blackened dirt, absorbing the reality of his situation. He couldn¡¯t afford arrogance, not here. Even as a second-stage monster, teamwork from lesser creatures could still end him if he wasn¡¯t careful.


    "This place..." Arthur muttered, scanning the horizon through the wavering heat. "It¡¯s a goddamn war zone."


    The Scorched Flats demanded respect¡ªa brutal landscape where only the strongest survived, and even they lived on borrowed time. As molten geysers erupted in the distance, Arthur exhaled a slow, deliberate breath.


    The world was bigger, deadlier than he¡¯d anticipated. But that didn¡¯t scare him.


    It thrilled him.


    Arthur¡¯s wings rustled as he turned his gaze toward the horizon. He still had a long way to go, and the path ahead was treacherous¡ªfull of monsters, secrets, and ancient forces waiting to be unearthed.


    But for now, Arthur grinned¡ªa monstrous, toothy grin¡ªas the Scorched Flats trembled beneath his steps.

 Chapter 32: The White Blip

    Arthur¡¯s massive claws scraped against the cracked ground of the Scorched Flats as he flexed his wings, shaking off the remnants of the Sulfur Prowler¡¯s ambush. The heat of the terrain still pulsed beneath him, but his body, scarred and smoldering, was finally healing. His Hardened Carapace absorbed the environment¡¯s essence at a slow trickle, knitting torn scales and soothing bruised flesh. Every breath felt lighter now, each exhale releasing a sense of growing strength.


    He opened his [Map], curiosity tugging at his mind, and scanned the flickering grid of his surroundings. The Scorched Flats stretched outward like a blackened desert, marred by heat fissures and streams of molten sulfur. Monsters were marked across the grid¡ªsmall green pings, faint yellow blips, and the occasional threatening red dot marking stronger beasts lurking in the distance. But something caught his eye¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t seen before. A faint, white blip.


    The white pulse blinked softly to the north, an anomaly on the map. Arthur frowned, a low growl rumbling in his chest as he tapped the white signal, hoping the system would respond.


    [SYSTEM RESPONSE]


    Status: Unknown. No further information available.


    Arthur¡¯s frustration mounted. The system rarely went silent. Whatever this was, it wasn¡¯t something it could explain¡ªor perhaps it wasn¡¯t allowed to. He huffed, twin streams of steam venting from his nostrils. His instincts urged him to follow the pulse. He didn¡¯t know why, but something deep within the marrow of his bones whispered that this was important. If the system couldn¡¯t provide answers, he¡¯d get them himself.


    With one last glance at the map, Arthur folded his wings against his sides, adjusted his stance, and began to move.


    The journey northward carried Arthur across a broken landscape of jagged rock and ancient lava flows, each step crunching over brittle blackened shards of cooled magma. Heat shimmered in waves across the horizon, warping the scenery like a mirage, but Arthur paid no mind. His massive, scaled form strode through the desert without pause, driven by both curiosity and the faint beacon on his map.


    Soon, his steps slowed as he caught sight of something strange¡ªthe colossal skeleton of an ancient creature, half-buried in stone and ash. Arthur¡¯s wings flared slightly in awe as he approached, the sheer size of the bones overwhelming even his monstrous frame. Ribs as thick as trees arched toward the sky, charred black and melted at the edges, as if the beast had burned from the inside out. The enormous skull, fused with cracked basalt, lay half-buried beneath a mound of ash. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur¡¯s [Analyze] activated instinctively as he stepped closer.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    Species Identified: Magma Behemoth (Deceased)


    Notes: A colossal guardian of ancient times, forged from both molten rock and living flesh. The remains bear glyphs of sacrificial magic, indicating ancient rituals¡ªpossibly a protector of a long-dead civilization.


    Estimated Age: Over a thousand years.


    Arthur ran a claw along one of the massive ribs, tracing the jagged grooves carved into the bone. Primitive glyphs, faint but still visible, spiraled up the ribcage like the remnants of an old language lost to time. Sacrifices. He felt a flicker of memory stir¡ªwhy sacrifice something so grand? Could the behemoth have been a protector? Or had it turned against the people of this land? His mind buzzed with possibilities, piecing together fragments of a long-forgotten war.


    "This place..." Arthur murmured to himself. There was a story here¡ªone scarred into the very bones of the earth.


    And yet, despite the ancient power lingering in the bones, the eerie silence of the ruins left Arthur uneasy. This place felt... too quiet. No scurrying monsters. No roars in the distance. Just the suffocating stillness of a graveyard long forgotten.


    Arthur¡¯s wings shifted uneasily, and for the first time, a strange sense of nostalgia crept over him. Something about the vast, ruined landscape felt familiar, though he couldn¡¯t quite place why. It was both beautiful and horrifying¡ªa monument to a past that still haunted the land. He felt a pang of envy. The Magma Behemoth had been something magnificent. Would Arthur ever grow to be this colossal, this powerful?


    Arthur¡¯s musings were cut short as the ground beneath him shuddered violently. Before he could react, the cracked earth gave way, and Arthur let out a startled roar as the rocks beneath his feet crumbled. His wings flared out to catch the air, slowing his descent, but the cavernous ground swallowed him whole.


    He plummeted through layers of molten rock and ash, his wings flapping furiously to stabilize his fall. Jagged stones grazed his sides as he descended into a vast underground cavern. Boiling mud pools bubbled below him, the intense heat radiating upwards in suffocating waves. Arthur gritted his teeth, twisting his body mid-air, and barely managed to land on a solid patch of stone with a thunderous crash.


    The heat down here was overwhelming¡ªthick, suffocating, the kind that could burn through skin in moments. But Arthur¡¯s newly evolved body, built for the scorching temperatures of the Badlands, held firm. If not for his natural resistance, he would have already fainted from the sheer intensity of the heat.


    He scanned his surroundings. Popping lava bubbles echoed through the cavern, and in the distance, he could hear the eerie screeches of unseen monsters, carried through the steam-filled air.


    "Great..." Arthur thought in his head. "This just keeps getting better."


    With a low growl, Arthur opened his [Map] once more, hoping for answers. The underground terrain appeared, marked with flickering blips¡ªsome green, some yellow, and a few ominous red ones. But what caught his attention was the persistent white beacon, still pulsing faintly to the north.


    Even trapped underground, the signal hadn¡¯t changed direction. Whatever it was, it wasn¡¯t going to be easy to reach.


    "Looks like we¡¯re not done yet," Arthur grumbled. His tail lashed behind him, sending loose stones tumbling into the bubbling mud.


    He set his sights on the distant edge of the cavern, where jagged rocks formed a natural path leading further into the depths. Whatever awaited him beyond, it was clear that this place wouldn¡¯t give up its secrets easily.


    With a final, determined huff, Arthur extended his wings, cracking his neck as he began to move forward. The heat, the mud, the screeches in the distance¡ªit didn¡¯t matter. His instincts told him the answer was at the end of this path.


    And if the monsters lurking in the darkness thought otherwise?


    They were welcome to try.

 Chapter 33: I Can’t Evolve Anymore?!

    Arthur lumbered deeper into the cavern, his heavy claws scraping over loose gravel, each step sending low vibrations through the ground. The heat pressed against him relentlessly, thick and suffocating, like the air itself wanted to choke him out. His wings twitched against his back, tucked tight to avoid scraping the walls. The cavern was massive, yawning open in all directions, with tunnels twisting off into the darkness like arteries leading deeper into the heart of the island.


    The place felt ancient¡ªa burial ground where time itself had come to die. Dirt and gravel coated the ground, and volcanic vents hissed with bursts of sulfurous steam. The oppressive heat didn¡¯t bother Arthur much¡ªhis evolution had toughened his scales¡ªbut even with his hardened exterior, the atmosphere made him wary. It wasn¡¯t just heat he felt; it was something buried beneath the layers of dirt and ash, a lingering sense of old violence, as if the land remembered every battle fought here.


    He glanced at his [Map]¡ªthe glowing, pulsating white signal still blinked north, deeper within the network of tunnels. The system didn¡¯t explain the nature of the signal, which gnawed at Arthur¡¯s nerves. He didn¡¯t like mysteries, especially not in a place that could collapse on him at any moment.


    Just in case, he used [Analyze] to survey the area around him.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    Location: Molten Tombs


    Description: An ancient burial site for both monsters and warlords, its tunnels carved from molten rock by nomadic tribes of the past. Legend states that the fiercest of beasts were entombed here, their bones encased in stone as both trophy and warning. The remains of these creatures were believed to keep Volcranax¡ªthe volcanic dragon¡ªappeased, ensuring the island¡¯s survival. Yet time has eroded the tribes and their sacrifices, leaving the tombs to be reclaimed by nature and wandering monsters.


    Arthur mulled over the message, his gaze lingering on the uneven walls that looked clawed and torn, as though massive creatures had struggled to escape their final resting place. "So the nomads weren¡¯t just hunters¡ªthey were beast slayers. Monsters and warlords, buried in the same dirt? These people were something else," he muttered.


    It was a sobering thought. These humanoid nomads, long forgotten, were strong enough to capture and kill creatures of his size¡ªmaybe bigger. For the first time since his evolution, Arthur felt a flicker of doubt. If these ancient people could take down monsters like him, could there still be survivors or descendants on the surface capable of doing the same? He shook the thought off. Now wasn¡¯t the time for hesitation.


    The cavern opened wider, and the emptiness gnawed at him¡ªno scavengers, no insects, nothing alive. Just oppressive heat and silence, broken only by the occasional hiss of steam. His claws clacked against the ground as he pressed forward, winding through narrow passages and over mud pits bubbling with molten sludge.


    When he came across a broad clearing in the cavern, Arthur¡¯s eyes locked onto a strange object resting in the center¡ªa stone tablet, cracked down the middle but still intact.


    He approached cautiously, his instincts prickling. The last time he¡¯d encountered an ancient relic, it had given him useful information. Maybe this one would, too.


    Arthur tapped the stone lightly with his claw and activated [Analyze].


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    The Stone Tablet of Volcranax:


    This tablet records the rise of Volcranax, Lord of the Scorching Badlands, a beast born from molten earth and flame. To keep the dragon from laying waste to the island, the nomads offered sacrifices¡ªboth creatures and lesser fire spirits. These rituals kept Volcranax dormant, but without these offerings, the dragon¡¯s fury would awaken.


    Current Status: Dormant¡ªBut unrest stirs.


    Arthur narrowed his eyes. "So you¡¯ve been sleeping, huh?" he muttered. Volcranax was dormant¡ªfor now¡ªbut nothing stayed dormant forever. It was only a matter of time before the beast woke, and if Arthur wanted to survive, he¡¯d have to prepare for that confrontation. He could almost feel the heat of the dragon¡¯s breath on his scales.


    But just as he started to turn away from the tablet, his instincts screamed.


    Arthur tensed, wings twitching as a skittering sound echoed through the cavern. He barely had time to react before the Ember Beetles emerged from the walls, their glowing exoskeletons reflecting the heat around them, making them nearly invisible. They scurried toward Arthur with surprising speed, legs clicking rhythmically as if in sync with one another.


    [Analyze] kicked in automatically.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    Enemy Detected: Ember Beetles


    Description: Insectoid creatures with heat-reflective exoskeletons, capable of camouflaging within volcanic environments. They possess a collective mental link, reducing the effectiveness of individual psychic attacks.


    Threat Level: Moderate.


    Arthur snarled. "Great. Bugs."


    The beetles wasted no time, circling him in a coordinated swarm. Their collective mental link threw off his attempts to use [Psychic], his telekinetic focus bouncing uselessly between their shifting minds. They darted in and out of his range, using the heat-warped air to disorient him, their pincers clacking menacingly as they tried to find weak points in his armor.


    Arthur swiped with his claws, the molten tips glowing red-hot, but the beetles were too fast. They scattered just before his attacks could connect, skittering up the walls and vanishing into the heat-blurred haze. It was like fighting shadows¡ªevery time he thought he had one, it slipped away.


    "Annoying little bastards," Arthur growled, his tail whipping through the air. But the beetles dodged again, their exoskeletons shimmering as they disappeared into the cavern walls. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He needed a plan.


    Arthur planted his feet, letting his [Destruction Pulse] hum to life. The energy gathered inside him, building like pressure before a volcanic eruption. As the beetles swarmed closer, sensing an opportunity to overwhelm him, Arthur released the pulse in a controlled blast.


    The ground shook as a section of the ceiling gave way, rocks and molten debris crashing down on the beetles. Their collective screeches filled the air, frantic and desperate, as the falling stones pinned them beneath the rubble.


    Arthur lunged forward, molten claws flashing. This time, he didn¡¯t miss. The trapped beetles shrieked as he tore through their ranks, crushing their shimmering bodies one by one until the cavern fell silent once more.


    Panting, Arthur surveyed the damage. The ceiling was partially collapsed, but the tunnel leading north remained intact. He flicked the last bits of beetle remains from his claws, irritation bubbling beneath his calm exterior.


    But as he devoured the beetles¡¯ remains, a cold realization hit him¡ªthe system gave him nothing. No essence absorbed. No evolution progress.


    Arthur¡¯s chest tightened. What if his evolution had hit a wall? Could [Destruction Pulse] have burned away the essence before he could absorb it? If that were the case, his strongest ability was also a liability¡ªa double-edged sword.


    The thought gnawed at him. What if he couldn¡¯t evolve any further? What if he was stuck in the second stage forever?


    Arthur exhaled slowly, forcing himself to focus. Panic wouldn¡¯t solve anything. He¡¯d figure it out¡ªhe had to.


    He cast one last glance at the rubble before turning his gaze north. The white signal on his map still pulsed, beckoning him deeper into the tombs. Whatever awaited him there, he had a feeling it was important.


    Arthur¡¯s wings twitched as he flexed his claws.

 Chapter 34: Damn Flying Hawks

    Arthur hauled himself up from the collapsed tomb, his claws scraping against the cracked stone as he emerged into a new landscape. His wings tucked tightly against his back, and his massive, thick tail dragged along the ground, stirring up loose embers that floated in the air. What stood before him now was Cinderspire Gorge, and it was unlike anything he¡¯d seen so far.


    The jagged black spires twisted out of the ground like monstrous claws, each towering structure charred and cracked, as if the earth itself had once tried to claw its way to the heavens. Winds howled through the narrow gaps between these stone formations, whistling in strange, haunting melodies that sounded like the whispers of forgotten beings. Arthur¡¯s molten claws scraped the ground, and he marveled at how the very air seemed to pulse with ancient energy.


    Heat waves rose from the blackened earth, making the horizon ripple like a mirage. Arthur inhaled deeply, tasting ash on the back of his tongue, and the sulfurous winds stung his nostrils. His scales prickled in the searing air, though his evolved body withstood the heat without much issue. Every step across the cracked terrain echoed with a sense of desolation¡ªas if this place had been abandoned for millennia, frozen in time by fire and ruin.


    There was something humbling about it. He felt small. Even though his monstrous form now towered at seventy-five feet, the sheer scale of the world around him made him feel insignificant. These jagged spires, these ancient monuments of stone¡ªthey had been here long before him and would remain long after.


    For a moment, Arthur thought back to his fragmented memories of Earth. His human life had faded into obscurity, but the feeling of standing against something so massive and unknowable was familiar. How many times had he felt this way before¡ªsmall, powerless, insignificant?


    But not anymore.


    He flicked open his [Map], scanning the area ahead. The white signal still pulsed northward, calling to him like a distant drumbeat. The system wasn¡¯t giving him any hints about what it was, but Arthur trusted his instincts. He narrowed his eyes, scanning for any red-level threats, but nothing serious popped up yet¡ªjust clusters of yellow signals, blinking faintly from the deeper parts of the gorge.


    The spires intrigued him, though. They were pitch black, warped and twisted from heat, yet sturdy¡ªeach one seemed capable of withstanding unimaginable temperatures. He raised a claw and slashed at one experimentally, expecting it to crumble. The result surprised him. The spire remained intact, his claws leaving only the faintest scratch.


    Curious, Arthur used [Analyze].


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Object: Obsidian Spire


    Description: A natural formation of volcanic rock fused with elemental essence. Resistant to extreme heat but susceptible to impact-based forces. Known to shatter under sufficient blunt trauma.


    Arthur grinned. "Susceptible to impact, huh?" He turned slightly, bracing himself before swinging his thick tail with immense force. A deep crack echoed through the air as part of the spire snapped off, sending shards tumbling to the ground. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He bent down, lifting one of the broken pieces. It was heavy¡ªcool to the touch, despite its origin. This might come in handy later, he thought. Maybe he could make something out of it. A massive drake wielding a sword? Arthur chuckled at the ridiculous image, but he still stuffed the shard into his [Inventory]. Who knows¡ªbetter safe than sorry.


    Just as he finished stowing the shard, his [Map] blared with several yellow signals. Arthur tensed. The signals were clustered deep within the gorge, and they had started moving toward his position.


    "Something heard that." His horns buzzed faintly with instinctual alarm, the red runes glowing faintly.


    The creatures must have been lying in wait, hidden among the cliffs. Arthur activated [Aura of Dread] immediately. A wave of terror rippled outward, distorting the air like a tremor of malevolent energy. The yellow signals on his [Map] stopped moving, momentarily stunned. Arthur¡¯s lips curled into a grin¡ªthey weren¡¯t expecting this.


    But the white signal was still down there, pulsing steadily. Whatever it was, Arthur needed to know. This was risky. He could be ambushed on the way down, surrounded by creatures hiding in the jagged cliffs¡ªbut he had to go.


    He crouched low and began scaling the side of the gorge, claws digging into the volcanic stone as he descended carefully. The jagged cliffs groaned beneath his weight, but his Hardened Carapace helped absorb the strain.


    As he climbed deeper, Arthur felt his energy start to wane. He cursed under his breath¡ªhe needed food. His claws clutched the cliffside as he pulled open his [Inventory] and summoned one of the Nooms from storage. But before he could even bring the creature to his maw, a shadow fell over him.


    The air rippled with intense heat, and a screech tore through the sky¡ªa piercing, predatory cry that set Arthur¡¯s nerves on edge.


    He turned his head just in time to see them¡ªCinderhawks.


    They emerged from the shadows of the cliffs, their massive ember-like wings crackling with energy. The air around them shimmered with heatwaves as they swooped down in coordinated sweeps, aiming for Arthur with talons that glowed like molten metal.


    Arthur snarled. "Flying bastards¡ªjust what I needed."


    The Cinderhawks were sleek and dangerous, their feathers glowing with ember-like patterns that pulsed as they flew. Their screeches echoed off the cliffs, disorienting him. He could feel the heat radiating off their wings, scorching the air around them.


    Arthur swiped at the first hawk, but it dodged effortlessly, banking mid-air before slashing at his flank with burning talons. His Hardened Carapace absorbed the worst of it, but the blow still stung.


    Arthur roared, frustrated, and tried to rely on his [Psychic] ability, but his horns barely flickered. He was too low on energy to focus.


    The hawks weren¡¯t just fast¡ªthey were coordinated, diving in and out in synchronized strikes. They reminded him of the Sulfur Prowlers, except these were airborne¡ªand even more annoying. Arthur twisted his massive body, trying to swipe at them with his claws, but they were too quick.


    One of them made the mistake of getting too close.


    Arthur lashed out with a snap of his jaws, biting down hard on the closest hawk. The creature screeched in agony, blue blood spurting from its mangled body as Arthur crushed it between his teeth. The moment the warm blood hit his tongue, he felt a jolt of energy surge through him, rejuvenating his tired muscles.


    Without missing a beat, Arthur¡¯s horns glowed brighter¡ªthe red runes along them pulsing ominously. He activated his [Psychic] ability again, this time with renewed strength.


    The remaining hawks screeched in panic as their minds were overwhelmed, trapped within Arthur¡¯s mental grip. He held them mid-air, helpless.


    With a snarl of satisfaction, Arthur crushed the hawks within his psychic grasp, their bodies bursting into pools of blue blood and smoldering feathers.


    The smaller hawks, witnessing his display of dominance, shrieked in fear and fled into the distant cliffs, their ember-like wings flickering as they vanished from sight.


    Arthur exhaled slowly, watching the last of them disappear. "Smart choice."


    He glanced at the dead hawks, but no system notification greeted him. No progress. No rewards. Arthur¡¯s tail thumped the ground in frustration. What was going on? Why wasn¡¯t the system recognizing these kills?


    With a growl, he turned his attention back to the white signal on his [Map], still pulsing deeper within the gorge.


    He wiped the blood from his claws and began his descent once more, muttering to himself. "This better be worth it."

 Chapter 35: Something Wicked This Way Comes

    Arthur lumbered through the cracked ground of Cinderspire Gorge, his claws leaving deep furrows behind him as his horns throbbed. The white blip on his [Map] pulsed steadily, drawing him deeper into the heart of the gorge, and with each step, the glowing runes on his horns flared brighter. The pressure in his skull mounted¡ªa dull, relentless throb that grew sharper the closer he got. It wasn¡¯t just discomfort; it felt as if something was pulling him, beckoning, demanding his presence. His vision blurred slightly, and he could feel the pulse of ancient energy resonating with his very core.


    The temperature shifted suddenly¡ªcool, almost cold. In a place as scalding as the Scorching Badlands, the chill felt unnatural. Steam gave way to a dense, blue mist that swirled like ghostly tendrils, shrouding the ground in eerie silence. Arthur slowed his steps, claws scraping against the obsidian-like stone. He activated [Analyze], his eyes narrowing at the notification.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Location: Temple of the Forgotten Flame


    Description: A structure erected centuries ago, twice the size of the average drake. Once used as a containment site for an offspring of Volcranax. It was built by nomadic tribes desperate to control the volatile power of the dragon¡¯s kin. The altar was destroyed, and the temple left in ruin¡ªlikely at great cost.


    Current Hazard: The Blue Mist that surrounds this area disorients most creatures, causing them to lose their bearings and fall into the gorge. The air here is imbued with the energy of Ice, Water, and Spirit, warding off fire-attributed beings.


    Arthur frowned. So that¡¯s why the mist felt so oppressive. It wasn¡¯t just any mist¡ªit was designed to keep creatures out. He wondered if any of the other monsters on this island even knew what lay within the temple. That explained the eerie calm... and why no beasts had been drawn to the treasure waiting inside.


    He used his psychic abilities to push the mist aside, revealing the temple at the heart of the gorge. It loomed before him, blackened and weathered, twice his height. The crumbled remains of a charred altar stood at the center, surrounded by jagged stone columns that twisted upward like petrified flames. Bones¡ªsome humanoid, some monstrous¡ªlay scattered across the floor in silent testimony to whatever had transpired here.


    Arthur¡¯s horns pulsed harder, and the headache surged. It was no ordinary altar. As he stepped closer, the pressure built, as if the very air wanted to crush him.


    And then he saw it.


    Nestled within the shattered remains of the altar, resting atop a bed of charred stones, was an orb¡ªno bigger than a boulder, yet radiating an energy so potent it made Arthur¡¯s core tremble. It was translucent, shimmering with threads of light that spiraled through its surface, shifting between colors¡ªsilver, gold, crimson, and blue. Arthur didn¡¯t need Analyze to tell him what it was.


    He knew instinctively.


    This was an Enhancement Orb¡ªa phenomenon so rare, so powerful, it defied the natural laws of the world. Centuries of condensed energy had crystallized into this single, magnificent object. A gift, the system called it. A chance for those who found it to transcend their limits without the usual prerequisites or talent. A shortcut to power.


    Arthur¡¯s claws flexed. "Why hasn¡¯t anyone taken it?" he muttered, glancing around.


    The system pinged again, providing another insight.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    The Enhancement Orb is the byproduct of extreme spiritual energy and accumulated death in a sacred area. Formed only through exceptional circumstances, it can boost one skill to the next level with no effort or conditions.


    Be warned¡ªthis artifact is unregulated by the natural laws of this world. Use it wisely.


    Arthur¡¯s tail swished, stirring the bones at his feet. So this was the price¡ªsacrifices, death, and shattered hopes. The nomads had created the temple in desperation, seeking to control one of Volcranax¡¯s offspring, a monster too dangerous to roam freely. Judging by the crushed bones and destroyed altar, they had succeeded¡ªbut only temporarily.


    Arthur stared at the orb, the light dancing across its surface. His horns throbbed painfully now, as if something deep within him urged him to act. His claws twitched. He thought back to the Titan of Light, to that devastating encounter in his mindscape. The memory still stung¡ªa reminder of what it felt like to be weak.


    The system¡¯s warning flashed again in his mind. Choose wisely.


    Arthur hesitated. Was it worth it?


    He exhaled slowly, a growl rumbling deep in his throat. "Screw it." He was done waiting for the system to reward him. If the orb gave him the edge he needed, then he¡¯d take it.


    Without another thought, Arthur reached forward and engulfed the orb with his jaws.


    The moment the orb cracked between his teeth, a surge of power erupted inside him. His horns glowed violently, the runes along them twisting and growing in complex patterns. His mind exploded with new clarity¡ªevery thought sharper, every sensation amplified.


    His psychic range doubled. He could feel the subtle tremors in the air, the faintest emotions emanating from distant creatures. Fear, hunger, desperation¡ªthey were like whispers in his mind. His control over objects through telekinesis became second nature, and the energy cost of each mental feat was halved.


    Arthur snarled as the runic veins along his horns turned a deep, pulsing crimson. They elongated further, curling slightly inward¡ªa crown of psychic prowess. His entire being thrummed with new strength, and for the first time in days, he felt powerful.


    "This... This is incredible." The air shimmered around him as he tested his new abilities. Objects lifted effortlessly at his will, and distant sounds reached his mind like clear echoes.


    And then something shifted.


    Arthur froze.


    The ground trembled faintly beneath his claws, and a deep, low growl rumbled from somewhere far below the temple. Arthur¡¯s horns buzzed with warning, and he immediately opened his [Map].


    The white blip still pulsed, but now there was something else¡ªa faint signal from deep underground. A disturbance. Something had stirred, awakened by the energy released from the orb.


    From beyond the cracked floor of the cavern, deep below layers of stone and molten rock, six red eyes flickered open.


    A massive creature shifted, its enormous body coiling slowly within its ancient prison. The golden runes on the chains that bound it flickered weakly, their light dimming with each passing second. The beast stirred, restless, its mind foggy but filled with an undeniable yearning.


    "Mother..." it growled softly, a deep, guttural sound that echoed through the hidden tunnels beneath the temple.


    Arthur stood still, the buzz of newfound energy coursing through his veins. But before he could relish in his enhanced psychic prowess, the system chimed¡ªlow, ominous, and unsettling.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Prepare yourself. Soon, something wicked this way comes.


    The message lingered longer than usual, the words seeping into Arthur¡¯s mind like a whisper from some unseen force. His horns pulsed painfully, and the runic patterns etched into them flickered with unease, as if sensing what lay ahead. A chill ran through him despite the heat of the gorge, the weight of the warning pressing heavily on his mind.


    Arthur tensed, the weight of the presence below pressing against his mind like a suffocating fog. He didn¡¯t know what it was, but he knew one thing¡ªit was coming.


    And it wanted out.


    S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 36: No Mercy To The Piglets

    Arthur¡¯s colossal form lumbered through the Scorched Badlands, each step causing the cracked ground beneath his feet to tremble. He was no longer the drake he once was; his wings had grown broader, his tail thicker, and his horns, adorned with pulsing red runes, curled ominously above his head. The air around him vibrated with the power of his newly evolved [Psychic] ability, and Arthur could feel that the very atmosphere responded to his presence now.


    I need to test this... properly.


    He clenched his claws, feeling the immense pressure of his power boiling beneath the surface. It wasn¡¯t enough to tear apart weaker creatures; he needed something substantial, something that could push him. His thoughts immediately turned to the monsters that lurked on this island. The island was brutal¡ªa crucible of survival where only the strongest endured¡ªand Arthur had to evolve, faster, stronger, and more deadly.


    The thought of Volcranax, the lord of this volcanic land, stirred something primal in his chest. He knew, with an almost prophetic certainty, that his path led to a confrontation with that beast. But to challenge a third-stage volcanic dragon? He needed something more, something iconic.


    A breath attack.


    Every kaiju, every monster of true strength, had one. He could sense it deep in his bones¡ªthe need for it, the primal urge to unleash raw power. And so, his goal became clear: Find a creature with a breath attack.


    *


    Arthur activated his [Map], filtering through the hundreds of monsters scattered across the Badlands. After a few moments, a blip appeared, flashing in the central part of the island. The Infernal Grove¡ªthe name alone evoked a sense of foreboding. According to the system¡¯s analysis, this was a forest of charred, twisted trees with roots drenched in molten lava. The heat there would be unbearable for most creatures, but Arthur knew he would thrive.


    And within the Infernal Grove was a creature that caught his attention: The Flameback Boar, a second-stage creature with a fiery breath attack. Perfect.


    "That¡¯s it," Arthur growled, excitement flooding his veins. "I¡¯m coming for you."


    The journey to the Infernal Grove was short but intense. As Arthur entered, the charred forest loomed ahead, with ancient, gnarled trees twisted into grotesque shapes. Molten roots snaked across the ground, steaming and seething as if the land itself was alive with fire. The heat here was suffocating¡ªhotter than anywhere he¡¯d ventured before¡ªbut Arthur¡¯s body adapted. His scales absorbed the heat, his wings flexing as if empowered by the scorching air.


    "System," Arthur called out, "any information?"


    The [Analyze] skill activated.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Location Identified: Infernal Grove. A territory known for its oppressive heat and fierce creatures. Ambushes are common. Proceed with caution.


    Arthur grinned, his razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the hot, shifting air. Let them try.


    Suddenly, a deep rumble echoed through the Grove, shaking the ground. Arthur paused, turning his head. The Flameback Boar was nearby. The system pinged it¡ªa massive creature, with tusks that dripped with molten lava. It wasn¡¯t hiding; it was coming straight for him. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the Flameback Boar charged through the charred trees, molten embers scattered from its back, the heat warping the air around it. At the peak of the first stage, the creature was formidable but smaller than Arthur¡ªabout 40 feet long. Its tusks gleamed with molten lava dripping down, and its eyes glowed with fury, but Arthur felt nothing but amusement as he braced for impact.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Enemy identified: Flameback Boar (First Stage, Peak). High-level physical strength and capable of fire manipulation. Approach with caution.


    Arthur couldn¡¯t help but snarl in satisfaction as the boar barreled toward him, tusks aimed at his chest. The system¡¯s warning barely registered in his mind. This was what he wanted¡ªan opponent with a bit of fight in it. His horns glowed faintly as his [Psychic] energy hummed, ready to be tested.


    The boar came in fast, tusks dripping with lava, but Arthur didn¡¯t dodge. He stood firm, his claws sinking into the molten soil. When the boar was mere feet away, Arthur¡¯s [Aura of Fear] activated, a wave of dread crashing over the beast¡¯s mind. The Flameback Boar hesitated, its charge faltering as the fear gripped it, its instincts screaming to flee.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Arthur growled, stepping toward the stunned creature. "Afraid of a real predator?"


    But the boar, driven by primal fury, roared and resumed its attack, though its hesitation gave Arthur all the time he needed. As the tusks grazed his side, Arthur struck. His [Psychic] ability flared to life, crushing the boar¡¯s mind with a vice grip of mental pressure. The beast skidded to a halt, disoriented by the mental assault, unable to comprehend the force that overwhelmed it.


    Arthur¡¯s grin widened. This was the perfect chance to test his power.


    With a quick swipe of his tail, he sent the Flameback Boar tumbling across the scorched earth, molten blood spraying from its wounds. It tried to rise, its legs trembling as it attempted to fight back, but Arthur pressed his psychic assault deeper, locking its body in place. The boar¡¯s muscles spasmed, and it let out a pitiful growl as it struggled to resist.


    Arthur toyed with the creature, holding it in place, savoring the look of terror that flickered in its glowing eyes. "Pathetic," he sneered.


    Suddenly, with a sharp movement, Arthur crushed the boar¡¯s mind completely, the psychic pressure overwhelming the creature. The Flameback Boar collapsed, twitching in the dirt as Arthur towered over it, watching its life fade.


    Suddenly, with a sharp movement, Arthur crushed the boar¡¯s mind completely, the psychic pressure overwhelming the creature. The Flameback Boar collapsed, twitching in the dirt as Arthur towered over it, watching its life fade.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have successfully killed the Flameback Boar.


    But Arthur didn¡¯t feel the usual rush of power or strength coursing through him. He glanced down at the dead boar¡¯s body, confused. Where was the system notification? He had devoured multiple monsters already, but he still wasn¡¯t evolving. A low growl of frustration escaped him.


    As he stepped closer, something caught his attention¡ªa small movement behind the flaming roots. Arthur¡¯s gaze narrowed as he spotted a den. Small, defenseless piglets, hiding among the molten bark, were staring back at him.


    For a moment, Arthur paused. The Flameback Boar had been protecting its young. That explained the recklessness of its charge. But instead of sympathy, Arthur¡¯s lips curled into a cruel smile.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter."


    With a swift movement, he crushed the piglets under his claws, one by one. No mercy, no hesitation. If this world demanded survival at all costs, then he would pay that price without blinking. He didn¡¯t feel any system punishment for his actions. The system stayed silent, as though it recognized his ruthless efficiency as neutral. There was no good or evil here, just survival.


    Arthur devoured the remains of the boar and its offspring, storing chunks of their bodies in his [Inventory] to maintain his stamina as he pressed on. His mind still lingered on one thing: Was this how he was meant to grow stronger now? By challenging creatures that were his equal, if not stronger?


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Essence absorbed. Stamina restored.


    Arthur raised his head, not a flicker of guilt or hesitation crossing his mind. This was his world now, and to rise above it, there could be no weakness.


    "No mercy." Arthur growled, storing what remained of the boar¡¯s body into his [Inventory] for later use. The air around him sizzled with heat, his body pulsing with energy from the boar¡¯s essence.


    The Infernal Grove was just another step, another trial. But now, his next target awaited. He wasn¡¯t just following instincts anymore. Arthur was evolving¡ªnot just physically, but mentally. And soon, Volcranax and whatever creature lay beneath the gorge would learn the name of the monster that was rising through the ranks.

 Chapter 37: One Small Step For Man, One Giant Step For Monsterkind

    Arthur raised his head, not a flicker of guilt or hesitation crossing his mind. This was his world now, and to rise above it, there could be no weakness.


    "No mercy." Arthur growled, storing what remained of the boar¡¯s body into his [Inventory] for later use. The air around him sizzled with heat, his body pulsing with energy from the boar¡¯s essence.


    The Infernal Grove was just another step, another trial. But now, his next target awaited. He wasn¡¯t just following instincts anymore. Arthur was evolving¡ªnot just physically, but mentally. And soon, Volcranax and whatever creature lay beneath the gorge would learn the name of the monster that was rising through the ranks.


    *


    Arthur felt the familiar hum of his Void Core, a constant pulse that echoed in the back of his mind as he trudged forward. His psychic senses were sharper now, each step through the Molten Cascade making him more aware of the world around him. The molten lava fell like a violent waterfall from Volcanis Peak up ahead, its roar a thunderous reminder that the heart of the Scorching Badlands was alive, always moving, always watching. The heat was unbearable for any creature of lesser strength, but Arthur? He reveled in it.


    I need something stronger, Arthur thought as he peered down at his horns, the runes still glowing with a faint red hue from the last battle. He had evolved, sure, but there was a hunger gnawing at him. Evolution was just the beginning. He craved more, and something inside told him that the key to more power lay somewhere ahead.


    He lifted his head and opened the Map. A white pulse blinked softly near the peak of the mountain, where the lava flowed like endless rivers of fire.


    I¡¯ll deal with you soon enough, he thought, his lips curling into a half-snarl.


    Before he could take another step, his instincts flared.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Danger: Multiple high-heat signatures detected in the area. Proceed with caution.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed as he activated [Analyze]. In an instant, a new readout filled his vision.


    [ANALYZE COMPLETE]


    Ash Serpent (First Stage, Mid-Level)


    Attributes: Fire affinity, heat resistance, ambush predator


    Notes: Utilizes molten environments to hide movements. Prone to attacking in packs.


    So that¡¯s your game, Arthur mused as he shifted his weight slightly. The molten earth beneath him rumbled. He flexed his tail, eyes scanning the red-orange landscape, expecting movement at any moment. His claws glowed faintly, ready to unleash destruction at a moment¡¯s notice.


    And then, they struck.


    From beneath the molten flow, a serpentine form shot forward, its body shimmering like liquid fire. Before Arthur could fully react, the creature coiled around his leg, dragging him closer to the lava. He roared in defiance, his tail swinging violently as he tried to shake the creature off.


    "You little..." He grit his teeth, feeling the pressure tightening around his leg. The heat intensified as the serpent dragged him closer to the molten flow, its glowing eyes reflecting the sheer hunger of a predator that knew its prey was caught.


    But Arthur was no prey.


    With a snarl, his [Psychic] power flared, focusing on the serpent¡¯s mind. His horns glowed, the runes pulsing as his mental power surged. He could feel the serpent¡¯s instincts¡ªthe need to constrict, to kill. In an instant, he snapped its spine with a brutal mental twist. The serpent¡¯s body went limp, loosening its deadly grip.


    Before Arthur could fully savor his victory, the ground erupted.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Multiple threats inbound. Enemies are converging on your location.


    More Ash Serpents¡ªten, maybe more¡ªburst from the molten ground, their eyes glowing with molten light, their bodies sleek and dangerous as they slithered toward him from all sides. Arthur braced himself, but even he couldn¡¯t suppress the grim realization that this was no ordinary fight.


    The serpents hissed, surrounding him in a predatory circle. They must have been drawn to the fight, Arthur thought. Smarter than they look.


    The first serpent lunged, its body moving like liquid through the air. Arthur barely dodged the attack, his thick, long tail smashing into the ground to create distance. But the serpents were relentless, closing in on him from all angles.


    They¡¯re trying to wear me down...


    Arthur¡¯s patience was running thin. He felt the energy inside his Void Core burning hotter than ever, and a grin stretched across his face. Time to test his limits. His body began to hum with destructive energy, a low vibration that started deep in his core and spread outward.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Warning: [Destruction Pulse] activation will significantly deplete energy reserves.


    He didn¡¯t care.


    Red energy snaked along the cracks of his carapace, lighting up the darkened spires around him as he charged up the [Destruction Pulse]. The serpents, sensing something was wrong, hesitated for a split second.


    Too late.


    With a roar, Arthur unleashed the pulse.


    The shockwave that followed was unlike anything the serpents could have anticipated. The sheer force of the Destruction Pulse ripped through the molten earth, disintegrating everything in its path. Serpents screamed as they were torn apart, their bodies reduced to ash in the blink of an eye.


    The roar of the Molten Cascade was drowned out by the blast, and for a moment, everything went still.


    Arthur stood panting, his wings flaring slightly as the glow of destruction faded from his body. His energy reserves were dangerously low, but the serpents were gone¡ªevery last one of them.


    That was... close.


    As he tried to regain his breath, the Map flashed in his mind again. The white pulse had shifted¡ªcloser now, and something about it tugged at Arthur¡¯s instincts. He was almost there.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Energy levels critically low. Recharge required.


    Be prepared. Soon, something wicked this way comes.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed at the cryptic warning from the system. It wasn¡¯t the first time he had received a foreboding message like this, but somehow this one felt... different. Like a storm was brewing beneath the surface, ready to unleash itself the moment he let his guard down.


    Something wicked, huh? Arthur smirked, glancing at the smoldering remains of the serpents around him. Bring it on.


    But for now, he needed to recharge.

 Chapter 38: The Danger Beast

    Arthur had seen his fair share of monsters. He had ripped through serpents, boars, and even creatures of psychic power. But this place, this ruined village on the outskirts of the Volcanic Plains, was something entirely different. His gaze moved slowly, tracing the destruction around him¡ªold fire-scorched stones, crumbling walls, and bones. A lot of bones.


    But what intrigued him most was the story carved into the volcanic rock, ancient runes still glowing faintly in the dimming light.


    He squinted, activating [Analyze], letting the system do its work.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Analyzing¡­


    Society Identified: Ignis Acolytes


    An ancient fire-worshipping society that made a pact with Volcranax, the Lord of the Island.


    Purpose: To offer their strongest warriors in sacrifice in exchange for protection from external threats.


    Result: Village abandoned, heavy signs of violence. Unclear if Volcranax kept his side of the bargain.


    Arthur stared at the glowing runes, wondering how desperate people must¡¯ve been to offer their strongest warriors to a volcanic dragon. He snorted, shaking his massive head. Did the dragon ever really protect them? Judging by the scattered bones, it didn¡¯t seem like it. Arthur¡¯s tail whipped through the air as he wandered further into the ruins, lost in thought.


    The bones scattered at his feet told a different kind of story¡ªone of betrayal and death. Small, brittle bones of humans, shattered by some massive force. He knelt down and stared at the skeletal remains, his massive form dwarfing the remnants of what once was.


    If I had been born a human here, he mused, his claws scraping the volcanic ground, would this have been my fate? Crushed by forces so much bigger than me?


    Before his mind could wander too far into that grim scenario, something else caught his eye. Scorch marks, faint but fresh, running along the blackened earth. And then¡ªhis eyes narrowed¡ªa gash, easily ten feet long, as if something massive had carved through the ground with terrifying precision. Something had passed through here recently. Something dangerous.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Heat signatures detected. Fresh scorch marks indicate the presence of a recent predator. Caution advised.


    Arthur¡¯s pulse quickened. He rose to his full height, his wings tensing against his back as he scanned the area. And then he saw it.


    Emerging from the twisted, molten trees, there stood a colossal creature¡ªa towering dinosaur-like beast that made Arthur¡¯s heart skip for a second. It was at least 100 feet tall, its dark, jagged skin glistening with volcanic residue. But what caught Arthur¡¯s attention the most was the large crystal embedded in the monster¡¯s forehead, pulsing with a faint, ominous glow.


    The beast stopped in its tracks, its reptilian eyes narrowing as it noticed Arthur for the first time. And just like that, they were sizing each other up.


    The monster¡¯s nostrils flared, releasing a growling rumble from deep within its chest, and in its massive jaws was the head of a goat-like creature, blood dripping from its mouth. The goat¡¯s eyes hung loosely from its sockets, and judging by the faint energy aura surrounding its severed neck, this wasn¡¯t just some ordinary prey. No, this was a second-stage creature in its own right, and the thing had devoured it like a mere snack.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Danger Beast Identified: Crystallon Rex


    Stage: Second Stage (Mid-Level)


    Attributes: Fire and Crystal


    Abilities:


    Laser Pulse: Fires concentrated beams of energy from the crystal on its forehead.


    Crystal Armor: Skin becomes encased in hardened crystal for defense.


    Brute Strength: Extremely high physical power, capable of devastating attacks.


    Recommended course of action: Run if possible.


    Arthur¡¯s maws pulled into a grim smile, his horns glowing faintly with psychic energy. Run? He didn¡¯t need the system to tell him that. He could already feel the beast¡¯s raw power radiating through the air. But running wasn¡¯t an option. This creature had something he wanted. That crystal...


    The Crystallon Rex tossed the goat¡¯s head into its gaping maw, swallowing it in one slow, deliberate motion, never breaking eye contact with Arthur. A low gurgling growl echoed from its chest as it began to circle him, its massive feet shaking the ground with each step.


    Arthur kept his distance, his muscles coiling with anticipation. The beast was dumb, that much was obvious from the mindless way it moved, but its size and raw power were something even Arthur had to respect. He could feel the heat of the volcanic plains rising around him, but he kept his cool.


    As the Crystallon Rex circled him, Arthur noticed the pattern in its movements¡ªdeliberate, calculating, yet slow. Its thick arms, much larger than a typical T-Rex, flexed with each step. This thing wasn¡¯t just a brute; it was a walking fortress, armored with that crystal on its forehead.


    Suddenly, the beast let out a deafening shriek, its mouth opening wide as it prepared to unleash something. Arthur tensed, his tail thrashing behind him, ready for whatever came next.


    But this wasn¡¯t just a roar. The crystal on its forehead began to glow, a faint blue at first, then brighter, until the entire area was bathed in a menacing, glowing light.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Warning: Laser Pulse charging. Evade immediate area. High probability of severe damage.


    Arthur¡¯s instincts flared. This was it. The Crystallon Rex wasn¡¯t just sizing him up anymore¡ªit was preparing to attack. He couldn¡¯t let this thing gain the upper hand. Not now. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur roared back, the deep, guttural sound reverberating through the molten trees around them. His claws dug into the ground as his muscles coiled with tension, eyes glowing with destructive energy. If this monster wanted a fight, it would get one.


    The two titans stood motionless for a moment, the air between them charged with tension. Arthur¡¯s wings flared slightly, casting a dark shadow over the ruined village as he met the monster¡¯s glare head-on. He could feel the pulse of the Laser Pulse charging, the heat from the Crystallon Rex¡¯s body radiating outwards like a furnace.


    Arthur let out one last snarl. This was going to be a battle of power. Of dominance.


    And Arthur wasn¡¯t about to back down.


    The Crystallon Rex shrieked again, and the crystal on its forehead flashed with blinding light. Arthur¡¯s muscles tensed, every fiber of his being ready for the fight that was about to unfold.


    Two monsters, face to face.


    Two forces of destruction, ready to clash.


    This would be the battle that determined which of them would walk away with the power¡ªand which would be left in the ashes.

 Chapter 39: The Powers That Be (1)

    Arthur¡¯s claws flexed, digging deep into the blackened earth beneath him as he prepared for the battle ahead. The Crystallon Rex towered before him, its behemoth frame tense with energy, the crystal embedded in its forehead glowing brighter by the second. A predator through and through, the Rex was already scanning for weaknesses, instinctively prepared to crush anything in its path.


    The ground rumbled as both monsters eyed each other, ready to unleash destruction at any moment.


    Arthur didn¡¯t give the beast a chance to strike first. With a thunderous roar, he launched forward, his massive body thundering across the charred earth. His horns glowed faintly, psychic energy coiling within him as he focused on the Crystallon Rex. The air vibrated, the intensity of the battle already crackling between them.


    But the Rex was fast¡ªfaster than Arthur anticipated. In a blur of motion, it swung its tail, a massive crystal-encrusted limb that hit Arthur¡¯s side like a battering ram. The force knocked him off his feet, sending him crashing into a nearby spire, shattering it to pieces. The CLANG of crystal against his hardened carapace echoed across the battlefield.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes flickered with cold calculation. "Of course," he muttered. "This thing¡¯s a walking fortress."


    The Crystallon Rex lowered its head, the massive crystal on its forehead beginning to pulse with energy. Arthur barely had time to react as a beam of pure energy shot toward him, the searing light ripping through the space between them. He dove to the side, the beam grazing his scales as it exploded behind him, sending molten rock and debris flying.


    WHAM!


    Arthur¡¯s thick tail whipped out in retaliation, slamming into the Rex¡¯s side with a sickening crunch, but the impact barely fazed the beast. It roared, a primal scream that reverberated across the volcanic plains, and lunged at Arthur with speed that defied its bulk. The ground shook as the two titans collided, teeth and claws scraping against armor and crystal.


    The Rex¡¯s claws raked across Arthur¡¯s chest, tearing into his flesh. Hot, burning pain shot through Arthur¡¯s body, but he pushed it aside, focusing on survival. His Psychic energy flared, and he sent a wave of mental force crashing into the Rex¡¯s mind. The beast staggered for a split second¡ªjust long enough for Arthur to capitalize on the opening.


    With a snarl, he lunged forward, his molten claws glowing with destructive energy. He sank them deep into the Rex¡¯s shoulder, tearing through muscle and sinew. Blood¡ªthick and dark¡ªpoured from the wound, but the Crystallon Rex was far from defeated. It snapped its head around, its massive jaws closing around Arthur¡¯s arm with a crushing force.


    Arthur roared in pain, feeling the bone in his arm crack under the Rex¡¯s grip. He struggled, using his wings to bat the beast¡¯s face, but the Rex held on, shaking its head violently. Arthur felt the muscle tear, his vision blurring from the agony.


    He had to think. He had to act.


    Summoning every ounce of his Psychic ability, Arthur slammed a concentrated pulse of energy directly into the Rex¡¯s mind, forcing it to release its grip. The mental strain nearly overwhelmed him, but the Rex staggered backward, momentarily dazed.


    The Rex wasn¡¯t done. It charged again, claws tearing up chunks of earth as it barreled forward. But Arthur had learned quickly¡ªthis beast wasn¡¯t smart. It relied on brute strength and speed.


    Arthur¡¯s horns glowed brighter as he unleashed a burst of [Psychic] energy, aimed directly at the Rex¡¯s mind. It faltered, just for a split second, its massive legs wobbling as it tried to shake off the mental assault. Arthur didn¡¯t waste the opportunity¡ªhe lunged, his fangs bared as he aimed for the Rex¡¯s throat.


    But the Rex¡¯s instincts were sharp. It snapped back to attention just in time, twisting its body and bringing its crystal-covered forearm up to block Arthur¡¯s attack. The sound of his teeth scraping against the hardened crystal was like nails on a chalkboard, sending sparks flying as Arthur tried to sink his fangs into the beast¡¯s flesh.


    The Rex roared, a deafening, guttural sound that shook the ground beneath them. It swung its other arm, crystal-encrusted claws aiming for Arthur¡¯s head. Arthur barely managed to dodge, twisting his body as the blow glanced off his shoulder, sending searing pain through his nerves. The force of the strike sent him skidding back, but Arthur refused to relent.


    This was going to be a brutal fight.


    Both monsters circled each other, eyes locked in a deadly standoff. The Rex¡¯s nostrils flared, its crystal glowing brighter as it prepared its next move. Arthur could feel the energy building within the beast¡ªthe Laser Pulse was coming.


    He had to act fast. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur charged again, using his [Hardened Carapace] to absorb the blows from the Rex¡¯s claws. But the Rex was relentless. It moved like a living fortress, each swing of its crystal-encrusted limbs like a hammer pounding against Arthur¡¯s defenses. Arthur knew he couldn¡¯t take much more of this¡ªhis energy was draining fast, and the Rex hadn¡¯t even used its most powerful attack yet.


    Just as Arthur dodged another swipe from the Rex¡¯s claws, the crystal on its forehead flared to life. A beam of pure, concentrated energy shot out, aimed directly at Arthur¡¯s chest. The air sizzled as the laser beam cut through it, molten heat radiating from the blast.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened as he barely had time to react. With a massive beat of his wings, he threw himself to the side, the laser grazing his arm as he rolled across the scorched ground. The searing pain was instant, his scales hissing and melting where the beam had struck.


    "Damn thing¡­!" Arthur growled under his breath. His body ached, but he wasn¡¯t about to let this overgrown beast finish him off.


    He had to think. He had to act.


    Summoning every ounce of his Psychic ability, Arthur slammed a concentrated pulse of energy directly into the Rex¡¯s mind, forcing it to release its grip. The mental strain nearly overwhelmed him, but the Rex staggered backward, momentarily dazed.

 Chapter 40: The Powers That Be (2)

    Panting heavily, Arthur took the opportunity to create some distance, his injured arm hanging limp at his side. The pain was excruciating, but he couldn¡¯t stop now. Not when he was this close.


    The Crystallon Rex snarled, shaking off the effects of the psychic assault. Its crystal began to glow once more, energy building in the core. Arthur braced himself, knowing that another laser strike would be deadly at this range. He needed a plan¡ªand fast.


    The Rex charged again, its eyes locked on Arthur. He could feel the heat of the energy building in the crystal, the faint crackle of electricity in the air. Arthur darted to the left, barely avoiding the Rex¡¯s gaping jaws, but he wasn¡¯t quick enough to dodge the swipe of its claws. The beast¡¯s talons raked across his side, sending sparks and chunks of scales flying.


    Arthur stumbled, gritting his teeth. He could feel the exhaustion setting in. His Psychic ability was draining his energy faster than he anticipated.


    He needed a new strategy.


    Arthur¡¯s horns pulsed again, gathering more [Psychic] energy, but this time, he was smarter. Instead of a direct attack, he sent out a wave of fear¡ªa surge of [Aura of Dread] designed to throw the Rex off balance. The beast paused, its predatory instincts battling with the sudden flood of fear that washed over it.


    It worked. The Rex hesitated, its glowing eyes flickering with uncertainty. Arthur took the opportunity to dive under its guard, sliding beneath the massive beast and using his tail to sweep its legs out from under it.


    The Rex toppled, its enormous body slamming into the ground with a thunderous CRASH, but even as it fell, it lashed out with its tail, striking Arthur in the side. The blow was so powerful it knocked Arthur off his feet, sending him tumbling across the battlefield.


    Arthur staggered, his massive form heaving with each labored breath, his injuries blazing with pain. But the sight of the Crystallon Rex¡ªinjured, struggling to rise¡ªignited a fresh determination within him. He steadied himself, digging his claws into the shattered earth beneath him. His monstrous heart thundered in his chest. This wasn¡¯t just survival; it was dominance, a clash between apex titans where only one would emerge.


    The Rex was slow to rise, but Arthur could see it¡ªthis fight had taken its toll on the beast. It was wounded, its movements slower, less precise. Arthur¡¯s psychic assaults had weakened its mind, and now it was running on pure instinct.


    Arthur bared his fangs, a grim smile crossing his face. Now was the time.


    He lunged forward, this time aiming for the back of the Rex¡¯s neck. The beast tried to retaliate, but Arthur was ready. He faked a stumble, letting his body fall limp as if he had been struck by the Rex¡¯s tail. The beast, thinking it had won, hesitated for just a moment.


    NOW!


    In a burst of speed and desperation, Arthur sprang to life. His wings unfurled as he leaped onto the Rex¡¯s back, his jaws locking around the creature¡¯s thick neck. The Rex roared in fury, thrashing wildly as it tried to dislodge him, but Arthur held firm, his teeth sinking deeper into the beast¡¯s flesh.


    The Rex snarled, before flexing it¡¯s muscles as it spun, managing to get Arthur off it¡¯s wounded neck. It limped.


    Its once-imposing glow flickered as it strained to gather the last remnants of energy in its core. The sound of crackling energy filled the air again, a high-pitched whine signaling another blast. Arthur could see it building¡ªa deadly, concentrated laser that would slice through anything in its path. But this time, Arthur had no intention of letting it fire. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a roar that shook the battlefield, Arthur surged forward, every fiber of his colossal body ignited by primal resolve. His claws tore into the ground, propelling him forward like a juggernaut. He closed the distance, charging straight at the Rex with terrifying speed. Just as the creature¡¯s crystal flashed bright, Arthur¡¯s own horns flared with psychic energy, and he released a second wave of his [Aura of Dread], stronger and more visceral than before.


    The Crystallon Rex faltered, its instinctual terror overwhelming its focus. It tried to retreat, but Arthur was already upon it.


    Arthur¡¯s jaws snapped shut around the Rex¡¯s crystal-adorned neck, his razor-sharp teeth piercing through its thick, armored hide. With a fierce wrench, he forced the Rex back, slamming it into the ground with a bone-rattling impact. The ground quaked beneath their weight, and a cloud of dust and debris exploded around them.


    The Rex struggled, its limbs thrashing as it tried to shake Arthur off. But Arthur tightened his grip, feeling the core crystal vibrating against his teeth. He knew the beast was seconds away from firing, desperate and cornered. Summoning the last reserves of his energy, Arthur pulled back, then slammed his tail into the crystal at the base of its neck with all his might.


    The crystal cracked, and as it was stunned, Arthur took the opportunity to clamp his maws on it¡¯s neck once more.


    The Rex bucked, slamming its body into the ground in an attempt to crush Arthur, but he was relentless. His Psychic power flared, reinforcing his muscles, giving him the strength to hold on. Blood gushed from the wound in the Rex¡¯s neck, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Arthur needed to end this.


    CRUNCH.


    The sound of bone snapping echoed across the battlefield, followed by a low, gurgling growl as the Crystallon Rex fell still, its body collapsing to the ground. Arthur stood over it, his chest heaving, blood dripping from his mouth as he released his grip.


    He had won.


    A surge of chaotic energy erupted, bathing the battlefield in blinding light. Arthur instinctively shielded his face, but the shockwave tore at his scales, sending shards of crystal and burning debris in all directions. He was thrown back, rolling across the ground before coming to a painful halt.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have absorbed the Soul Core of the Crystallon Rex, direct descendant of the Titan of Brutality. Choose your evolution:


    Crystal Armor: Forge a layer of crystal over your scales, increasing defense while enhancing resistance to elemental attacks.


    Laser Pulse: Unleash deadly, concentrated energy beams that can be used for precision attacks.


    Brutal Strength: Enhance your raw physical power, granting you the ability to overpower foes through sheer force.


    Arthur¡¯s mind raced through the options as the choices flickered before his eyes, each more tempting than the last. But he already knew which one he wanted. The Rex¡¯s laser, that devastating pulse of energy that had nearly cleaved him in two¡ªthat was the power he craved. His instincts, however, warned him that his Void Core might reject the pure energy form of the Laser Pulse, as it had done before.


    He gritted his teeth. "No risk, no reward," Arthur thought. "Let¡¯s do it."


    He selected Laser Pulse.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    The Laser Pulse is incompatible with the Void Core. Rebuilding ability into a more suitable form...


    Skill obtained: Destructo Beams.


    - You now possess small, orbiting beams of destructive energy that can be fired at high intensity, providing fast, concentrated attacks against your enemies. The beams absorb ambient destruction energy to recharge.


    Arthur felt a sharp, almost excruciating pain in his skull as the Destructo Beams took form. Thin, red-hot beams of destructive energy flickered to life around him, swirling slowly in orbit around his massive body. They hummed softly, their presence comforting in a way that only a true weapon of destruction could be.


    His lips curled into a half-smile, a mixture of triumph and exhaustion. "Perfect," he murmured. The Crystallon Rex may have had strength, but now Arthur had precision¡ªan edge in the unforgiving world of monsters.


    The ground beneath him crackled as lava ebbed and flowed from the molten plains surrounding him. The air, thick with sulfur and smoke, only added to the tension. Every inch of the Scorching Badlands was a hostile, volatile wasteland, but this¡ªthis was where he thrived. The constant danger, the lurking threats¡ªit was what he had become accustomed to. No, what he had evolved into.


    His victory roar echoed across the burning landscape, loud and savage, declaring his dominance over the land.

 Chapter 41: Poor, poor James

    Inside a small, cluttered hut on the outskirts of the High Human Kingdom, James hunched over his workbench, lost in the intricate process of tinkering with his latest invention. It was a simple idea on paper: a self-propelling wheeled gadget designed to help him collect herbs from the woods more efficiently. But each turn of a screw, each click of a gear, felt like an endless puzzle with every solution leading to another problem.


    "Come on¡­ just fit," James muttered to himself as he tried to align a stubborn cog into place. His hands were nimble, each finger stained with a faint sheen of oil and magic residue from hours spent in the workshop. He pressed harder, biting his lip in concentration, only for the gadget to sputter and whirr with a cough, the small wheels jittering before halting in a disappointing huff of smoke.


    Frustration prickled at him, but so did a familiar sense of excitement. The air in the hut was thick with the scent of metal, oil, and faint traces of magical energy, the latter sparking occasionally from the enchanted tools scattered across his workspace. A soft hum echoed, mingling with the gentle clinks and whirrs of dormant gadgets around him. In the small room, trinkets of all kinds lay abandoned¡ªgears, vials of shimmering liquid, glowing crystals, and scrolls filled with hastily sketched blueprints. To the outside eye, it might have looked like a mess, but to James, each piece held the promise of something marvelous waiting to be discovered.


    "Maybe I could use a higher-grade core," he mused aloud, running a hand through his messy hair, which only served to smear more grease on his forehead. Lost in thought, he didn¡¯t notice the soft footsteps that approached from the doorway.


    "Well, maybe if you stopped using trash cores, you¡¯d get somewhere with it." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    James jumped, nearly dropping his tool. He turned to see his mentor, a man he only knew as "A," standing in the doorway, hands casually stuffed into the pockets of a well-worn coat. There was an air of relaxed humor about him, his posture lazy yet sharp, with eyes that gleamed with a mischievous light under his scruffy, unkempt hair.


    "Master!" James exclaimed, scowling slightly at the interruption. "You could knock, you know?"


    A grinned. "And ruin the thrill of seeing you nearly topple over in surprise? I don¡¯t think so." He took a few steps in, peering over James¡¯s shoulder at the device on the workbench. "You know, this would work better with a stronger core," he added, plucking up the gadget and inspecting it with a practiced eye. "Maybe one that doesn¡¯t run on fumes."


    James huffed, crossing his arms defensively. "Well, not everyone has access to top-tier cores, Master."


    A smirked, tossing the gadget back onto the workbench with a nonchalant shrug. "Fair point. But maybe it¡¯s time you did something about that, hmm?"


    James frowned. There was always a hint of something deeper behind his master¡¯s words, and he never quite knew if A was being serious or just messing with him. "Are you saying I should go hunt down a core beast on my own?"


    A barked out a laugh. "Not quite. But you might be getting out of here sooner than you think." He leaned against a nearby stack of enchanted tomes, the bindings crackling faintly under the weight. "In fact, I just came here to tell you something important."


    "Oh? What could possibly be more important than my life¡¯s work?" James raised an eyebrow, only half-joking.


    "Well, for one, the king wants to see you," A said, dropping the words with a nonchalance that belied their weight. "And you¡¯ve been chosen for a mission heading to the Scorching Badlands."


    The silence that followed was almost comical. James stared at him, blinking, the words taking a few seconds to sink in. "The¡­ king?" His voice cracked, betraying a mix of awe and anxiety. "The king wants to¡­ what?" He laughed nervously, half-expecting his master to burst out with a punchline.


    A simply nodded, his expression unreadable. "You heard me right, kid. The king himself requested you. Seems you¡¯ve caught someone¡¯s attention."


    James stumbled over his words, trying to wrap his head around it. "But¡­ I¡¯ve never been anywhere outside the woods here. I¡¯m just¡­ I mean¡­ why would the king want me?"


    A chuckled, waving his hand as if brushing off James¡¯s concerns. "Oh, I might have mentioned your name. Just a little nudge." His eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint.


    James¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he tried to process the reality of what he was hearing. His mind raced through the implications¡ªthe prospect of meeting the king, leaving the hut, embarking on an actual mission. It all felt surreal.


    "Wait," he stammered, his mind catching up to another realization. "You¡­ you told the king about me?"


    A nodded, that smug grin ever-present. "Why not? I thought it was high time you spread your wings a bit. Sitting in this hut all day isn¡¯t doing your talent any justice, you know?"


    James opened his mouth to retort but closed it again, dumbstruck. His master had always been a bit of a mystery, but this was another level. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. He didn¡¯t even know how to begin comprehending it.


    Finally, he asked, "But why? Why now?"


    A¡¯s grin softened, and for the first time, there was a glimmer of something more serious in his gaze. "Because things are shifting, James. Big things are happening in the kingdom, and beyond. There¡¯s a ripple spreading across the land¡­ and it¡¯s calling for people like you."


    James was at a loss for words, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to make sense of the cryptic message. "What do you mean? What¡¯s going on?"


    A shrugged, clearly unwilling to go into detail. "Let¡¯s just say there are forces moving that even I don¡¯t fully understand. But for now, all you need to know is that the king has called for you, and I¡¯ve recommended you for this mission."


    James stared at his master, searching his face for any sign of jest. But A¡¯s expression remained uncharacteristically sincere, and that made James more nervous than anything. "What¡­ what exactly is this mission?"


    A only shook his head. "All in due time. The king himself will brief you on the details." He paused, a playful smirk returning to his face. "Oh, and by the way¡­ you might want to prepare yourself for a few more surprises."


    James raised an eyebrow, suspicion rising in his chest. "What kind of surprises?"


    A chuckled, ruffling James¡¯s hair like he was a child. "Let¡¯s just say¡­ the world is bigger and stranger than you think, kid. And the people in it¡­ well, they¡¯re not always what they seem."


    James swatted his master¡¯s hand away, his frustration tempered by a thrill of excitement. The mere thought of leaving this isolated hut, stepping beyond the familiar woods, and possibly encountering the unknown had his heart racing. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a growing sense of anticipation.


    But there was one question he couldn¡¯t shake. "If you¡¯re sending me on this mission¡­ who are you, really?" James asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    A¡¯s smirk softened, his usual teasing demeanor replaced by something almost wistful, an emotion James hadn¡¯t seen before. "Oh, didn¡¯t I tell you?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual, as though he were merely mentioning the weather. "I¡¯m the Avatar of the High Humans."


    James¡¯s heart nearly stopped. His jaw dropped, and he could only stare, wide-eyed, as the words sank in. It was hard to reconcile this man¡ªthe eccentric, sometimes lazy, yet brilliant artificer¡ªwith the legends. The High Human Avatar was more than a hero; he was practically a myth, a figure painted in stories, his legacy woven into the fabric of their culture as a guardian, warrior, and sage with knowledge transcending mortal understanding.


    "You¡­ you¡¯re the Avatar?" James¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, laden with shock, reverence, and a sudden, dawning realization. Every moment spent training, every offhand comment A had made about "doing things right" or "thinking bigger"¡ªit all started to make sense.


    A chuckled, the warm glint in his eye tinted with a hint of arrogance. "Get used to surprises, kid," he said, his voice tinged with humor, though his expression had a seriousness that wasn¡¯t there before. He turned, raising a hand in a casual wave as he began walking away, leaving James reeling in the wake of revelation. "We¡¯re leaving for the capital tomorrow. Get some rest... you¡¯re going to need it."


    With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving James standing in the dimly lit workshop, his mind spinning. Everything he¡¯d thought he¡¯d known about his master, about himself, had shifted in an instant. His life, once limited to the four walls of the hut and the quiet woods beyond, now felt wide open¡ªteeming with possibility, danger, and wonder.


    For the first time in his life, James felt that his journey was only just beginning.

 Chapter 42: I Cannot Believe This

    James paced outside the hut, the cool morning air doing little to calm the racing thoughts that had kept him up all night. He glanced over at the worn structure, where he¡¯d spent years studying under his master¡¯s guidance. The hut had always been his sanctuary, a place of learning, tinkering, and occasional explosions from experiments gone wrong. Now, the familiar surroundings felt both comforting and restrictive. His mind spun with the gravity of the mission that lay ahead.


    The king himself¡­ chosen me¡­ for what? James¡¯s thoughts tumbled over each other. He couldn¡¯t fathom why he, of all people, would be selected for such an important mission. Is this really happening? The thrill of adventure was there, but so was the weight of responsibility, pressing down on him like a rock lodged in his chest.


    "You¡¯re going to pace a trench into the dirt if you keep that up," came A¡¯s familiar, dry voice from the doorway. His mentor leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching James with an amused expression.


    Startled, James stopped and turned to face him. "Master¡­ I mean, Avatar of the High Humans¡­" he stumbled over the words, still unable to connect the simple, scruffy man with the title that commanded reverence and awe across the kingdom.


    A waved his hand dismissively. "Enough with the titles. If I wanted to be called that, I wouldn¡¯t have stayed cooped up in this hovel with you for so long, would I?"


    James took a breath, trying to steady himself. "But¡­ why me? Why did you tell the king I was ready for this? I barely know anything beyond what you¡¯ve taught me here." The doubt in his voice was palpable, mingling with the excitement and nerves coursing through him.


    A raised an eyebrow, his face softening for a moment. "James, talent like yours is rare. And despite being stuck here with me, you¡¯ve turned out pretty capable, haven¡¯t you?" He pushed himself off the doorframe, strolling casually toward James. "Look, I could have thrown you into the world a while back. But you weren¡¯t ready. Not yet." He paused, a sly grin spreading across his face. "But now¡­ well, I have a feeling you¡¯ll surprise even yourself."


    James swallowed, glancing down at his hands. "I still don¡¯t know, Master. I¡¯ve never¡­ I¡¯ve never even left this place. I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s out there."


    "And that¡¯s exactly why you should go," A said, his tone unexpectedly serious. "The world is vast, bigger than you can imagine, and I can¡¯t teach you everything from within these four walls. Sometimes, you need to experience things firsthand. Out there, you¡¯ll find answers you didn¡¯t even know you had questions for." He clapped a hand on James¡¯s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "And besides, nobody likes a modest hero. Go out there and show them what you¡¯re made of."


    James took a deep breath, nodding slowly as A¡¯s words settled into him. The excitement began to edge out the fear. Perhaps his master was right; he¡¯d never know what he was capable of unless he took that first step. He wasn¡¯t just some apprentice anymore. Chosen by the king, he reminded himself. There was a certain weight to that title, one he felt resonating in his core.


    A gave him a gentle nudge. "Good. Now, let¡¯s get to work. I¡¯ve got a teleportation array to prep, and you¡¯ve got questions to stop asking." He walked back into the hut, gesturing for James to follow.


    Inside, James watched in awe as A pulled out chalk, crystals, and several strange, metallic instruments he¡¯d never seen before. His master¡¯s movements were smooth and practiced as he began drawing intricate symbols on the floor. The chalk lines intersected and curled, forming a web-like pattern that pulsed faintly with magic.


    James¡¯s fascination grew with every mark A made on the floor. "What¡­ what does all this mean?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.


    A glanced up, smirking. "You¡¯d understand if you stopped drooling and started paying attention during lessons. This is a teleportation array, and it isn¡¯t as simple as just a hop, skip, and jump to the capital. Every rune here is calibrated to pinpoint our exact location and destination. One wrong symbol, and you could end up embedded in a mountain." He paused, winking. "And I¡¯d rather not have to scrape you off any rocks."


    James gulped, his excitement tempered with a hint of fear. "Right¡­ embedded in a mountain sounds¡­ less than ideal."


    As A continued, he began explaining each segment of the array in his own eccentric way, peppering his instructions with anecdotes of teleportation mishaps and arcane theories. It was a strange blend of humor and wisdom, the kind James had grown accustomed to over the years.


    When he finally finished the array, A dusted his hands off, gesturing for James to step into the circle. The runes shimmered with a faint light, humming with stored energy. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A placed a hand on James¡¯s shoulder, his gaze uncharacteristically serious. "Remember, James¡­ this mission, this journey, it¡¯s not just about getting to the destination. It¡¯s about discovering who you are, what you can do. Don¡¯t lose sight of that."


    James nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation. He stepped onto the array, feeling the hum of magic beneath his feet, a tingling that seemed to resonate with his own pulse.


    "Don¡¯t mess this up, kid," A said with a smirk, though his eyes held a strange mixture of pride and challenge.


    James took a deep breath, nodding resolutely. "I won¡¯t."


    And then, with a flick of A¡¯s wrist, the array blazed to life. A surge of magic enveloped him, the world around him spinning, twisting in a whirl of light and sound. The familiar confines of the hut vanished, replaced by a sensation of weightlessness as if he were being pulled through an endless tunnel.


    For a heartbeat, everything was quiet. Silent. Timeless.


    And then, with a jarring lurch, the world snapped back into focus, and James stumbled, his legs weak as he tried to steady himself. The array beneath him dimmed, the runes fading into silence. He blinked, his vision adjusting to the brightness around him.


    He was standing in the heart of the High Human Kingdom¡¯s capital.


    It was like nothing he¡¯d ever imagined. Towering structures loomed around him, adorned with gleaming metal and intricate carvings. Bridges arched gracefully over streams that cut through the bustling streets, and crystalline lamps illuminated the paths with a soft, enchanting glow. The sounds of the city¡ªa blend of laughter, chatter, and distant music¡ªfilled the air, and the scent of exotic foods and fragrant flowers wafted on the breeze.


    "Whoa¡­" James whispered, his eyes wide with wonder. He felt like he¡¯d stepped into another world.


    A clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "Welcome to the capital. Try not to look too much like a lost puppy, will you?"


    James couldn¡¯t contain his smile, his heart pounding with excitement. Everything around him felt alive, buzzing with energy he¡¯d never felt before. The buildings, the people, the lights¡ªit was a symphony of sensations, a stark contrast to the quiet isolation of his hut.


    As they walked through the streets, A led him from one vendor to another, introducing him to foods he¡¯d never tasted, gadgets he¡¯d never seen, and sights that left him speechless. At one stand, he tasted a rich, spiced meat dish that left his mouth tingling; at another, he marveled at trinkets that danced with magic, miniature machines whirring and flashing.


    They wandered through a bustling market square where performers displayed acts of magic and acrobatics, their feats met with cheers from the crowd. James watched, mesmerized, as a street magician conjured floating lights in intricate patterns, creating shapes that twisted and danced in the air.


    At one point, they passed a grand statue in the square¡ªa towering figure in armor, one arm raised in a salute to the heavens. The plaque at its base read, A: Avatar of the High Humans. Champion of Knowledge and Arcane Arts.


    James stared up at the statue, unable to shake the sense of awe and disbelief settling in his chest. This was his master? The same man who had spent entire evenings beside him, patiently watching his frustrations with broken gadgets and failed spells? Now, this towering figure, clad in marble robes that seemed to flow like real fabric, stood enshrined with an expression of quiet resolve, immortalized by the reverent hands of artisans.


    The statue¡¯s gaze was fixed on something beyond the horizon, as if forever watching over the world it protected. And yet, James knew that same man would¡¯ve simply laughed at the grandeur, maybe muttering about ¡¯too much fuss.¡¯


    A chuckled, breaking the silence, and nudged him forward. "Come on. Plenty of time to gawk later." But even as they moved past the statue, James couldn¡¯t help but look back, feeling his respect deepen as he realized just how much his master had chosen to hide.


    With every step, James felt the thrill of adventure bubbling up inside him, tempered by the reality of what lay ahead. The capital was overwhelming, enchanting, but he was here with a purpose. And as they made their way through the crowded streets, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that his life was about to change forever.

 Chapter 43: The Tale Of A Demi-God

    James¡¯s world spun as he stumbled into the capital¡¯s grand plaza, the teleportation array¡¯s effects lingering in his disoriented mind. He blinked, trying to focus, and the bustling city gradually came into view. His senses were bombarded with the sights and sounds of High Human society¡ªglowing signs floated above shops, enchanted streetlights pulsed with energy, and drones glided gracefully above, carrying parcels through the air. People moved in streams, weaving in and out of floating market stalls, their voices blending into a warm, chaotic hum.


    Beside him, his master, A, watched James with an amused smirk. "Not quite the same as our quiet forest, is it?"


    "It¡¯s¡­ overwhelming," James managed, still marveling at the towering architecture. The buildings were unlike anything he¡¯d imagined: sleek, towering structures adorned with intricate patterns, with windows shimmering like stardust. Each shop seemed alive, magical runes pulsating with faint light that resonated with the energy of the city. Everything here felt as if it were not only built but brought to life through magic and ingenuity.


    "Come on," A said, giving James a nudge forward. "You¡¯re in for a treat today."


    They began moving through the plaza, and A gestured to various spots, narrating in a mix of casual observations and sarcastic quips. He pointed out the potion stall run by an eccentric old woman with a keen eye for mixing both elixirs and gossip. "She¡¯s got a concoction for everything¡ªfrom warding off colds to helping love bloom. Though, I¡¯d advise against her ¡¯Unrequited Love Solution.¡¯ Tends to cause more headaches than it solves."


    James chuckled, captivated by the mixture of the strange and familiar in the bustling marketplace. He watched as the woman at the potion stall handed a bottle to a customer with a flourish, promising results with a mischievous grin. Each interaction in the city felt like a piece of theater, and he wondered how such a lively place could coexist with the serene forest where he¡¯d grown up.


    As they continued, they passed a smithy, where the clang of hammers echoed, and sparks flew in rhythmic bursts. This was no ordinary forge¡ªenchanted weapons lined the walls, each blade shimmering with runes and humming faintly with power. James¡¯s fingers itched to reach out, to feel the magic embedded in the metal.


    "You like it, don¡¯t you?" A said, noticing James¡¯s entranced gaze. "This smithy¡¯s been here for centuries. Each weapon¡¯s custom-made, forged with magic-infused metal that only a few master artificers can craft. You might get your hands on one someday, if you ever stop drooling over other people¡¯s work and make something extraordinary yourself."


    James blushed but couldn¡¯t help grinning. The capital was everything he¡¯d dreamed of and more¡ªa place where art and magic intertwined, and each shop seemed to hold secrets waiting to be discovered.


    Their walk took them through narrow streets lined with tall, graceful buildings, each one more intricate than the last. The architecture itself felt alive; vines of luminescent runes crawled up the walls, and small gargoyle statues perched on ledges, their eyes flickering as if they were watching the passersby. It was a city where the mundane and the magical blended seamlessly.


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me all this existed before?" James asked, his voice tinged with awe.


    "Would you have believed me?" A replied with a chuckle. "Besides, some things are better experienced than described. Look over there."


    He pointed to a gathering crowd where a storyteller had taken center stage. People of all ages watched in rapt attention as the performer, a middle-aged man draped in colorful robes, spun a tale of adventure and magic.


    The storyteller¡¯s voice boomed with theatrical flair. "In the ancient days, when the skies were darkened by shadow and the realms trembled, there arose a hero from the High Humans¡ªa man unmatched in brilliance and valor." He gestured dramatically toward the square, where a statue stood tall and imposing. James¡¯s eyes followed, and his breath caught.


    There, towering above the crowd, was a statue of A¡ªhis master. Clad in gleaming armor, he stood with one arm raised, wielding a staff that radiated power. His expression was stern and unwavering, a figure carved from stone yet brimming with life and energy. This wasn¡¯t the relaxed, sarcastic mentor James knew. This was a warrior, a symbol of strength and wisdom for the entire kingdom.


    "He was known as the Champion of the High Humans, the one chosen by the gods themselves," the storyteller continued, his voice carrying over the plaza. "With his creation, the titanic golem, Alpha A, he struck down enemies of our people and paved the way for peace. All but the gods were free from his might."


    James felt a strange surge of pride and disbelief as he looked up at the statue. His master¡ªa figure of legends, a champion revered by countless people. It was hard to reconcile the man he¡¯d grown up with, the one who berated him for not cleaning up his tools, with the towering figure of legend before him.


    A nudged him, breaking his trance. "Come on, don¡¯t go getting ideas. That guy up there, he¡¯s just a story. The real me¡¯s a lot less impressive."


    James managed a laugh, shaking his head. "Less impressive? You¡¯re standing right here, and they¡¯re telling stories about you like you¡¯re some kind of¡­ mythical hero."


    "That¡¯s because people like their heroes wrapped in a bit of mystery and grandeur," A replied, winking. "If they knew the truth, they¡¯d be far less impressed. Now, how about a snack?" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they wandered toward a vendor selling fried pastries, James caught a glimpse of a young knight standing on the edge of the plaza. She was armored from head to toe, her chest plate emblazoned with the emblem of the High Human Kingdom¡ªa golden sun with a piercing eye in the center. Her stance was confident, yet her gaze sharp as she scanned the crowd.


    A waved lazily, as though he¡¯d been expecting her. "Ah, Breona, perfect timing."


    The knight¡¯s eyes settled on them, and she strode over, her armor clinking softly with each step. Up close, James noticed the faint scars along her jaw and the intensity in her gaze¡ªa hardened warrior, yet young, perhaps only a few years older than him.


    "Greetings," she said, her voice formal and clear. "I am Breona, here to escort you to the palace."


    James straightened, suddenly feeling self-conscious under her scrutiny. "Um, hello. I¡¯m James."


    Breona inclined her head, a faint smile softening her stern features. "It¡¯s a pleasure, James. The king awaits you. Your master has spoken highly of you."


    James shot A a look of surprise, but his master simply shrugged. "What? I may be a grouch, but I know talent when I see it."


    Breona turned, gesturing for them to follow. "The king has arranged a private audience. It¡¯s rare for outsiders to be granted entry to the palace, so consider yourselves honored."


    As they walked, James¡¯s excitement grew. The capital had been overwhelming enough, but the palace¡­ it was beyond anything he¡¯d ever imagined. They passed through massive gates carved with runes that pulsed faintly, giving off a protective aura, and entered a courtyard filled with flowering trees and fountains that shimmered with enchanted water.


    In the distance, the marble spires of the palace gleamed under the afternoon sun, their surfaces polished to a mirror-like finish. Ornate carvings of mythical creatures decorated the walls, and the sounds of laughter and music drifted from within.


    Breona led them through a maze of corridors, each one more lavish than the last. The floors were inlaid with gold and silver patterns, and tapestries depicting great battles and scenes of prosperity adorned the walls. James tried to take it all in, his heart racing as they neared the throne room.


    They finally reached a pair of massive doors, carved from enchanted wood that glowed faintly with an inner light. Breona turned to them, her expression softening. "The king isn¡¯t as intimidating as the stories make him seem," she said, a hint of warmth in her voice. "Just be yourself, and you¡¯ll do fine."


    James nodded, feeling a mixture of awe and anxiety. He glanced at A, who gave him a reassuring grin. "Remember, kid, no one ever made a difference by blending in. Be bold."


    Taking a deep breath, James stepped forward as the doors opened with a soft creak. He entered the throne room, feeling the weight of countless eyes¡ªimaginary or real¡ªwatching him. This was his chance, his moment to prove himself.


    "The world is my oyster."

 Chapter 44: Lay Your Eyes Upon The Grand King Of Humanity

    James stood in front of the grand, imposing doors to the throne room, feeling his pulse quicken. This was it¡ªthe moment he¡¯d been preparing for. Breona stood beside him, her expression calm but warm as she regarded him.


    "James," she said, her voice soft. "Relax. You¡¯ll do fine."


    James managed a small nod, still awestruck by the splendor surrounding him. The castle¡¯s marble floors gleamed beneath him, each crystal chandelier above casting glints of light across statues of past heroes and intricate tapestries. Everything about this place felt larger than life, and now, he was about to meet the High King himself.


    Breona noticed his tension and gave him a reassuring smile. "The High King¡¯s firm but fair. He¡¯s known for his wisdom and, more importantly, for recognizing potential when he sees it. And believe me, if he sees potential in you, then you¡¯re on the right path."


    Before James could respond, a gentle but resonant voice called from within the throne room. "Send him in."


    The grand doors opened with a soft but imposing creak, revealing the vast hall inside. The room was even more magnificent than he had anticipated. Ornate pillars lined the room, each carved with swirling designs of past victories and legends, and at the far end of the hall sat the High King, Zerathiel X, on a throne of shimmering marble and gold. The king himself was a regal figure¡ªtall, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to take in everything with a single glance.


    James felt rooted to the spot, momentarily overwhelmed.


    A, standing beside the king, raised an eyebrow at James and gave him a faint smirk. "Well, don¡¯t just stand there, kid. Step forward."


    Taking a steadying breath, James walked forward, each step echoing in the vast chamber. He tried to keep his gaze forward, though he couldn¡¯t help glancing at the intricate carvings on the pillars as he passed them. Each one seemed to tell a story¡ªa glimpse into the rich history of the High Human Kingdom.


    When he finally reached the foot of the throne, he knelt as Breona had instructed, his head bowed respectfully. Zerathiel¡¯s voice, calm yet firm, cut through the silence.


    "Rise, James."


    James stood, meeting the king¡¯s gaze. Zerathiel¡¯s eyes were intense, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in them, a silent evaluation.


    "James," the king began, his tone thoughtful, "I understand you are a disciple of our esteemed Avatar. A man of talent, according to the reports."


    James felt his cheeks flush. "I¡­ I try my best, Your Majesty."


    A¡¯s chuckle broke the moment, causing James to glance his way. "Don¡¯t be so modest, kid. You¡¯re practically a prodigy by your own merits."


    The king¡¯s lips quirked in the faintest smile. "A doesn¡¯t praise lightly, you know."


    For a moment, there was silence as the king studied him further, and James shifted slightly under the intensity of Zerathiel¡¯s gaze. Then the king leaned back, his expression softening.


    "James, I¡¯ll be honest. I am not one to send inexperienced soldiers into dangerous lands, but the Scorching Badlands is not a place where ordinary strength will serve. What we need is something more nuanced¡ªintelligence, adaptability, and a certain¡­ knack for innovation." The king paused. "Your master tells me you possess all these qualities."


    A nodded, looking at James with a rare look of pride. "He¡¯s a quick learner. Relentless in his curiosity. I¡¯d say he¡¯s got exactly what¡¯s needed for this task."


    James felt a swell of pride, though he was careful to keep his expression composed. He glanced at Breona, who gave him a small, encouraging nod.


    "I¡¯ll do everything I can to serve, Your Majesty," James replied, his voice steady.


    "Good," the king said, satisfaction evident in his tone. "This will be a challenging mission. The Scorching Badlands holds secrets and dangers that we ourselves cannot fully comprehend. My allies among the other races are concerned about recent disturbances¡ªan unusual surge in power coming from the heart of the Badlands. We suspect a powerful creature may be rising, and such power unchecked could threaten not only our kingdom but all realms."


    James took in the gravity of the king¡¯s words, his curiosity piqued but tinged with trepidation. "Your Majesty, will I¡­ be going alone?" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The king exchanged a glance with A before replying, "You¡¯ll be part of a specialized team. The other realms have selected young champions from their ranks to investigate this threat. Each one brings something unique¡ªstrength, knowledge, resilience. Together, you will form a balanced force, each complementing the others¡¯ skills."


    At the king¡¯s words, a soft hum filled the air, and a holographic screen flickered to life beside him, showing images of the chosen representatives from the other realms. James¡¯s eyes widened as he took in their appearances, feeling a mixture of awe and intimidation. These were people of immense power and skill, and he was supposed to join them?


    "Each champion has their own strengths," the king continued. "But they are also¡­ independent. They will not be easy to lead or influence. You must be prepared to adapt, to work with them, and to earn their trust. That will be crucial to the success of this mission."


    James nodded, though he felt a nervous flutter in his stomach. He had no experience in leadership or teamwork on this scale. The most he¡¯d ever led was a handful of automatons in his experiments.


    A seemed to sense his doubts and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "You¡¯ll be fine, kid. This is what you¡¯ve been training for, even if you didn¡¯t know it."


    James looked up at his master, finding comfort in his unshakable confidence. Then, turning back to the king, he straightened his shoulders and met the king¡¯s gaze with renewed determination.


    "I won¡¯t let you down, Your Majesty."


    The king¡¯s smile widened. "I believe you won¡¯t, James. But remember, this is more than just a task. This is an opportunity¡ªa chance to see the world, to learn, to grow beyond what you¡¯ve known. Take it."


    A moment of silence followed, the weight of the king¡¯s words settling on James. He felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation, as if he were standing on the edge of something vast and unknown.


    The king lifted his hand, and the holographic screen changed, showing images of the Scorching Badlands¡ªthe cracked, desolate landscape, the volcanic ridges, and the treacherous plains. The sight was both mesmerizing and intimidating.


    "Your mission is clear," the king said, his tone serious. "Investigate the disturbances in the Badlands. Find the source of this power surge and, if necessary, neutralize it. The survival of our realms may depend on it."


    James swallowed hard, feeling the full weight of the responsibility. But at the same time, he felt a thrill of anticipation. This was a chance to prove himself, to show that he could rise to the challenge, just as his master believed he could.


    Breona stepped forward, her hand resting on her sword¡¯s hilt. "You won¡¯t be alone, James. We¡¯ll support you in whatever way we can."


    The king nodded. "The realms are watching. Make us proud."


    With that, the king raised his hand, and the holographic display faded. James bowed deeply, feeling both humbled and emboldened by the honor bestowed upon him. As he straightened, he noticed a faint, approving smile on A¡¯s face, and his heart swelled with gratitude.


    The High King Zerathiel cleared his throat, capturing James¡¯s full attention. "Understand this, James. This is not only a matter of duty but an opportunity¡ªone that could bring honor to your name and your lineage. Should you succeed, any reasonable reward you desire shall be yours."


    James¡¯s heart raced, feeling the weight and potential of the offer. This wasn¡¯t just about a single mission or a test of skill. This was a chance to prove himself, to rise above his humble origins and gain a name of his own in the annals of history. He glanced at his master, A, who gave him a subtle nod of encouragement.


    A deep voice echoed from the king¡¯s side as he activated a gleaming holographic array, filling the throne room with glowing, ethereal images of the other four rulers. Each sat upon their throne in their own chambers, their features regal and imposing.


    The High King turned to James. "Now, you see your companions. Different, yet bound by one task." His voice reverberated through the hall. "This is a quest that will require not only courage but the wisdom to know when to trust and when to challenge each other."


    James felt a profound sense of responsibility as he exchanged glances with each of the champions, each of them unique embodiments of their realms¡¯ strengths. It was strange, knowing he would rely on them, even as he felt the tug of rivalry. The High King raised his hand, and the holograms of the other rulers flickered slightly.


    "Then it¡¯s time," Zerathiel intoned, his gaze piercing as it settled on each of the champions. "May this mission prove your mettle. Remember, your actions will determine the fate of our realms. Hold fast to your honor, your courage, and your duty."


    The holograms flared one final time, each ruler¡¯s blessing glowing in a unifying light before fading from view. The champions stood in silence, a weighty sense of purpose settling over them. James inhaled deeply, casting one final look at his master. A gave a nod of approval, his smirk still present but his eyes filled with a rare, solemn pride.


    As the champions departed from the throne room, Breona caught James¡¯s shoulder with a grin. "You¡¯re going to do great things, James. And who knows?" She winked, voice light yet full of encouragement. "Maybe you¡¯ll even make a few friends along the way."


    James let out a breath, chuckling as some of his nervousness melted away. He felt a steady, quiet confidence take root within him. For the first time in his life, he was about to step into something monumental, something that extended beyond the quiet world of his inventions.


    He was ready, as ready as he¡¯d ever be, to prove himself worthy of the High King¡¯s trust¡ªand the world¡¯s hope.

 Chapter 45: Break For 1 Day

    Hello, Amazing Readers!


    I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that there will be a short one-day break in updates. Unfortunately, I¡¯ve come down with a bit of an illness and need to take a day to rest up and recover. As much as I¡¯d love to keep the story going without interruptions, I know I wouldn¡¯t be able to give you the quality you deserve while feeling this way. So, I¡¯ll be taking a bit of downtime to recharge and get back to my best.


    Thank you all for your patience and understanding! It means a lot to know you¡¯re enjoying the journey alongside me, and I promise that this small pause will make sure I¡¯m back stronger for all the thrilling chapters ahead. And now, since I don¡¯t want to leave you entirely without something to enjoy, here are some fascinating animal facts to brighten your day!


    Octopuses Have Three Hearts!


    Yes, you read that right¡ªthree hearts! Two pump blood through their gills, while the third pumps it through the rest of the body. And here¡¯s the coolest part: when they swim, the third heart actually stops beating to help conserve energy!


    Cows Have Best Friends


    Studies show that cows form close bonds with other cows and experience stress when separated from their "besties." They also become visibly calmer when they are reunited, showing signs of social bonds and emotional attachment.


    A Group of Flamingos is Called a "Flamboyance" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only are flamingos beautiful and colorful, but their group name is just as striking. Flamingos get their pink hue from the beta-carotene in their diet of algae and crustaceans. And yes, they really do often stand on one leg to reduce muscle fatigue.


    Hummingbirds Weigh Less Than a Penny


    These tiny marvels are incredibly lightweight, some species even weighing less than a single U.S. penny. Despite their size, they can flap their wings up to 80 times per second, making that familiar humming sound as they move.


    Elephants Can "Hear" with Their Feet


    Elephants communicate through low-frequency sounds that travel through the ground. They detect these vibrations through their feet, which is especially useful over long distances. This unique ability helps keep herds connected even when they are far apart.


    Dolphins Have Names for Each Other


    Dolphins communicate using signature whistles, essentially giving each other names. Each dolphin¡¯s whistle is unique, and they can recognize and call each other even after long periods of separation.


    Sloths Only Poop Once a Week


    Sloths are known for their slow metabolism, but did you know this extends to their bathroom habits too? They descend from trees only once a week to relieve themselves, a risky journey that exposes them to predators.


    Pandas Don¡¯t Hibernate


    Unlike most bears, pandas don¡¯t hibernate. Instead, they migrate to lower elevations during colder months to avoid harsh weather, continuing their constant search for bamboo to munch on.


    The Mantis Shrimp Punches with the Force of a Bullet


    Mantis shrimp are renowned for their powerful punches, which can shatter aquarium glass and knock out prey. Their "fists" accelerate as fast as a bullet from a .22 caliber gun, making them one of the strongest pound-for-pound animals on Earth.


    Giraffes Have the Same Number of Neck Bones as Humans


    Though giraffes¡¯ necks are incredibly long, they actually have the same number of vertebrae in their necks as humans¡ªjust seven! Each vertebra is elongated, giving them their iconic height.


    Pigeons Can Recognize Human Faces


    Pigeons are surprisingly smart; studies show they can differentiate between human faces and remember people who were kind to them¡ªor who treated them poorly!


    The Platypus Has No Stomach


    The platypus¡¯s esophagus connects directly to its intestines. It doesn¡¯t produce stomach acid or have a stomach lining like most other animals, an adaptation that¡¯s rare among vertebrates.


    Sharks Have Lived Longer Than Trees


    Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, whereas trees only appeared around 350 million years ago. That means sharks have been roaming the oceans long before forests covered the Earth!


    Ravens Can Hold Grudges


    Ravens are intelligent birds known to remember faces and hold grudges. If a raven feels mistreated by someone, it can remember that person for years and may even pass the grudge down to its offspring.


    Kangaroos Can¡¯t Walk Backwards


    Due to the shape of their hind legs and tail, kangaroos are unable to move backward. They can jump and move forward with incredible speed, but going in reverse is physically impossible for them.


    Butterflies Taste with Their Feet


    Believe it or not, a butterfly¡¯s taste receptors are located on its feet. When they land on a plant, they can taste to see if it¡¯s good to lay their eggs on¡ªmaking those delicate little legs a crucial part of their survival.


    Sea Otters Hold Hands While Sleeping


    Sea otters often hold hands while floating on the water to avoid drifting apart from their group, especially while sleeping. This behavior, known as "rafting," keeps family units together and prevents them from getting lost in the open ocean.


    The Heart of a Shrimp is Located in Its Head


    Anatomically, shrimp have their hearts located near the head, behind a protective shield called the carapace. Since they lack a true head or chest, their organs are arranged differently than many other animals.


    Koalas Have Unique Fingerprints


    Koalas have fingerprints that are so similar to humans that even forensic experts can have difficulty telling them apart. This unique feature of their biology, shared by few other animals, likely evolved to help them grip branches in trees.


    Reindeer Eyes Change Color with the Seasons


    Reindeer eyes change from gold in the summer to blue in the winter, helping them to see better in the low-light conditions of the Arctic. This adaptation enhances their ability to avoid predators and navigate in extreme seasonal changes.


    The Common Swift Stays Airborne for 10 Months


    Common swifts are known to remain in flight for up to 10 months without landing. They eat, sleep, and even mate on the wing. Their remarkable endurance allows them to cover vast distances without stopping, one of the longest flights in the animal kingdom.

 Chapter 46: Who Am I?

    The Scorching Badlands stretched endlessly before Arthur, a molten wasteland simmering under the weight of volcanic fumes and radiant heat. Waves of blistering air rippled across the land, warping the scenery as he made his way deeper into the heart of the Badlands, where the cracked ground glowed faintly with hidden rivers of lava.


    The smell of sulfur clung to his scales as he lumbered over searing rocks, his claws leaving deep grooves in the charred earth. Scattered around him were remnants of something strange¡ªobjects embedded in hardened lava, rough and crude, yet oddly deliberate. Stone fragments and clay shards jutted from the ground, scorched black but not entirely destroyed. He eyed them warily, trying to make sense of these odd shapes and jagged structures. They looked like the skeletons of long-abandoned shelters or tools, as if something small had once attempted to carve out a home in this unyielding land.


    Arthur leaned in, sniffing a cracked pillar half-buried in blackened earth. Strange marks, weathered by time and fire, spiraled up its surface in chaotic patterns. He rumbled softly, inspecting it with [Analyze].


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Analyze Result: This is a remnant of a former human civilization, scorched and lost in time. Crude stone tools and remnants indicate they harnessed basic fire magic. Estimated Age: Several centuries.


    He pulled back, gazing over the lava-encrusted site. Humans¡­? The term lingered, oddly familiar yet foreign. An instinctive understanding tickled the back of his mind, sparking faint echoes of memories he couldn¡¯t grasp. For a moment, he almost felt as if he knew these shapes, these markings. But the notion was hazy, like smoke drifting just out of reach.


    As he moved forward, his vision began to waver. A shiver of psychic energy flared along his horns, throbbing in time with the ancient symbols etched across the crumbling stones. The scorched surroundings dimmed, blurring as if reality itself was slipping. Then, suddenly¡ª


    Blinding lights. Colossal towers, lit up against a dark sky. A hum of something distant yet vibrant filled his ears¡ªa sound he could neither name nor place.


    The image flickered and vanished, leaving him in the ashen silence of the Scorching Badlands. Arthur shook his head, growling low. What had he just seen? The scene was so unlike the harsh land around him. It was vibrant, alive in a way this world was not.


    His first instinct was to dismiss it as a system glitch, some residual effect of his psychic abilities reacting to the ancient symbols. But as he stared at the charred pillar, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of those massive towers, piercing the night sky like dark spires. Was this¡­ something he knew?


    His tail lashed behind him, agitated by the strange thoughts clawing at his mind. Why did these scorched stones and broken shards matter to him? He was a creature of destruction, a beast forged to survive and conquer. And yet¡­ the flicker of recognition gnawed at him, sparking the faintest trace of frustration.


    With a heavy snort, Arthur turned away from the strange artifacts, ignoring the uneasy stirrings in his mind. These remnants were of no use to him; they were just shadows of the past, burned and buried under lava and time. He had a purpose now¡ªstrength to gain, power to devour. Whatever memories or instincts had been triggered, he would not let them interfere with his survival.


    But as he moved forward, his steps heavy and decisive, he found himself drawn to the remnants of a village. Small structures, long since reduced to heaps of ash and rubble, dotted the area. The outlines of simple huts, cooking pits, and broken pottery painted a bleak picture of a life once lived here. It was clear from the arrangement that something had once called this place home, perhaps even thrived in this harsh environment.


    Arthur¡¯s horns pulsed again, and his vision blurred as another image slammed into his mind with the force of a tidal wave. This time, he saw hands¡ªhuman hands, calloused and strong, working tirelessly. They crafted tools, built structures, shaped the world around them. The hands were his, and yet¡­ they weren¡¯t.


    A growl rumbled in his throat, a primal sound full of confusion and irritation. He shook his head, willing the strange visions away. Why did these human images keep flashing before him? Why did he feel as though he had known this place, these stones, in another life?


    He stomped forward, his claws crushing a fallen stone slab beneath him. Whatever faint connection he had to these things, it didn¡¯t matter. He was here, now, in this powerful, monstrous form. The past, if it was even his, was gone. It meant nothing compared to the raw power thrumming through his body, the strength that defined him.


    Yet, a sliver of curiosity remained. The urge to explore, to understand the world around him¡ªan urge he didn¡¯t usually indulge. Perhaps there was more to be gleaned from these remnants, something that could further his evolution.


    He prowled through the village, [Analyze] picking up faint traces of life long extinguished. The system confirmed it as a human habitation site, now reduced to ashes and memories. The thought lingered in his mind, provoking an uncomfortable sensation that he couldn¡¯t quite define.


    A stray piece of pottery caught his eye, buried half in the ash, its surface etched with swirling geometric patterns. He leaned in, sniffing it, feeling his psychic energy thrum. For a brief, fleeting moment, he imagined a hand¡ªthe size of his old human hand¡ªtracing the markings. His horns pulsed with the image, his senses engulfed in the ghostly feeling of touch, of creation.


    But then, the sharp pang of survival instincts roared back, clawing away at any sentiment he might¡¯ve felt. His gaze hardened, and he crushed the pottery shard underfoot, grinding it into the ash.


    He wasn¡¯t human. Not anymore. The fragments of memory, whatever they were, held no place in this world. This was a world where power dictated survival, where weakness spelled death. He wouldn¡¯t let these ancient echoes distract him.


    Just then, a faint glint in the ash caught his attention¡ªa spearhead, blackened by fire yet sharp enough to draw his interest. He reached out with his claws, pulling it from the ground and inspecting its rough, jagged edge. The weapon was primitive, but it bore traces of enchantment, a faint spark of power that had long since waned.


    As he studied it, a chilling realization crept over him. These humans, weak as they might¡¯ve been, had survived here once. They¡¯d wielded magic, harnessed fire, built a life in this land. And now, they were gone, their relics all that remained. Would he one day share their fate? Would some future beast wander through his bones, sniffing at remnants of his strength?


    A low growl escaped him, a fierce determination solidifying within him. He would not end up like these humans, a forgotten relic buried under centuries of ash. He would carve his place in this world, one battle at a time.


    A faint rumble shook the ground beneath him, pulling him from his thoughts. The earth trembled, as if disturbed by some distant force, and a familiar tension prickled along his scales. The air was different here, charged with an energy that didn¡¯t belong to the Scorching Badlands. Something powerful lay in these ruins, hidden beneath the weight of centuries.


    Instinctively, Arthur¡¯s gaze traveled to the heart of the village, where a large, charred pillar jutted out from the ground. Strange symbols were etched into its surface, faintly glowing despite the blackened stone. His [Analyze] revealed nothing concrete, only hints of an ancient, forbidden magic.


    As he approached the pillar, his horns pulsed, and a final image tore through his mind¡ªa flicker of himself as a human, standing in front of a massive structure, his hands stained with soot and determination. He was building something, something grand, something meant to last.


    The vision faded, leaving him shaken. But even as confusion gripped him, a primal instinct roared louder. He was not here to dwell on forgotten lives or lost civilizations. His purpose was survival, power, and dominance.


    Arthur reared back, inhaling deeply before releasing a thunderous roar that echoed across the scorched landscape, scattering ash and dust. Whatever memories lingered in the remnants of this place, they would not haunt him. He was a beast of this world, reborn in the fires of evolution, and he would claim his strength through conquest, not relics.


    As the echoes of his roar faded, he stomped away from the ruins, his focus sharp and unyielding. The Scorching Badlands still held mysteries, and his journey had only just begun.


    +++ Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thank you for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your support and enthusiasm mean everything as we dive deeper into this world of monstrous battles, mysteries, and evolution. Every chapter is a step closer to unlocking Arthur¡¯s true potential. Here¡¯s to more epic moments ahead¡ªthank you for reading!

 Chapter 47: The Human

    Continuing his path through the scorching, desolate landscape, Arthur¡¯s every footstep sent tremors through the cracked earth, dislodging chunks of lava rock and scattering ash. The heat here was stifling, but he relished it; his thick scales absorbed the warmth, invigorating his monstrous frame as he ventured deeper into the Scorching Badlands. His destination lay ahead, marked by a faint yellow signal blinking on his map. Unlike the vibrant red or dull green signals of lesser creatures, this yellow hue indicated something unique¡ªa new challenge.


    The jagged canyon stretched out before him, walls rising steep and high on either side, casting strange shadows that flickered in the heat. Arthur¡¯s sharpened senses scanned every crack, crevice, and ledge for signs of life, yet the canyon remained eerily silent. It seemed empty, yet the sensation of being watched prickled across his scales.


    As he moved further, Arthur felt a strange surge deep within his core. His horns flared, and a sudden, intense pressure flooded his mind. A flash of light exploded in his vision, blinding him momentarily. His surroundings disappeared, replaced by another place, another time.


    He stood, or rather, he felt himself standing, in the heart of a sprawling city that stretched into the night sky. Glowing towers and blinking lights pulsed around him, and distant voices buzzed from all directions. It was a world of stone, metal, and glass¡ªstrange yet familiar. He felt an intense pull toward someone nearby, a figure cloaked in shadows. They reached for him, their hand outstretched.


    Just as quickly as it came, the vision faded, leaving Arthur in the oppressive silence of the canyon. He staggered, shaking his massive head to dispel the residual disorientation. That vision¡ªthose city lights, that figure¡ªfelt real, too real to dismiss as some system glitch or environmental influence. There was something¡­ or someone in those memories, buried in the depths of his mind.


    With a snarl, he forced the thoughts aside. There was no time for distractions; his focus had to remain sharp in this land where the weak were devoured. But as he raised his head to survey the canyon again, movement caught his eye.


    A flicker of red scales darted from the shadows¡ªa lizard-like creature, moving with predatory speed and stealth. Then another, and another. Arthur¡¯s [Analyze] activated instinctively.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Species Identified: Ember Strikers


    Classification: Fire-based, lizard-like predators


    Size: 6 to 8 feet long


    Abilities: Extreme speed and coordinated ambush tactics; capable of cloaking in heat mirages to remain undetected


    They struck in unison, a coordinated ambush designed to disorient and overwhelm. The first Ember Striker lunged at his left side, its blazing claws slashing toward his armored flank. Another slashed from above, aiming for his head, while the third circled behind him, teeth bared and ready to sink into his leg.


    Arthur roared, an earth-shattering sound that echoed off the canyon walls. The roar alone forced a split-second hesitation in the creatures, and in that moment, he unleashed his [Destructo Beams]. Thin, pulsing beams of red energy shot from his horns, zipping through the air and slicing into the oncoming Strikers. The first was incinerated mid-leap, its body disintegrating in a burst of ash.


    The others, however, adapted. They scattered, using their natural camouflage to blur into the heat waves around him, turning almost invisible. Their scaled bodies merged seamlessly with the distorted air, making them hard to track.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he activated his [Psychic] skill, feeling the familiar strain as his mind expanded, seeking out the creatures¡¯ presences. He could sense them now, faint shadows against the backdrop of his mental landscape. He shifted his weight, swinging his thick tail in a sweeping arc, catching one of the hidden Strikers mid-dash. The creature let out a strangled cry as it was hurled into the canyon wall, its body reduced to a charred smear.


    The final Ember Striker saw its chance and lunged at his throat, its claws extended. Arthur¡¯s horns flared, his psychic energy surging, and the creature froze mid-air, suspended by an unseen force. It struggled, snarling, its limbs thrashing helplessly. Arthur held it there for a moment, savoring the sight of its desperation, before slamming it down onto the ground with brutal force. The impact silenced it instantly.


    Silence returned to the canyon, broken only by the faint crackle of embers and the slow drip of lava seeping from the canyon walls. Arthur exhaled, letting the tension drain from his muscles. The battle had been swift, a reminder of his dominance, but the vision still lingered, a ghostly imprint at the edge of his consciousness.


    His gaze shifted to the canyon floor, where he noticed something strange¡ªa worn, ancient pillar jutting from the ground, half-buried in ash. Symbols covered its charred surface, geometric patterns that seemed almost familiar. His psychic senses flared again, unbidden, and the image of a human hand tracing similar symbols flashed before his eyes. His own hand.


    Arthur growled, his claws digging into the ground as he fought to push the memory away. He was no human. Not anymore. The memories were distractions, relics of a past that held no power over him. And yet, something deep within him stirred¡ªa whisper of doubt, a spark of curiosity.


    As he continued through the canyon, the landscape shifted, and soon he found himself at the edge of what looked like an ancient, abandoned village. Blackened bones and shattered clay jars lay scattered in the ashen remains of structures, silent witnesses to a long-forgotten past. He activated [Analyze], his eyes scanning over the charred remnants as the system confirmed what he suspected.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Ancient Site of Human Habitation Description: Ruins of a nomadic fire-worshipping society. Evidence suggests they engaged in ritualistic sacrifices to Volcranax, the island¡¯s guardian beast, in exchange for protection from other monstrous threats.


    The villagers had left their mark here, the traces of their existence mingling with the molten rock and hardened lava. For a moment, Arthur could almost see them¡ªthe people who had lived here, huddling around fires, casting glances at the looming volcano, perhaps even praying for mercy from a monster far greater than themselves. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Another flicker of memory surfaced, unbidden. He saw a pair of hands¡ªnot claws or scales, but human hands, calloused and strong. They were his hands, carving a path, building something out of stone and wood. He felt the same determination he had now, a relentless drive to survive, to conquer the challenges before him. But there was also a sense of connection, a feeling he couldn¡¯t quite name.


    The memory faded, and Arthur let out a low rumble, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Whatever he had once been, it no longer mattered. He was a monster now, a creature of destruction and dominance. The instincts to survive and grow stronger were all that defined him, and he wasn¡¯t about to let sentimental fragments cloud his purpose.


    Moving past the ruins, he caught a scent¡ªa faint trace of something alive, yet weak. Curious, he followed the scent, his massive form moving through the scorched landscape with surprising stealth. Rounding a bend, he found the source.


    A lone figure, huddled and frail, leaned against a charred tree, their skin sunken and eyes hollow. This was no ordinary human. The figure¡¯s garb was strange, woven with beads and markings that matched the symbols he¡¯d seen on the ancient pillar. Despite their emaciated appearance, their gaze held a glimmer of defiance as they looked up at him.


    "You¡­ you are¡­ it," the figure rasped, barely able to speak. "The one¡­ who brings the end¡­"


    Arthur tilted his massive head, narrowing his eyes. The human¡¯s words were nonsensical, yet something about them resonated in the hollow recesses of his mind. He watched as the figure struggled to rise, their voice gaining strength as they spoke of the Cursed Crown, an artifact of immense power, created by their ancestors to combat Volcranax.


    "The beast destroyed us," they whispered, their voice tinged with bitterness. "Took everything¡­ our people, our land¡­ all because we dared to resist. The Cursed Crown¡­ it holds power beyond anything in this land."


    Arthur listened, feigning interest, but his mind was already calculating. The human¡¯s knowledge of ancient power intrigued him, but he felt no loyalty, no obligation to their plight. He was curious about the artifact¡¯s power and whether it could serve his own purposes, nothing more.


    "Why¡­ do you not speak?" the human murmured, gazing up at him with a mixture of awe and fear. "Are you¡­ merely a beast?"


    Arthur¡¯s gaze hardened, a faint growl escaping his throat. His horns started to release a red aura, before it tried to latch onto the human¡¯s mind, but of course, he made sure not to release the full burden of his mental prowess unless he wanted this human brain-dead in a second.


    "Watch your words, human."


    +++


    Thank you for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your support and enthusiasm mean everything as we dive deeper into this world of monstrous battles, mysteries, and evolution. Every chapter is a step closer to unlocking Arthur¡¯s true potential. Here¡¯s to more epic moments ahead¡ªthank you for reading!

 Chapter 48: Amuse Me, Little Mouse

    The human¡¯s face paled, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he fumbled over his words. "I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean any offense," he stammered, voice cracking. His fear was tangible, an acrid scent in the air that Arthur found somewhat amusing. The man tried to steady his breathing, his gaze flickering between Arthur¡¯s blood-red horns and the razor-sharp claws flexing against the rocky ground.


    Arthur observed him with mild curiosity, far more than he¡¯d afforded to most creatures in the Scorching Badlands. There was something faintly interesting about this human¡ªa trace of energy unfamiliar yet not completely foreign. It wasn¡¯t the raw, primal essence he¡¯d sensed from other creatures he¡¯d devoured, but it was there nonetheless, stirring some buried instinct within him.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the trembling human before him, his massive frame casting a dark shadow over the figure. The red glow of his horns pulsed rhythmically, a warning heartbeat in the oppressive silence.


    The human swallowed, gathering his courage. "Y-you¡¯re strong¡­ too strong to just roam these lands aimlessly." He hesitated, his voice wavering. "If you¡¯re here, then perhaps it¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s fate that brought us together."


    Arthur snorted, a low rumbling sound that made the ground quiver. "Fate," he echoed, his voice thick with disdain. "You overestimate your importance, little mouse. Tell me, what do you want?"


    The human flinched at the moniker but forced himself to speak. "Volcranax. You know of him, don¡¯t you? He¡¯s the scourge of these lands, the monster that reduced my people to ashes. He¡¯s not just any beast. He¡¯s a calamity¡­ a tyrant." His eyes sparked with a desperate fire, though his voice betrayed his fear. "I¡¯ve heard rumors¡­ ancient lore, really, that there exists a weapon¡ªa relic called the Cursed Crown¡ªcapable of containing Volcranax¡¯s fury. Only with it could we hope to stand a chance."


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, a deep rumble escaping his throat. "And you think I care? Volcranax¡¯s strength sounds¡­ intriguing."


    The human¡¯s eyes widened, caught between awe and terror. "No¡­ no, you don¡¯t understand." He took a cautious step closer, his hands trembling as he gestured toward the dark horizon. "Without that Crown, no one stands a chance against Volcranax. Not even you. Legends say that the Cursed Crown holds the strength of my people¡¯s ancestors¡ªthe last hope they forged to protect themselves."


    Arthur let the words sink in, his expression unreadable. Finally, he tilted his massive head, the glow of his horns intensifying. "So you think this Crown could give you a chance against Volcranax¡­ and you expect me to help you?"


    The human nodded, his jaw set, though his body quivered. "Yes. If you help me, we could retrieve it together. You¡­ you must have some purpose here beyond aimlessly killing, right?"


    Arthur¡¯s rumbling growl turned into something resembling a chuckle. "My purpose? And what makes you think a mouse like you could give it meaning?"


    "I¡ªI have knowledge!" the human stammered, forcing himself to hold Arthur¡¯s gaze. "I know where to find the Crown. It¡¯s hidden deep within these ruins, where only the chosen could tread. I¡­ I can lead you to it."


    The monster tilted his head, red eyes glinting with amusement. "Chosen?" he sneered. "You sound like the desperate fool you are."


    The human clenched his fists, frustration burning in his eyes. "Call it what you want, but I know these lands better than anyone. The ancient tribes guarded the Crown, creating barriers that only one of our bloodline can cross. You need me if you want to find it."


    Arthur regarded him for a moment, as if weighing the worth of this mouse¡¯s claim. After a long pause, he rumbled, "Fine. Lead on, little mouse. But make no mistake¡ªyou¡¯re only alive because I¡¯m allowing it. Try to deceive me, and I will crush you without hesitation." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The human¡¯s face lit up with a mixture of fear and gratitude, and he quickly nodded. "I understand. Just¡­ just follow me. I¡¯ll get us there."


    Arthur observed him with mild curiosity, far more than he¡¯d afforded to most creatures in the Scorching Badlands. There was something faintly interesting about this human¡ªa trace of energy unfamiliar yet not completely foreign. It wasn¡¯t the raw, primal essence he¡¯d sensed from other creatures he¡¯d devoured, but it was there nonetheless, stirring some buried instinct within him.


    "Lead on, Mouse," he rumbled, letting the human think that he might actually be guiding their path through the ruins.


    The human¡ªclearly uncomfortable with the nickname but too terrified to protest¡ªnodded hastily and started toward the ruins¡¯ heart. As they moved through the crumbling remnants of what had once been a village or city, Arthur noticed the scattered remains of tools, pottery, and faint carvings on charred stones. These ruins told stories of a people who had once called this land home, who had built, fought, and fallen beneath its oppressive heat.


    Arthur feigned interest in the human¡¯s whispered explanations, though he let only half the words sink in. The man spoke of warriors who had sacrificed themselves to appease Volcranax, hoping to control the beast that had ruled over them. They had offered their strongest, only to be betrayed in return. Those sacrifices had, apparently, once satisfied Volcranax, keeping the dragon¡¯s wrath at bay. But now, the ruins around them were littered with evidence of a darker truth.


    "Many of us¡­ we¡¯re gone now," the human whispered, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Reduced to ashes, bones, and memories. The Cursed Crown was said to be our only hope. Some believed it could control the beasts, but no one ever found it. Only legends remain." He looked up at Arthur, a hint of hope flickering in his gaze. "But if I could just¡­"


    Arthur¡¯s amusement grew as he watched the human¡¯s ambition flare up in desperation. It was pitiful, really, yet he allowed the human¡¯s hopes to simmer for the moment. "Is that so?" Arthur¡¯s voice was deep, like distant thunder, layered with sarcasm as he let his gaze wander to the cracked pillars and the symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with age-old energy. He could crush this human anytime he chose, yet something inside told him to let the mouse indulge his fantasies for now.


    The human took Arthur¡¯s apparent interest as encouragement and continued to chatter, all the while glancing over his shoulder as if to make sure Arthur was still paying attention.


    Arthur followed, his own thoughts dark and brewing, half-listening as his gaze lingered on the strange, charred symbols that coated the stone.


    As they ventured deeper, Arthur noticed an unusual pillar, taller than the rest and covered in intricate carvings. He felt a sudden surge of psychic energy, a force that pulled him in, and his vision swam. In an instant, he was not here in the Badlands but somewhere else entirely¡ªsomewhere bright and foreign. A city, aglow with lights, its towers piercing the sky. There was laughter, the sound of a voice¡­ someone familiar. And then a knife¡ªa figure behind him, a flash of betrayal that seared through his soul.


    The vision jarred him back to reality, leaving his mind clouded with bitterness and rage. His claws dug into the earth, leaving deep furrows as he struggled to shake off the sensation. He could still feel the weight of that betrayal, a wound cut so deep that even now, in this monstrous form, it bled through. It was as if the memory had always been there, festering, waiting for the right moment to surface.


    Lost in the haze of his emotions, Arthur barely registered the human creeping closer to the pedestal at the center of the ruins. His eyes focused on the object that lay there¡ªthe Cursed Crown, its dark aura pulsating with a faint but potent energy. In his distraction, he hadn¡¯t noticed the human reaching out, fingers inches from the artifact.


    The betrayal struck him again, this time in real-time. The human thought he could outsmart him, thought he could seize the power of the Crown right from under Arthur¡¯s nose. It was laughable, and infuriating. Something primal in Arthur¡¯s mind snapped.


    Arthur¡¯s head snapped up, the haze of his memory dissolving in an instant. Rage surged through him, fueled by the bitter memory of betrayal. His horns blazed with psychic energy, and his voice filled the clearing like a thunderclap. "You dare¡­ to deceive me?"


    The human¡¯s eyes widened in terror, his bravado crumbling as he realized the enormity of his mistake. He stammered, "Wait¡ªI¡­ I didn¡¯t mean¡ª"


    But Arthur¡¯s patience had snapped. In a single, brutal motion, he lunged forward, his massive jaws closing around the human with a sickening crunch. The Cursed Crown tumbled from the man¡¯s lifeless fingers, clattering to the ground.


    "Disgusting." Arthur turned towards the cursed crown, already forgetting about the tiny little mouse that tried to deceive him.


    "Now, what exactly are you?"


    +++


    Thank you for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your support and enthusiasm mean everything as we dive deeper into this world of monstrous battles, mysteries, and evolution. Every chapter is a step closer to unlocking Arthur¡¯s true potential. Here¡¯s to more epic moments ahead¡ªthank you for reading!

 Chapter 49: The Cursed Crown

    In the stillness of the ruin, Arthur¡¯s gaze fixed on the Cursed Crown, the object seeming almost insignificant against the vast landscape of destruction around him. And yet, there was something within it¡ªan energy pulsing faintly, a draw that even he couldn¡¯t deny. This wasn¡¯t just a piece of history. No, this was a tool of immense power, linked to the monster lord himself, Volcranax.


    Arthur¡¯s horns glowed as he activated [Analyze], and the system flared to life, its metallic voice cutting through the silence:


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Item: The Cursed Crown


    A relic bound to the Scorching Badlands, designed to reinforce the seals upon the children of Volcranax.


    Options:


    Use the Crown to strengthen the seals upon the children, ensuring their continued imprisonment.


    Unlock the seals one by one, facing Volcranax¡¯s progeny in battle. The path to each child will be revealed.


    Arthur growled softly, low and guttural. Strengthen the seals? It was almost laughable. He hadn¡¯t clawed his way to this point just to serve as some passive jailkeeper. No, he was here to conquer, to grow, and to dominate. And if unlocking these seals was the only way to encounter foes worthy of his power, then so be it.


    A dark satisfaction washed over him, and he chose the second option without hesitation.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] The path to Volcranax¡¯s youngest child lies in the Desolate Plains.


    Arthur felt the faintest pull, like an invisible thread guiding him forward. The power of the Crown opened his senses to a faint, dormant energy far to the west, buried deep in the Desolate Plains. A slumbering threat. He growled in satisfaction, a cold, eager thrill running through him. This would be no mindless hunt. This was a challenge.


    With a final glance at the relic, Arthur absorbed the energy pulsing from it, letting the Crown itself crumble to dust. His instincts sharpened, the psychic tethers it provided guiding him forward. As he set out across the barren expanse of the Scorching Badlands, the land began to shift. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Desolate Plains stretched ahead, vast and empty, ashen earth pocked with signs of old violence. Massive bones lay scattered half-buried in thick layers of volcanic soot, each one a testament to the battles fought here long ago. The bones of creatures that had once ruled these lands but had fallen to a being far stronger. Bones clawed and shattered, their fractured remains preserved in the blackened soil.


    Arthur gave the remains only passing interest until something caught his attention¡ªstrange marks carved into the bones. They weren¡¯t from claws or teeth, but rather something more deliberate. Symbols that seemed almost human in their precision, drawn in looping, angular lines that stirred a hint of familiarity in him. He let his mind settle, attempting to decipher the markings, but each attempt only made his psychic senses flare.


    A dull ache began to pulse at the back of his mind, and a blur of something¡ªnot entirely his memory, nor something from this world¡ªflickered into his awareness.


    There it was again. The cityscape. Towers that stretched far into the sky, countless lights glowing from within. His vision shifted, and he saw people, faces he didn¡¯t quite recognize, but who felt familiar nonetheless. They walked beside him, trusted him. A faint memory of a voice echoed, "You¡¯re one of us. You¡¯re supposed to protect us."


    His vision snapped back to reality with a jolt, and his horns blazed red, shaking off the fog of memories. Anger welled up in him, raw and visceral. What were these thoughts, these sensations trying to infect his mind? He hadn¡¯t clawed through layers of strength and survival just to be haunted by a past he didn¡¯t care for. Whatever he had been before didn¡¯t matter. Not here, not now.


    He stomped forward, the crunch of bone beneath his claws bringing him back to the present. But as he moved, more and more of the surroundings triggered fragments of vision. Twisted structures loomed in the distance, decayed and broken but still discernible as places of former human life. Stone tools and broken shards of clay littered the ground, remnants of a people who had tried, and failed, to survive here.


    But one thing kept gnawing at him, something he couldn¡¯t shake even as he moved on: the question of who these humans had been to him. Had he known them, fought alongside them? The weight of that unanswered question followed him, each fragment of memory like a thorn in his mind.


    Pushing forward, Arthur pressed on to the edge of a desolate clearing, and the faint pulse from the Crown brightened, illuminating the way forward. He could feel a ripple of energy on the air, like a beacon drawing him closer. The landscape around him grew more desolate with each step, a ghostly silence wrapping around him as he ventured deeper.


    And then he saw it¡ªa great maw, a dark cavern carved into the cliffside, swallowing the light as if it led directly into the underworld. Ashen mist drifted from the opening, thick with energy, as though the land itself had molded a prison around something powerful. The aura was oppressive, a brooding weight that hung in the air. If his instincts were correct, this was it. His first encounter with Volcranax¡¯s bloodline.


    He took a step forward, his eyes narrowing. The thrill of the upcoming fight blazed through him, igniting that primal part of him that thrived on conflict. But in the shadows of his mind, fragments of memory stirred once more, pricking at his focus. It was as if these memories were trying to assert themselves, to make him question his purpose here.


    "Enough," he snarled, his growl echoing in the stillness.


    He clamped down on the memories, shoving them to the darkest recesses of his mind, burying them beneath layers of defiance. Whatever he had been in that distant life was irrelevant. Here, he was Arthur¡ªthe beast, the apex predator. And that was all that mattered.


    He took another step, claws digging into the scorched earth as his eyes locked onto the cavern¡¯s entrance. As he moved, a figure began to take shape in the shadows¡ªa massive, slumbering form, covered in scales as dark as coal, the faint glow of molten veins running along its hide. Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed further, the taste of the challenge sharp on his tongue.


    This was his purpose, his path. To face power, to consume it, and to grow. The memories, the fragments of another life, could not sway him. He was here to conquer, to claim the strength of those who dared to stand before him.


    With a final breath, he took his stance, his Destructo Beams swirling around him like orbiting stars of ruin. He felt the cavern¡¯s oppressive air shift, the weight of slumber lifting as the beast within began to stir.


    +++


    Thank you for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your support and enthusiasm mean everything as we dive deeper into this world of monstrous battles, mysteries, and evolution. Every chapter is a step closer to unlocking Arthur¡¯s true potential. Here¡¯s to more epic moments ahead¡ªthank you for reading!

 Chapter 50: The Fight Between Monster Kings

    Ahead lay a dark, towering rock formation, twisted and jagged. At the center of this grim shrine was a statue of Volcranax, carved from molten rock and obsidian, its eyes carved into gaping pits that seemed to glare down upon him with indomitable rage. Etched along the base of the statue were intricate murals, their depictions crude yet powerful: Volcranax and his children, each of them reigning over the Scorching Badlands with fiery, relentless might.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze swept over the carvings, lingering on each panel. The murals told tales of Volcranax¡¯s children unleashing fury on the land, their forms massive and fierce, covered in magma and stone. Offerings lay strewn around the base of the statue¡ªjewels blackened by fire, charred bones, and strange artifacts left by the ancient inhabitants who once feared and revered the fiery behemoth. Arthur¡¯s claws brushed against a shard that gleamed under the light, different from the rest. He leaned closer, his reflection faintly visible in the glossy, obsidian-like surface.


    As he touched it, an onslaught of memories struck him. For a brief, agonizing moment, he saw himself¡ªsmaller, frailer, human. He remembered standing in front of a mirror, consumed by his own ambitions, thoughts of control, dreams of outlasting his own limits. It was a glimpse of his humanity, the drive for dominance he had never outgrown, even in this monstrous form. A mocking voice echoed in his mind, questioning his every victory, each one rooted in a desire to rule, to never bow to anything or anyone.


    The irony left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he sneered, almost amused by the twisted path he had taken. "So, this drive for power was always in me," he thought, shaking off the memory¡¯s remnants. If anything, it only served to harden his resolve. Mortality and ambition were mere whispers of a past life, fuel for the beast he had now become. He wasn¡¯t haunted by them; he was driven by them.


    But then he sensed it¡ªa powerful presence, a pulsing aura of heat and fury awakening from the shadows.


    He focused, letting his psychic power reach out to the artifact. The ancient chains binding the creature began to shake, one by one, cracking under the force of his will.


    The silence shattered as the last link broke.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have unlocked the chains of the Third Child of Volcranax, a descendant of the Titan of Fire. Prepare for battle.


    A low, rumbling growl echoed through the darkness ahead, resonating deep in Arthur¡¯s chest like distant thunder. A hot, fiery glow emerged from the shadows, growing brighter with every passing second. Massive claws, dark as scorched earth and glistening with magma veins, emerged from the gloom. One step. Then another. The Third Child of Volcranax was no mere beast¡ªit was a moving mountain, a mass of volcanic muscle and fury.


    It stepped fully into the light, and Arthur took it in.


    The creature¡¯s body was covered in hardened magma scales, glowing veins crisscrossing its frame, pulsating with raw, molten energy. Thick, powerful legs dug into the earth with every step, sending small tremors across the scorched ground. A towering, dragon-like head crowned its shoulders, a mouth full of jagged, serrated teeth¡ªeach dripping with searing hot magma.


    Arthur felt his instincts flare, sensing the sheer strength radiating off the Third Child. This wasn¡¯t just a creature. It was fury incarnate. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And it was staring straight at him.


    Arthur¡¯s psychic senses pulsed, reading the raw anger and territorial dominance flowing from the creature. He felt his own blood rise in response¡ªa dark thrill, the call of the hunt echoing in his veins. No words passed between them, yet both monsters understood the stakes. Only one would leave this scorched land alive.


    The Third Child¡¯s eyes flared. And with a bellow that shook the Desolate Plains, it charged.


    Arthur braced himself, activating [Hardened Carapace] in an instant. The creature¡¯s first strike came fast¡ªa molten-coated claw slamming down at him with deadly force. Arthur absorbed the hit, gritting against the impact, the sheer weight of it shaking his massive frame.


    A second blow. A third. The ground splintered beneath his feet as the force of each hit tore through the land, sending molten fragments of earth flying. Arthur barely sidestepped a swipe of the creature¡¯s fangs, his own tail lashing out, smacking against the beast¡¯s molten hide.


    It was like hitting a wall of fire.


    But Arthur wasn¡¯t just a creature of brute force; he was clever. He let his [Psychic] ability flare, focusing hard, sending a wave of disorienting fear into the monster¡¯s mind. The Third Child paused, if only for a split second¡ªits enormous, glowing eyes flickering with confusion.


    And that was enough.


    Arthur lunged forward, claws aimed at the creature¡¯s chest, raking across its magma-infused scales. Sparks flew as his claws scraped against its hardened shell, leaving deep gouges that oozed fiery magma. But the creature didn¡¯t stagger; it twisted, countering with a backhanded swipe that caught Arthur off guard, slashing across his side with molten claws.


    He let out a guttural roar, feeling the heat sear through his scales, pain flaring through his side. But the thrill of the fight drowned out any hesitation. He wanted this victory. He needed it.


    The beast stepped back, its eyes narrowing with something akin to calculation. And then, with a slow, menacing rumble, the Third Child raised one massive claw and summoned an ability of its own.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    The Third Child has activated [Magma Summon: Blades of Volcanic Wrath].


    From the ground around it, massive blades of molten rock erupted, towering pillars of flame and magma forming jagged, fiery weapons that circled the beast. Arthur tensed, watching as the beast gripped one of these magma-forged swords, swinging it with terrifying speed.


    He ducked, narrowly avoiding the blade as it cleaved through the air, heat singeing his scales even as he dodged. Another magma blade swung toward him, and he had to leap back, his movements driven by survival instincts and sheer determination.


    One swing grazed his leg, and the pain was immediate. Molten fragments lodged in his flesh, searing into his skin. He roared, but he didn¡¯t slow.


    Arthur bared his fangs and shot a [Destructo Beam] toward the creature, aiming for its neck. The beam surged forward, orbiting energy tightening before it struck, carving into the beast¡¯s molten scales. The Third Child reeled back, its eyes blazing with fury, magma dripping from its neck where Arthur¡¯s attack had struck.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Arthur needed a new plan¡ªsomething that would go beyond brute strength. He circled around, eyes sharp, looking for any signs of weakness. That¡¯s when he saw it: a crack near the creature¡¯s chest, just over where its heart should be. It was faint, barely visible, but it was there¡ªa weak spot.


    A glint of ruthless determination filled Arthur¡¯s mind. He¡¯d seen the path to victory, and he wasn¡¯t about to back down.


    He activated [Aura of Dread], flooding the creature¡¯s senses with an overwhelming sense of terror. For a moment, the beast paused, its blazing eyes dimming with hesitation. That was all he needed.


    With a snarl, Arthur launched himself forward, claws and fangs bared, every inch of him poised to strike. He dodged another swing of a magma blade, feeling the heat scorch his side, but he didn¡¯t falter. He lunged, ramming his massive body against the beast¡¯s side, claws digging deep into its crackled hide.


    The Third Child writhed in agony, but Arthur held fast, sinking his fangs into the molten wound and channeling every ounce of strength he had into the attack. The beast twisted, flailing, its molten claws tearing at him, but Arthur refused to let go. He shot another [Destructo Beam] directly into the crack, driving it deep into the creature¡¯s core.


    The beam seared through, and he could feel the creature¡¯s life force waver.


    With a final, desperate roar, the Third Child attempted to bite down on him, jaws wide and fangs glistening with molten heat. But Arthur twisted at the last moment, ramming his tail against its lower jaw, locking its maw open. With brutal precision, he fired one last [Destructo Beam], straight down the creature¡¯s gaping mouth, deep into its core.


    The effect was immediate.


    A rumbling groan echoed through the Badlands as the Third Child¡¯s body began to implode from within. Its molten veins burst, magma pouring out of its wounds in fiery streams, and with one last tremor, the Third Child collapsed. Its body lay still, magma cooling rapidly, hardening into a blackened, lifeless shell.


    Arthur staggered back, his own body battered and torn, his breaths heavy. But he had won. The Third Child had fallen.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    You have defeated the Third Child of Volcranax, a direct descendant of the Titan of Fire.


    Arthur¡¯s vision filled with options as the system displayed his rewards:


    Choose your evolution:


    Obsidian Skin: Replace your Hardened Carapace with an obsidian armor capable of alternating between searing heat and impenetrable coolness.


    Magma Pulse: Gain the ability to release a wave of molten energy, incinerating foes within close range.


    Rank Advancement: Move to the Third Stage of your evolution.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze settled on Obsidian Skin. Rank advancement could wait¡ªthere was more for him to conquer at this stage. And magma abilities were tempting, but obsidian armor¡­ that would turn him into an even deadlier force.


    He selected it.


    The pain was intense but brief, as his scales darkened to a sleek, glossy black, each one hardening into an obsidian-like surface. His new armor pulsed with heat, shifting effortlessly between scorching temperatures and a diamond-hard coolness. He tested his limbs, feeling the strength and flexibility surge within.

 Chapter 51: The Whispered Warning

    Arthur loomed like a walking catastrophe across the barren expanse of the Scorching Badlands. His vast, scaled form, spanning seventy-five feet from head to tail, cast an immense shadow over the cracked, scorched ground. Each step sent shivers through the earth, the hardened surface splintering into fractured lines, radiating outward as if fleeing from his presence. The Cursed Crown hummed in his massive claws, its vibration carrying a resonance that gnawed at his core. The weight of the crown, though negligible to his colossal strength, felt almost alive, as if it wanted him to plunge deeper into the twisted landscape.


    The Badlands stretched around him, an expanse of warped, crimson rock formations and crumbling mesas that seemed to leer and curve as he passed, resembling leering faces frozen in silent agony. It was as if the land itself were writhing under some unseen curse. His deep, thrumming breaths vibrated the air, each exhale carrying the scent of sulfur and burnt rock. The ever-present warmth of his Obsidian Skin, now resonating with the heat of the Scorching Badlands, glowed with a faint shimmer, absorbing and redirecting the heat around him. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A message blared in his mind from the System, an echo with a tone darker than usual:


    "Something wicked this way comes."


    The words reverberated within his thoughts, their weight more than a warning¡ªalmost a curse, coiling itself around his consciousness like a barbed chain. A tremor of unease coursed through his vast, hardened body, as if the Badlands themselves had issued a challenge. Every distant peak, every canyon, seemed to watch him with malignant interest, as if awaiting his next move.


    A flicker of memory clawed its way from his mind¡¯s depths: blurred visions of towering structures from a world he could no longer remember, faces frozen in fear, landscapes bending under incomprehensible power. Yet, as quickly as they appeared, the images faded, leaving nothing but an aftertaste of forgotten dread. Arthur bared his fangs in a silent snarl, frustrated by the ephemeral memories. His gaze, fierce and unyielding, swept across the horizon. Whatever awaited him, he would face it with the unyielding might of a beast forged in destruction.


    His Aura of Dread simmered around him, a dark haze radiating from his obsidian-armored form. It seeped into the surroundings, infecting the air with a suffocating sense of foreboding. Even the distant, unseen creatures of the Badlands recoiled, their primitive instincts urging them to stay hidden, to avoid the towering beast at all costs.


    Yet something persisted¡ªa relentless sensation that someone, or something, was watching him. Arthur¡¯s yellow eyes narrowed as his Psychic senses stretched outward, his horns thrumming with faint pulses of telekinetic energy. The mental waves brushed against unseen presences, cold and silent, beyond his vision but disturbingly close. He swung his head from side to side, but only the twisted shadows of rock formations met his gaze.


    A pulse of destructive energy crackled within him, his Destruction Pulse responding to his unease. It radiated outward in low-frequency shockwaves, disintegrating the brittle ground beneath his feet. Fissures widened, splitting the already broken landscape as though his very presence fractured reality itself. Each pulse left behind a faint echo of destruction, lingering in the scorched earth.


    The System remained ominously silent, as if withholding information on purpose. Another message flashed before him, more a whisper than a command:


    "Beware¡­ the Second Child awakens."


    Arthur¡¯s horns flickered with destructive energy, thin, orbiting Destructo Beams spinning around them in a menacing, slow rotation. The beams pulsed with deadly intensity, absorbing the ambient destruction energy that permeated the Badlands. The sight alone would have terrified any onlookers; they spun and twisted like predatory eyes, seeking targets, seeking something to unleash their stored fury upon.


    He moved with measured patience, every clawed step calculated and deliberate. His Aquatic Swiftness, though unnecessary in this arid landscape, had gifted him an unmatched agility even on land, allowing him to navigate the broken terrain with unnerving silence despite his size. But the silence felt wrong here, oppressive, unnatural.


    Finally, as he crested a jagged rise, the remnants of a forsaken settlement came into view. Ruined structures lay scattered, their skeletal frames jutting out from the ground in unnatural poses, twisted and scorched as though something had seared their very souls. Bone structures, eerily arranged, stood as silent sentries, each one facing the same direction¡ªa looming peak, dark and jagged, piercing the blood-red sky.


    Arthur¡¯s deep, guttural growl rumbled through the air, sending a ripple of energy over the settlement. His Aura of Dread expanded, swallowing the entire area in a shroud of cold fear. The silence of the settlement deepened, as if even echoes feared to intrude.


    A ghostly sensation trailed down his spine, chilling even the molten core within his scaled form. Instinctively, he tensed, his head whipping around, teeth bared, horns raised and glowing with raw psychic energy. His senses flared, but he saw nothing, only the empty, twisted landscape, its silence mocking him.


    Then he heard it¡ªa voice, soft, barely more than a whisper, riding the stagnant wind. Words too faint to decipher, but laced with malice, slithered into his mind. The presence that had been watching him finally made itself known, an unseen thing lurking just beyond his senses.


    Arthur¡¯s maw opened, a guttural roar tearing free, the sound so powerful it rattled the bones arranged in the settlement, causing several to collapse in heaps. His Destruction Pulse activated, releasing a concentrated blast that shattered the air, dissipating the lingering echo of the voice. But as the pulse faded, the silence returned, heavier, more suffocating, as if the land itself mocked his show of power.


    Another message from the System punctured the silence:


    "You are not alone."


    His gaze snapped back to the distant peak. The Second Child. He knew, somehow, that the being awaited him, biding its time. He didn¡¯t know what form it would take, but he could feel its latent energy¡ªa dark, twisted power resonating with the cursed essence of the Badlands. The Cursed Crown vibrated with an eagerness that seemed almost alive, its energy melding with the dark anticipation thickening in the air.


    But Arthur wasn¡¯t deterred. If the Second Child wanted him to come, he would oblige. This was his dominion now, a kingdom of twisted lands and cursed remnants that resonated with his own essence. The unknown would not deter him. It only fueled his resolve.


    He advanced once more, each step resonating with the call of destruction that simmered in his core, his Void Core drinking in the ambient energy, the cracked essence within yearning to be whole. He moved through the settlement, the twisted skeletons standing as silent witnesses to his journey, their hollow sockets seeming to follow him, watching as he passed. He returned their gaze with a smoldering glare of his own, the Destructo Beams orbiting around his head like sentinels ready to unleash ruin.


    Suddenly, he felt a surge of foreign energy ripple beneath his feet. His massive claws gripped the earth, and he sensed it¡ªa buried rune beneath the ground, faint but unmistakable. It pulsed with a residual magic, a seal meant to imprison, to contain something old and powerful. Whatever had been bound here was gone now, its remnants echoing only in the twisted shapes and lingering aura of terror.


    Arthur¡¯s growl deepened, a rumbling promise of devastation. He understood that he was treading on haunted grounds, a place that had once been the prison for something unspeakable. And yet, whatever had been confined was gone, leaving behind only a bitter taste of ancient hatred and vengeance.


    With one last look around the forsaken settlement, Arthur turned toward the distant peak. His senses sharpened, attuned to the heartbeat of destruction that guided him. The path was clear, the whispers had ceased, but their warning remained etched into his mind.


    This land was cursed, and he was the curse-bearer. The Second Child awaited, and as he moved forward, the fractured earth seemed to bow beneath his weight, as if acknowledging his reign. Whatever foul presence lay ahead would soon face the wrath of a beast born from the heart of destruction.


    A gust of wind swept through the settlement, carrying with it the faint scent of decay. Arthur¡¯s nostrils flared, his golden eyes narrowing as he felt a presence brushing against his mind once more¡ªa phantom touch, brief but unmistakable. The whisper returned, a single word echoing through the scorched air:


    "Come."


    He let loose a roar, a challenge to the silent void, the mountains themselves trembling at the sound. And then, he surged forward, the ground quaking with each step, determined to face the Second Child that lay in wait.


    For he knew, in the core of his being, that whatever wickedness lay ahead, it would yield to him¡ªor burn beneath his fury.


    +++


    Thank you for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your support and enthusiasm mean everything as we dive deeper into this world of monstrous battles, mysteries, and evolution. Every chapter is a step closer to unlocking Arthur¡¯s true potential. Here¡¯s to more epic moments ahead¡ªthank you for reading!

 Chapter 52: Shadows of the Ancients

    Arthur¡¯s colossal form moved through the valley like an approaching storm, each stride accompanied by the crunch and grind of ancient bones reduced to ash. The dry, brittle remains scattered beneath the weight of his scaled feet, releasing clouds of dust that coiled around him like spectral tendrils. The dim, reddish light that filtered through the iron-gray sky struggled to pierce the shroud of his presence, casting elongated shadows that seemed to writhe as he advanced. The earth beneath him felt strange¡ªa pulsing resistance, almost as though the land itself resented his intrusion, siphoning energy with every step.


    His Obsidian Skin shimmered faintly, adjusting its temperature in response to the malevolent heat rising from deep fissures in the ground. The cracks seemed to breathe, exhaling sulfurous gas and whispers of power that tickled his senses, feeding the unease that settled deep within his massive frame. Arthur¡¯s golden eyes, hardened and sharp, scanned the horizon. The valley stretched endlessly, flanked by jagged outcroppings that loomed like the broken teeth of some ancient colossus. The silence pressed in, heavy and watchful, as if the very stones bore witness to his intrusion.


    Suddenly, a pulse surged through the Cursed Crown in his grasp, a wave that rattled the essence within his Void Core, causing it to crackle ominously. The crown¡¯s dark power erupted in brief flashes¡ªvisions of the second child: massive wings, eyes that glowed with a molten, predatory intelligence, and scales blacker than the deepest abyss. The sight pierced through Arthur¡¯s mind like a spear, bringing with it a searing, oppressive presence that tested the boundaries of his mental defenses.


    A deep, rumbling growl emanated from Arthur¡¯s chest, vibrating the air with its force. His psychic defenses surged, the energy within his horns sparking as he pushed back against the invasive presence. The mental clash was brief but intense, the probing force retreating, leaving behind an echo of laughter that hissed through his thoughts like venom. Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, the beams of destructive energy orbiting his horns speeding up, their faint hum adding to the ambient tension.


    The valley seemed to shift around him, its lifeless silence now accompanied by an almost tangible pressure. Each rock formation bore unnatural shapes, twisted and sculpted by forces long forgotten. Some jagged peaks resembled the agonized faces of warriors, their features etched in eternal screams of defiance and terror. The energy that clung to the valley was old¡ªancient¡ªand carried the weight of countless battles lost and won.


    Arthur¡¯s claws flexed, the tips gouging deep furrows into the ground as he continued forward. The memory of the second child¡¯s vision lingered in his mind, an image that refused to dissipate. The dark wings, vast and terrible, seemed almost to beat in time with his own heart, each pulse a reminder that he was being watched, judged, and awaited.


    As he pressed onward, the ground beneath his feet shifted, trembling as if in response to his presence. The Cursed Crown throbbed again, stirring visions of wings unfurling and a blaze of dark fire that promised both destruction and cunning. The faintest rustle, a whisper that was more thought than sound, skimmed through his mind. The second child was aware of him, its thoughts brushing his own like a predator testing the limits of its prey. Arthur¡¯s claws gouged deep into the ground as he resisted the urge to lash out. His psychic power surged, forming an invisible barrier that pushed back the probing, sentient presence.


    A low growl resonated from him, a warning to the unseen force, echoing off the jagged walls of the valley. Yet, even as he roared his defiance, a sense of foreboding settled in his core. The warning issued by the System earlier replayed itself in his mind, laced with an almost mocking tone:


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Object: Obsidian Spire Description: A natural formation of volcanic rock fused with elemental essence. Resistant to extreme heat but susceptible to impact-based forces. Known to shatter under sufficient blunt trauma.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes burned with defiance, but beneath it, a flicker of doubt gnawed at him. He shook his massive head, the glowing beams orbiting him casting erratic shadows that danced across the valley walls. Fog began to rise, thick and unnatural, swallowing the crags and broken stones until the horizon was obscured by a shifting, opaque curtain. The silence deepened, broken only by the faint thrum of his aura, an echo of power that defied the suffocating dread that gripped the air.


    His psychic senses extended, probing through the dense fog. What he found were fragments¡ªfaded battle cries, desperate screams that reverberated like echoes of a long-past war. Fleeting images of ancient warriors, their spectral forms clad in forgotten armor, surged through his mind. Each specter bore the same haunted, defiant expression, their voices a cacophony that whispered of vengeance and despair. The unsettling sensation clawed at Arthur¡¯s mind, and he shook it off with a violent snarl, his claws raking the ground as if to carve out the remnants of memory.


    A sudden tremor beneath him made the ground quiver, and for a moment, it felt as if the valley itself held its breath. The silence pressed in, thicker now, until the only sound was the rhythmic thud of his heartbeat, pounding like war drums in his chest. The eerie atmosphere weighed down on him, each step an effort as the ground seemed to cling to his limbs, leeching strength with every movement.


    The air shifted suddenly, bringing with it a chill that felt wrong in the searing heat of the Badlands. Arthur¡¯s eyes, glowing with molten fury, swept across the fog-shrouded valley, sensing something just out of reach. A glimmer of movement caught his attention¡ªa fleeting shadow that darted between the jagged peaks, vanishing before he could lock onto it. His destructive beams crackled with anticipation, their energy vibrating against the air, ready to unleash at the slightest provocation.


    The whispers grew louder, not just in his mind but around him, as if the very rocks were whispering secrets. Words in a language long forgotten, guttural and sharp, gnawed at the edges of his thoughts, stirring anger and confusion. His psychic power pulsed, creating a shield that dampened the invasive voices. But their presence, though dulled, remained, scratching at the edges of his consciousness.


    Arthur¡¯s growl deepened, resonating through the ground like an avalanche. He knew better than to let doubt fester; it was a poison that weakened even the mightiest. His gaze shifted to the far end of the valley, where the dark horizon hinted at an ominous, awaiting presence. The Cursed Crown in his grasp hummed, eager and restless, as if yearning to be brought closer to whatever lay in wait.


    The whispers resumed, this time so soft they barely touched his thoughts. But they spoke a single truth that resonated deep within his ancient, monstrous heart¡ªa truth that Arthur, the Drake of Destruction, could not ignore.


    A cold, creeping sensation traced the length of his spine, and he swung his massive head around, scanning the fog and shadows that surrounded him. The silence deepened, broken only by the distant crack of shifting rock. Then, the System¡¯s presence flickered to life again, its warning colder this time:


    "Beware the second child. Intelligence rivals strength."


    A defiant roar erupted from him, piercing the silence and scattering the fog in waves. The sound rolled across the valley, reverberating through the jagged outcroppings and shaking loose the ancient ash that clung to their surfaces. But even as the roar echoed away, the heavy sense of being watched remained, pressing down on him like a physical weight.


    Arthur stood unmoving for a moment, the silence following his roar more deafening than any sound. The dread, instead of dissipating, lingered like a shadow cast by something unseen. The Cursed Crown throbbed with dark anticipation, and his claws flexed once more, carving deep furrows into the stone as he prepared to advance. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He stepped forward, every movement deliberate, each stride resonating with the promise of destruction. The fog thinned as he moved, parting reluctantly to reveal jagged formations etched with ancient, cryptic symbols. Some glowed faintly as he passed, their light extinguishing as if bowing to his might. But the deeper he ventured, the stronger the sense of another presence became, coiling around him like a noose.


    A sudden burst of energy rippled beneath his feet, shaking the ground and sending cracks spidering outward. The valley itself seemed to shudder, an ancient thing awakening from a long slumber. Arthur¡¯s Destruction Pulse activated instinctively, releasing a shockwave that shattered loose stones and sent a tremor through the fog. For a moment, silence reigned once more.


    Then, from the shadows, a faint, echoing roar replied¡ªdistant yet unmistakable. It was a sound that promised power, cunning, and challenge. The second child awaited him, and it would not be taken by surprise.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, the molten glow intensifying as he advanced forward.


    +++


    Thank you for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your support and enthusiasm mean everything as we dive deeper into this world of monstrous battles, mysteries, and evolution. Every chapter is a step closer to unlocking Arthur¡¯s true potential. Here¡¯s to more epic moments ahead¡ªthank you for reading!

 Chapter 53: A Warped Path

    Each step sent a shockwave through the ground, displacing bones and shattered remnants of colossal creatures that had long since met their end. The stench of ash and decay clung to the air, suffocating and thick. This place was wrong¡ªthe kind of wrong that burrowed into his very core and whispered warnings that even his formidable power couldn¡¯t ignore.


    The Cursed Crown hummed in his grip, its dark energy pulsing in rhythm with his own heartbeat. Arthur¡¯s gaze swept across the landscape, eyes glowing with an unnatural light. The remnants of battle¡ªweapons fused with molten rock, charred bones twisted into unnatural shapes¡ªtold stories of those who had come before him and failed. He felt a strange mix of superiority and caution. The deeper he ventured, the more he sensed it: a predatory awareness trailing him, weaving through the heavy fog like an unseen serpent.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]Updating Map¡­


    New Area Discovered: Valley of the Broken Oaths


    Note: This area drains stamina at an accelerated rate. Proceed with caution.


    A growl rumbled in Arthur¡¯s chest as the notification faded. His map flickered within his mind, revealing an expanded view of his surroundings¡ªtwisted valleys, remnants of past sieges, and the unmistakable markings of paths carved by something far older and more cunning than himself. The sensation of eyes watching him prickled at the edges of his consciousness, taunting and testing the limits of his patience.


    "Whatever lurks here," he thought, claws flexing and raking deep gouges into the stone beneath him, "I will face it head-on." The defiant thought echoed through his being, fueling the heat of his Obsidian Skin, which pulsed with a fierce glow as if daring the shadows to come forth.


    The canyon walls loomed higher as he moved, their jagged surfaces carved with twisted faces that sneered and grimaced in silent mockery. Arthur¡¯s psychic senses flared, brushing against faint, hostile energies embedded within the stone itself. Whispers rose, voices that spoke in a language older than memory, gnawing at the fringes of his mind. He forced his focus outward, drowning the whispers with a surge of psychic will.


    "Enough," he roared, his voice shaking the earth, scattering dust and loose stones from the rock faces. The sound was swallowed by the eerie silence that followed, as if the canyon itself had taken a breath and held it. The shadows quivered, and for a moment, Arthur almost felt them retreat.


    Then, like a taunt, ghostly figures flickered across the walls, silhouettes of long-dead warriors wielding weapons now reduced to rust and bone. Their movements were erratic, filled with a rage that had never found peace. Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, the orbiting Destructo Beams around his horns pulsing with anticipation. The power they radiated was a warning¡ªa challenge to anything that dared to emerge from the void.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Warning: Persistent mental disruption detected. Activating enhanced psychic shielding.


    Arthur¡¯s mind cleared, the oppressive whispers pushed back, though their remnants still thrashed against his barriers like caged animals. He pressed on, each step heavier than the last as if the land beneath him sought to pull him down. A sudden tremor ran through the ground, a shudder that spoke of something awakening beneath the surface. He paused, tail lashing against the rocks in impatience.


    "Show yourself," he growled, molten eyes scanning the shifting fog. A flicker of movement drew his attention¡ªa glint of metal half-buried in the ashen earth. He reached out, claws scraping against the ancient weapon, feeling its residual energy. Memories surged through him, unbidden and fierce¡ªhimself as a man, fighting, betrayed by someone whose face was a blur. The taste of betrayal soured his thoughts, and he snarled, the sound echoing like a storm contained in a valley.


    The vision dissolved, leaving a bitter ache in its wake. He roared, the fury in his voice splintering stones and scattering the ghosts that haunted the canyon walls. For a moment, silence reigned. But then the ground began to shake again, deeper this time, as if something massive had stirred.


    A roar answered him, distant but unmistakable¡ªa sound ancient and knowing, promising that the true battle had yet to come.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes locked onto the direction of the sound. His claws dug deep into the ground, carving trenches as he steadied himself for what he knew was no longer just a hunt but a war of wills. The Cursed Crown throbbed in his grip, urging him forward, toward the heart of whatever lay ahead.


    "If intelligence rivals strength," Arthur thought, his gaze hardening as the fog shifted, revealing glimpses of dark shapes within, "let it come. I will shatter it all the same."


    The fog around him seemed to thicken, coiling with a life of its own. It moved in unnatural waves, obscuring the path ahead and veiling whatever secrets the Valley of the Broken Oaths held. The carved faces in the rock shifted as if sneering, their hollow eyes glowing faintly in the dim, ashen light. The sensation of being watched never wavered. Arthur¡¯s psychic senses expanded, reaching beyond the mist in an attempt to pierce the veil.


    The whispers returned, not as subtle as before but louder, bolder¡ªechoes of words in that ancient, grating language. This time, they sounded almost like a chant, a dirge of something vast and powerful, weaving through the fog like a song of the damned. Arthur bared his fangs, the Destruction Pulse in his core beginning to radiate in rhythm with his anger. The ground trembled at his feet, responding to the raw force of his presence.


    "I am not yours to haunt," Arthur¡¯s thoughts roared internally, pushing back the whispers as he moved forward with purpose. A jagged path revealed itself, lined with the skeletal remains of creatures whose twisted forms hinted at monstrous origins. These were no mere beasts; they were warriors, guardians perhaps, whose charge had ended in failure. Their bones seemed to reach for him, hands outstretched in silent warning.


    Another step, and the air grew denser, charged with an energy that crawled over his scales and seeped into his core. Arthur¡¯s vision sharpened as the glowing beams around his horns intensified, their hum slicing through the unnatural quiet. Each pulse of power pushed the fog back in waves, revealing more of the treacherous ground beneath him.


    He reached the edge of what looked like an ancient battleground. The remnants of siege weapons, shattered under unimaginable force, lay scattered like forgotten relics. Arthur¡¯s psychic senses picked up on the lingering traces of battle¡ªscreams that had long since faded from the living world but remained embedded in the essence of this cursed place. The voices of the past called out, each one a reminder that even the mighty had fallen here.


    A flicker of doubt threatened to pierce his resolve. He crushed it immediately. There was no room for hesitation. Not now. The roar that had answered him earlier replayed in his mind, taunting him with its challenge. Whatever it was, it was closer, and it had waited long enough.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze swept over a mass grave, where shattered blades and splintered shields jutted from the earth like a forest of forgotten valor. He could feel the echoes of those who had fought and failed, a graveyard dedicated to defiance turned to dust. The Cursed Crown in his grasp pulsed in response, as if feeding on the latent energy of the fallen. Its vibration was no longer just a hum but a call¡ªan invitation to meet whatever beast claimed dominion over this forsaken place. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Artifact Detected: Cursed Crown Synchronizing¡­ Power Draw Enabled


    Note: Remaining in this state will deplete core energy at an accelerated rate.


    Arthur¡¯s resolve only hardened. His eyes burned as he focused on the far end of the battleground where the fog parted, revealing dark shapes that moved with purpose. Something more than shadows now, something tangible and calculating.


    The whispers became an anthem, louder and louder, a chorus of intent that threatened to drown out all reason.


    Something wicked this way comes.


    +++


    Thank you so much for joining Arthur¡¯s journey through the Scorching Badlands! Your unwavering support and enthusiasm fuel every step of this adventure. It¡¯s readers like you who make this storytelling journey worthwhile, and your presence here means more than words can capture. With every chapter, we venture deeper into a world filled with monstrous battles, ancient mysteries, and the evolution that tests the very limits of Arthur¡¯s will and power.


    Each comment, view, and shared moment of excitement propels this tale forward and enriches our community. Your engagement is not just appreciated¡ªit¡¯s essential. Whether you¡¯re cheering for Arthur¡¯s victories, holding your breath through the intense battles, or theorizing about what¡¯s to come, know that your involvement shapes this experience.


    Here¡¯s to more epic moments, unforeseen twists, and the relentless pursuit of growth as Arthur inches closer to realizing his true potential. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Let¡¯s continue this adventure together, chapter by chapter, and make it an unforgettable one!

 Chapter 54: The Hunter’s Domain

    The first awareness was heat¡ªintense and searing, wrapping around its scaled body like a mother¡¯s embrace. The creature, barely more than a clawed hatchling, blinked its filmy eyes open to a world crackling with life. The ground pulsed beneath it, baked and broken, and every breath tasted of ash and fire. Instinct pulled it forward, claws scratching over the jagged earth as it sought its first taste of prey.


    Nearby, another hatchling scrambled over the blackened rocks, unaware of the predator behind it. The newborn creature¡¯s tiny muscles coiled, eyes narrowing as it crept forward. Its heartbeat was a drum, thundering with the promise of a kill. The world around it was chaos¡ªa cacophony of hisses, the distant wail of dying beasts, and the ever-present hum of the scorched sky.


    It lunged, jaws open wide, only to stop short. Shadows swallowed the light around it, and the hatchling¡¯s head lifted instinctively, pupils narrowing to thin slits as it searched for the source.


    Why was it suddenly nighttime?


    What it saw stole its final breath¡ªa colossal shape, scales blacker than the deepest abyss and eyes that burned like molten suns. The sky above was blotted out, consumed by the unimaginable mass of a single foot descending with the force of a mountain.


    The creature¡¯s world ended in silence as Arthur¡¯s immense foot came down, crushing the new life back into the cracked earth, leaving nothing but a smear of dust and bone in its wake.


    *


    The last shudder of life flickered in the crushed creature¡¯s body, its fleeting existence snuffed out before it ever truly began. The force of Arthur¡¯s footfall sent cracks spidering outward, each fissure claiming more of the landscape as if even the earth itself wished to flee from the weight of his arrival. Tiny geysers of dust and embers erupted from the fractured ground, marking the spot as a monument to the insignificance of lesser beings.


    Nearby, other small creatures scurried for cover, instinct screaming at them to hide from the shadow of the colossus that moved through their world. Some burrowed into crevices between sharp rocks, their tiny hearts pounding like war drums, while others froze in terror, eyes wide and unblinking as the dark titan strode past. The air itself seemed to hum, vibrating with the energy and presence of Arthur¡¯s advance, carrying with it the deep, resonant thrum of power that seemed to shake the fabric of existence.


    The echoes of the hatchling¡¯s brief life were swallowed by the ambient noise of the Badlands¡ªa place where life and death were as intertwined as the molten rivers that cut through its surface. But in that moment, as Arthur continued forward, indifferent to the lives beneath his feet, the Badlands felt a shift.


    This was truly a word where only the biggest, baddest monsters could survive.


    *


    The Badlands stretched before Arthur, a scarred expanse of cracked earth and jagged stone, seething under a dark, swirling sky. Heat rose from the ground in shimmering waves, distorting the landscape and stinging the air with the sharp scent of sulfur. Arthur advanced, each step sending tremors through the blackened earth, as if even the land itself recoiled at his presence. This was not just another desolate wasteland; it was a place alive with a dark intent, one that welcomed only those with the power to survive.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Entering Hunter¡¯s Domain


    Effect: Passive stamina drain detected. Strength and awareness are being tested.


    Note: Cursed Crown synchronizing with ambient energy. Proceed with caution.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes, twin embers of molten gold, narrowed as the notification faded from his mind. The message was unnecessary. He could already feel the drain, the insidious pull on his core, as if the very air wanted to siphon his strength. His Obsidian Skin adjusted instinctively, glowing faintly as it absorbed the external heat and reinforced his defenses. He relished the challenge, a testament to the neutral force that ruled him. This was not a test to endure; it was a proving ground, and he was determined to dominate it.


    Bone and stone effigies stood as silent sentinels, their hollow eyes carved with an artistry that seemed older than time itself. Each totem exuded a faint, unnatural pulse, a relic of whatever ancient power had once claimed this place. Arthur¡¯s gaze swept over them, his psychic senses picking up the subtle vibrations that echoed beneath the surface¡ªtraces of something massive and watchful, coiled in the shadows and waiting for its moment to strike.


    A low growl reverberated through his body, a sound that resonated deep in his core and sent a warning to whatever dared to observe him. The Cursed Crown, clutched tightly in his massive claws, pulsed in response, a shared acknowledgment of the presence lurking beyond the edges of perception.


    The air shifted, carrying with it the scent of ash and something far more primal: the unmistakable tang of a predator¡¯s musk. Arthur¡¯s tail swept behind him, slicing the ground and scattering loose stone as he advanced. High above, dark feathered shapes wheeled and twisted against the sky, their silhouettes barely visible but unmistakably alive. They were not carrion birds; they were sentinels, their gaze as predatory as the land beneath them.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Analyzing environment


    Discovered: Heat trails, claw marks detected. Be alert for aerial and subterranean threats.


    Current status: Stamina draining at 5% above normal levels.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes glowed with renewed intensity, the orbiting beams around his horns crackling as they absorbed and reflected the ambient destructive energy. He shifted his weight, digging his claws into the brittle ground as he examined the markings that littered the path before him. The gouges and tracks weren¡¯t just signs of battle¡ªthey were a record of hunts, calculated and precise, laid down by something intelligent enough to play with its prey before striking the final blow.


    The realization sparked a deep rumble in his chest, a sound that reverberated through the bones scattered at his feet. The ancient remains seemed to tremble as if stirred by the echoes of old fears. Arthur¡¯s Analyze skill pulsed through the air, casting a subtle, invisible net that mapped out the immediate terrain. His senses registered the sharp, focused energy signatures hidden in the basalt cliffs and the faint, almost imperceptible vibrations that hinted at something stirring far below the surface.


    A shift in the air drew his attention, a sudden sharpness that made the ground beneath him quiver. He tensed, eyes narrowing to slits as the world seemed to hold its breath. A shadow passed over him¡ªvast, powerful, and gone as quickly as it appeared, a phantom that slipped back into the swirling sky. Arthur¡¯s core tightened, the power within him coiling in response. His tail lashed out, sending shards of rock skittering across the charred earth.


    The Cursed Crown flared again, its dark aura feeding on the energy of the domain, responding like a living thing. It pulsed, warning him without words. Beware. She is near.


    The hunter in Arthur reveled in the challenge, the promise of a worthy foe. His psychic senses stretched further, picking up the minute shifts in temperature and the telltale signs of an approaching battle. He inhaled deeply, the stench of sulfur mingling with the scent of molten metal, and exhaled a stream of steam that hissed in the stillness.


    High above, the feathered sentinels cawed, their cries echoing like the heralds of doom. The sky seemed to churn more violently, the clouds swirling with dark, unnatural hues. Arthur¡¯s gaze lifted to meet the storm, eyes blazing with challenge. He was not prey. He was the storm made flesh, and this place would either bow to him or be shattered under the weight of his wrath.


    A sudden, violent quake ripped through the ground, splitting the earth with a sound like a thousand roars. Arthur¡¯s claws dug deep as he held his stance, feeling the vibration travel up through his limbs. From the crack in the ground, an acrid steam erupted, carrying with it the stench of something ancient and powerful.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Seismic activity detected. Source unknown. Be prepared for immediate engagement.


    Item activated: Cursed Crown energy synchronization at 60%.


    Arthur¡¯s tail lashed the ground, carving a deep groove as he shifted to face the direction of the disturbance. A second shadow, larger than the first, swept across the battlefield. This one did not vanish into the sky but lingered, a presence as dark as it was palpable. His eyes caught the gleam of scales¡ªblack, reflective, and edged with the fire of molten veins. The second child, the predator of this realm, was close.


    The fog around him parted, revealing more of the bone totems, their hollow eyes now glowing with an inner fire as if witnessing the arrival of their true master. The whispers grew louder, a chant that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of the air, speaking in that same, forgotten language that gnawed at Arthur¡¯s mind. He silenced them with a roar, the sound deep and feral, shaking the sky and ground alike.


    And then, in the stillness that followed, a single feather drifted down from above. It glowed with a molten heat, searing the air around it and landing at Arthur¡¯s feet. The ground hissed where it touched, the heat so intense it blackened the surrounding stone. Arthur¡¯s gaze fixed on it, the glow of his eyes matching the molten light of the feather.


    She was here. The hunt was about to begin. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 55: The Silent Stalker - Elyra The Second Child

    Arthur stood motionless at the base of the basalt cliff, a dark sentinel surrounded by a sea of bone and ash. The ground was a graveyard of colossal creatures, their skeletal remains twisted into unnatural shapes, picked clean and bleached by years of harsh sun and scalding wind. Silence engulfed the Badlands, an oppressive quiet that seemed to press down from the jagged peaks above. Even the air felt thick with anticipation, as if the land itself were holding its breath, awaiting the outcome of this moment.


    Arthur¡¯s massive body was coiled with readiness, every muscle beneath his obsidian-scaled armor tense, radiating with the destructive energy that had become his hallmark. His molten-gold eyes, narrowed to slits, swept the cliffside. The harsh, sulfuric scent of the terrain stung the back of his throat, but it was a familiar challenge, one he met without flinching. There was no warmth in him, no hint of fear or compassion. He was a being whose alignment bent only to power and survival. If something waited for him here, he would meet it head-on or grind it into the dust beneath his feet.


    The eerie silence was shattered by a shift in the atmosphere, a vibration that resonated through the ground and traveled up Arthur¡¯s massive frame. He felt her before he saw her¡ªa presence so potent that even his neutral, hardened core registered it as a threat. The energy was predatory, ancient, and calculating, radiating from the heights above with a suffocating intensity.


    A shadow detached itself from the cliff, slow and deliberate. The figure emerged into view: a towering, bat-like form, draped in black feathers that shimmered as if forged from molten obsidian. Her wings stretched wide, each movement casting sparks that fizzled out before touching the ground. Eyes the color of searing coals fixed on Arthur, gleaming with a cold, unsettling intelligence. She was formidable, regal, and exuded a confidence that spoke of battles fought and won.


    The world seemed to pause, as if acknowledging her arrival. Even the wind dared not blow.


    A silence, unnatural and suffocating, wrapped the jagged landscape. Not even the wind dared whisper through the cracked stone. Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, senses stretching beyond the visible. He felt the pull of something ancient and calculating, a presence hidden in the shadowed recesses of the cliffs. The system¡¯s voice echoed in his mind:


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Analyzing\\u2026


    Second Child of Volcranax detected.


    Designation: Elyra, the Silent Stalker.


    Danger Level: High. Engage with caution.


    A rumble of disdain vibrated deep within Arthur¡¯s chest, powerful enough to send loose stones skittering across the ground. The system¡¯s warnings were superfluous; he knew a threat when he felt one, and this was no ordinary beast. This was something more¡ªa predator that had staked her claim on the Badlands long before his shadow darkened its surface.


    Suddenly, the air grew denser, charged with a feral energy that coiled around Arthur like a noose. A voice, sharp as obsidian and cold as the void, sliced through his thoughts. "You trespass on sacred ground, beast. Do you come to kneel or to die?"


    Arthur¡¯s roar tore through the air in response, a sound so deep and fierce it seemed to fracture the very sky. The energy within him flared, rippling through his obsidian skin as the destructive beams orbiting his horns hummed with anticipation. His tail slammed into the ground, sending a tremor that split the bones beneath him and sent a cascade of smaller rocks tumbling from the cliff.


    His response was a roar, a guttural sound that tore through the silence and fractured the stone underfoot. "I bow to no one," he rumbled, his voice a promise of obliteration.


    Then, something tried to pull him into a mental world. He didn¡¯t need the system to know who was the cause.


    His horns shone as he let himself be pulled.


    *


    From the top of the cliff, a shape emerged. Elyra, the Silent Stalker, unfurled her massive wings, each feather a blade of molten darkness that dripped with liquid fire. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, met Arthur¡¯s gaze with a look that spoke of centuries of dominance. She tilted her head, the motion almost imperceptible, but enough to convey her amusement.


    "Hello, little Drake," Elyra hissed.


    "So, this is what you look like," Arthur roared. "You look small. Weak. Something I can swallow in one bite."


    "You speak as if your strength alone is enough," Elyra hissed, her voice seeping into his mind like poison. "But power without cunning is nothing but noise. You are noise, Drake."


    Arthur lunged, claws digging trenches into the earth as he charged the cliff. The beams orbiting his horns flared, firing bolts of destructive energy that scorched the rock face. Elyra leaped, wings slicing through the heavy air with the force of a hurricane. The blast missed her by a hair, leaving a molten scar in the stone.


    She hovered above him, wings casting massive shadows across the landscape, embers trailing like falling stars. "You seek power, but you tread on hallowed ground," she whispered. The distance between them closed in an instant as she dove, talons extended, slicing through the space where Arthur stood just moments before. He sidestepped with a swiftness that belied his size, the ground erupting where her claws met it.


    Arthur snarled, tail lashing out with seismic force. It struck her mid-flight, sending her reeling back with a snarl of her own. She stabilized mid-air, eyes narrowing with a mixture of irritation and interest. The fight was no longer a mere territorial dispute; it was a test, a clash of wills and might.


    "Why do you come here, Drake?" Elyra¡¯s voice was a song woven with malice and curiosity, echoing directly in his mind.


    Arthur¡¯s molten eyes narrowed, a flicker of strategy hidden behind his rage. "To take what¡¯s mine."


    Arthur¡¯s eyes tracked Elyra as she circled above, her wings cutting through the dense, sulfur-laden air. He waited, muscles coiled, not just for her strike but for an answer. A flicker of strategy sparked in his mind. He needed to understand what he faced¡ªnot just her power, but her nature. In the brief lull, his voice, rough and resonant, boomed across the cracked expanse.


    The words hung in the air as the two titans sized each other up, neither willing to yield an inch. Elyra¡¯s wings beat once, twice, and then she was airborne again, circling high above him like a vulture waiting for its prey to fall. The molten feathers trailing behind her flared with a sudden intensity, dripping like liquid fire onto the cracked earth below. Each drop hissed and spat, igniting small bursts of flame.


    Arthur watched her, unmoved. He felt the heat, tasted the sulfur, but it was nothing compared to the roiling fire within him. The Cursed Crown in his grasp pulsed, absorbing the ambient energy and fueling his core. The tension between them was palpable, a coiled spring ready to snap.


    "Why are you not bound like the third child?" The question hung in the air, sharp and probing, as if daring Elyra to respond.


    For a moment, silence. Then, the corners of her eyes crinkled, and an audible ripple of amusement echoed in Arthur¡¯s mind. Elyra¡¯s wings tilted slightly as she glided down to perch on a jagged outcropping, molten feathers still trailing embers that hissed and crackled on the stone below.


    "So," she began, her voice laced with a mocking lilt, "you¡¯ve met my brother. The mute brute with more brawn than brain." She let out a low, melodious laugh that resonated through the canyon. "Did he even put up a fight, or did you leave him a whimpering heap?"


    Arthur¡¯s eyes narrowed, the subtle tension in his stance deepening. Elyra tilted her head, eyes gleaming with pride and malice. "I am not like him," she continued. "Chains are for those who cannot think beyond their primal urges, who don¡¯t know how to wield true power. The third child is strong, yes, but he is a hammer looking for a nail."


    The wind shifted, carrying the sharp tang of molten rock. Arthur¡¯s mind processed her words, calculating the nature of the being before him. She wasn¡¯t just another force to be crushed; she was cunning, a strategist who thrived on intelligence as much as raw might.


    "You speak as if you¡¯re the only one who matters," Arthur rumbled, his tail sweeping behind him like a living whip, knocking aside a pile of cracked bones.


    Elyra¡¯s eyes blazed, her wings flaring wide as she drew herself up, exuding an aura of supreme confidence. "I am the Silent Stalker, the mind behind Volcranax¡¯s legacy. While the others are bound by instinct and fury, I wield reason, strategy. That is why I am not chained." Her gaze locked with Arthur¡¯s, daring him to question her dominion. "It¡¯s why I command the sky and the fire within it."


    A growl built within Arthur¡¯s chest, a mixture of respect and defiance. The second child of Volcranax was proud, perhaps too proud, but it was a pride backed by centuries of ruling this desolate expanse with both strength and guile. It was clear now: defeating her would not be like subduing the third child. This battle would require more than sheer force¡ªit would demand a strategy to match her own.


    Elyra¡¯s wings twitched as she sensed the shift in his stance, a signal that he understood the true weight of the challenge before him. "So, Drake," she whispered, her voice seeping into his mind like smoke, "do you think you have what it takes to bring down the one who hunts in silence?"


    Arthur¡¯s response was a roar that split the heavens, a declaration that he would not only meet her challenge but crush it. Elyra¡¯s grin widened, her wings beating once with the force of a hurricane as she took flight again, molten feathers dripping in a blazing arc. The dance of predator and prey had begun, but in the Badlands, titles meant nothing; only power decided who ruled and who fell.


    "If you truly believe that," Elyra¡¯s wings beat powerfully. "Come find me." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And then, the mental world shattered.

 Chapter 56: The False Chains

    The ground trembled, as though it could sense the currents of power that rippled through the air. Arthur¡¯s massive shadow stretched long and dark across the cracked earth as he advanced, driven by a pulse that resonated through his core. It was a call, not of words but of intent, leading him through the sulfur-laden fog that clung to the earth like a heavy veil. The Cursed Crown in his grip pulsed, a rhythmic beat that quickened with each step, as if sensing what lay ahead.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Caution: An intelligent presence lies ahead. Threat level high.


    Current Stamina Drain: +10%.


    Arthur barely spared a glance at the system¡¯s warnings. The sense of foreboding only served to sharpen his focus. He was in territory unfamiliar to him, and everything around him screamed danger. But this was what he thrived on. Danger meant power, and power was his to claim.


    Through the fog, a shape loomed¡ªan imposing volcanic pillar, twisted and blackened as if scorched by ancient fires. Its surface was lined with cracks, each one pulsing faintly with a deep red light, a haunting reminder of the molten veins that lay beneath the rock. But it wasn¡¯t the pillar itself that drew his attention. Rusted chains, thick as his limbs and coiled with a menacing aura, lay wrapped around its base, binding it in an iron grip. They were old but powerful, each link radiating an energy that Arthur recognized immediately: the bloodline of Volcranax, the ancient progenitor whose power coursed through the very core of the Badlands.


    A deep rumble emanated from his chest as he took in the sight. The presence he had sensed¡ªthe cunning, predatory intelligence¡ªseemed to hang in the air around this place, thickening it with an unseen threat. The chains, with their runes and sigils etched into the metal, exuded a restrained might, pulsing in time with the Cursed Crown in his grasp. His Analyze skill flickered to life, illuminating the structure in his mind¡¯s eye, confirming his suspicions with a ping of confirmation.


    [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]


    Object: Chains of Mentality


    Description: A binding forged from the essence of Volcranax¡¯s bloodline. Contains an intelligence ward and anti-tampering measures. Current binding status: Active.


    Detected Subject: Elyra, Second Child of Volcranax.


    Arthur¡¯s slitted eyes narrowed. The chains seemed to confirm it¡ªElyra, the one who had taunted him with her power and intellect, was restrained within this place. Yet the air felt too still, too heavy, as though it were holding its breath.


    But if she was bound, that meant she was within his reach. There was a thrill in the notion, a sense of control that stirred something primal within him. If he could contain her, she would lose her advantage¡ªthe freedom of flight, the cunning tactics honed from years of hunting under the cloak of darkness. Here, wrapped in chains, she would be vulnerable, stripped of her dominion over the skies.


    The Cursed Crown flared, reacting to the chains, drawing energy from the oppressive silence around them. Arthur raised it, feeling the dark power gather, thickening in the air as he prepared to unleash it. He let the energy coil within him, a weapon ready to strike. But as he focused on the chains, his mind churned with a subtle question that refused to fade.


    In the mental landscape where they had exchanged words, where she¡¯d taunted him, Elyra had been unbound, a free spirit mocking him from a place of power. Could she truly be chained here?


    The thought lingered, a whisper of doubt that pressed against the certainty of the system¡¯s report. But Arthur brushed it aside. He was here to claim his power, not to second-guess his senses. The Cursed Crown vibrated, eager, hungry for release.


    Yet, just as he gathered his focus, a sound broke the silence¡ªa laugh, soft and mocking, like the hiss of steam escaping from fractured stone. It was a laugh he recognized, an echo that seemed to slither into his mind with chilling familiarity.


    "Did you truly think I would lie in wait, bound and helpless? Such naivety¡­"


    The voice was unmistakable. Elyra¡¯s words cut through his concentration like a razor¡¯s edge, dripping with scorn. The chains before him, so solid and intimidating just moments before, seemed to flicker, their aura wavering. Arthur¡¯s focus broke, and a realization dawned on him with a chill that ran through his massive frame.


    It was a trap.


    The chains, the pillar, the system¡¯s confirmation¡ªit was all part of a carefully laid snare, woven from the very intelligence he had once dismissed as lesser. Elyra¡¯s laugh echoed again, this time closer, circling him like a shadow that defied the light.


    The mist around him thickened, wrapping around his legs, his tail, weighing him down. He growled, snapping his jaws as he tried to shake off the illusion, the oppressive feeling that clung to him. But the air was different now, heavier with a presence that made every breath feel like swallowing hot ash.


    Elyra¡¯s form materialized from the mist, her wings folding around her like a shroud, her eyes gleaming with cold satisfaction. She watched him with a knowing smile, her voice a whisper that resonated in his mind.


    "So predictable, Drake. Like the others, you think strength alone can conquer anything." She tilted her head, the embers in her feathers flaring brighter as if feeding off his frustration. "Did you honestly think the Silent Stalker could be captured by mere chains?"


    Arthur¡¯s response was a guttural roar, a sound that split the stillness and sent shockwaves through the ground. The illusion shattered, the chains and pillar vanishing into wisps of smoke. The real landscape returned, harsh and unforgiving, with no sign of bindings or restraints.


    Elyra laughed again, circling him with a slow, deliberate grace, each beat of her wings stirring the ash beneath them. She was mocking him, savoring the spectacle of his misstep. Rage bubbled within Arthur¡¯s core, the heat of his Destruction Pulse simmering beneath his scales, but he held himself back, eyes locked onto her form as he calculated his next move.


    "Your tricks won¡¯t save you from the power I wield," Arthur snarled, his voice a promise of destruction.


    "Power?" Elyra¡¯s laugh was sharper this time, a mocking edge cutting through her tone. "Power is not raw strength alone, beast. Power is knowing when to strike, knowing where to set the trap." She let her wings flare wide, molten feathers dripping from her frame in a dazzling display of dominance. "And you, with all your brute force, walked straight into my web."


    The weight of her words pressed into him, an uncomfortable truth laced with venom. She wasn¡¯t like the third child, whose chains and mindless rage had been a predictable challenge. Elyra was more than just a fighter; she was a strategist, and she had maneuvered him into a position of vulnerability without raising a claw. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Enough talk," Arthur growled, stepping forward, every inch of his body coiled and ready for battle.


    Elyra¡¯s eyes flashed, her wings beating once, twice, as she lifted into the air. She drifted higher, her gaze never leaving him, her expression dark and unyielding. "Very well," she whispered.


    With a sudden shift, Elyra vanished into the mist, her form dissolving like smoke into the heavy air. Arthur¡¯s gaze snapped around, his senses flaring as he tried to pinpoint her location. The silence that followed was suffocating, a silence that defied even his roars.

 Chapter 57: How To Trap A Bat

    The mist thickened, pressing in around him like a cocoon, obscuring the jagged rocks and scorched earth. He felt the weight of her presence, a predator lurking just out of sight, stalking him with a patience that set his teeth on edge.


    But he would not be played with.


    Arthur¡¯s body coiled, muscles tensing as he readied his Destruction Pulse. The silence around him was absolute, broken only by the faint echo of Elyra¡¯s voice in his mind, a final taunt that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.


    "This time, Drake," she whispered, "it is you who are the prey."


    Arthur¡¯s growl echoed through the canyon, but Elyra¡¯s only response was to spread her wings even wider, basking in her aerial dominance. The ground beneath Arthur crackled underfoot as his immense frame tensed, and the destructive beams orbiting his horns began to hum, eager to be unleashed. Elyra met his gaze unflinchingly, her face set in a look that taunted him from her elevated vantage point, daring him to reach her.


    With a single, thunderous beat of her wings, Elyra took flight, her form blurring as she swept across the sky. She released a hailstorm of molten feathers that rained down upon him like volcanic arrows, each feather piercing the ground with a hiss that sent up clouds of searing ash. The impact scattered stones and fragments, the ash rising in thick, choking plumes that obscured his vision. Blinded momentarily, Arthur let out a roar, his frustration simmering into rage.


    He fired his Destructo Beams in a sweeping arc, each one slicing through the thick ash and tearing into the cliff face above him. The blasts sent shards of rock tumbling down, but Elyra was already out of reach, evading his strikes with a speed that defied her size. She soared in circles above him, keeping just beyond his range, her aerial agility turning his immense size into a hindrance. From her height, she was untouchable, an apparition flitting through the air while Arthur remained anchored to the earth below.


    Arthur¡¯s roar grew louder, a rumbling sound that shook loose rocks from the cliffs and echoed across the desolate landscape. His tail lashed out in frustration, carving trenches in the ground as his gaze tracked her movements. She was fast, her wings beating with a graceful rhythm that allowed her to weave effortlessly between his attacks. The more he tried to pin her down, the more she slipped from his grasp, a shadow of molten feathers mocking him from the sky.


    "Is this the power of a Drake of Destruction?" Her voice cut into his mind, smooth and taunting. "How... predictable."


    The words burned more than her attacks, igniting a fury that spread through his core. Arthur fired his beams in rapid succession, each one aiming for her shadow, but she evaded with an almost casual ease, her movements fluid as molten metal. She dipped low, a flicker of movement that sent another wave of molten feathers cascading down on him. The feathers pierced the ground in rapid succession, bursting into plumes of ash and fire that scattered around him, casting long shadows across the cracked earth.


    Through the clouds of ash, Arthur¡¯s gaze remained fixed on her, his mind churning with frustration as he watched her dance through the sky. Elyra¡¯s taunts grew sharper, each word dripping with scorn as she wove between his attacks.


    "Is that it, beast? Is this the extent of your power?" Her laughter echoed, filling his mind with a derisive mirth. "For all your strength, you are still bound to the ground. Pathetic."


    Arthur¡¯s claws dug into the ground, his muscles coiling with a determination that surpassed his rage. The realization gnawed at him: she was using her speed and height to toy with him, wearing down his patience and testing the limits of his endurance. Every attack he launched was met with a calculated retreat, every step forward was countered by her agile evasion.


    He took a steadying breath, his molten eyes never leaving her form. The fury within him burned hot, a relentless pressure that threatened to spill over, but he forced himself to focus. He would not give her the satisfaction of being led into her game. This fight was his, and he would end it on his own terms.


    He paused, holding his ground, his gaze cold and unyielding as he waited, assessing her patterns and movements. Elyra¡¯s mocking tone softened into something more sinister, a predatory whisper that curled around his mind. "What¡¯s the matter, Drake? Tiring already? Or are you finally realizing your limits?"


    Arthur¡¯s response was a growl that rumbled low and deep, an acknowledgment of her words that held none of the surrender she expected. Elyra circled him once more, her feathers blazing brighter, embers dripping from her wings in a trail of smoldering light. She angled upward, climbing higher, her form silhouetted against the storm-gray sky as she prepared to strike.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze tracked her, his mind sharp and calculating. This time, he would not react blindly. He allowed her to rise, his claws digging into the ground as he readied himself for her descent. Her wings beat powerfully, each movement building momentum as she prepared her dive. The air thickened, charged with the energy of her intent, and Arthur felt the pressure around him spike as she folded her wings and dropped, a spear of molten shadow hurtling toward him.


    This was her mistake. She had allowed him to see the rhythm of her attack, the timing of her movements. He knew where she would be. In the split second before impact, Arthur unleashed his Destruction Pulse, the shockwave erupting from his core with the force of an earthquake. The ground fractured beneath him, a web of cracks spreading out as the air around him vibrated with destructive energy.


    Elyra¡¯s dive was met with the full brunt of the pulse, the force of it hitting her mid-flight and sending her hurtling back with a snarl of rage. She twisted, wings snapping open as she fought to regain control, but the impact was fierce, sending her crashing into a nearby outcropping. Rocks splintered and cracked under her weight, her form momentarily obscured by a cloud of dust and debris.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze remained fixed, his eyes narrowed as he watched her form emerge from the rubble. Elyra shook herself, molten feathers scattering from her wings as she rose, her glare fixed on him with an intensity that matched his own. Her arrogance was gone, replaced by a calculating fury that simmered beneath the surface.


    "Impressive," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "This will nottt happeeeen again." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn¡¯t respond; words were wasted in the face of combat. Instead, he let his power surge, the destructive energy within him pulsing in rhythm with the Cursed Crown, which thrummed in his grasp, feeding off the tension between them.


    Elyra¡¯s wings flared once more, her form cloaked in a fiery glow as she took to the sky, this time with a purpose that was devoid of taunting. She launched another barrage of molten feathers, each one blazing with the intensity of volcanic fire. Arthur countered with his Destructo Beams, his aim more precise as he cut through her attacks, his energy searing through the air in arcs that left trails of scorched earth.


    The sky above them darkened as they clashed, the air thick with the scent of burning rock and ash. Elyra moved faster, her strikes more calculated, each one probing for a weakness in his defenses. But Arthur stood his ground, each roar a defiant answer to her relentless assault.


    "You will fall, Drake," Elyra¡¯s voice resonated in his mind.


    Arthur circled the primal energy inside him, refining it, compressing it. "I¡¯m going to love ripping those wings of yours, fucking bat."

 Chapter 58: The Fall Of Elyra, The Smartest Child Of Volcranax

    The air thickened with ash and fire, the battlefield crackling with the heat of two titans locked in combat. Arthur¡¯s molten eyes narrowed as he tracked Elyra¡¯s shadow, her dark, bat-like form weaving effortlessly between basalt spires. She was fast, too fast, and every molten feather she unleashed rained hell upon the earth, leaving scorched craters and bursting ash clouds in her wake.


    Arthur growled, the sound reverberating deep within his massive frame. He braced himself as another volley of molten feathers streaked toward him, each one glowing with the heat of a falling star. The ground exploded on impact, showering him in molten debris and forcing him to stagger back. Elyra¡¯s voice slithered into his mind, cutting through the chaos like a knife.


    "Look at you. All that strength, all that bluster, and yet here you are, flailing in the dirt. Tell me, Drake, does it hurt to know you¡¯re completely outmatched?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur¡¯s growl deepened, his claws digging into the fractured earth. "Outmatched? You¡¯re a coward with wings and a loud mouth."


    Elyra¡¯s laughter echoed through the canyon, sharp and mocking. She swooped low, molten embers trailing behind her as she circled him like a vulture. "Is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night? That brute force will carry you through every battle? You¡¯re pathetic." Her tone shifted, dripping with venom. "Do you even know what it means to fight for something more than yourself? To bear the weight of a legacy?"


    Arthur¡¯s tail lashed the ground, carving a deep trench into the scorched earth. "Legacy?" he spat. "You cling to a pile of bones and ash. That¡¯s not a legacy¡ªit¡¯s a grave."


    Elyra¡¯s molten eyes blazed with fury as she climbed higher, her wings beating with enough force to scatter the ash around her. "You don¡¯t understand, do you? Of course you don¡¯t. You¡¯re nothing but a walking disaster, incapable of building anything but ruin." She unleashed a barrage of fireballs, each one erupting against the ground with enough force to send molten rock flying in all directions.


    Arthur roared as the fireballs exploded around him, the shockwaves pushing him back step by step. He raised his claws to shield himself, but the relentless assault forced him to retreat, his mind racing. She wasn¡¯t just taunting him¡ªshe was controlling the battlefield, keeping him off balance. Every attack was precise, calculated to exploit his size and limit his ability to counter.


    Elyra¡¯s laughter rang out again, cruel and triumphant. "You think I enjoy this?" she hissed, her voice heavy with venom. "Do you think I wanted to be the second child of Volcranax? The one who had to clean up his messes, keep his lands in order, and suffer the burden of his failures?"


    Arthur gritted his teeth, firing a Destructo Beam toward her silhouette. She twisted mid-air, evading the blast with infuriating ease. "Sounds like whining to me," he snarled. "If you¡¯re so miserable, why not roll over and die?"


    Elyra¡¯s wings snapped outward, her molten feathers flaring brighter as she hovered above him. "Because unlike you, I don¡¯t take the easy way out. Unlike you, I have responsibilities. Do you think these lands survived the fall of Volcranax on their own? I¡¯ve fought for centuries to hold them together, to keep scavengers like you from tearing apart what little remains!"


    Arthur snarled, firing another beam, this time aiming ahead of her trajectory. Elyra dipped low, narrowly avoiding the blast, but her laughter returned, dripping with scorn. "Oh, don¡¯t think you¡¯re clever, Drake. You¡¯re just flailing harder because you know you¡¯re losing."


    She darted between spires, her form blurring as she unleashed another wave of molten feathers. Arthur¡¯s claws scraped against the ground as he dodged, the feathers scorching the earth where he had just stood. He forced himself to think, to push past the rage and focus on her movements. She was erratic but not random. Every strike came from a position of control, forcing him into predictable patterns.


    Then he noticed it¡ªa subtle rhythm, a faint hesitation in her attacks. She wasn¡¯t as untouchable as she wanted him to believe.


    Arthur took a slow, measured step forward, his molten eyes locked onto her. "If you¡¯re so powerful," he growled, "then why are you still fighting for scraps? If your legacy is so great, why does it look like hell?"


    Elyra paused mid-flight, her molten eyes narrowing as her wings flared wide. "You wouldn¡¯t understand," she said, her voice quieter but no less sharp. "You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to lose everything, to see your kin fall one by one while you¡¯re left to pick up the pieces. You don¡¯t know what it means to bear that weight and still keep fighting."


    Arthur tilted his head, his gaze unblinking. "And whose fault is that? Your bloodline failed. Volcranax failed. And now you¡¯re just a glorified vulture scavenging his corpse."


    Elyra¡¯s molten feathers flared like an inferno, her voice rising with a mixture of fury and anguish. "Do not speak of Volcranax as if you know him! He was more than you could ever comprehend, and his bloodline is more than you could ever hope to destroy!"


    She dove toward him, her wings folded tight as she streaked through the air like a comet. Arthur braced himself, his claws digging into the ground as his Psychic Sense flared, attuning to the shifts in her energy. He waited, muscles coiling with tension, and just as she closed the distance, he moved.


    Arthur spun, his tail whipping around with destructive force. The crackling energy caught the edge of her wing, the impact sending her spiraling off course. Elyra hissed in pain, her flight disrupted as she veered away, her molten feathers trailing behind her like a broken comet.


    For the first time, Arthur saw her falter.


    He straightened, his molten eyes narrowing with satisfaction. "That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got? The great Silent Stalker, second child of Volcranax, knocked out of the sky by a single strike?"


    Elyra landed on a jagged spire, her wings trembling as she steadied herself. Her molten eyes locked onto him, her fury tempered now by cold, calculating focus. "You think that was a victory?" she growled. "You¡¯re more of a fool than I thought."


    Arthur felt it then¡ªa shift in the air, a dark, oppressive pressure that pressed against his mind. It was subtle at first, like a distant hum, but it grew rapidly, clawing at the edges of his thoughts. Elyra¡¯s voice returned, but this time it wasn¡¯t taunting. It was a whisper, soft and insidious, that burrowed into his mind like a parasite.


    "You don¡¯t even see it, do you?" she said, her tone almost pitying. "You think you¡¯re the hunter, but you¡¯ve been in my web from the start."


    The pressure intensified, twisting his thoughts and warping his vision. The battlefield blurred, the basalt spires stretching and shifting into grotesque shapes that loomed over him like specters. The ground beneath him felt unstable, as though it might collapse at any moment.


    Arthur roared, shaking his massive head as he fought to push her presence out of his mind. The destructive beams around his horns flared, crackling with energy as he prepared to unleash them, but Elyra¡¯s voice stopped him.


    "Go ahead," she whispered. "Waste your energy. Fire blindly into the darkness. It¡¯s exactly what I want."


    Arthur hesitated, the weight of her words pressing against his thoughts. She was baiting him again, manipulating him with the same cunning that had kept her ahead throughout the battle. He growled, his molten eyes narrowing as he steadied himself. She was dangerous¡ªmore dangerous than he had ever anticipated. But he wasn¡¯t going to let her win.


    Not yet.


    "Got you."


    Instantly, a sharp pain rang through Arthur¡¯s head as Elyra pierced through his mind with a psychic attack.

 Chapter 59: Fall

    Arthur¡¯s world twisted into chaos, his thoughts snarled in a web of foreign whispers that scraped at the edges of his mind like nails on brittle stone. The psychic assault was relentless, each pulse from Elyra driving deeper into his consciousness, warping his sense of reality. Fractured images¡ªvisions of flame, ruin, and shadows¡ªflickered behind his eyes, distorting his perception of the battlefield. The jagged spires around him shifted and writhed, as though they too were alive, closing in to suffocate him.


    His Aura of Dread flared instinctively, a pulse of primal terror rippling out from his massive frame, forcing the oppressive weight to falter for a fleeting moment. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Elyra was relentless, her presence invasive and sharp, a predator¡¯s talons raking through his mind.


    Above him, her dark, molten-feathered form cut through the smoky air, her wings tracing arcs of fire that lingered like blazing scars in the sky. She moved with a haunting grace, weaving between the shattered spires as if taunting him with her freedom. Each beat of her wings left a trail of flame that began to take form¡ªa burning net tightening around him.


    Arthur snarled, shaking his massive head as he tried to dispel the psychic haze. The whispers grew louder, twisting into mocking laughter that echoed through his mind.


    "You¡¯re floundering, Drake," Elyra¡¯s voice seeped into his thoughts, cold and venomous. "Your power is nothing but a blunt instrument. Crude. Predictable. Do you feel it yet? The futility of fighting me?"


    Her words dug deep, not because of their cruelty, but because of the bitter truth laced within them. She was in control of the battlefield, dictating the rhythm of their fight while he stumbled, reactive and enraged. Arthur forced himself to focus, to ground himself in the weight of his body, the heat of the scorched earth beneath his claws, and the steady hum of his Destructo Beams orbiting his horns. He was not prey, not a creature to be toyed with. He was destruction incarnate, and she would remember that before this was over.


    Elyra dove, a streak of fire hurtling toward him. He barely managed to pivot, his tail lashing out in defense, but she was already gone, her laughter echoing through the ash-choked air. Another volley of molten feathers rained down, each one piercing the ground like a blazing spear. One grazed his side, the searing heat cutting into his Obsidian Skin and leaving a glowing, molten gash. He roared, the sound reverberating through the canyon, but Elyra¡¯s mocking tone only grew louder.


    "What¡¯s the matter, beast?" she taunted, her voice slithering through his mind. "Does it hurt?"


    Arthur¡¯s molten eyes locked onto her as she ascended again, her form blurring into the smoke. The flames she left behind coiled and twisted, forming an intricate web of fire that shimmered with a predatory intelligence. She was closing off his options, boxing him in, and he hated her for it.


    But he would not give her the satisfaction of seeing him break.


    Snarling loudly, he forced the psychic fog from his mind, his fury mounting with every taunt, every strike. The Destructo Beams flared brighter, their energy surging as he unleashed them in rapid succession. The sky lit up with streaks of molten energy, each one aimed with precision and purpose. But Elyra was faster, her movements erratic and unpredictable.


    She darted between the beams, her wings slicing through the air with a speed that defied her size. The fiery net above him grew tighter, its burning tendrils casting long, jagged shadows across the cracked earth.


    Arthur¡¯s frustration boiled over, his claws gouging deep into the ground as he steadied himself. He was being cornered, forced into her trap, and he could feel the weight of it pressing against his resolve. But he refused to be caged. Not by her. Not by anyone.


    Elyra¡¯s voice pierced his thoughts again, more insidious this time, as if she could taste his frustration. "You fight like a cornered animal. Thrashing."


    "Roaring."


    "Desperate."


    Arthur¡¯s growl deepened, his tail smashing into a nearby spire and sending shards of molten rock tumbling to the ground. "I don¡¯t need a purpose to crush you," he snarled, his voice like the grinding of stone. "You talk like you¡¯re better than me, but all I see is a coward hiding behind her tricks."


    Elyra¡¯s laughter rang out, sharp and scornful. "Coward? You think this is cowardice? This is survival, Drake. This is intelligence."


    "This is-"


    "FEAR!"


    Immediately, the pain inside Arthur¡¯s head felt ten times worse as his horns blared to the extreme to resist the psychic, mental fuck he was suffering under. Shit, shit, shit! sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur¡¯s roar shook the canyon, a deafening sound that tore through the thick air. His beams lashed out again, slicing through the fiery web, but Elyra was already moving, ascending higher, her molten feathers blazing in her wake.


    From her new vantage point, Elyra began to weave another attack. The air around her shimmered with dark, fiery energy, coalescing into molten blades that hovered in formation. Each blade glowed with an intense heat, the edges honed to a deadly sharpness. Arthur watched as she raised her wings, the molten weapons aligning with her movements like an extension of her will.


    Elyra¡¯s voice returned, colder now, filled with a cruel satisfaction. "You¡¯re out of time, Drake. This is your final lesson in futility."


    The blades descended in a rain of fire, each one streaking toward Arthur with lethal intent. He braced himself, his Obsidian Skin flaring as he prepared for impact. The first blade struck, slashing into his side and cracking his armor. Another followed, then another, each one carving into his massive frame with surgical precision. Blood, thick and molten, seeped from the wounds, hissing as it hit the scorched earth.


    Arthur staggered, his massive form heaving as the assault continued. Pain lanced through him, sharp and unrelenting, but he didn¡¯t fall. He couldn¡¯t fall. His molten eyes locked onto Elyra, who hovered above him, her molten feathers blazing brighter than ever.


    She circled him like a vulture, her voice cutting through the haze of pain. "In the end, you all fall." She said it like it was an eventuality for those who faced her.


    Like he was just another little challenger.


    Like he was going to fucking lose.


    Arthur growled, blood dripping from his wounds as he straightened, his molten eyes never leaving her. He was bloodied, battered, but not broken.


    Not yet.


    As Elyra prepared for another strike, Arthur¡¯s claws scraped against the ground, his mind sharpening with a singular focus. She thought she had him beaten, thought her web was unbreakable.


    But the Drake of Destruction wasn¡¯t finished yet.

 Chapter 60: No, YOU Fall

    The world burned around them. Elyra hovered high above, her form a dark silhouette against the roiling sky, molten feathers casting flickers of light across the jagged landscape. The air shuddered under the weight of her power, the molten arsenal she conjured¡ªa deadly array of blades, spears, and orbs¡ªhovering around her like a predator¡¯s snarl given form.


    Arthur stood below, battered but unbroken, his body a monument of scorched obsidian and molten strength. His claws dug deep into the shattered ground, the heat rising around him like a second skin. His molten eyes tracked her every move, his thoughts razor-sharp despite the pounding in his skull.


    The battlefield fell silent for a heartbeat, the tension between them palpable.


    Elyra¡¯s voice invaded his mind, dripping with malice and triumph. "Look at you. The mighty Drake of Destruction brought to his knees. Do you even realize how pathetic you look? All that power, and for what? A dying beast clinging to its last breath."


    Arthur didn¡¯t respond immediately. He could feel the weight of her power pressing down, could see the calculated intent in her movements. She wasn¡¯t toying with him anymore; this was the kill. Yet, even as her molten arsenal hovered above, pulsing with volcanic energy, Arthur¡¯s focus didn¡¯t waver.


    Finally, he spoke, his voice low and seething. "You talk too much."


    Elyra snarled, her molten feathers flaring brighter. "And you think too little. That¡¯s why you¡¯ll lose. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve already lost."


    With a savage cry, she unleashed Inferno Strike.


    The molten blades descended first, their edges glowing white-hot as they carved through the air. Arthur braced himself, his Obsidian Skin flaring as the first blade struck, shattering against his armor but sending a web of cracks rippling across its surface. Another followed, then another, each one slamming into him with enough force to stagger his colossal frame.


    Arthur roared, lashing out with his Destructo Beams. The beams cut through the fiery onslaught, detonating molten spears mid-air, but Elyra was already on the move. Her wings flared, propelling her in sharp, unpredictable arcs through the sky. The molten orbs followed, streaking toward Arthur with explosive energy.


    One struck his flank, the eruption of heat and force nearly toppling him. Another grazed his tail, molten energy searing through his armor and into the flesh beneath. The pain was sharp, immediate, but Arthur didn¡¯t falter.


    Arthur¡¯s growl rumbled deep in his chest, his molten eyes narrowing as he tracked her erratic movements. She was fast, yes, and her strikes were precise. But he could see the pattern now, could feel the rhythm of her attacks. She was overconfident, relying on her speed to keep her out of his reach.


    He crouched lower, letting his exhaustion show, the cracks in his armor glinting like fatal wounds. His breaths came heavy and labored, his claws digging into the scorched earth as though he could no longer stand tall.


    Elyra circled above, her molten eyes gleaming with triumph. "Finally," she hissed.


    Arthur didn¡¯t respond. He lowered his head, his body sagging under the weight of her relentless assault. The battlefield seemed to shift around him, the air thick with the scent of molten stone and ash. Elyra¡¯s laugh cut through the oppressive silence.


    "You did last longer than the other petty challengers though, beast of the earth," Elyra laughed again. "Though, still a mere beast regardless."


    "And, now my favorite part,"


    She dove, molten talons outstretched, her beak wide as she prepared to tear through his exposed neck. Her molten arsenal followed, spears and orbs trailing in her wake like a meteor storm.


    The moment she closed in, her molten eyes blazing with anticipation, Arthur moved.


    His head snapped up, his molten eyes locking onto hers with a sudden, predatory focus. The destructive beams orbiting his horns surged, their energy compressing into a single, searing point no larger than an apple.


    "Fuck off."


    Elyra¡¯s triumphant laugh twisted into a scream of rage and panic.


    "You¡ª"


    Arthur unleashed the beam.


    The focused energy struck her core with pinpoint precision, the force of it tearing through her molten feathers and into the heart of her body. The world seemed to pause for an instant, the sheer destructive power of the beam consuming all sound, all movement.


    And then Elyra was falling.


    +


    Her molten form spiraled downward, half her body atomized by the strike, the remnants scorched and smoking as they crashed into the shattered earth. Arthur stood still for a moment, his molten eyes tracking her broken form as it lay crumpled amidst the wreckage of their battle.


    She twitched weakly, her wings spasming as molten blood seeped from cracks in her once-majestic feathers. The blazing mantle of power that had encased her was now a fragile flicker, the embers dimming with each labored breath. Her body trembled as she fought to lift herself, claws scraping against the scorched stone, leaving trails of glowing magma in her wake.


    Arthur moved forward, each step deliberate, his colossal frame towering over her broken figure. His own body bore the scars of their clash¡ªObsidian Skin cracked and bloodied, his massive chest heaving with exertion. But he didn¡¯t stop. The heat of his destruction pulsed around him, radiating as if the earth itself trembled in submission.


    "I told you," Arthur said, his voice low and unyielding, the words resonating through the silence like a death knell. "You¡¯d fall."


    Elyra shrieked through the blood filling her lungs, her body wracked by the effort, a wet, gurgling sound that sent more molten blood spilling from her beak. And then she laughed¡ªa weak, rasping laugh that rose from somewhere deep and bitter. It was not the laugh of defeat. It was sharp, cruel, and filled with venom, as though her agony only fueled her hatred.


    "Fall?" she rasped, her molten eyes flickering as they locked onto his. The madness in her gaze burned brighter than her fading feathers. "Yo-You think this is a victory, you arro-arrogant bastard?"


    Elyra coughed again, the sound cutting through the thick silence, but her defiance refused to falter. Her body quaked, every movement sending fresh streams of molten blood dripping down her fractured frame. "You¡­ with your brute strength, your mindless destruction. You¡¯re nothing but a fool. Do you even know why you fight? Why you kill? You think yourself untouchable, but you¡¯re just a blind beast stumbling through a world you can¡¯t even understand."


    Her voice grew louder, her words breaking into sharp gasps of air as the fury in her tone reached a fever pitch. "I fought for something, Drake. My kin, my lands, my legacy. And you¡­ you fight for nothing. Nothing!"


    Arthur¡¯s growl rumbled low and deep, but he didn¡¯t interrupt. Her molten eyes flared again, a final burst of light igniting as she forced herself upright, her wings trembling violently under the strain.


    "I want you to remember this, beast," she hissed, her voice cracking with the weight of her pain. "I want you to remember that the blood of Volcranax does not bow. You¡¯ve stolen this moment from me, but I¡¯ll make damn sure it costs you everything."


    Arthur stepped closer, his molten eyes fixed on her with cold resolve. "You¡¯re finished, Elyra."


    Her beak twisted into an impossible grin, jagged and horrifying, her molten teeth glinting through the blood. Her laughter returned, harsher this time, rattling in her throat like a dying ember stoked by spite. "Finished?"she whispered, her voice soft and venomous. "You¡¯re the naive one. You should have ended me the moment you could. Now¡­ you¡¯ll pay for that mistake."


    Arthur¡¯s molten gaze narrowed, his claws tensing as he stopped in his tracks. "What are you¡ª"


    She spat blood, the glowing liquid hissing as it hit the ground. "Let¡¯s meet again in the netherworld, beast."


    Arthur tensed as he saw her body begin to glow. The dim embers in her feathers reignited, burning with a searing intensity that sent waves of molten heat rippling through the battlefield. The ground beneath her split and cracked, glowing veins of magma spreading outward like a pulse of fury.


    Oh no, she wasn¡¯t actually going to-


    "Flare of Sacrifice," Elyra whispered, her voice filled with cruel satisfaction. "If I¡¯m to die, I¡¯ll take you with me."


    The detonation came without warning.


    A massive burst of molten energy erupted from her body, consuming the battlefield in an inferno of heat and light.


    "No-!"


    BOOOOOOOOOM!


    Arthur lunged forward, a roar ripping through the air, but it was too late. Elyra¡¯s broken body erupted in a cataclysmic explosion, the molten energy consuming the battlefield in an inferno of heat and light. Arthur¡¯s frame was thrown backward, his Obsidian Skin cracking further as the sheer force of the detonation seared his body.


    The last sound he heard before the flames engulfed him was Elyra¡¯s laughter, ringing out like a twisted requiem. "Burn, beast. Burn!"


    The fire burned hotter than anything he had faced, searing his body and mind as his consciousness began to fade.


    In the haze of pain and heat, the system¡¯s voice echoed faintly in his mind.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    Energy critical. Essence absorption initiated. Survival override active.


    Arthur¡¯s vision darkened as the flames roared around him. The last thing he felt was the surge of essence flooding into his core, the system¡¯s desperate attempt to keep him alive as the battlefield fell silent once more.


    S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 61: The Champions Have Arrived

    The wind roared, whipping against the sails of the enchanted sled as it skimmed across the surface of the endless ocean. The water glistened in hues of blue and gold, reflecting the growing light of the volcanic horizon ahead. The Water Drake pulling the sled hissed, its sleek, scaled body weaving through the waves with practiced ease. Each powerful stroke of its muscular tail sent sprays of saltwater into the air, the droplets catching the light like fleeting gems.


    James sat near the sled¡¯s edge, gripping the metallic railing with one hand while tinkering with a small gadget in the other. His knuckles were white from the strain of holding steady against the sled¡¯s speed. The wind carried the distant scent of sulfur and smoke, mingling with the tang of the sea. His stomach churned¡ªnot from the ride, but from the mounting tension that came with the knowledge of what awaited them.


    He glanced up at the other passengers.


    Kael Ironhide stood at the front of the sled, his clawed hands gripping the railing like a predator ready to pounce. The Beastman¡¯s amber eyes scanned the horizon, his ears flicking with every new sound. His broad shoulders and muscular build radiated strength, but it was his restless energy that drew James¡¯s attention. Kael¡¯s tail lashed against the sled¡¯s deck, the rhythmic thump a testament to his impatience.


    "Keep lashing like that, and you¡¯ll scare the poor drake," Thrain Stonehearth muttered from his seat near the center of the sled. The Dwarf was fiddling with a chunk of obsidian, his thick, calloused fingers shaping the stone with casual precision. His braided beard swayed with each movement, and his gruff voice carried an edge of irritation. "Not that it would take much to spook a beast pulling this damn contraption."


    Kael snorted, turning to glare at Thrain. "Maybe if you did less carving and more preparing, you wouldn¡¯t get left behind when the fight starts."


    "Left behind?" Thrain¡¯s deep chuckle carried over the rush of the wind. "We¡¯ll see who¡¯s standing when the ground starts breaking under your feet."


    James sighed, shifting his focus to the sky. A faint shimmer marked the protective barrier of the Heat Resistant Runestones, their magic shielding them from the worst of the Badlands¡¯ oppressive heat. Beyond that, the horizon was ablaze with fiery hues, a stark contrast to the calm ocean behind them.


    Sylvia Luminaris stood near the sled¡¯s mast, her glowing wings tucked neatly against her back. The Angel¡¯s serene expression didn¡¯t betray any hint of nervousness, though her luminous eyes seemed fixed on the distant horizon. Her presence exuded calm, an anchor amidst the unease gripping the rest of the group.


    James¡¯s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than intended. Unlike Kael¡¯s bravado or Thrain¡¯s grumbling, Sylvia¡¯s composure made him feel out of place¡ªweak, even. He clenched the gadget in his hand, its small gears clicking as he adjusted its settings. He had to focus. He had to be ready.


    "Do you always tinker when you¡¯re nervous?" The question came from Elyndor Vale, the High Elf, who sat cross-legged on a nearby bench. His voice was calm, measured, but the faint trace of amusement in his tone grated on James.


    James didn¡¯t look up. "Do you always talk when there¡¯s nothing to say?"


    Elyndor chuckled softly, his hands resting lightly on his lap. His slender frame and elegant features gave him an air of effortless grace, but James knew better than to mistake the elf¡¯s appearance for weakness. The faint glow around Elyndor¡¯s hands¡ªthe subtle presence of his summoned spirits¡ªwas a reminder of the power he wielded.


    "You¡¯ll learn, human," Elyndor said, his golden eyes flicking toward the horizon. "Silence isn¡¯t always strength. Sometimes, the right words can cut deeper than any blade."


    Before James could retort, the Water Drake let out a sharp hiss, its body twisting as the sled began to slow. The change in momentum sent a jolt through James¡¯s seat, nearly causing him to drop his gadget. He caught it just in time, tucking it into his satchel before standing.


    The sled came to a halt near a jagged outcrop of volcanic rock that jutted out from the ocean like a broken tooth. The heat was palpable even through the runestones, the air shimmering with waves of distortion. The Scorching Badlands loomed ahead, its fiery expanse stretching as far as the eye could see.


    Sylvia was the first to step off the sled, her wings spreading slightly as she descended onto the rock. Her luminous presence seemed to push back the oppressive heat, creating a faint halo of cool light around her. Kael followed, leaping onto the rock with a predatory grace that belied his size. Thrain disembarked with a grumble, his boots landing heavily on the uneven surface.


    James hesitated, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The Badlands were unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen¡ªa landscape of molten rivers, towering spires of blackened rock, and an ever-present glow of fire. It was a place of death, of power, and of something far more dangerous.


    "You coming, human?" Kael¡¯s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. The Beastman¡¯s amber eyes glinted with impatience. "Or are you planning to invent a cooler while we roast out here?"


    James forced a smirk, though it felt hollow. "Just making sure you don¡¯t fall apart before we get started."


    He stepped off the sled, his boots crunching against the brittle rock. The air hit him like a wall, heavy and suffocating despite the magic of the runestones. He adjusted the straps of his satchel, the weight of his tools grounding him as he joined the others.


    Elyndor was the last to disembark, his movements deliberate and unhurried. The elf¡¯s eyes scanned the horizon, his expression unreadable. James caught a flicker of something in Elyndor¡¯s gaze¡ªcuriosity? Fear? It was gone before he could place it.


    "This is it," Sylvia said, her voice soft but firm. "The edge of the Scorching Badlands. Beyond this point, the real danger begins."


    Kael flexed his claws, his muscles rippling with anticipation. "Good. I was starting to think this would be boring."


    Thrain snorted. "You¡¯ll be bored when you¡¯re melted into a puddle."


    "Enough," Sylvia interjected, her voice cutting through their bickering like a blade. She turned to face the group, her luminous eyes steady. "We have a mission. Stay focused, and stay alive." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    James nodded, though his grip on his satchel tightened. He could feel the tension radiating from the others, each of them preparing in their own way. This wasn¡¯t just a mission¡ªit was a test. A test of strength, of resolve, and of survival.


    As the group began their trek into the Badlands, the heat grew more intense, the air filled with the distant roar of molten rivers and the crackle of fire. James kept his head down, his thoughts racing. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched¡ªnot by each other, but by something far more dangerous.


    The Scorching Badlands welcomed them with a promise of fire and death.


    And James wondered if they were ready to face it.

 Chapter 62: Landing in the Badlands

    The sled had left them, disappearing over the churning waves in a streak of foam and shimmering scales. The absence of the Water Drake was stark, a severed connection to the relative safety of the ocean. Now, there was only the Badlands¡ªraw and oppressive, daring them to step deeper.


    The air itself seemed alive. Each breath burned, not just from the heat, but from the weight of something unseen that pressed against their chests. The horizon was a bleeding wound, rivers of molten rock carving jagged scars into the land, their light pulsating like the breath of a slumbering titan.


    James hesitated as his boots touched the brittle, heat-cracked earth. It wasn¡¯t just the overwhelming environment¡ªit was the sensation that they didn¡¯t belong here. That no one did.


    "Hell¡¯s kitchen," Thrain muttered, breaking the silence as he planted his feet firmly on the ground. The Dwarf took a deep breath, his thick beard bristling as he exhaled through gritted teeth. "Smells like sulfur and stupidity."


    Kael Ironhide snorted, a low rumble in his chest that sounded more beast than man. His clawed feet dug into the ground as he leapt from the sled¡¯s deck, landing with a thud that sent cracks spidering out beneath him. "Then maybe you shouldn¡¯t have come, stone-man. You¡¯re more flammable than the rest of us."


    Thrain shot him a glare, but before he could retort, Sylvia¡¯s calm voice cut through the tension. "Enough. If we waste our energy on bickering, we¡¯ll burn out before the Badlands have a chance to do it for us."


    She stood at the edge of the group, her Luminous Barrier flickering faintly around her like a protective cocoon. Her wings were tucked close to her back, their glow subdued, as though even they hesitated to shine too brightly in this place.


    James shifted his satchel nervously. He felt the weight of their collective gazes as the group turned to face the barren wasteland ahead. The Scorching Badlands were unlike anything he¡¯d imagined, even from the stories. It wasn¡¯t just the heat or the fiery rivers; it was the silence that gnawed at him. A silence that felt¡­ deliberate. As though something was watching.


    "Do you feel it?" James asked, his voice quieter than he intended.


    Kael gave him a sidelong glance, his tail twitching irritably. "Feel what? The heat? The rocks under our feet? Or your own fear crawling up your back?"


    James clenched his jaw but didn¡¯t respond. Kael wasn¡¯t wrong¡ªthe fear was there, prickling under his skin like a second layer of heat. But it wasn¡¯t just fear. It was something more visceral. A presence.


    Elyndor Vale, standing a few paces away, closed his eyes briefly. The High Elf raised a hand, his slender fingers brushing against the air as though searching for an unseen thread. "He¡¯s right," Elyndor said, his voice smooth but edged with tension. "The spirits are uneasy. There¡¯s something here¡ªsomething ancient." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sylvia stepped forward, her gaze steady. "We knew this wouldn¡¯t be an ordinary mission. Whatever lies ahead is beyond any of us individually. That¡¯s why we¡¯re here together."


    "Together," Thrain scoffed, crossing his arms. "If we make it that far."


    Sylvia¡¯s sharp look silenced him, and James found himself grateful for her presence. She had a way of grounding the group, even when the cracks in their unity were starting to show.


    ++


    The group moved forward cautiously, the crunch of their footsteps the only sound against the oppressive silence. James stayed near the back, his mind racing as he tried to process everything. He felt like the weakest link¡ªan artificer among warriors and mystics. His gadgets and quick thinking had kept him alive so far, but here, in this place, he felt exposed. Small.


    Kael led the way, his amber eyes scanning the horizon. Every so often, he¡¯d stop, sniffing the air or crouching to examine the ground. His primal instincts seemed to guide him, though his muttered curses betrayed his frustration.


    Elyndor walked with a measured grace, his staff tapping lightly against the ground with each step. The Elf¡¯s gaze never stayed in one place for long, his golden eyes flitting between the group and the landscape as though weighing every detail. His calm demeanor was unshaken, but James noticed the subtle tension in his shoulders.


    Sylvia stayed near the center, her wings shimmering faintly with each step. She carried herself with an air of quiet authority, her presence a beacon of reassurance even as the heat and silence pressed down on them.


    And then there was Thrain. The Dwarf trudged with a stubborn determination, his hands occasionally brushing against his belt where his tools and runestones hung. He muttered to himself, his gruff voice a constant presence that, strangely, made James feel less alone.


    As they pressed deeper into the Badlands, the terrain grew more treacherous. The brittle ground gave way to jagged ridges and narrow paths that wound precariously between rivers of molten rock. The air shimmered with heat, and every breath tasted of ash.


    "We should stop soon," Sylvia said, her voice cutting through the stillness. "We need to conserve our strength."


    Kael growled low in his throat. "Stopping means sitting ducks. I say we keep moving."


    "For once, I agree with the beast," Thrain said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Stopping here is just asking to be roasted alive."


    Elyndor raised a hand, silencing them both. "Listen."


    The group froze, their breaths catching in their throats. For a moment, there was nothing but the crackle of molten rock and the faint hum of their Heat Resistant Runestones. And then they heard it¡ªa low, distant rumble that reverberated through the ground like the growl of a sleeping giant.


    "What was that?" James whispered, his heart pounding.


    "Trouble," Kael said, his claws flexing.


    ++


    The rumble grew louder as they moved forward, the ground trembling beneath their feet. It led them to a clearing surrounded by jagged spires of blackened rock. In the center lay the remnants of a battle¡ªcharred bones and shattered stone scattered across the ground. The air was thick with the acrid stench of burnt flesh.


    Sylvia knelt near the edge of the clearing, her fingers brushing against the scorched earth. Her wings flickered faintly as she closed her eyes. "This wasn¡¯t just a battle," she said softly. "It was a massacre."


    Kael crouched near a massive claw mark etched into the ground, his tail lashing with agitation. "Something big did this. And it¡¯s still out there."


    James approached cautiously, his gaze fixed on the claw mark. It was enormous, far larger than anything he¡¯d ever seen. He pulled a small gadget from his satchel¡ªa scanner imbued with arcane runes¡ªand aimed it at the mark. The device hummed, its dials spinning as it analyzed the residual energy.


    "What do you see?" Thrain asked, his voice gruff.


    James frowned, his brow furrowing. "Residual energy. Destructive. Focused. It¡¯s like¡­ it¡¯s alive."


    "Alive?" Kael snorted. "What does that even mean?"


    "It means whatever did this," Elyndor said, his voice cold, "isn¡¯t just powerful. It¡¯s something beyond what we¡¯re used to."


    Sylvia rose to her feet, her expression grave. "We need to report this."


    "No," Kael said, his voice firm. "We need to find it. Whatever this thing is, it¡¯s close."


    Elyndor turned to him, his golden eyes narrowing. "And if it finds us first? Do you think you can stand against something that left this behind?"


    The tension between them was palpable, and James felt the weight of it pressing down on him. He glanced at the claw mark again, his heart pounding. Whatever lay ahead, it was something far beyond any of them.


    "Let¡¯s move," Sylvia said, her voice cutting through the tension. "But carefully. We¡¯re here to survive, not to die."


    As the group pressed on, James couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. The Scorching Badlands weren¡¯t just a place¡ªthey were alive, and they were waiting.

 Chapter 63: Into the Heart of the Inferno

    The oppressive silence of the Scorching Badlands deepened with every step. The brittle ground crackled beneath their feet, threatening to crumble with their weight. Heat waves shimmered across the horizon, warping the jagged spires of obsidian that towered above them. The molten rivers hissed in the distance, their glow casting an eerie light that flickered like the heartbeat of a slumbering beast.


    James tightened his grip on his satchel, the hum of his Heat Resistant Runestone a small comfort against the unbearable temperature. He felt sweat trickling down his temple, but he didn¡¯t dare pause to wipe it away. Not here. Not with the unshakable feeling of eyes watching their every move.


    "Stay sharp," Sylvia said, her voice soft but firm. Her luminous wings glowed faintly, their light deflecting some of the heat but doing little to ease the tension in the air. She scanned the terrain with sharp, focused eyes, her every movement purposeful. "We¡¯re not alone."


    Kael snorted, his claws digging into the brittle ground. "I¡¯d be disappointed if we were. Something here is waiting for us. I can feel it."


    "Probably sizing us up," Thrain muttered, his gruff voice barely audible over the crackling heat. The Dwarf kept his hammer resting against his shoulder, his fingers twitching as though itching for a fight. "Won¡¯t have to wait long before it tries its luck."


    Elyndor walked at the rear of the group, his staff tapping lightly against the ground. His golden eyes flickered with a faint glow, as though peering beyond the visible spectrum. "It¡¯s not just one presence," he said, his voice calm but tense. "The spirits whisper of many. Shadows moving through the fire."


    James felt a chill crawl up his spine, despite the heat. He tried to focus on his surroundings, his mind racing with calculations. The heat. The silence. The lingering marks of destruction they¡¯d seen earlier. All of it pointed to one thing¡ªthey were walking into the domain of something far stronger than they could comprehend.


    +


    They came across a new clearing, the ground scorched and cratered as though struck by a great force. Blackened bones lay scattered across the terrain, their edges melted and fused to the rock. The air carried a faint metallic tang that stung the back of James¡¯s throat.


    Sylvia knelt to examine the remains, her luminous wings casting soft light over the charred ground. She brushed her fingers against a fragment of bone, her expression unreadable. "This isn¡¯t just destruction. It¡¯s precision."


    "Precision?" Kael growled, his amber eyes narrowing. "Looks like a slaughter to me."


    Sylvia glanced up, her gaze steady. "No. These strikes weren¡¯t random. They were targeted. Whatever did this knew exactly where to hit."


    "Great," Thrain muttered, tightening his grip on his hammer. "So we¡¯re dealing with a genius monster. Just what we needed."


    Elyndor raised his staff, the glow around him intensifying. He murmured something under his breath, his voice barely audible, and a faint green wisp appeared, swirling around his fingers. The High Elf closed his eyes, his expression tense as he communed with the spirit.


    "The spirits are restless," Elyndor said after a moment, his voice strained. "They speak of something¡­ vast. Powerful. Watching."


    James swallowed hard, his fingers fidgeting with the strap of his satchel. "Watching? Like it¡¯s studying us?"


    "Exactly," Elyndor replied, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "It¡¯s waiting for the right moment to strike."


    Kael let out a low growl, his claws flexing. "Then let it come. I¡¯m tired of all this sneaking around."


    Sylvia stood, her wings flaring slightly. "No. If it¡¯s studying us, it means it¡¯s intelligent. We can¡¯t underestimate it."


    "Too late for that," Thrain said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We¡¯re already knee-deep in molten hell. Might as well see what¡¯s waiting."


    +


    The air shifted.


    James felt it first¡ªa chill threading through the oppressive heat, crawling up his spine and sinking into his chest. It wasn¡¯t relief. It was dread. His stomach twisted as he froze in place, gripping his satchel tightly. Whatever was coming, it wasn¡¯t natural.


    Kael snarled low, his claws scraping against the cracked earth as he crouched, his eyes scanning the horizon like a predator sensing its rival. "It¡¯s close."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared behind her, their glow cutting through the swirling ash. She moved forward, her gaze sharp as she spread her luminous aura outward, a shield against the encroaching darkness. "Stay together. We can¡¯t afford to scatter."


    Elyndor planted his staff into the ground, the faint hum of spirits vibrating in the air around him. His golden eyes narrowed. "It¡¯s more than just close. It¡¯s hunting us."


    A deep, guttural sound rose from the shadows, vibrating through the ground and into their bones. James clenched his teeth, his pulse hammering in his ears. It wasn¡¯t just a sound¡ªit was a presence, heavy and suffocating.


    And then it appeared.


    From the jagged spires of obsidian came a serpentine behemoth, its molten veins glowing like rivers of fire beneath its obsidian-scaled hide. Steam hissed from its body with every movement, and its burning eyes locked onto them with a calculated hunger. The creature exuded power, the kind that didn¡¯t merely threaten¡ªit promised.


    "Gods above," James whispered, unable to tear his eyes away. "An abyssal serpent. . ."


    The creature lunged.


    Kael moved first, his instincts honed from years of combat. He roared as he met the creature mid-lunge, his claws slicing across its molten hide. Sparks exploded on impact, the sound a deafening screech of metal on stone. The beast twisted, its tail whipping out with brutal force and slamming into Kael¡¯s side. He flew back, landing with a heavy thud that cracked the earth beneath him.


    "Damn it!" Kael growled, staggering to his feet, smoke rising from his scorched armor. "Its hide¡¯s like forged steel!" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sylvia stepped forward, her wings flaring as she extended her Luminous Barrier. A radiant wall of light materialized between the group and the advancing beast. The creature slammed into it, its molten breath steaming against the shield, but Sylvia held firm.


    "Hold it!" she commanded, her voice steady but strained. "We need time to regroup!"


    Elyndor didn¡¯t hesitate. He raised his staff, green energy crackling to life. With a wordless chant, ethereal vines erupted from the ground, snaking toward the beast and wrapping around its limbs. The creature thrashed, its molten veins searing through the spectral bindings, but Elyndor¡¯s hold didn¡¯t waver.


    "It won¡¯t stay trapped for long," Elyndor warned, sweat beading on his brow. "Do something now!"


    James fumbled with his satchel, pulling out a small rune-etched sphere. His hands trembled as he activated it, the device humming with arcane energy. "Disrupt its core¡­ disrupt its core¡­" he muttered to himself, repeating the plan he¡¯d rehearsed in his mind.


    With a shaky breath, he hurled the sphere at the creature. It struck its side, embedding itself into the molten veins before detonating in a burst of blue energy. The beast let out a guttural roar, its molten glow dimming as cracks formed along its hide.


    "It worked!" James gasped, a flicker of hope lighting up his face.


    But the creature wasn¡¯t done.


    Sylvia stepped forward, her wings spreading wide. A barrier of light erupted between the group and the creature, halting its charge. The beast roared in frustration, its molten breath steaming against the barrier.


    "Keep it busy!" Sylvia shouted, her voice steady despite the strain. "I can hold it, but not for long!"


    Elyndor raised his staff, summoning a surge of green energy. Ethereal vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around the creature¡¯s limbs and holding it in place. "James, now would be a good time to prove your worth!"


    James fumbled with his satchel, pulling out a small device¡ªa rune-etched sphere designed to disrupt elemental energy. His hands shook as he activated it, the sphere humming to life with a faint glow.


    "Here goes nothing," James muttered, throwing the device at the creature.


    The sphere struck the beast¡¯s side, exploding in a burst of arcane energy. The molten veins along its body dimmed for a moment, and the creature let out a pained roar. It thrashed against the vines, snapping them as it lunged again.


    Kael intercepted it, his claws slashing at its face. "Stay down, you oversized lizard!"


    The beast reared back, its molten breath gathering in its throat. Sylvia¡¯s eyes widened. "Scatter! Now!"


    The group dove in different directions as the creature unleashed a torrent of molten fire. The ground sizzled and cracked, the heat searing even through the protection of the runestones. James rolled to the side, clutching his satchel as he gasped for air.


    "This thing¡¯s not going down easy," Thrain growled, his hammer glowing with an earthy light. "We need to hit it harder!"


    Sylvia nodded, her wings flaring. "Together, then. Kael, keep it distracted. Elyndor, bind it again. Thrain, aim for the core."


    "And me?" James asked, his voice shaking.


    Sylvia¡¯s gaze softened for a moment. "You¡¯re the thinker, James. Find us an opening."


    James swallowed hard but nodded. He clutched another gadget in his hand, his mind racing as the battle raged around him. He had to focus. He had to be ready.


    The Scorching Badlands weren¡¯t going to give them another chance.

 Chapter 64: A Traitor Amongst Us

    The molten depths of the volcanic ravine pulsed like the heartbeat of Aetheris itself, casting a hellish red glow onto the jagged rocks that lined its edges. The air was thick with sulfur, each breath burning like fire in their lungs. The group paused at the edge, the oppressive heat and looming silence making even Kael hesitate.


    "We camp here," Sylvia declared, her wings shimmering faintly as she surveyed the ravine. Her voice carried the authority of someone used to being obeyed. "The ravine is dangerous enough in the light. Crossing it in the dark would be suicide."


    Kael grunted, his amber eyes scanning the molten abyss below. "Fine. But let¡¯s make it quick. I don¡¯t like staying in one place too long."


    James nodded, dropping his pack to the ground and pulling out his tools. "I can set up some alarms," he offered, trying to keep his voice steady. The fight with the molten serpent had rattled him more than he cared to admit, and the idea of rest was tempting.


    Elyndor, however, stood apart from the group, his staff planted firmly into the cracked earth. His golden eyes flickered with annoyance, the faint green glow of his spirits swirling around him. "Resting here is a mistake," he said, his voice calm but edged with impatience. "We¡¯re too exposed. If we¡¯re going to find the source of this power, we need to keep moving."


    Sylvia turned to him, her gaze sharp. "We¡¯ve been fighting nonstop since we arrived in this infernal place. Even with the runestones, our bodies can only take so much."


    Elyndor¡¯s lips curled in distaste, but he said nothing more. He simply turned away, his staff glowing faintly as he muttered to his spirits. The tension between them hung heavy in the air, but the others were too exhausted to address it.


    Shadows in the Night


    The camp was quiet save for the distant hiss of molten rivers below. James had rigged a few of his rune-etched gadgets around their perimeter, the faint hum of protective wards a small comfort against the ever-present sense of dread. Sylvia stood watch, her luminous wings dimmed to avoid drawing attention, while the others rested in uneasy silence.


    Elyndor sat apart from the group, his golden eyes fixed on the flickering flames of the campfire. His hand brushed over his staff, his connection to the spirits growing stronger in the oppressive heat. This mission was not meant for camaraderie. His orders had been clear.


    Eliminate them all.


    His master¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, calm and commanding. "The other champions will only slow you down. Their weaknesses will jeopardize the mission. The source must be dealt with at all costs."


    Elyndor¡¯s gaze flicked toward Thrain, the dwarf snoring lightly with his hammer resting across his chest. Then to Kael, whose claws twitched even in sleep, his body coiled like a spring. Sylvia stood at the edge of the camp, her back to him, her wings glowing faintly in the dark. James was hunched over his tools, his quiet mutterings the only sound.


    They were strong, yes. But predictable. And predictable could be exploited.


    With a whisper, Elyndor called upon his spirits, their ethereal forms swirling around him like mist. He sent them forward, their shapes dissolving into the shadows as they moved toward Kael and Thrain.


    +


    Kael¡¯s ears twitched, his eyes snapping open as a faint rustling reached him. He sat up, claws flexing as he scanned the darkness. The camp was still, save for the flicker of firelight. But something felt off. His instincts screamed at him to move.


    Then he saw her.


    "Mother?" he whispered, his voice cracking.


    A shadowed figure stood just beyond the edge of the firelight, her form familiar, her amber eyes glowing softly. Kael¡¯s breath hitched. He hadn¡¯t seen her since the day she¡¯d vanished in the Ashen Forest, taken by the very beasts they were trained to fight.


    He rose slowly, claws lowering as he took a step forward. "How¡­ how are you here?"


    The figure turned and began to walk away, her movements slow, almost beckoning. Without a second thought, Kael followed, his heart hammering in his chest.


    +


    Thrain stirred moments later, his keen senses picking up on the absence of Kael¡¯s presence. He grunted, rubbing his eyes and sitting up. The oppressive heat of the Scorching Badlands clung to him like a second skin. He frowned, glancing toward where Kael had been resting. Empty.


    "Where¡¯s the mutt gone now?" he muttered, grabbing his hammer and rising to his feet. The faint glow of the campfire cast long shadows across the jagged rocks, but something about those shadows felt alive, writhing unnaturally.


    A sudden chill raced down his spine, and before he could react, spectral hands erupted from the ground around him. They were ghostly, shimmering forms, their clawed fingers wrapping around his legs and arms with unnatural strength. Thrain let out a bellow of rage, swinging his hammer wildly as he tried to free himself. The hammer¡¯s heavy arc slammed into one of the hands, dispersing it with a faint hiss, but more surged up to take its place.


    "Damn spirits!" Thrain roared, his muscles straining against the ethereal bonds.


    Elyndor stepped out from the shadows, his staff glowing faintly as more spirits swirled around him. The elven champion¡¯s golden eyes reflected the light of the molten ravine, but his expression was cold and detached, devoid of any emotion.


    "What in the bloody hells are you doing?!" Thrain roared, struggling against the spectral grip. His voice echoed across the ravine, loud enough to wake the dead¡ªor so he hoped.


    "Carrying out the mission," Elyndor replied simply, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather.


    The spirits tightened their grip, forcing Thrain to his knees. The dwarf growled, veins bulging as he activated his Earthforge ability. The ground beneath him trembled, cracks spidering outward as molten energy surged through his hammer. A faint, earthen glow emanated from the weapon as he prepared to strike.


    "You¡¯ll regret this, you damned knife-ear," Thrain growled through gritted teeth.


    He slammed his hammer into the ground, unleashing a shockwave of molten rock. The eruption shattered the spectral bonds, sending shards of fiery stone flying in every direction. Elyndor staggered back, his eyes narrowing as he raised his staff. A barrier of glowing, ethereal energy materialized before him, deflecting the molten projectiles, but the force of the attack sent him skidding back.


    Thrain didn¡¯t let up. With a roar, he charged forward, his hammer glowing brighter as he swung it in a wide arc. The weapon struck Elyndor¡¯s barrier with a resounding crack, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. The barrier held, but just barely. Fractures spread across its surface like spiderwebs.


    "You¡¯re wasting your strength," Elyndor said, his voice sharp and unwavering. "You can¡¯t stop me."


    "Let¡¯s see about that!" Thrain barked, slamming his hammer into the ground again. A fissure opened beneath Elyndor¡¯s feet, spewing molten rock and forcing the elf to leap back. The molten flow surged toward him, threatening to engulf him, but Elyndor moved with practiced ease, his spirits forming stepping stones of solid energy that carried him above the chaos.


    "You¡¯re predictable, dwarf," Elyndor sneered, his golden eyes glowing as he raised his staff. The spirits around him coalesced into sharp, spear-like forms, their edges shimmering with deadly intent. With a flick of his wrist, he sent them hurtling toward Thrain.


    Thrain braced himself, spinning his hammer in a defensive arc. The spectral spears struck the hammer¡¯s glowing surface, shattering into bursts of light and leaving faint scorch marks on the dwarf¡¯s armor. He gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face as he deflected each strike.


    "Is that all you¡¯ve got?!" Thrain bellowed, his voice rising above the din of battle. He swung his hammer with all his might, sending a molten wave toward Elyndor.


    The elf sidestepped with an infuriating grace, his spirits forming a barrier that absorbed the brunt of the attack. "You¡¯re outmatched, Thrain," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Your brute strength means nothing against precision."


    "Precision this!" Thrain roared, charging forward. He brought his hammer down in a two-handed strike, the force of the blow sending a shockwave that cracked the ground beneath Elyndor¡¯s feet.


    Elyndor stumbled, his barrier faltering for a moment. But before Thrain could capitalize on the opening, spectral chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around his arms and legs and halting his momentum. The dwarf roared in frustration, straining against the bonds, but Elyndor¡¯s spirits tightened their grip.


    "You should¡¯ve stayed asleep," Elyndor said coldly, stepping closer. His staff glowed as he prepared to deliver a finishing blow.


    +


    The rest of the group arrived just as Elyndor raised his staff for the killing blow. Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, casting a blinding light that forced Elyndor to step back. Kael followed, his claws bared, and James stumbled in behind them, clutching one of his gadgets.


    "Elyndor!" Sylvia¡¯s voice was sharp, filled with disbelief and fury. "What are you doing?!"


    Elyndor straightened, his staff glowing faintly as he turned to face them. His expression was calm, almost serene, but his eyes burned with conviction. "Following orders."


    "Orders?" Kael snarled, stepping forward. "Whose orders? To kill your own allies?"


    "Not allies," Elyndor said coldly. "Obstacles. Each of you is a liability. Your presence jeopardizes the mission."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings trembled, her anger barely contained. "You¡¯re insane. We¡¯re stronger together. This mission isn¡¯t just about you!"


    Elyndor¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. "You think I care about unity? About camaraderie? This isn¡¯t a fairy tale, Sylvia. This is survival. And I will ensure this mission succeeds, even if it means eliminating the rest of you." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kael lunged, but Elyndor raised his staff, a massive spirit construct materializing between them. The creature was a towering amalgamation of fire and earth, its molten body radiating intense heat. Its hollow eyes glowed with malevolent energy as it let out a deafening roar.


    "You want to stop me?" Elyndor said, his voice laced with cold amusement. "Then try."


    The spirit construct charged, the ground shaking with every step as the group prepared for battle.

 Chapter 65: Champion V Champions

    The battlefield was chaos.


    Elyndor¡¯s spirit construct loomed above them, a colossal amalgamation of fire and earth that radiated an oppressive heat. Its molten limbs swung with devastating force, carving trenches into the already-scorched ground. Shards of molten rock erupted with every impact, casting a fiery glow that illuminated the champions.


    The air trembled with the weight of battle. Every clash echoed across the volcanic ravine, the heat warping the air into shimmering waves. Sylvia¡¯s barrier pulsed with golden energy, holding firm against the fiery onslaught of Elyndor¡¯s massive spirit construct. The construct, a grotesque fusion of molten rock and spectral energy, swung its molten fists with relentless fury, sending shockwaves through the ground.


    "Hold it steady!" Sylvia¡¯s voice cut through the chaos as her wings flared, radiant light reinforcing the barrier. Beads of sweat trickled down her face, but her gaze remained sharp and unyielding.


    Kael darted around the construct like a wild predator, his claws glinting as he slashed at its limbs. Sparks erupted with each strike, but the molten surface resisted his attacks. "This thing¡¯s tougher than you are, elf!" he snarled, his voice tinged with frustration.


    Thrain was a whirlwind of molten fury, his hammer glowing with the earthy light of his Earthforge ability. Each swing of the massive weapon sent fiery shards flying, carving molten trenches into the ground. "Less talking, more hitting!" he barked, his voice a deep rumble as he deflected a blow from the construct¡¯s molten arm. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    James crouched behind a jagged rock, his hands fumbling through his satchel. His heart pounded in his chest, the enormity of the battle pressing down on him like a weight. "Where is it¡­ where is it?" he muttered, his fingers brushing against cold metal. He pulled out a small, rune-etched cylinder, its faint hum giving him a shred of hope.


    "James, if you¡¯re doing something useful, now¡¯s the time!" Thrain bellowed, narrowly avoiding a fiery tendril that erupted from the construct¡¯s molten core.


    "I¡¯ve got it!" James yelled back, his voice shaky but determined. He stood, the device glowing faintly in his hand. His eyes scanned the construct¡¯s massive frame, searching for a weak point. Then he saw it¡ªa glowing cluster of molten energy at its chest, pulsing like a dying star. "The core! Aim for the core!"


    "Brilliant observation, lad!" Thrain grunted, slamming his hammer into the ground and sending molten spikes surging toward the construct. "Now tell me how we get there without getting roasted!"


    Kael growled, leaping onto the construct¡¯s arm and digging his claws into its molten surface. The heat seared his fur, but he held on, his muscles straining as he climbed toward the core. "I¡¯ll make the opening!" he snarled, his voice raw with determination.


    The construct roared, shaking violently to dislodge Kael. Sylvia expanded her barrier, catching a molten fist mid-swing and deflecting it with a burst of light. "Kael, move faster!" she shouted, her voice tinged with strain. "I can¡¯t hold this thing forever!"


    Kael reached the construct¡¯s chest, his claws raking across the molten core. Sparks flew as he tore into its surface, exposing cracks in the glowing cluster. The construct howled, its molten body trembling as fiery tendrils lashed out in all directions.


    "Now!" James shouted, hurling the device with all his strength. The rune-etched cylinder sailed through the air, its glow intensifying as it struck the core.


    The explosion was blinding. A surge of arcane energy erupted from the core, sending molten shards flying in every direction. The construct staggered, its movements slowing as the light in its core dimmed.


    +


    Elyndor descended from the rocky outcropping, his staff glowing as he landed amidst the chaos. His golden eyes glimmered with a mix of disdain and resolve as he surveyed the battlefield. The cracks spreading across his construct¡¯s body didn¡¯t seem to faze him. If anything, he seemed¡­calm.


    Kael leapt down from the construct¡¯s chest, his claws still smoking from the heat. His gaze locked onto Elyndor, and a low growl rumbled in his throat. "You," he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "You¡¯re dead, elf."


    Elyndor raised his staff, spectral figures swirling around him. "You don¡¯t understand," he said, his voice measured but cold. "None of you do."


    Kael charged, his claws glinting in the molten light. "Don¡¯t you dare lecture me!" he roared, lunging at Elyndor with all his might.


    The elf sidestepped with infuriating grace, his spirits forming a barrier that deflected Kael¡¯s strike. "You think strength alone will win this battle?" Elyndor sneered. "How predictably beast-like."


    Kael snarled, swinging again. This time, his claws raked across the barrier, shattering it with sheer force. Elyndor stumbled back, his calm fa?ade faltering as Kael pressed the attack.


    "Stop hiding behind your damned magic and fight me!" Kael growled, his claws slicing through another spirit.


    Elyndor¡¯s gaze hardened. "As you wish." He thrust his staff forward, and a torrent of spectral chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around Kael¡¯s limbs. The beastman roared in frustration, straining against the bonds as the chains tightened.


    Thrain stepped forward, his hammer glowing brightly. "Get your knife-eared tricks off him!" he bellowed, slamming his weapon into the ground. A wave of molten rock surged toward Elyndor, forcing him to release Kael as he leapt to safety.


    "You¡¯re persistent, I¡¯ll give you that," Elyndor said, his voice sharp with irritation. "But persistence won¡¯t save you."


    +


    James watched from the edge of the battlefield, his heart pounding as he took in the chaos. His mind raced, trying to find a way to turn the tide. The construct was faltering, but Elyndor¡¯s spirits were relentless, their ethereal forms weaving through the battlefield with deadly precision.


    "Think, James, think," he muttered, his eyes darting between his satchel and the construct¡¯s weakening frame. Then it hit him¡ªa wild, desperate idea that might just work.


    "Sylvia!" he shouted, running toward her. "I need you to get me closer to the construct!"


    Sylvia¡¯s eyes widened, but she didn¡¯t hesitate. She expanded her wings, creating a protective bubble of light around them. "You¡¯d better know what you¡¯re doing," she said, her tone both stern and hopeful.


    "I never do," James admitted with a shaky grin.


    The two of them charged forward, the barrier deflecting fiery tendrils and molten debris as they closed the distance. James clutched a small, rune-inscribed detonator in his hand, the device humming with barely-contained energy.


    As they reached the construct, James hurled the device at its exposed core. The explosion that followed was deafening, a burst of light and heat that shook the ground beneath them. The construct let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing into a smoldering heap.


    +


    The battlefield fell silent, save for the crackling of molten rock. Elyndor stood amidst the wreckage, his chest heaving as he glared at the group. His calm demeanor was gone, replaced by raw fury.


    "You think this is over?" he spat, his voice trembling with rage. "You think you¡¯ve won?"


    Kael stepped forward, his claws dripping with blood. "You¡¯re done, elf. Give up."


    Elyndor¡¯s lips curled into a bitter smile. "You¡¯re more na?ve than I thought." He raised his staff, and the air around him grew heavy with power.


    But something happened.


    The ground trembled violently as the deafening roar echoed through the ash-laden sky, shaking loose shards of stone from the jagged cliffs above. The champions froze, their eyes darting toward the horizon as the air itself seemed to boil. Then came the beams¡ªsearing lances of energy cutting down from the heavens, each strike carving molten scars into the already scorched earth. Moments later, balls of fire rained down like hellish meteorites, every impact unleashing explosions of heat and ash.


    BOOM!


    "Shit!" James dove behind the remnants of Thrain¡¯s stone wall, fumbling to shield his head as a fireball slammed into the ground nearby, spraying molten rock in all directions. "What the hell is this?!"


    "I don¡¯t know!" Sylvia shouted back, her wings glowing fiercely as she expanded her barrier to cover the group. The dome of golden light shimmered and cracked under the relentless assault. "But it¡¯s trying to kill us, that¡¯s for sure!"


    Thrain gritted his teeth, his hammer blazing with earthen energy as he slammed it into the ground again. Another wall of jagged stone erupted before them, barely holding back the firestorm. "This ain¡¯t natural!" he bellowed, his voice raw with strain. "The ground¡¯s screaming, and the sky¡¯s gone mad!"


    Kael growled low in his throat, his claws flexing as his wild eyes scanned the chaos. "It¡¯s coming from over there!" He pointed toward the horizon, where the beams originated¡ªeach one slicing the sky like a predator¡¯s claw. "Wait, the elf-"


    Just as the group turned to look where Elyndor should have been, another beam struck close, the impact ripping a chunk out of Thrain¡¯s wall and sending the dwarf staggering. He grunted, wiping sweat and soot from his face as molten debris rained down. "Fuck that knife-eared bastard. Our main focus¡¯s on how in the nine hells we¡¯re going to survive this."


    "If it gets much worse, we¡¯re gonna be as-"


    BOOM!


    Another beam of destruction ripped through the air, slamming into the ground nearby and sending a plume of molten rock skyward. The shockwave knocked the group off their feet, the heat searing even through their protective runestones.


    The ground exploded beneath them, a fireball striking directly against Thrain¡¯s wall and shattering it completely. The dwarf roared in frustration, his hammer swinging wildly as he summoned another barrier to replace it. "We can¡¯t hold out much longer!"


    The sky above them blazed with relentless fury as the rain of fire intensified. Each beam carved deeper into the earth, and the air was thick with ash and smoke. Sylvia¡¯s barrier flickered again, the golden light barely holding under the onslaught.


    "Please, Heavenly Father," Sylvia prayed underneath the onslaught of fire, gritting her teeth. "Protect Us."

 Chapter 66: The Aftermath

    The air was thick with ash and silence, broken only by the occasional groan of molten rock shifting beneath the scorched ground. Sylvia was the first to stir, her luminous wings dimmed, their usual brilliance reduced to a faint glow. She winced as she moved, her hands trembling as she channeled healing light over her scraped arms. The others lay scattered around her like broken pieces of a puzzle.


    "Kael!" Sylvia¡¯s voice cracked, the urgency pulling the beastman from unconsciousness. His amber eyes snapped open, wild and disoriented. He pushed himself to his feet, his claws digging into the ashen ground as he scanned the area.


    "Still alive, mutt?" Thrain groaned, his stocky frame shifting as he sat up, clutching his ribs. His tone was gruff, but there was relief in his voice.


    "Barely," Kael growled, rolling his shoulders. "What in the void was that?"


    Sylvia knelt beside James, whose face was pale, his breaths shallow. "James," she whispered, placing a hand on his forehead. A soft light enveloped him, and his eyes fluttered open.


    "Did¡­ anyone catch the size of the mountain that hit us?" James mumbled, attempting a weak smile as he sat up. He clutched his satchel protectively, ensuring his gadgets were intact.


    "Stop joking, lad," Thrain barked, though his tone lacked its usual bite. "You¡¯ve got soot on your face and death in your eyes."


    Kael, already pacing, snarled, "This wouldn¡¯t have happened if someone hadn¡¯t been so damn slow to react. If you¡¯d just¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t you dare start with me," Thrain interrupted, his hammer glowing faintly as molten cracks formed along the scorched ground around him. "Maybe if you hadn¡¯t charged ahead like a brainless beast¡ª"


    "I kept us alive while you were busy cowering behind your hammer!"


    "That¡¯s enough!" Sylvia¡¯s voice rang out, firm and commanding. She stood, her glowing form a stark contrast to the chaos around them. "We don¡¯t have time for this."


    Kael and Thrain glared at each other but said nothing, their frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Sylvia turned to James, who was dusting off his coat and checking his devices. "James, anything useful?"


    James hesitated, feeling the weight of their expectations. He wasn¡¯t a fighter like Kael or Thrain, nor did he have Sylvia¡¯s celestial grace. He was just a tinkerer. Still, he nodded, pulling out a small crystal-powered scanner from his satchel. "Give me a minute. I¡¯ll check for energy traces."


    While James worked, Elyndor watched from the shadows of a nearby ridge, his breaths labored and shallow. His once-pristine robes were tattered, and a deep gash on his side bled sluggishly. He gritted his teeth, his hands trembling as he summoned faint, flickering spirits to his side.


    "They¡¯re weak now," Elyndor muttered, his voice cold and bitter. "Perfect."


    The spirits, ethereal and barely visible in the heat haze, whispered around him, their voices a chorus of malice. Elyndor raised his staff, its glow faint but resolute. "Lead them into the traps. I¡¯ll finish this."


    The spirits dispersed into the air, invisible to the group as they weaved through the ashen wasteland.


    +


    Back at the makeshift camp, James¡¯s scanner let out a soft ping. "Got something," he announced, holding up the device. "Residual energy¡ªstrong, destructive. Whatever caused that barrage came from this direction." He pointed toward a jagged path flanked by smoldering spires.


    Kael crossed his arms, his tail flicking irritably. "You sure it¡¯s not just more of Elyndor¡¯s tricks?"


    "I don¡¯t think so," James replied. "This¡­ this feels bigger. More raw. It¡¯s like¡­ like something tore the world apart and left the pieces burning."


    Sylvia frowned. "That fits with the reports of the evolving monster. This could be our lead."


    Thrain grunted, shouldering his hammer. "If it gets us closer to finishing this damned mission, I¡¯m all for it. But I¡¯m not trusting that elf if he shows his face again."


    "Agreed," Kael growled. "Next time I see him, I¡¯m ripping his throat out."


    James hesitated, glancing between them. "Look, I get it. But if we keep turning on each other, Elyndor wins. Whatever¡¯s ahead of us doesn¡¯t care if we¡¯re friends or enemies¡ªit¡¯ll kill us all the same."


    The group fell silent, James¡¯s words cutting through their tension. Sylvia nodded, placing a hand on James¡¯s shoulder. "He¡¯s right. We stick together, or we don¡¯t make it out."


    Kael huffed, his claws twitching. "Fine. But if he turns on us again, no one stops me."


    Thrain rolled his eyes. "Noted, pup."


    +


    Unseen by the group, Elyndor smirked from his hiding place, the faint glow of his staff illuminating his sharp features. "Let them squabble," he murmured, his spirits swirling around him. "They¡¯ll be walking into my web soon enough."


    He leaned heavily against the ridge, his injuries sapping his strength. "I¡¯ll end them before they ever reach the monster. Then¡­ I¡¯ll finish this mission alone."


    +


    As the group set off, James kept glancing at his scanner, its glow pulsing faintly. The tension between them remained thick, but they moved as one, their eyes scanning the horizon for threats. The path ahead grew narrower, the volcanic terrain forcing them into single file. The air grew hotter, the oppressive heat pressing down on them despite their Heat Resistant Runestones.


    "Stay sharp," Sylvia warned, her light magic shimmering faintly in the dim haze. "Something feels¡­ off."


    James adjusted his goggles, his fingers brushing against the handle of a freezing bomb in his satchel. "Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s just paranoia." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But deep down, he knew better. The remnants of Arthur¡¯s energy hung in the air like an invisible storm, and the faint whispers in the back of his mind told him they were walking into something far worse than they could imagine.


    The faint hum of Elyndor¡¯s spirits echoed through the heat, silent and deadly, as they waited for their prey to step into the first trap.


    +


    The oppressive heat of the Scorching Badlands was relentless, bearing down on the group with unyielding intensity. Each breath tasted of ash, and the air shimmered with waves of heat, blurring the jagged terrain ahead. Despite the Heat Resistant Runestones hanging around their necks, the champions were visibly strained, sweat mixing with soot on their weary faces.


    Kael was the first to notice something amiss. His ears twitched, his tail stiffening as he halted mid-step. "Do you hear that?" he growled, his amber eyes narrowing as he scanned the landscape.


    Thrain paused, gripping his hammer. "Hear what? All I can hear is your whining."


    Kael ignored him, his muscles coiling. "Something¡¯s wrong. It¡¯s too quiet."


    James adjusted his goggles, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. The scanner in his hand emitted a faint hum, the light on its surface flickering erratically. "I¡¯m picking up... something. It¡¯s faint, but it feels like a distortion."

 Chapter 67: Eyes Wide Shut

    Thrain paused, gripping his hammer. "Hear what? All I can hear is your whining."


    Kael ignored him, his muscles coiling. "Something¡¯s wrong. It¡¯s too quiet."


    James adjusted his goggles, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. The scanner in his hand emitted a faint hum, the light on its surface flickering erratically. "I¡¯m picking up... something. It¡¯s faint, but it feels like a distortion."


    Sylvia¡¯s luminous wings flared slightly, casting a soft glow around them. "Stay close. If there¡¯s an attack coming, I¡¯ll protect us."


    They pressed forward cautiously, the volcanic terrain growing more jagged with every step. The ground beneath their feet cracked and hissed, steam rising from unseen vents. Shadows danced along the edges of their vision, unnatural and fleeting. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then came the growl.


    Low and guttural, it reverberated through the air, freezing them in place. Kael¡¯s claws extended instinctively, and even Thrain gripped his hammer tighter.


    "What in the bloody hells was that?" Thrain muttered, his eyes darting around.


    Another growl followed, deeper this time, accompanied by the faint sound of claws scraping against stone. Sylvia¡¯s light dimmed momentarily as the air grew heavier, a strange sense of unease settling over them.


    "We¡¯re not alone," Kael said, his voice a low snarl.


    Suddenly, a massive shadow darted across the rocky outcrop ahead. Then another. And another. They moved with impossible speed, circling the group, their forms too large to belong to anything natural. The guttural growls grew louder, closer, as if the creatures were mere feet away.


    James¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. His scanner was going haywire, its readings jumping erratically. "This isn¡¯t right. These things¡­ they¡¯re not real."


    As if in response, a phantom claw raked across his shoulder, cold and sharp despite leaving no physical wound. He stumbled back, gasping.


    "They feel real enough!" Kael shouted, slashing at the air as another shadow lunged toward him. His claws passed through it, but the sensation of resistance made his hackles rise. "Damn it, they¡¯re toying with us!"


    Sylvia extended her hands, her voice steady despite the rising tension. "Enough of this." A radiant pulse of light erupted from her palms, cutting through the darkness. The shadows recoiled, their growls turning into distorted screeches before vanishing into the heat haze.


    For a moment, the group stood still, catching their breath. But Kael wasn¡¯t finished. He rounded on Thrain, his claws glinting. "You nearly hit me with that hammer back there, dwarf!"


    Thrain¡¯s eyes flared, molten veins pulsing along his arms as he raised his weapon. "Maybe if you weren¡¯t flailing around like a frightened pup, I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about you getting in my way!"


    "Enough!" Sylvia¡¯s voice rang out, her light intensifying. "Both of you, stand down. This is exactly what Elyndor wants¡ªus fighting each other."


    Kael growled but lowered his claws, while Thrain let out a gruff snort, muttering something under his breath. James stepped between them, his hands raised.


    "She¡¯s right," he said, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands. "Whatever that was, it wasn¡¯t natural. It was a trap, and we need to stay focused if we¡¯re going to make it out of here alive."


    The tension lingered, but they moved on, their steps heavier and their breaths more labored.


    The rocky terrain became increasingly treacherous, the group forced to climb over jagged outcrops and navigate narrow ledges. The ground below glowed faintly, molten veins pulsing like the lifeblood of the Badlands. James¡¯s scanner beeped periodically, its readings steady but ominous.


    Thrain grumbled as he hauled himself up a particularly steep incline, his hammer strapped to his back. "Who designed this bloody place? Feels like the gods themselves wanted to keep us out."


    James followed behind him, his smaller frame allowing him to move more easily. As Thrain reached for a handhold, the rock crumbled beneath his grip. He let out a startled shout, his weight pulling him backward.


    James acted without thinking. He lunged forward, grabbing Thrain¡¯s arm with both hands. "Got you!" he grunted, his legs braced against the rocks.


    Thrain looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Don¡¯t let go, lad!"


    "I wasn¡¯t planning on it," James muttered, his muscles straining as he pulled the dwarf upward. With a final heave, Thrain scrambled onto the ledge, panting heavily.


    The dwarf sat back, his chest heaving as he looked at James. "Didn¡¯t think you had it in you," he said gruffly, though there was a hint of gratitude in his tone. "Guess you¡¯re more useful than you look."


    James managed a tired smile. "Glad to prove you wrong."


    Kael, watching from above, rolled his eyes. "If you¡¯re done bonding, we¡¯ve got a job to do."


    As they pressed on, the oppressive heat began to shift, the air growing heavier with a strange, electric charge. Sylvia¡¯s wings twitched, the faint light around her flickering. She paused, her gaze narrowing as she scanned the horizon.


    "Do you feel that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Kael sniffed the air, his ears flattening. "Something¡¯s¡­ wrong. It feels¡­ dangerous."


    James adjusted his scanner, his heart sinking as the device pinged softly. "There¡¯s something ahead. Big."


    They rounded a bend, and the sight before them froze them in their tracks. Etched into the ground was a massive claw mark, its grooves deep enough to suggest a creature of unimaginable size. The earth around it was scorched, the edges of the mark glowing faintly with residual heat.


    Sylvia stepped forward, her light revealing the sheer scale of the mark. It was twice the size of Kael¡¯s body, its shape jagged and primal.


    "This¡­" she began, her voice trembling. "This isn¡¯t like anything I¡¯ve ever seen."


    Kael¡¯s claws flexed, his body coiled like a spring. "Whatever made that¡­ we¡¯re not ready for it."


    James stared at the mark, his mind racing. The faint whispers he had been hearing grew louder, more insistent, as if the very ground was trying to warn him.


    "We have to keep going," he said finally, his voice steady despite the fear curling in his chest. "This is what we came for."


    The group exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. Together, they pressed on, the shadows of the Scorching Badlands growing darker around them.

 Chapter 68: Dreams Of The Colossus

    The campfire crackled weakly, its light barely piercing the oppressive darkness of the Scorching Badlands. The jagged volcanic ridge loomed over the group like a row of teeth, and the air carried the acrid scent of sulfur and molten rock. Despite the heat, an uneasy chill settled among the champions as they prepared for the night.


    Kael sat cross-legged near the fire, gnawing on a strip of dried meat. His amber eyes glinted in the flickering light as he tossed an extra piece to James. "You¡¯re awfully quiet, tinkerer. Scared of what¡¯s out there?"


    James caught the strip awkwardly, his mind elsewhere. "Not scared," he muttered. "Just¡­ thinking."


    "Thinking doesn¡¯t keep you alive out here," Kael retorted, his sharp teeth flashing in a grin. "Strength does."


    "Strength without a brain to use it is just as useless," Thrain grumbled as he inspected his hammer. "Not all problems can be solved by tearing them apart."


    Kael snorted but said nothing more. Sylvia sat apart from the group, her wings dimmed as she held her Communication Runestone tightly. The faint glow of the stone pulsed weakly, a stark contrast to its usual radiance.


    "It¡¯s not working," she said finally, her voice strained. She shook the stone gently, as if that might fix it. "I¡¯ve been trying for hours, but there¡¯s no response from E the Radiant."


    "We need to think this through," Sylvia said, her voice steady but firm. "Something¡¯s wrong¡ªmore than just the heat. Runestones don¡¯t just fail. Not all of them. Not at the same time."


    Thrain grunted, his thick fingers tightening around his own stone as if willing it to work. "You think the heat¡¯s messing with ¡¯em? These things are supposed to be enchanted to work anywhere, no matter the conditions."


    "It¡¯s not the heat," James murmured, his gaze fixed on the ground as his thoughts raced. "Runestones are warded against interference. If they¡¯re not working¡­ it means something is actively blocking them."


    Kael tilted his head, his ears twitching as he leaned back with a low growl. "Blocking us? Who? And why? No one outside of the Avatars and the King even knew we were coming here."


    "Except Elyndor," Sylvia said sharply, her words cutting through the tension like a blade. She fixed her luminous gaze on Kael. "He betrayed us for a reason. Maybe this is connected." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kael¡¯s claws scraped against the stone floor, his eyes narrowing as his tail lashed behind him. "You¡¯re saying knife-ears set us up for this? That he¡¯s working with¡­ what? Someone back home?"


    "It¡¯s possible," Sylvia admitted, though her tone betrayed her reluctance to say it aloud. "He¡¯s been suspicious from the start, and his attack proves he has no loyalty to this group. But¡­" She hesitated, her brow furrowing. "It doesn¡¯t add up."


    "How doesn¡¯t it?" Thrain rumbled, his voice like grinding rock. "He tries to kill us, traps us in this hellhole, and now our connection to the Avatars is cut? Seems pretty damned clear to me."


    James shifted uncomfortably, his hands fidgeting with a small gadget from his pack. "It¡¯s too¡­ messy," he said hesitantly. "Elyndor¡¯s smart, careful. If he had a plan, it wouldn¡¯t be this chaotic. Why try to kill us here and now, when the Badlands would do the job for him eventually? And cutting the communication doesn¡¯t just hurt us¡ªit cuts him off too. That doesn¡¯t make sense."


    Sylvia nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful. "James is right. Elyndor might be trying to finish us off, but he wouldn¡¯t sabotage himself in the process. This isn¡¯t just about him. Something bigger is happening."


    Kael let out a sharp laugh, his claws tapping rhythmically against the ground. "Bigger? Like what? You think someone sent us here to die on purpose? Or maybe the Badlands themselves have it out for us?"


    "I don¡¯t know," Sylvia admitted. "But I do know this: we can¡¯t trust Elyndor, and we can¡¯t count on anyone coming to save us."


    The words hung heavy in the air, their weight sinking into the group like stones. For a moment, no one spoke, the distant rumble of molten rock the only sound.


    "So what¡¯s the plan?" Thrain finally said, his voice gruff but measured. "Do we use the Return Runestones and call it a loss? Go back, lick our wounds, and report what we¡¯ve seen?"


    James looked up sharply, his expression conflicted. "And what exactly would we report? That there¡¯s something out here evolving faster than anything we¡¯ve ever seen? That we don¡¯t even know what it is, let alone how to stop it? The mission was to investigate and return with answers. If we leave now, we fail."


    "And failing isn¡¯t an option," Sylvia added, her tone resolute. "The Avatars chose us for a reason. We have to see this through."


    Kael rolled his shoulders, the faint glow of the firelight casting his sharp features in shadow. "That¡¯s all fine and noble, but let¡¯s not forget we¡¯ve got Elyndor skulking around, licking his wounds and waiting to gut us. Not to mention whatever caused that beam of destruction earlier. You really think we stand a chance against any of that?"


    James hesitated, his mind flashing back to the claw mark they¡¯d found earlier. He felt a chill despite the heat, the memory of its size and precision sending shivers down his spine. "We might not stand a chance," he admitted quietly. "But we¡¯ll definitely die if we stay like this¡ªscattered, arguing, and second-guessing each other. If we¡¯re going to survive, we need to trust each other."


    Thrain huffed, his fingers tightening around his hammer. "Trust? You¡¯re asking a lot, boy. Trust gets you killed."


    "It also gets you through," James countered, his voice steady. "Look, I¡¯m not saying we all have to hold hands and sing songs, but if we keep fighting each other, we¡¯re doing Elyndor¡¯s work for him. We don¡¯t have to like each other, but we do need each other."


    Kael snorted but didn¡¯t argue, his claws tapping out a restless rhythm against the stone. Thrain muttered something under his breath but gave a reluctant nod.


    Sylvia looked at James, her expression softening slightly. "You¡¯re right," she said finally. "We have to focus. Elyndor¡¯s still out there, and whatever¡¯s ahead of us is even worse. We survive this together, or not at all."


    The group fell into an uneasy silence, the tension easing slightly but not fully gone. James leaned back against a rock, his mind racing with possibilities. Something about the Badlands felt wrong, like they were walking into a trap far bigger than Elyndor¡¯s schemes. And then there was the dream¡ªthe molten eyes, the shadow, the overwhelming sense of insignificance.


    He shook his head, trying to push the memory aside. One thing at a time.


    "We move at first light," Sylvia said, her voice breaking through his thoughts. "Stay alert. No one wanders off alone."


    Kael rolled his eyes but gave a sharp nod. Thrain grunted his agreement, and James let out a quiet sigh of relief. For now, they were united¡ªif only just.


    The group fell into silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. James tried not to dwell on the implications, but his mind churned with possibilities. What if they failed? What if they couldn¡¯t return?


    Or worse¡ªwhat if something out here made sure they didn¡¯t?


    +


    As the night deepened, the fire died down to glowing embers. The champions took turns standing watch, their figures silhouetted against the faint glow of the volcanic landscape. When James¡¯s turn came, he sat on a boulder, his goggles resting on his forehead as he stared into the distance. The heat pressed against his skin like a smothering blanket, but his thoughts kept him alert.


    Eventually, exhaustion overtook him. He leaned back against the rock, his eyes growing heavy.


    The dream began abruptly.


    James stood in a vast expanse of nothingness, the ground beneath his feet cracked and glowing faintly with molten veins. The air was thick, oppressive, and filled with the faint hum of something ancient and alive.


    He looked up¡ªand froze.


    A colossal shadow loomed before him, its form obscured but undeniably monstrous. Its molten eyes glowed like twin suns, piercing through the darkness and locking onto him. The sheer size of the creature was incomprehensible; its massive body stretched beyond the horizon, blotting out what little light there was.


    James tried to move, but his body wouldn¡¯t obey. The shadow shifted, a low rumble vibrating through the air as if it were laughing. The sound wasn¡¯t cruel¡ªit was indifferent, a force of nature acknowledging its own supremacy.


    "A little mouse," a voice echoed, deep and resonant. It wasn¡¯t a voice meant for mortal ears, and James¡¯s head throbbed with the weight of it. "Searching for me."


    The molten eyes began to focus, and James realized they weren¡¯t fully open. The lids shifted, peeling back slowly to reveal an infinite void within. As the eye opened fully, a searing light burst forth, consuming everything in its path.


    "Sleep."


    James screamed.


    He jolted awake, his heart racing and his body drenched in sweat. His breath came in shallow gasps as he clutched his chest, his mind struggling to process what he¡¯d just seen.


    "You all right there, tinkerer?" Kael¡¯s voice broke the silence. The beastman leaned against a nearby rock, his claws idly scratching at the stone. "You were screaming like a pup caught in a bear trap."


    James wiped his forehead, his hands trembling. "Just a dream," he muttered. "Nothing to worry about."


    Kael raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Didn¡¯t sound like nothing."


    "Leave him alone, Kael," Sylvia said, her voice soft but firm. She sat cross-legged by the fire, her luminous eyes fixed on James. "Dreams can be more than they seem, especially here."


    James hesitated, his mind replaying the image of the colossal shadow. "It was just... a nightmare," he said finally, though his voice lacked conviction. He didn¡¯t want to admit how real it had felt¡ªor how much it terrified him.


    Sylvia studied him for a moment before nodding. "Rest if you can. We¡¯ll need our strength tomorrow."


    James nodded but didn¡¯t lie back down. Sleep felt like a risk he wasn¡¯t willing to take.


    +


    Unseen by the group, Elyndor crouched atop a nearby ledge, his breathing labored and his staff glowing faintly. He clutched his injured arm, the wound from Kael¡¯s claws pulsing with pain.


    "They¡¯re still alive," he muttered, his voice dripping with venom. "But not for long."


    With a flick of his staff, he activated another trap. The molten ground around him shimmered, and a low rumble echoed through the night. Tiny embers rose from the cracks, coalescing into fiery shapes. The elementals hissed and snarled as they formed, their molten bodies glowing in the darkness.


    Elyndor smirked despite his pain. "Let¡¯s see how long they last against this."


    He watched as the fire elementals began to descend toward the camp, their hissing voices blending into the night. The champions wouldn¡¯t know what hit them.


    Not until it was too late.

 Chapter 69: Fire and Fury

    The night was deathly still, save for the occasional rumble of the Scorching Badlands. Ash drifted lazily through the air, clinging to sweat-slicked skin as the champions remained vigilant in the oppressive heat. James¡¯s gadget hummed faintly in his hand, its core softly glowing as he tinkered nervously. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of molten eyes from his nightmare.


    His hands stilled, and he let out a shaky breath. Sleep was impossible. Even now, hours after the destruction that had nearly killed them all, his nerves buzzed like an overcharged circuit. The thought of closing his eyes, only to see that thing again, sent a chill down his spine despite the heat.


    He pushed himself up from his makeshift seat and glanced around the camp. Kael was sprawled out in the dirt, his snores loud and unbothered. Thrain sat with his back against a rock, his hammer resting across his lap as he muttered something in his sleep. Sylvia, however, was awake. Her faintly glowing wings caught James¡¯s eye as she sat apart from the others, her figure framed by the jagged volcanic ridge.


    She held her Communication Runestone in her hands, the dim pulse of its glow casting soft light on her features. Her brows were furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line of frustration. James hesitated for a moment before walking over, his boots crunching softly on the ash-coated ground.


    "Still trying?" he asked quietly, stopping a few feet away.


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flickered slightly as she turned her gaze to him, her expression softening. "Always," she said with a tired sigh. "But it¡¯s no use. The connection¡¯s completely blocked."


    James sank down beside her, his gadget resting idly in his lap. "Any idea why? I mean, it¡¯s not like the Scorching Badlands are known for great signal coverage, but this feels... off."


    Sylvia tilted her head, her golden eyes distant. "It does. The Runestones are supposed to work anywhere, even in hostile environments like this. But it¡¯s not just interference. It feels like..." She trailed off, searching for the right words. "Like something doesn¡¯t want us to reach out."


    James frowned, the unease in his chest tightening. "You think something back home is wrong?"


    "I don¡¯t know," Sylvia admitted, her voice quiet. "But E the Radiant would never leave me without guidance unless something beyond his control was happening. He¡¯s... meticulous like that."


    James nodded, leaning back and staring up at the starless sky. "Must be nice, having someone like that to rely on. I mean, A¡¯s great and all, but his guidance is more like vague riddles and throwing me into the deep end."


    Sylvia¡¯s lips quirked into a small, amused smile. "E isn¡¯t much for riddles. He¡¯s... strict, I suppose. Everything he teaches is precise, purposeful. But it¡¯s not always easy. Sometimes, it feels like he¡¯s asking me to be something I¡¯m not sure I can be."


    James glanced at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. "Like what?"


    Her wings folded slightly, dimming further. "A beacon. A leader. Someone who can shoulder the weight of a world that¡¯s constantly teetering on the edge of chaos. Sometimes I wonder if I¡¯m just faking it¡ªplaying the part because it¡¯s what¡¯s expected of me."


    James was silent for a moment, letting her words settle. Then he said, "You don¡¯t seem like you¡¯re faking it."


    Sylvia looked at him, her gaze searching. "And what about you, James? What does A expect of you?"


    James let out a soft laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "A expects me to not blow myself up with one of my gadgets. Beyond that? I don¡¯t know. He¡¯s always been more interested in pushing me out of my comfort zone than giving me clear answers."


    "And what about you?" Sylvia pressed. "Do you have any goals? Anything you want out of all this?"


    James hesitated, his fingers tracing the edge of his gadget. "I used to think I did. Back home, I wanted to invent things¡ªmake life easier for people, you know? But out here... it feels like everything I thought mattered is just so small compared to what we¡¯re facing."


    Sylvia nodded slowly. "It¡¯s hard, isn¡¯t it? Being thrown into something so much bigger than yourself."


    "Yeah," James said, his voice quiet. He looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "What about you? What do you want, Sylvia? Not what E the Radiant wants, or what your people expect. What you want."


    For a moment, Sylvia didn¡¯t answer. She stared down at the dimly glowing Runestone in her hands, her wings almost completely dark now. "I think... I just want to make a difference," she said finally. "To know that what I¡¯ve done has mattered. That it¡¯s helped someone."


    James smiled faintly. "You¡¯ve already done that, you know. At least for us."


    Sylvia met his gaze, her golden eyes softening. "And you¡¯ve done more than you realize, James. Don¡¯t sell yourself short."


    They sat in companionable silence for a while, the oppressive heat of the Badlands pressing down around them. For the first time since they¡¯d arrived, James felt a little lighter¡ªlike maybe, just maybe, they could make it through this together.


    And then the ground cracked beneath them.


    The silence of the night shattered, replaced by a low rumble that vibrated through the earth. James scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding as fissures spread outward, glowing with molten light. The oppressive heat intensified, and the air filled with the shrieking cries of fire elementals rising from the ground.


    "Elyndor!" Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, their light snapping back to life as she stepped in front of James, her barrier already forming. "Stay close!" she ordered, her voice sharp and steady.


    James barely had time to grab his gadgets before the first wave of elementals lunged toward them, their molten forms radiating deadly heat. Whatever moment of peace they¡¯d shared was gone, replaced by the chaos of survival.


    +


    Fire elementals surged forward in a chaotic wave, their molten forms flickering with an unnatural ferocity. Each creature radiated a blistering heat, their cores pulsing like fiery hearts. They moved as one, circling the group, the air rippling with their heat. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kael reacted first, his instincts sharper than ever. With a guttural roar, his muscles tensed, veins glowing faintly as he activated a burst of primal energy. His speed doubled in an instant, and he darted forward, claws slicing through the first elemental in a vicious arc. Its fiery form screeched as its core cracked, but the searing heat licked at Kael¡¯s fur, singeing it.


    He growled, his amber eyes wild. "You¡¯re just ash waiting to happen!" Kael spun, using his enhanced speed to stay ahead of another elemental¡¯s molten strike. He leapt onto its back, driving his claws into its core with a force that sent sparks flying. The creature shattered into embers, but two more surged toward him. Kael gritted his teeth. He wasn¡¯t invincible, and the heat was starting to take its toll.

 Chapter 70: Fire & Fury (2)

    Thrain was already on the move. His hammer gleamed with molten energy as he slammed it into the ground, sending a ripple of force outward. The earth groaned and shifted, and jagged spikes of molten rock shot upward, impaling two advancing elementals. Their cores hissed and dimmed before crumbling to ash.


    "Hold your ground!" Thrain bellowed, his voice like the roar of an avalanche. He swung his hammer in a wide arc, the impact creating a shield of molten rock that deflected the fiery tendrils of another elemental. "Kael, stop playing and start thinking!"


    Kael barked a laugh, dodging another elemental¡¯s swipe. "What do you think I¡¯m doing, old man?"


    Sylvia stood at the center of the group, her wings unfurling as her eyes glowed with an intense, radiant light. She raised her hands, and beams of divine energy shot forth, carving through the elementals with surgical precision. The air around her shimmered, her power forming a protective dome of light that shielded James as he worked.


    "James, now would be a good time for one of your miracles," Sylvia said, her tone calm but sharp. Her gaze never wavered as she turned to strike down another elemental.


    James¡¯s hands trembled as he fumbled with the runes on his freezing bomb. "Almost¡­ there¡­" he muttered, beads of sweat dripping into his eyes. He activated the device, its runes glowing an icy blue. With a determined breath, he hurled it toward a cluster of elementals advancing on Thrain.


    The bomb detonated in a sharp hiss, an icy mist engulfing the creatures. Their molten cores froze mid-pulse, shattering into glittering shards. James exhaled in relief, his fingers already working on another device.


    "Not bad, lad!" Thrain called, slamming his hammer down again. This time, he directed the molten earth to flow around his legs, forming heavy boots that enhanced his strength. He charged into an elemental, his molten boots crushing its core with a satisfying crunch. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kael darted back to the group, his breath ragged but his grin feral. "You¡¯ve got some fight in you after all, tinkerer. Let¡¯s see if you can keep up." He activated his burst of speed again, zigzagging through the battlefield. His movements were erratic but effective, confusing the elementals as he struck their cores with precise, devastating blows.


    Sylvia¡¯s barrier flickered as a particularly large elemental slammed against it, molten tendrils wrapping around the glowing dome. She narrowed her eyes, her wings flaring as she channeled more energy. The barrier pulsed, and the tendrils disintegrated in a flash of blinding light. She lowered her hands briefly, the barrier adapting into a smaller, mobile shield that allowed her to advance.


    "Stay close, Kael!" she called, her beams of light cutting through the remaining elementals. Her movements were fluid, almost dance-like, as she weaved through the battlefield, protecting James while striking down threats with unwavering precision.


    James noticed a smaller elemental creeping toward Sylvia¡¯s flank. He activated a smaller gadget¡ªa palm-sized disc that emitted a freezing pulse. "Sylvia, left!" he shouted, tossing the disc toward the creature.


    Sylvia turned just in time, her wings glowing as she extended her shield to deflect the elemental¡¯s strike. The gadget exploded in a burst of cold, freezing the creature mid-motion. She gave James a small nod, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Good eye."


    The group began to move as a single unit, their earlier mistrust giving way to instinctive coordination. Kael¡¯s speed and ferocity kept the elementals distracted, while Thrain¡¯s earth-shaping kept the battlefield in their favor. Sylvia¡¯s light was their anchor, her barrier protecting them and her beams eliminating threats with deadly accuracy. And James, with his quick thinking and gadgets, found ways to turn the tide in their favor, compensating for his lack of raw power.


    The final elemental roared, its molten core surging with unstable energy. Thrain stepped forward, his hammer glowing as he struck the ground. A massive spike of molten rock erupted, impaling the creature and splitting its core in two. The elemental dissolved in a burst of sparks, leaving the group in a smoldering silence.


    Thrain leaned on his hammer, his chest heaving. He glanced at James, his expression gruff but approving. "You¡¯ve got more brains than brawn, lad, but it works. Those gadgets of yours saved us."


    James flushed at the praise, his fingers brushing soot from his jacket. "Just doing my part," he muttered.


    +


    From a distant ridge, Elyndor watched, his staff planted firmly in the volcanic ground. His injuries throbbed, the burns on his arm pulsing with a dull ache. But his lips twisted into a bitter smile.


    "They¡¯re persistent," he muttered. "You¡¯ll burn with the rest of this cursed land."


    The spirits around him whispered in a chorus, their voices weaving into his mind. Elyndor raised his staff, channeling the last vestiges of his strength into the volcanic terrain. The ground beneath him glowed faintly, veins of molten energy spreading outward like a living web.


    "Fall."


    +


    Back at the camp, James¡¯s gadget beeped urgently, pulling his attention to the seismic scanner. His stomach sank as he watched the readings spike. "Something¡¯s coming," he said, his voice tight with dread.


    The ground shuddered violently, cracks spidering outward as molten veins pulsed beneath the surface. Sylvia¡¯s wings flared as she raised her hands, her barrier snapping into place just as the first eruption struck.


    "Scatter!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.


    The group scrambled as molten debris rained down, fiery projectiles striking the earth with explosive force. Thrain slammed his hammer into the ground, creating a shield of jagged stone that deflected the worst of the molten rain. "This is why I fucking hate elves."


    Kael darted through the chaos, using his speed to evade falling debris while keeping an eye on James and Sylvia.


    James stumbled, his pulse racing as a molten boulder hurtled toward him. Sylvia¡¯s shield expanded just in time, the projectile shattering against the glowing barrier. She grabbed his arm, pulling him to his feet.


    "Keep moving!" she snapped, her eyes blazing with determination.


    The volcanic terrain shifted beneath them, Elyndor¡¯s trap fully activating.

 Chapter 71: The Calling Of A God-Beast (1)

    The ground cracked violently beneath their feet, the tremors escalating to a deafening crescendo. James barely had time to register the seismic scanner¡¯s shrieking alarm before the earth gave way.


    The volcanic terrain crumbled in an avalanche of glowing rock, and the group was hurled downward into a yawning chasm.


    "Hold on!" Sylvia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos as her wings flared with light. A radiant shield formed overhead, deflecting falling debris and molten rock, but the sudden collapse left no time for planning. They slid down a jagged slope of obsidian, the intense heat licking at their skin despite the runestones¡¯ protection.


    James gritted his teeth as sharp shards tore into his gloves, his hands desperately clawing for purchase. Kael growled beside him, his claws gouging into the volcanic surface to slow his descent, while Thrain bellowed curses, his hammer clutched tightly.


    "Not like this!" Kael snarled, his voice echoing in the cavernous abyss.


    The slide ended abruptly as the group was flung onto a precarious ledge overlooking a molten river. The air was suffocating, the heat rippling with every bubble of lava below. James¡¯s chest heaved as he coughed out ash, his satchel miraculously still strapped to his side.


    Sylvia landed gracefully beside him, her glowing shield flickering. "Everyone accounted for?" she asked, though her strained tone betrayed her own fatigue.


    "Barely," Thrain grumbled, rising to his knees. He slammed his hammer into the ground, sending a ripple of energy through the obsidian. The ledge beneath them shuddered but held firm. "This blasted place is trying to kill us at every turn."


    Kael flexed his claws, the fur on his arms singed. "Tell me something I don¡¯t know."


    James struggled to his feet, his eyes darting across the cavern. The glowing rivers of lava illuminated towering walls of jagged obsidian, their surfaces slick with heat. "How deep are we?" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the bubbling magma.


    Sylvia scanned their surroundings, her wings dimmed but still glowing faintly. "Too deep. We need to get out of here before the heat overwhelms us."


    Their resistant runestones pulsed faintly, but the oppressive heat of the cavern was testing their limits. Sweat poured down James¡¯s face, and even Kael¡¯s toughened form showed signs of strain.


    "Everyone, stay close," Sylvia commanded, her tone sharp but steady. "We¡¯ll climb back to the surface together."


    A sudden pulse of energy rippled through the cavern, faint but unmistakable. Sylvia stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "Spirits," she whispered.


    The air shimmered, and ghostly figures emerged from the walls, their translucent forms flickering like flames. Elyndor¡¯s trap wasn¡¯t over.


    The spirits lunged.


    Kael reacted instinctively, his claws igniting with a faint glow as he swiped through one of the spectral attackers. The spirit dissipated with a hiss, but more took its place. "They¡¯re endless!" he growled, his amber eyes darting for an opening.


    Thrain swung his hammer in a wide arc, the molten earth responding to his command. A barrier of rock surged upward, blocking a group of spirits from advancing. "Keep moving!" he barked. "I¡¯ll hold them off!"


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, and beams of light sliced through the spirits, their forms disintegrating in flashes of brilliance. She turned to James, her expression resolute. "Stay close to me."


    James nodded, fumbling with his satchel as he activated a small device¡ªa palm-sized orb etched with intricate runes. He tossed it into the air, and it emitted a pulsing wave of energy. The spirits nearest to them recoiled, their forms flickering.


    "It won¡¯t hold them for long," James warned, his voice shaky.


    The spirits adapted quickly, their movements growing more erratic. One lunged for Kael, its clawed hand phasing through his shoulder. Kael roared in pain, his movements becoming more frantic.


    "Enough of this!" Thrain shouted, his hammer slamming into the ground. The molten river surged in response, a controlled wave of lava crashing into the spirits. They shrieked as the heat consumed them, but the effort left Thrain visibly drained.


    Sylvia stepped forward, her eyes glowing with intensity. "Push forward! We can¡¯t fight them all here."


    James scanned the cavern, his seismic scanner flickering with faint energy signatures. His heart skipped a beat as he detected something deeper in the chasm¡ªa psychic residue unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This way!" he shouted, pointing toward a narrow path leading deeper into the cavern.


    Kael snarled. "You want to go deeper? Are you insane?"


    James hesitated, his pulse pounding in his ears. "It¡¯s a trail. Residual energy from whatever we¡¯re chasing. It¡¯s strong¡ªstronger than anything I¡¯ve ever picked up."


    Sylvia stepped between them, her wings dimming slightly. "If we¡¯re going to survive, we need to stay together. If James thinks this trail will lead us to answers, we follow it. But we move carefully."


    Thrain grumbled but nodded, his hammer resting on his shoulder. "Better than sitting here waiting to get roasted."


    Kael glared at James but relented, his claws flexing. "Fine. But if this gets us killed, I¡¯m haunting you."


    The group pressed forward, their movements cautious as the heat intensified. The narrow path wound through the cavern, flanked by streams of molten lava that cast eerie shadows on the obsidian walls.


    Elyndor watched from a hidden crevice, his form half-shrouded by the spirits surrounding him. His injuries throbbed with each breath, but his eyes burned with determination.


    "Follow the trail, fools," he whispered, his voice tinged with malice. "You¡¯ll only find despair."


    As the group ventured deeper, the cavern grew darker, the oppressive heat pressing down on them. James¡¯s seismic scanner pulsed faintly, the trail of psychic residue growing stronger. Each step felt heavier, the weight of the unknown dragging at their resolve.


    The air grew still, the bubbling lava giving way to an eerie silence. James¡¯s breath hitched as his scanner emitted a single, steady pulse. They had reached the edge of something immense.


    Sylvia¡¯s wings glimmered faintly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stay close. We don¡¯t know what¡¯s ahead and to be fair, if I had a choice, I really wouldn¡¯t want to find out."


    +

 Chapter 72: The Calling Of A God-Beast (2)

    The cavern spat them out into a desolate expanse. The air was heavy with ash and sulfur, and the horizon shimmered with heat, a stark contrast to the oppressive darkness they had just escaped. The ground was jagged, cracked, and pockmarked with the remains of colossal beasts, their bones blackened and half-melted. Skeletal wings jutted skyward like twisted monuments, and shattered horns the size of spires lay scattered across the barren plain.


    James stood frozen, his chest tightening. The air here wasn¡¯t just hot¡ªit was charged. Every breath felt like it carried the weight of something ancient, watching, waiting.


    "What the hell happened here?" Kael¡¯s voice broke the silence, low and sharp. His claws flexed instinctively as his amber eyes darted from carcass to carcass.


    Thrain knelt beside a shattered ribcage, running a calloused hand over the melted surface. "These weren¡¯t just killed," he muttered. "They were unmade. Whatever did this tore through them like a forge hammer through glass."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings shimmered faintly in the dim light, her gaze sweeping across the devastation. "This isn¡¯t natural. This¡­ this is wrong."


    James adjusted the scanner strapped to his wrist. The faint hum it emitted seemed louder in the oppressive stillness. "Whatever we¡¯re chasing is beyond anything we¡¯ve prepared for. This destruction¡­ it¡¯s on a scale I can¡¯t even comprehend."


    Kael snorted. "Great pep talk, gadget-man. Really builds confidence."


    James shot him a glare but said nothing. His eyes lingered on a massive claw mark etched deep into the ground. It was easily twice Kael¡¯s size, the edges still faintly glowing as if the wound in the earth refused to heal.


    +


    The oppressive heat gnawed at their energy, and even the most resistant among them began to falter. Thrain, ever pragmatic, took charge. "We need food and water, or we¡¯ll drop dead before we find whatever did this, especially since those pesky attacks from that fucking knife-ears took out our shit."


    "Out here? Good luck," Kael grumbled, but he followed as Thrain began examining the terrain. The dwarf crouched low, his fingers brushing over the blackened soil.


    "This kind of heat¡­ it burns everything but the stubborn. If we¡¯re lucky, there¡¯s something buried deep." Thrain slammed his hammer into the ground, sending ripples through the earth. Cracks formed, revealing gnarled roots twisting beneath the surface. "There," he said with a grunt, ripping one free. "Bitter as sin, but it¡¯ll keep you standing."


    Kael sniffed at the root Thrain handed him, his nose wrinkling. "Smells like charred feet."


    "Eat it or starve. Your choice," Thrain replied, already chewing on another root.


    Kael hesitated, then took a cautious bite. He grimaced but swallowed. "Not bad," he admitted begrudgingly. "You¡¯re handy to have around, stone-head."


    Thrain smirked. "Stick with me, mutt. You might learn a thing or two."


    James sat a short distance away, sorting through his satchel. He pulled out a small vial of water, sipping it sparingly as he watched the interaction. For a moment, he felt a flicker of camaraderie among the group. But it was fleeting.


    Sylvia sat apart from the others, her wings dimmed and her eyes distant. She hadn¡¯t touched the roots. Instead, she held her Communication Runestone in her hands, turning it over as if the motion might will it back to life.


    "You¡¯re wasting energy," Kael said, leaning back on his haunches. "That thing¡¯s useless. Whatever¡¯s blocking it isn¡¯t going away."


    Sylvia¡¯s gaze snapped to him, her tone icy. "It¡¯s not useless. It¡¯s our only link to the Avatars. To home."


    "And home isn¡¯t helping us right now," Kael shot back. "We¡¯re on our own."


    "That doesn¡¯t mean we give up trying," Sylvia retorted, her voice rising.


    "Enough," James cut in, his tone sharper than usual. He didn¡¯t look up from his satchel as he spoke. "Fighting each other isn¡¯t going to fix anything. We¡¯re here, we¡¯re alive, and we¡¯re following the trail. That¡¯s all we can do."


    Sylvia opened her mouth to argue, but something in James¡¯s tone stopped her. She sighed, setting the Runestone aside. "Fine. But we should consider turning back. This mission¡­ it feels wrong. Like we¡¯re being led into something we¡¯re not ready for."


    Kael scoffed. "Coward."


    Her wings flared slightly, the light shimmering ominously. "Say that again."


    "Enough!" Thrain barked, his voice booming. He pointed his hammer at both of them. "You want to fight? Do it after we survive this hellhole."


    The tension crackled like the heat around them, but the group fell silent. James took a deep breath, the knot in his chest loosening slightly. For now, they were holding together.


    +


    The silence didn¡¯t last.


    A sudden wave of energy rolled over the wasteland, invisible but tangible, like a pressure squeezing their very souls. James froze, his head snapping up as the seismic scanner on his wrist went wild. The readings were incomprehensible, the device emitting a high-pitched whine.


    Then the whispering began.


    Low, unintelligible murmurs filled the air, slithering into their ears like phantom snakes. The sound wasn¡¯t external¡ªit was inside their heads, invasive and relentless.


    Kael clutched his temples, his claws digging into his scalp. "What¡­ what is this?"


    Thrain stumbled, his hammer slipping from his grip. "Voices¡­ too many voices¡­"


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, her light flickering erratically as she fought to maintain control. "Stay together! Don¡¯t let it take hold!"


    James collapsed to his knees, his hands clutching his head as a single, deafening voice drowned out the whispers. It was deep, guttural, and incomprehensible, but its sheer force threatened to tear him apart. Images flashed through his mind¡ªmolten eyes, massive wings, a shadow blotting out the sky. The world around him dissolved into fire and ash as the voice grew louder, demanding his attention. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, just as abruptly as it began, the wave receded. The whispers ceased, leaving only the heavy silence of the wasteland.


    James gasped for air, his body trembling. His heart raced as the images faded, but the fear lingered. He looked up at the others, his voice shaking. "Did¡­ did anyone else hear it?"


    Kael¡¯s face was pale, his usual bravado absent. "What the hell was that?"


    Sylvia¡¯s gaze was fixed on the horizon, her expression unreadable. "Something ancient. Something¡­ watching us."


    Thrain picked up his hammer, his knuckles white. "If that¡¯s what we¡¯re chasing, we¡¯re in over our heads."


    James nodded slowly, his mind still reeling. Whatever was out there, it wasn¡¯t just powerful¡ªit was beyond comprehension. And it was waiting for them.

 Chapter 73: Oh God, That’s What We’re Here For?

    The night stretched on, heavy and unyielding. The faint glow of distant lava flows cast eerie shadows across the jagged terrain, dancing like specters over the group¡¯s battered forms. James sat apart from the others, his head bowed and his hands trembling as he worked on a small device. He wasn¡¯t tinkering for utility this time¡ªhis fingers moved out of habit, a desperate attempt to keep the rising dread at bay.


    But it was there, just beneath the surface. Waiting.


    His dreams had turned darker with every passing night. It wasn¡¯t just the haunting image of molten eyes or the shadow that devoured the skies. Now there were memories¡ªflashes of something ancient, visceral, and unrelenting. A storm of destruction tearing through the Scorching Badlands. Creatures of molten flesh and obsidian bone crumbling under an unstoppable force. And then, always, the cocoon. Vast, pulsating with ominous energy, nestled in the heart of the devastation.


    James shuddered as the memory of its presence clawed at his mind. The cocoon wasn¡¯t just a place; it was alive. And it was waiting for something¡ªor someone.


    A hand touched his shoulder, and he flinched.


    "It¡¯s just me," Sylvia said softly, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of concern. She knelt beside him, her wings dimmed to faint halos of light. "You¡¯re shaking."


    James forced a weak smile, though his face was pale. "I¡¯m fine. Just¡­ tired."


    Sylvia studied him for a moment, her golden eyes narrowing. "No, you¡¯re not. You¡¯ve barely slept since we got here. And when you do, you wake up like you¡¯ve seen a ghost."


    James hesitated, his fingers tightening around the half-finished gadget. "It¡¯s nothing. Just¡­ dreams."


    "Dreams don¡¯t leave you looking like this." Her tone was gentle but firm. "Tell me."


    He sighed, setting the device down. "It¡¯s hard to explain. It¡¯s like¡­ someone else¡¯s memories. I see things. Battles. Destruction. And this¡­ thing. A cocoon, massive enough to dwarf everything around it. It¡¯s alive, Sylvia. I can feel it. And it¡¯s not just waiting. It¡¯s calling."


    Sylvia¡¯s expression hardened, but she didn¡¯t dismiss him. Instead, she sat back, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "Psychic energy. If what you¡¯re describing is real, it¡¯s not a dream¡ªit¡¯s an intrusion. Something is reaching into your mind."


    James rubbed his temples, the throbbing pain behind his eyes intensifying. "Why me? I¡¯m the least useful one here."


    "That¡¯s not true," Sylvia said, her voice surprisingly kind. "You¡¯ve kept us alive more than once. You see things the rest of us don¡¯t. Maybe that¡¯s why it¡¯s reaching out to you. Maybe it sees you as¡­" She trailed off, her wings shifting uneasily.


    "As what?" James pressed, his voice cracking.


    She hesitated, then met his eyes. "A threat. Or a vessel."


    James felt the blood drain from his face. Before he could respond, Kael¡¯s gruff voice cut through the stillness.


    "You two done whispering over there? We¡¯ve got a long trek ahead, and I¡¯d rather not have another ambush while you¡¯re playing therapist."


    Sylvia rose smoothly, her expression closing off as she turned to Kael. "We¡¯re all tired, Kael. Try showing some patience for once."


    Kael snorted but didn¡¯t argue, his amber eyes flicking to James. "Stick close, gadget-man. If you keel over, it¡¯s on us to carry you."


    James managed a weak laugh. "I¡¯ll do my best not to be a burden."


    Thrain, standing a few paces away, slammed the butt of his hammer into the ground to get their attention. "Enough chatter. We move at first light. Rest while you can."


    +


    The morning came too soon, the relentless heat bearing down on them like a living thing. The group followed a faint trail of energy¡ªa shimmering disturbance in the air that seemed to pulse with residual power. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Sylvia¡¯s attunement to divine magic kept them on course.


    Unbeknownst to them, Elyndor watched from the shadows, his form hunched and trembling. His once-gleaming robes were scorched and torn, his face pale and slick with sweat. Every breath was a struggle, but his eyes burned with hatred.


    "They think they¡¯ve won," he muttered to himself, his voice a rasp. "They think they¡¯re safe."


    The spirits around him whispered, their translucent forms weaving into the volcanic rock. "I know."


    Elyndor raised his staff, the glow of his dwindling power igniting one final trap. The spirits surged forward, their energy lacing the ground with instability. Fissures spread like spiderwebs, glowing with molten light.


    "Let¡¯s see how far you get," Elyndor hissed, retreating into the shadows.


    +


    The group trudged onward, the oppressive landscape stretching endlessly before them. The air grew thicker, the heat more intense. Even the Heat Resistant Runestones seemed to falter, their protective auras flickering.


    "This place is worse than a forge during high summer," Thrain grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow. "If we don¡¯t find shade soon, we¡¯ll be cooked alive."


    Kael rolled his shoulders, his movements slower than usual. "Stop complaining, stone-head. You¡¯re the one who wanted to keep moving." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sylvia ignored them, her focus on the trail ahead. Her wings shimmered faintly, the light dimming with each step. James lagged behind, his scanner beeping intermittently.


    "Something¡¯s off," he said, his voice strained. "The energy signature is¡­ erratic. It doesn¡¯t make sense."


    Kael shot him a look. "What doesn¡¯t?"


    James adjusted the scanner, his brow furrowing. "It¡¯s splitting. Like there are two trails instead of one."


    Sylvia stopped, her wings spreading slightly. "Could it be a trick?"


    "Maybe," James admitted. "Or¡­ maybe we¡¯re walking into¡ª"


    The ground beneath them groaned.


    Before anyone could react, the earth gave way, collapsing into a chasm of molten rock and jagged obsidian. Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, a barrier of light enveloping the group as they plummeted. The barrier cushioned their fall, but the impact still sent shockwaves through their bodies.


    They landed on a narrow ledge overlooking a river of lava. The heat was suffocating, their runestones flickering as they struggled to maintain their protective fields.


    "Is everyone alive?" Sylvia called out, her voice tight with strain.


    "Barely," Kael growled, his claws digging into the ledge for balance. "What the hell just happened?"


    "A trap," Thrain said grimly, pulling himself upright. "And a damned good one."


    James staggered to his feet, his scanner beeping wildly. "The ground¡¯s unstable. We need to move before this ledge collapses."


    As if on cue, molten rock surged upward, splashing dangerously close to the group. Thrain slammed his hammer into the ground, sending ripples of earth magic through the ledge. The stone beneath them steadied, but the effort left him visibly drained.


    "Can¡¯t hold it forever," he said, sweat dripping from his brow. "Move!"


    Sylvia led the way, her wings glowing as she deflected falling debris. Kael moved with feral agility, leaping from one unstable section of the ledge to another. James followed closely, his heart pounding as the lava hissed and roared below.


    Spirits emerged from the walls, their spectral forms clawing at the group. Sylvia¡¯s barrier repelled most of them, but a few slipped through, their ghostly claws slashing at exposed skin.


    Kael tore through the spirits with wild abandon, his claws slicing through their incorporeal forms. "These things just don¡¯t quit!"


    "Keep moving!" Sylvia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "We¡¯re almost out!"


    The ledge narrowed, forcing them into single file. James stumbled, nearly losing his footing, but Thrain¡¯s hand shot out, gripping his arm and pulling him back.


    "Not on my watch, lad," the dwarf said gruffly.


    James managed a shaky nod, his gratitude clear. "Thanks."


    They reached a wider section of the ledge, but the spirits didn¡¯t relent. Sylvia¡¯s light dimmed, her breathing labored. Thrain¡¯s hammer dragged slightly, his strength waning.


    As they fought to keep moving, eventually, they got to a safe enough distance away from the damn spirits.


    But, a new problem showed itself.


    A new presence loomed in the cavern. It was subtle at first¡ªa faint vibration in the air, a hum that resonated in their bones. Then came the whispers, low and unintelligible, but growing louder with each passing moment.


    James froze, his eyes wide. "It¡¯s him," he whispered.


    Sylvia turned to him, her expression sharp. "What?"


    "The thing from my dreams," James said, his voice trembling. "It¡¯s here."


    The group exchanged uneasy glances, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. The whispers grew louder, echoing through the cavern like a haunting melody.


    And then, in the distance, they saw it.


    A faint glow, pulsating rhythmically, deep within the molten river. It was vast and otherworldly, a cocoon of shadow and light that seemed to breathe with malevolent intent.


    "By the gods," Thrain muttered, his voice barely audible.


    Kael¡¯s claws flexed, his usual bravado replaced by unease. "That¡¯s what we¡¯re here for?"


    James nodded slowly, his throat dry. "I think so."


    The whispers grew louder, the cavern trembling as the cocoon pulsed. Whatever lay within was awakening, and the group was dangerously close.


    "Move," Sylvia said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. "Whatever that is, we¡¯ll take care of it the next day. We need to make camp here. Now."


    "Aye," The dwarven genius muttered. "Those damn spirits tire me more than my teacher¡¯s incessant yelling when I make a mistake."


    ". . . .I¡¯ll get the equipments," Kael said.


    James, however, never left his eyes off the cocoon, understanding that tonight may be the last day of his life if he wasn¡¯t careful.

 Chapter 74: Outer Madness

    The heat of the Scorching Badlands had grown intolerable, but it was nothing compared to the oppressive weight pressing on their minds. James stumbled over loose volcanic rock, clutching his head as a psychic whisper slithered through his thoughts. It wasn¡¯t words, not exactly¡ªjust a sensation of hunger, anger, and overwhelming presence. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he tried to focus on the path ahead.


    Kael growled low in his throat, his amber eyes flickering as he darted ahead, scanning the jagged terrain. "Something¡¯s watching us," he said, his claws twitching. "I can feel it."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared slightly, casting a dim glow over the group. She wiped sweat from her brow, her ethereal composure cracking under the strain. "It¡¯s not something¡ªit¡¯s him. The source. The beast." Her voice wavered, the psychic pressure weighing on her as heavily as the others.


    Thrain grumbled, his hammer slung over his shoulder as he trudged forward. "Beast or not, we¡¯ve come too far to turn back now. Let¡¯s find it and get this over with."


    James hesitated, his hand drifting to the seismic scanner strapped to his wrist. The device beeped erratically, the readings fluctuating wildly. "The cocoon¡­ it¡¯s destabilizing. Whatever¡¯s inside, it¡¯s waking up."


    Kael shot him a sharp glance. "Then we¡¯d better hurry before it decides to eat us alive."


    They pressed on, the volcanic ground beneath their feet trembling intermittently. The air was thick with ash, and strange shapes danced in the corners of their vision¡ªhallucinations brought on by the psychic energy emanating from the cocoon. Sylvia dispelled a flickering shadow with a pulse of light, but her movements were slower, her usual grace dulled by exhaustion.


    It was James who first noticed the faint shimmer in the air ahead. "Wait¡ªsomething¡¯s wrong."


    The group halted, their tension palpable. Kael sniffed the air, his nose wrinkling. "It smells like¡­ spirits."


    A low chuckle echoed through the air, chilling them to the bone. Elyndor stepped out from behind a jagged outcropping, his once-pristine robes tattered and stained with blood. His emerald eyes burned with feverish intensity, and his staff crackled with residual energy.


    "Did you miss me?" he said, his voice venomous.


    "Elyndor!"


    +


    Kael lunged forward, claws bared, but Sylvia raised a hand, stopping him. "Elyndor," she said, her tone steady despite the anger simmering beneath. "What are you doing here?"


    Elyndor sneered. "What I should have done from the start. Your weakness¡ªyour sentimentality¡ªhas blinded you to the truth. That beast is the key to everything, and I will control it."


    James stepped forward, his voice unsteady but resolute. "You can¡¯t control something like that, Elyndor. It¡¯s too powerful." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elyndor¡¯s laugh was hollow and bitter. "Of course you¡¯d think that, human. You¡¯ve never understood the scope of what¡¯s at stake. The elven empire doesn¡¯t need alliances¡ªit needs dominance. And with the power of a god-beast under our control, we will reshape this world."


    Kael growled, his fur bristling. "You¡¯ve lost your damned mind."


    Sylvia took a step closer, her wings glowing faintly. "Elyndor, this isn¡¯t you. You¡¯ve always fought for balance, for the good of the realms. Don¡¯t let this madness consume you."


    Elyndor¡¯s expression twisted with rage. "Balance? There is no balance! Only strength and weakness. You should understand that by now, Angel."


    The air grew heavier as Elyndor raised his staff, green energy crackling along its length. The runes circling his feet pulsed ominously, casting eerie shadows on the jagged volcanic rocks around them. His emerald eyes gleamed with a manic intensity, his once-pristine features twisted by the weight of his obsession.


    Sylvia stepped forward, her wings casting a faint golden glow over the scene. Her tone was calm but edged with desperation. "Elyndor, this isn¡¯t you. You¡¯ve always fought for balance, for the good of the realms. Why are you doing this?"


    Elyndor barked out a sharp, humorless laugh. "You still cling to those pretty lies, don¡¯t you? Balance, harmony¡­ they¡¯re nothing but a veil for weakness. The elven empire doesn¡¯t need peace. It needs power. My father sees that truth, and I carry his will."


    Kael snarled, his claws flexing. "Your father? What¡¯s he got to do with this? Isn¡¯t he just some noble?"


    Elyndor¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. "My father is no mere noble. He is the High Duke of our empire, the brother to the king himself. And while the king buries his head in treaties and diplomacy, my father has been preparing for the real threat¡ªthe chaos festering in this world."


    He thrust his staff downward, the runes flaring brighter. The ground trembled beneath their feet as a faint psychic hum vibrated through the air. "That beast," he spat, motioning toward the direction of the cocoon, "is the key to ending that chaos. Its power could bring every race, every realm to heel. No more conflict, no more disorder¡ªjust a single, unshakable rule under elven dominion."


    Sylvia¡¯s expression hardened, her voice sharp. "You think enslaving a creature like that will bring peace? It will destroy everything¡ªand you with it."


    Elyndor glared at her, his tone dripping with disdain. "You know nothing of what we¡¯ve discovered. The rune I carry, the Rune of Submission, is not just some artifact. It is a relic of the Titans, a tool capable of binding even the mightiest beings to one¡¯s will. With it, my father has already begun his conquest."


    The group exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of his words sinking in.


    Thrain growled, gripping his hammer tightly. "That explains why we can¡¯t reach home, doesn¡¯t it? You lot have started a bloody war."


    Elyndor¡¯s laugh was laced with venom. "A war that¡¯s already being won. My father¡¯s forces have silenced your kingdoms, your teachers. The Avatars are scattered, forced to defend their lands. And the Rune of Submission? It can break even demi-gods. Your so-called mentors will fall before it."


    James¡¯s heart sank as Elyndor¡¯s words connected the dots. The failed Communication Runestones. The strange silence from their Avatars. The suffocating tension in the air. This wasn¡¯t just some mission gone awry¡ªthis was the first domino in a war that could reshape the world.


    "And you plan to use that same rune," Sylvia said, her voice quiet but filled with horror, "to control the beast?"


    Elyndor smiled coldly. "Control it? I will become its master. With the sacrifice of a middle-tier spirit, I will seal the ritual, bend its will, and direct its power to crush our enemies¡ªstarting with you."


    Kael stepped forward, baring his fangs. "You think we¡¯ll just stand here and let you? You¡¯re out of your damn mind."


    Elyndor raised his free hand, green energy swirling around his fingers. "You have no choice. This is destiny¡ªmy destiny. And as much as I¡¯d enjoy cutting you all down myself, I only need to wake it. The beast will do the rest."


    As the argument escalated, James¡¯s eyes darted to Elyndor¡¯s head. For a moment, he thought the light was playing tricks on him, but then he saw it¡ªa faint, pulsating shadow writhing just behind Elyndor¡¯s ear. Squinting, James made out the distinct shape of a small, chitinous creature burrowed partially into Elyndor¡¯s skull.


    A mind-bug.


    James¡¯s stomach churned. He¡¯d read about them¡ªparasitic creatures that latched onto hosts, feeding on their thoughts and amplifying their darkest impulses. They didn¡¯t control directly but twisted their victims¡¯ desires, pushing them to destructive extremes.


    "Wait," James said, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Elyndor, listen to me. You¡¯re not thinking clearly. That thing on your head¡ªit¡¯s controlling you."


    Elyndor¡¯s glare snapped to him, his expression twisting with fury. "You dare to insult my mind? My purpose? I act on my will alone, human."


    James stepped forward cautiously, hands raised. "No, you¡¯re not. Look¡ªI know you. You¡¯re disciplined, logical. This madness? It¡¯s not you. That bug is warping your thoughts. Fight it."


    Kael¡¯s nose twitched, and his eyes widened in recognition. "He¡¯s right. I can smell it now¡ªsomething parasitic. That thing¡¯s feeding on you, Elyndor."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, her light intensifying as she peered closer. "James is telling the truth. I can sense the distortion in your aura. That creature is poisoning your mind."


    For a brief moment, Elyndor hesitated. His hand wavered, and a flicker of doubt crossed his face. But the mind-bug twitched, its tendrils tightening their hold. Elyndor winced, his free hand clutching his head as his expression twisted in pain.


    "Lies," he hissed, his voice ragged. "You¡¯ll say anything to stop me."


    James took another step forward, desperation in his voice. "Elyndor, you don¡¯t have to do this. Let us help you¡ªplease."


    But the bug pulsed again, and Elyndor screamed, the sound raw and guttural. When he looked up, his eyes glowed with an unnatural green light. "Enough! If you won¡¯t stand aside, then you¡¯ll die with the rest."


    The runes at his feet flared violently, and the ground trembled as the ritual circle expanded. The psychic hum from the cocoon grew sharper, the air around them charged with volatile energy. James¡¯s scanner beeped wildly, the readings flashing red.


    Sylvia drew her weapon, her voice tight with urgency. "We don¡¯t have much time. If he finishes that ritual¡ª"


    "Then we¡¯re done for," Thrain growled, stepping into a defensive stance. "Let¡¯s end this madness before it¡¯s too late."


    Elyndor raised his staff, his voice echoing with power. "You can¡¯t stop what¡¯s already begun."

 Chapter 75: The Ritual

    Stillness.


    Then, a whisper. A hiss that coiled and slithered through the suffocating heat of the Badlands.


    Elyndor stood in the heart of the broken land, his silhouette framed by the cocoon¡¯s faint, pulsing glow. The control rune beneath his feet shimmered with eldritch energy, spiraling outward in a pattern too intricate for mortal comprehension. His staff was raised high, spectral energy spiraling around its head, casting eerie shadows on the cracked earth.


    "Vuth¡¯rek... Sylan¡¯thir..." His words were guttural, reverberating with ancient power. The spirits swirling around him answered in haunting harmony, their ghostly forms merging into the middle-tier spirit towering behind him.


    The air rippled.


    A barrier of emerald fire sprang to life, encasing the group in an impenetrable dome of spirit and flame.


    Kael snarled, slamming into the wall with his claws, only to be thrown back by a surge of energy. "What the hells is this?"


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared, casting light across the dome¡¯s surface. "A spirit ward. He¡¯s trying to isolate us!"


    Elyndor¡¯s chant rose, the words cutting through the chaos like jagged glass. "Mel¡¯tharuk! Kyran-felstarn!" The spirits within the barrier howled in response, their spectral forms writhing as they poured their energy into the rune beneath him.


    The middle-tier spirit behind Elyndor shimmered, its form stabilizing into a humanoid shape with four jagged arms and eyes like glowing coals. It stepped forward, its molten feet cracking the ground beneath it.


    James stumbled back, his heart racing. "We need to stop him¡ªnow!"


    Thrain hefted his hammer, his voice a low growl. "Aye, and if we don¡¯t, we¡¯re as good as ash." He slammed the hammer into the ground, sending a tremor through the earth that rattled the barrier but failed to break it.


    Kael shook off his daze, his claws flexing. "I¡¯ll keep that thing busy," he said, nodding toward the spirit. "You lot deal with the damn elf!"


    Sylvia raised a hand, her light intensifying. "James, can you disrupt the rune?"


    James¡¯s hands fumbled with his satchel as he pulled out a set of gadgets, his fingers shaking. "I... I think I can. But I¡¯ll need time!"


    Sylvia nodded sharply. "You¡¯ll have it. Thrain, with me!"


    The two surged forward, Sylvia¡¯s wings igniting as she cast radiant beams at the barrier¡¯s weakest points. Thrain followed close behind, his hammer glowing with molten energy as he struck the ground in sync with her attacks.


    +


    Elyndor¡¯s laughter pierced the air, cold and mocking. "You¡¯re wasting your time," he said, his voice laced with venom. "This rune was forged in the deepest vaults of Myrcath. It has bent powers far greater than you."


    He raised his staff, the glowing veins along its surface pulsing with life. "Sylan¡¯thir vastrenah!" The rune beneath him flared brighter, feeding on his lifeforce. The middle-tier spirit roared, its molten fists slamming into the earth as it advanced on Kael.


    Kael leaped to the side, dodging its blow with the agility of a predator. "You want to play?" he snarled, his claws glowing faintly as he activated his Primal Ferocity. "Let¡¯s play."


    The spirit lunged, its fists leaving trails of molten rock in their wake. Kael countered, his claws raking across its torso. Sparks flew as molten energy hissed against his fur, but he pressed on, his speed and strength amplified by his berserker rage.


    +


    Sylvia and Thrain hammered at the barrier, their combined efforts creating faint cracks in its surface. Sylvia¡¯s eyes gleamed with divine light as she channeled her power. "It¡¯s working! Keep going!"


    Thrain grunted, pouring more energy into his strikes. "Don¡¯t tell me, lass. I can see it!"


    James crouched near the edge of the barrier, his gadgets spread before him. He activated a disruption device, its runes sparking to life. A pulse of energy rippled outward, causing the control rune to flicker.


    Elyndor faltered for a moment, his chant breaking. His eyes snapped to James, burning with fury. "You dare disrupt me?"


    "More than dare," James shot back, his voice steadier than he felt. "I¡¯m going to stop you."


    Elyndor sneered, raising his staff. "Vaerith mel¡¯kornah!" Spectral chains erupted from the ground, coiling toward James with blinding speed.


    An angelic shout.


    "The Seraphim demands strength!"


    Sylvia reacted instantly, a radiant barrier materializing in front of him just as the chains struck. They shattered against the light, dispersing into harmless wisps.


    "You¡¯ll have to get through me first," Sylvia said, her voice cutting.


    +


    The middle-tier spirit slammed into Kael, sending him skidding across the ground. He rolled to his feet, shaking off the impact with a growl. His claws glowed brighter as he darted forward, weaving between the spirit¡¯s strikes.


    "Thrain, I could use a hand here!" Kael barked, dodging another molten fist.


    Thrain spared a glance, his hammer glowing brighter. "Hold on, mutt!" He slammed his hammer into the ground, sending a wave of molten rock surging toward the spirit. The attack struck its legs, destabilizing it just enough for Kael to leap onto its back.


    Kael dug his claws into its molten flesh, tearing into it with savage precision. The spirit howled, its form flickering as it struggled to maintain cohesion.


    +


    James¡¯s vision blurred as if the world itself had been pulled through a lens of molten chaos. His knees buckled, and he collapsed, clutching his head. A deep, searing pressure invaded his mind, a psychic weight far beyond comprehension. It wasn¡¯t pain¡ªit was something worse. Something raw. Something endless. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "James!" Sylvia¡¯s voice broke through the haze, faint and distorted. It was like yelling underwater, too far away to reach him.


    The images came fast, too fast.


    A blackened battlefield, the Scorching Badlands reduced to molten slag.


    Towering monsters crumbled into ash, their screams silenced by radiant beams of destruction.


    Arthur¡¯s massive form loomed above it all¡ªa draconic titan wreathed in fire and shadow. His wings blotted out the sun, and his molten eyes glared down like twin suns, ancient and uncaring. He was no mere beast. He was catastrophe incarnate.


    James felt his breath hitch as the vision shifted.


    Arthur¡¯s cocoon loomed before him, immense and pulsing. Its surface glowed with molten veins that writhed like living things. Fissures crawled outward, each crack leaking waves of destructive energy. The ground split beneath it, fissures glowing red-hot.


    A single molten eye emerged through the crack, unblinking, suffocating. It didn¡¯t just see¡ªit pierced through him, dragging every buried thought and fear to the surface. James wanted to scream, but his body refused.


    The voice came next. Low. Whispering. And yet, it reverberated through his very bones, as though the earth itself spoke.


    "Why do you fight? Why do you crawl? Do you think you matter? You are less than dust before the storm."


    James¡¯s heart pounded. His chest burned as if all the air had been ripped from his lungs.


    "No... no, stop!" he rasped, his hands clutching at nothing, desperate to escape the voice that wouldn¡¯t stop digging. His mind spiraled deeper, the eye watching, unyielding.


    CRACK!


    The sound echoed through his vision, shattering the images like glass. He gasped as he jolted back to the present. His chest heaved, his skin damp with sweat as he crumpled to the ground.


    "James!" Sylvia was beside him now, her voice sharp but tinged with worry. She knelt, her glowing wings framing her pale face. "James, focus! What did you see?"


    His trembling fingers gripped her arm as he struggled to find the words. "It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s waking up," he whispered, his voice ragged. "We-we can¡¯t let it wake."


    Sylvia¡¯s expression hardened. Her glowing eyes flicked toward the cocoon, where molten light seeped through fresh cracks. The hum of energy was louder now, a bass thrum that vibrated through their bodies.


    Kael and Thrain rushed over, their faces etched with confusion and fear.


    "What¡¯s happening?!" Kael barked, his claws flexing. "What¡¯s with the kid? Did he see something?"


    James dragged in a shallow breath, forcing himself upright. "We have to stop him." His voice was hoarse, his hands trembling. "Elyndor... he¡¯s going to break that thing open. He thinks he can control it, but he¡¯s wrong. If that thing wakes up¡ª"


    "It¡¯ll kill us all," Sylvia finished grimly.


    Kael snarled, his muscles tensing. "Then we stop him. Rip his damned head off if we have to."


    Thrain grunted, gripping his hammer tight. "If the elf has lost his mind, there¡¯s no reasoning with him now. We don¡¯t have time for mercy."


    "We need to sto-"


    CRACK!


    The crack widened.


    James was the first to speak. "Oh shi-?!"


    +


    VOOM!


    An unbearable pressure.


    Fear.


    Panic.


    A pulse of energy exploded outward, invisible yet suffocating. The air itself seemed to freeze, then churn violently as if recoiling in terror.


    Kael buckled first. His claws dug into the ground as he gasped for air, his pupils blown wide. "What¡­ the hell?!" His voice cracked, more snarl than words. He tried to stand, but his legs refused.


    Thrain stumbled, his hammer slipping from his grip. "It¡¯s¡­ crushing me!" His breath came in ragged gasps, his knees hitting the scorched earth. His eyes darted to the cocoon, his face pale beneath the soot.


    Sylvia flinched. Her wings flickered, dimming to a faint glow. "No..." she whispered, stepping back as her shield faltered. "This¡­ this can¡¯t be real." Her knees buckled, but she forced herself upright, trembling.


    James didn¡¯t have time to scream. His legs gave out, his body hitting the ground hard. His chest heaved, his heartbeat deafening in his ears. Too much. The pressure wasn¡¯t just physical. It was in his mind, his soul. An endless abyss staring back.


    CRACK!


    Another split tore through the cocoon. The ground quaked. A soundless roar seemed to vibrate through their bones, shattering any last vestige of composure.


    "What is that?!" Kael snarled, his body shaking. His wild eyes darted to Sylvia, then to James. No answers.


    Sylvia dropped her hands, her light fading entirely. "This¡­ isn¡¯t something we can fight," she murmured. Her voice barely rose above a whisper, her gaze locked on the cocoon.


    The air grew colder and hotter at once. The light from the crack wasn¡¯t just light¡ªit was wrong. It pulsed, twisting their senses. Darkness and fire intertwined, blinding yet suffocating.


    James clawed at the ground, forcing himself upright. His vision blurred, but through it, he saw Elyndor.


    Elyndor stood tall, his staff raised high, his smirk unwavering. "Yes¡­ YES!" he bellowed, his voice cracking with triumph. "More! Awaken fully, beast!"


    Another CRACK! A sliver of molten, otherworldly energy escaped the cocoon.


    The whispers began. Low, guttural, unintelligible. They weren¡¯t sounds¡ªthey were felt. Each syllable clawed at their sanity, digging into the corners of their minds.


    Sylvia screamed, clutching her head. Kael¡¯s body convulsed, his claws tearing into the ground. Thrain¡¯s hammer erupted in a shower of molten sparks as he tried to move but couldn¡¯t.


    James¡¯s chest heaved. His vision tunneled. And then, amidst the chaos, he saw it.


    The eye.


    A single molten eye stared out from the crack in the cocoon. It blinked slowly, deliberately. As if aware.


    Aware of them.


    James¡¯s scream joined the others.

 Chapter 76: Rise Of The God-Beast

    James¡¯s breath hitched as he staggered forward, his legs screaming in protest. The barrier they¡¯d torn through was still shimmering faintly behind them, the heat of Elyndor¡¯s fire-and-spirit energy lingering in the air like a suffocating blanket.


    Ahead, Elyndor stood in the center of his ritual circle, the high-grade control rune glowing with an otherworldly brilliance. The lines of its intricate design pulsated in sync with the monstrous cocoon behind him. The molten surface of the cocoon was alive with cracks, molten energy seeping from the gaps. Each pulse of light seemed to sap the world of its strength, making even the air feel heavy and oppressive. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Stay back!" Elyndor¡¯s voice boomed, distorted as if layered with the whispers of his spirits. His once pristine robes were scorched and torn, his face gaunt and shadowed by the ritual¡¯s toll. Yet his eyes burned with manic determination.


    "Elyndor!" James shouted, his voice raw and trembling. He stepped forward, feeling Sylvia¡¯s hand on his arm but shaking it off. "You don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re doing! That thing isn¡¯t something you can control!"


    Elyndor turned to face him, his expression a twisted mix of disdain and triumph. "Weakling," he spat. "You¡¯ve spent this entire journey clinging to scraps of courage, hiding behind gadgets and luck. What could you possibly know of power? Of duty?"


    James¡¯s fists clenched. "I know enough to see that this¡­ this thing is beyond us. You think you¡¯re in control, but you¡¯re just feeding it."


    Elyndor laughed, bitter and hollow. "Naive as ever. This beast is the key to reshaping the world. With it under my command, the elven empire will rise above all others. There will be no more wars, no more betrayals. Only order¡ªmy father¡¯s order."


    Kael snarled, his claws digging into the ground. "Your father¡¯s a damned lunatic if he thinks this is the way to peace. You¡¯re no better."


    Elyndor ignored him, raising his staff as the control rune flared brighter. The ground beneath the circle trembled, and the molten light from the cocoon intensified. "You¡¯ve all spent your lives in service to mediocrity, to false unity. I serve something greater. This is my duty."


    "This is madness!" Sylvia shouted, her wings flaring with blinding light. "Elyndor, stop before it¡¯s too late!"


    James stepped forward again, his heart hammering in his chest. He could feel Arthur¡¯s presence pressing down on him, an invisible weight that threatened to crush his resolve. Yet he kept moving, forcing himself to meet Elyndor¡¯s gaze.


    "Duty?" James¡¯s voice cracked, but he pushed on. "Is that what you tell yourself? That sacrificing everything, everyone, is justified as long as it¡¯s for your empire? Look around you, Elyndor! You¡¯re alone. You¡¯ve alienated everyone who could have stood by you. And for what? A monster that doesn¡¯t care about you or your empire?"


    Elyndor¡¯s jaw tightened, but he didn¡¯t respond. The spirits circling him hissed and whispered, their forms flickering like dying embers.


    The cocoon behind him groaned, a deep, resonant sound that rattled James¡¯s bones. A massive crack spread across its surface, spewing molten energy into the air. The psychic pressure surged, forcing everyone to their knees. James gasped as his vision blurred, Arthur¡¯s presence slamming into his mind like a tidal wave.


    Images flickered¡ªdestruction, endless fire, and a voice, deep and echoing, that carried the weight of despair. "You are nothing."


    "No," James muttered, his hands clutching his head. "You¡¯re wrong."


    "What did you say, human?" Elyndor¡¯s voice was strained, his control slipping as the rune flickered under the cocoon¡¯s pressure.


    James forced himself upright, his knees wobbling. "You¡¯re wrong. You¡¯re not in control. That thing¡­ it¡¯s using you."


    Elyndor¡¯s face twisted in fury. "Silence!" He raised his staff, and the control rune surged with power. "I¡¯ll show you what true strength looks like!"


    The rune¡¯s glow intensified, its lines shifting and weaving as Elyndor chanted in the ancient tongue of the spirits. The words were guttural and harsh, resonating with an unnatural force.


    "Anath-thiryn al¡¯nurak! Bind thy will to me, O beast of chaos!" Elyndor¡¯s voice rose, echoing against the trembling cavern walls. "By blood and spirit, submit!"


    The air crackled with energy as a massive spirit emerged from the circle¡ªa middle-tier being, its form towering and ethereal, wreathed in fire and shadow. Its presence radiated malice, its molten eyes locked onto the group.


    "Kael, now!" Sylvia shouted, her wings igniting with divine light as she launched herself at the spirit. Kael roared, leaping forward to meet it head-on.


    James stumbled back, his mind spinning as the psychic pressure from Arthur and the spirit¡¯s aura clashed in the air. His eyes darted to Elyndor, who stood rigid, pouring his life force into the ritual. The control rune was beginning to splinter, its edges cracking under the strain.


    And then he saw it.


    On the back of Elyndor¡¯s neck, just below the hairline, was the faint shimmer of something alive¡ªa mind-bug. Its translucent body pulsed, its tendrils burrowed deep into his skin. James¡¯s stomach turned as realization struck.


    "Elyndor!" he shouted, his voice breaking. "You¡¯re being controlled!"


    Elyndor faltered, his chant momentarily breaking. He turned to James, confusion flickering in his manic gaze. "What nonsense are you spewing now?"


    "There¡¯s a bug on you!" James took a step forward, his hands raised. "It¡¯s on the back of your neck¡ªit¡¯s controlling your thoughts! This isn¡¯t you, Elyndor!"


    The elf froze, his grip on the staff loosening. His free hand instinctively reached for the back of his neck, his fingers brushing against the pulsating creature. His eyes widened in horror.


    "What¡­ what is this?"


    The control rune faltered, its glow dimming as Elyndor¡¯s focus wavered. The massive spirit let out an enraged roar, its fiery form lashing out at Kael and Sylvia. Thrain smashed his hammer into the ground, creating a protective barrier, but the group was on the defensive.


    James pressed forward, his heart pounding. "You can fight it, Elyndor! You don¡¯t have to do this!"


    Elyndor¡¯s hand trembled as he gripped the bug, his face twisted in pain. "No¡­ no, I have to¡ª"


    The cocoon groaned again, the cracks spreading like a web. A deafening hum filled the air, followed by a blinding flash of molten light. James shielded his eyes, the psychic pressure intensifying to the point of suffocation.


    And then it came.


    A massive claw emerged from the cocoon, its surface crackling with destructive energy. The ground shook violently as the air turned blisteringly hot, the sheer weight of Arthur¡¯s presence slamming into them like a physical force.


    Elyndor¡¯s eyes lit up with manic triumph. "Yes¡­ yes! Submit to me!"


    The claw twitched, flexing once before slamming into the ground with a thunderous BOOM. The resulting shockwave sent everyone sprawling, the ritual circle shattering under the force.


    James coughed, struggling to rise. His eyes locked onto Elyndor, who stood frozen, his staff trembling in his grip. The cocoon¡¯s surface began to peel away, revealing a faint silhouette glowing with molten light.


    "Elyndor, stop!" James shouted, his voice desperate.


    But the elf didn¡¯t respond. His eyes were locked on the beast emerging before him, his lips curling into a trembling smile. "Mine¡­" he whispered, his voice cracking. "It¡¯s all mine."

 Chapter 77: Bow To My Majesty

    James couldn¡¯t breathe.


    The air around him felt too thick, as if the atmosphere itself had been warped by the sheer magnitude of the beast breaking free. Arthur¡¯s cocoon, once a massive prison of molten energy, split down its center with an earsplitting crack. The sound reverberated like a thousand bells shattering at once, followed by a shockwave that knocked him onto his back.


    "Gods¡­" Sylvia¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, trembling with awe and terror.


    James pushed himself up, his body trembling. The world seemed to shrink as he looked upon the emerging form.


    First came the claw¡ªmassive and jagged, its obsidian surface pulsing with molten veins of fiery destruction. It dug into the ground, carving deep fissures into the volcanic rock. Another claw followed, each movement deliberate and impossibly heavy, as if the earth itself groaned under the weight of its presence.


    Then came the head.


    Arthur¡¯s obsidian skull rose above the broken cocoon, his elongated horns crackling with arcs of destructive energy. His molten eyes opened, twin orbs of searing light that seemed to pierce into James¡¯s very soul. His breath was a low, guttural growl, vibrating the ground and sending ripples through the air. Steam and ash erupted around him, the sheer heat of his body igniting the very air.


    James wanted to scream, but his voice was caught somewhere deep in his throat. Arthur wasn¡¯t just a beast¡ªhe was a force of nature, a god of destruction made flesh.


    Elyndor, however, stood his ground, his staff raised high. His face, contorted with both fear and ecstasy, shone with the manic light of someone who believed themselves victorious. "Yes!" he bellowed. "Yes! You are mine to command, god-beast!"


    James¡¯s heart pounded as he scrambled to his feet. "Elyndor, stop! You don¡¯t understand!"


    Elyndor didn¡¯t listen. He drove the staff into the ground, and the control rune flared to life, its intricate lines glowing with ancient energy. The summoned spirit writhed above the rune, its form twisting as Elyndor chanted in the ancient tongue.


    "Neth¡¯rion venal¡¯ar! Bind! Obey!" The words were guttural and sharp, each syllable striking the air like a lash.


    Arthur paused.


    For one horrifying moment, the monstrous head tilted, his blazing eyes flickering as if caught in the rune¡¯s spell. The molten light dimmed ever so slightly, and the massive claws stilled. The entire cavern seemed to hold its breath.


    "It¡¯s working!" Elyndor cried, his voice triumphant. "The god-beast bends to me!"


    James¡¯s chest tightened as he watched Arthur, his colossal frame unmoving. For the briefest second, hope flared¡ªhope that maybe, just maybe, the destruction could be contained.


    But then Arthur moved.


    The flicker in his eyes became a blaze. The molten veins along his body pulsed brighter, more violently, and the energy in the air shifted. It wasn¡¯t submission. It was rage.


    The control rune shattered with a deafening crack, its fragments scattering like shards of glass. The summoned spirit let out an unearthly wail as Arthur¡¯s jaws snapped open and closed in one fluid motion. The spirit¡¯s form disintegrated, its essence consumed in an instant.


    "No!" Elyndor¡¯s scream pierced the chaos. "No, this isn¡¯t¡ª"


    Arthur¡¯s head turned toward him, his molten eyes narrowing with a terrifying focus. The god-beast¡¯s massive body twisted, his obsidian claws digging into the earth as he lunged forward. Elyndor didn¡¯t even have time to react.


    James could only watch, frozen in place, as Arthur¡¯s jaws closed around Elyndor with a sickening crunch. The elf¡¯s screams were cut short, his body vanishing into the beast¡¯s maw. Blood and molten energy spilled from Arthur¡¯s teeth as he lifted his head, swallowing with an almost casual motion.


    Silence.


    James felt his legs give out, collapsing onto the ground as the reality of what he¡¯d witnessed sank in. Elyndor was gone. Devoured. Snuffed out as easily as a flame in a storm.


    "Th-the rune¡­" Thrain¡¯s voice was a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the roaring heat. "It didn¡¯t even¡­ didn¡¯t even touch him¡­"


    Kael stared, his claws trembling. "We¡¯re dead. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re walking away from this."


    Sylvia tried to step forward, her luminous wings flaring weakly, but even she seemed cowed by the overwhelming presence of the god-beast. Arthur stood tall now, his full form revealed¡ªan obsidian leviathan towering over them. Every inch of his body radiated molten power, his veins glowing brighter with each passing second. His tail, long and jagged, slammed into the ground behind him, sending another shockwave rippling through the cavern.


    The air grew heavier. James could barely lift his head as Arthur¡¯s molten eyes scanned the group. His gaze lingered on each of them, and for a moment, James swore he felt something in that stare¡ªsomething ancient, something incomprehensible.


    The whispers returned.


    They weren¡¯t words, not really. Just echoes of emotion¡ªrage, pain, despair¡ªall crashing into James¡¯s mind at once. He clutched his head, his breathing ragged as he fought to stay conscious.


    Arthur took a step forward. The ground beneath his claw cracked and melted, the sheer heat reducing it to molten sludge. Another step, and the group instinctively scattered, their earlier unity forgotten in the face of pure survival.


    "Run!" Sylvia shouted, her voice breaking. "We can¡¯t fight this!"


    James staggered to his feet, his body screaming in protest as he stumbled backward. He couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from Arthur. The god-beast wasn¡¯t chasing them. He didn¡¯t need to. His very presence was enough to crush any semblance of hope.


    And yet, as James fell back into a shallow crevice, his chest heaving, he felt it again¡ªthat fleeting connection. Arthur¡¯s eyes flicked toward him, just for a moment, and the whispers in his mind grew louder.


    "Survive."


    The word was clear this time, cutting through the chaos like a blade. It wasn¡¯t a command. It was a challenge. A cruel declaration of the inevitable.


    Arthur¡¯s massive form reared back, his molten wings spreading wide as a roar erupted from his throat. It wasn¡¯t just a sound¡ªit was a force. A shockwave of pure destruction energy blasted outward, leveling the terrain and sending jagged shards of obsidian flying. James threw himself to the ground, shielding his head as the wave passed over him.


    When he looked up, Arthur was moving. The god-beast turned, his colossal frame disappearing into the ash and molten haze of the cavern. The ground trembled with each step he took, the world itself seeming to bow to his presence.


    James slumped against the rock, his breaths shallow and ragged. They had survived. Barely. But at what cost?


    "James!" Sylvia¡¯s voice called out, weak but urgent. "Are you¡ª"


    "I¡¯m here," he rasped, pushing himself upright. His body ached, his mind spinning, but he was alive. Somehow, against all odds, he was alive.


    Kael and Thrain stumbled into view, both battered and covered in ash. They looked at James, then at the devastation Arthur had left behind. No one spoke. No one could. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The god-beast had risen. And they were powerless to stop him.

 Chapter 78: Flee or Fight

    James¡¯s POV


    I couldn¡¯t move. My body refused. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but my legs felt like lead. The air was thick, suffocating, as though the weight of the world pressed down on my chest.


    The god-beast loomed before us, its massive form framed by the molten glow of its body. Veins of liquid fire pulsed through its obsidian skin, casting eerie flickers of light across the shattered ground. Its molten eyes were locked on us¡ªwatching, waiting. It didn¡¯t attack. It didn¡¯t need to.


    "Why is it just standing there?" I whispered, barely able to hear my own voice over the pounding of my heart.


    No one answered.


    The only sound was the soft drip of molten rock falling from the beast¡¯s glowing veins and the distant hiss of steam rising from the cracked earth. Its tail swayed lazily behind it, carving shallow trenches in the volcanic rock with every movement. But the rest of it was eerily still, a mountain of living destruction.


    "Why... why isn¡¯t it attacking?" Sylvia whispered, her voice trembling.


    The oppressive weight of Arthur¡¯s presence pressed down on me, rooting me to the spot. It wasn¡¯t fear. It was despair¡ªan all-encompassing sense that they were utterly powerless.


    Thrain shifted, gripping his hammer tightly. "I don¡¯t trust it. Beast¡¯s sizing us up, that¡¯s what it¡¯s doing."


    Kael growled, breaking the silence. "It¡¯s mocking us." His claws flexed, glinting in the dim light. "You think I¡¯m gonna stand here and wait to die?"


    "Kael, don¡¯t¡ª" Sylvia started, but it was too late.


    Kael lunged, his body a blur of motion. His berserker strength ignited, his claws glowing faintly with raw energy as he aimed for the god-beast¡¯s throat.


    The god-beast didn¡¯t flinch. Its eyes tracked Kael, but it didn¡¯t move. Not even when Kael¡¯s claws raked across its obsidian skin, sending sparks flying. The impact sounded like nails scraping against stone.


    Nothing.


    Not a mark. Not a crack. Kael might as well have been scratching at a mountain.


    "What the hell?" Kael snarled, landing and spinning around for another strike. He clawed and slashed with a frenzy I¡¯d never seen before. His blows landed again and again, each one met with the same result. The god-beast didn¡¯t react. Didn¡¯t flinch.


    It just watched him.


    The silence was worse than any roar. Those molten eyes bore into Kael, unblinking, as though he were a fly buzzing around its head.


    "Kael, stop!" Sylvia shouted. Her wings flared, glowing faintly as she stepped forward. "You¡¯re wasting your strength!"


    Thrain growled, gripping his hammer tightly. "He¡¯s not listening. Damn fool¡¯s gonna get us all killed!"


    Kael roared again, leaping high into the air and bringing both claws down in a double strike aimed directly at the beast¡¯s head.


    That was when it moved.


    Its tail snapped upward, faster than my eyes could follow.


    CRACK.


    The sound was deafening.


    Kael was gone. One moment he was in the air, roaring with defiance, and the next, there was nothing left but blood. A grotesque smear on the ground where he had stood seconds ago.


    "Kael!" Sylvia screamed.


    I froze. My mind couldn¡¯t process what I¡¯d just seen. One second. That¡¯s all it took. A single flick of its tail, and Kael¡ªKael, the strongest of us¡ªwas gone.


    Sylvia¡¯s breathing turned ragged, and she stepped forward, her hands trembling. "Why?" she demanded, her voice breaking. "Why did you do that? He wasn¡¯t a threat to you!"


    The god-beast tilted its massive head, its molten eyes narrowing as though considering her words. Its voice rumbled through the air, deep and guttural.


    "He chose poorly."


    The words hung in the air like a death sentence. They weren¡¯t just spoken¡ªthey were felt, resonating through the ground, through my chest, through my mind. I clutched my head, trying to block it out, but there was no escape.


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared to a dazzling brilliance, the golden light searing away the oppressive ash that clung to the air. Her eyes burned with resolve, her voice sharp and commanding. "Thrain, we¡¯re doing this¡ªThe State."


    Thrain¡¯s hammer trembled in his hands as molten veins spread across its surface, glowing brighter than ever before. His jaw tightened, a mix of anger and fear flashing across his face. "You¡¯re mad, angel. But if we¡¯re dying, let¡¯s make it count."


    I froze, my mind racing. The State. I¡¯d only heard whispers of it¡ªan ultimate technique taught by the Avatars to their chosen champions, a last-ditch power reserved for only the direst of moments. It could triple their strength, their speed, their very essence. But the cost¡­ one minute of godlike power, once a year. No more.


    "Don¡¯t¡ª" I started, but Sylvia cut me off with a sharp glare.


    "We don¡¯t have a choice, James," she said, her voice trembling under the weight of her own resolve. "Run, if you can."


    Her wings flared wider, the golden light blinding as she whispered something under her breath. It wasn¡¯t a prayer. It was a promise.


    The air around Thrain rippled with heat as he slammed his hammer into the ground, molten rock surging upward like a living thing. "Sylvia," he growled, his voice guttural and heavy, "don¡¯t miss."


    Together, they activated The State.


    Sylvia¡¯s wings ignited into blazing arcs of divine energy, her entire form radiating an aura that felt otherworldly. Thrain¡¯s body grew bulkier, molten veins pulsing along his arms and chest as his hammer glowed like the heart of a dying star.


    The air itself seemed to bend around them. The oppressive weight of the god-beast¡¯s presence lessened for just a moment, as if even it recognized the force they now wielded.


    Sylvia moved first.


    She vanished in a blur of light, reappearing above the god-beast¡¯s head. Beams of concentrated light shot from her hands, each one crackling with divine fury. They struck the beast¡¯s molten eyes, forcing it to finally blink, its massive head tilting ever so slightly under the onslaught.


    Thrain roared, the ground beneath him fracturing as he surged forward. He moved faster than I thought possible, his hammer trailing streams of molten rock as he swung it with impossible force. It connected with the beast¡¯s obsidian flank, and for the first time, the sound of cracking stone filled the air.


    A scratch.


    The god-beast shifted its massive frame, molten energy bleeding from the thin line of damaged flesh. It didn¡¯t flinch. It didn¡¯t roar. Its molten eyes simply glowed brighter, watching them with what I could only describe as amusement.


    "More!" Sylvia shouted, her voice reverberating like thunder. She poured everything into her attacks, beams of divine light hammering into the beast¡¯s head, its chest, its legs. The scratches deepened, but they were still scratches.


    Thrain followed her lead, each swing of his hammer sending molten shockwaves rippling across the beast¡¯s obsidian skin. He struck the same spot again and again, widening the crack until a chunk of the beast¡¯s armor-like hide broke away.


    It regenerated.


    Right before my eyes, the molten veins pulsed, knitting the broken flesh together as though nothing had happened.


    "No..." I whispered, my voice drowned out by the sound of Thrain¡¯s hammer meeting stone again and again. "It¡¯s not enough."


    The god-beast tilted its head, its molten eyes locking onto Sylvia. "You burn bright," it said, its voice cold and detached. "But flames that burn too brightly snuff themselves out."


    It raised its massive claw, glowing with destructive energy. Sylvia didn¡¯t stop, her light intensifying as she charged again, her wings slicing through the air like blazing swords.


    The claw came down.


    Thrain moved, faster than I¡¯d ever seen him, his hammer swinging upward to intercept the attack. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, shattering the molten ground beneath them. Sylvia faltered mid-air, the recoil knocking her back.


    "You¡¯ll get yourself killed!" Thrain bellowed, his hammer trembling as he struggled to hold the beast¡¯s claw at bay.


    "Then we die fighting!" Sylvia screamed, her wings flaring once more.


    The god-beast¡¯s lips curled back in what might have been a smile. "Futile."


    It shifted its weight, pressing down harder. Thrain¡¯s legs buckled, the molten veins across his body dimming as The State began to take its toll.


    "No!" Sylvia yelled, diving in with a beam of light aimed at the beast¡¯s exposed flank.


    The beam hit true, tearing another chunk of obsidian flesh away. It regenerated instantly, the molten energy sealing the wound as though it had never existed.


    The god-beast¡¯s tail lashed out, faster than even their enhanced states could react. It struck Sylvia mid-flight, sending her crashing into the molten ground with a sickening crack. Her wings flickered, the divine light dimming.


    "No!" I screamed, rushing forward before I even realized what I was doing.


    The god-beast¡¯s molten eyes shifted to me. "You should not move, mortal. Your frailty is apparent."


    I froze, my legs trembling as its gaze bore into me. The weight of its presence alone felt like it was crushing my very soul.


    Thrain let out a guttural roar, his hammer glowing with one last surge of molten energy. He swung it upward in a desperate, all-or-nothing strike aimed directly at the beast¡¯s head.


    It caught the hammer mid-swing.


    With its claws.


    The molten veins across Thrain¡¯s body dimmed completely as The State faded. His hammer cracked, the molten glow extinguished as the god-beast squeezed. The weapon shattered into molten shards, the force sending Thrain sprawling.


    Sylvia groaned, trying to rise, but her wings were broken, her light flickering weakly.


    The god-beast loomed over them, its massive form casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the world.


    "Enough," it said.


    The word wasn¡¯t loud, but it stopped them both in their tracks. The pressure in the air intensified, crushing down on us like a tidal wave. I fell to my knees, gasping for air, my mind reeling from the sheer weight of its presence.


    +


    This wasn¡¯t something we could fight. This wasn¡¯t a creature. It was a force¡ªa living calamity.


    "Who sent you?" the god-beast asked, its molten gaze sweeping over us. "Why are you here?"


    Sylvia, trembling, lowered her hands. "We¡ªwe were sent to investigate. To stop the threat you pose."


    The god-beast tilted its head. "And you thought you could?"


    Its voice dripped with disdain, but there was no anger in it. Only cold indifference.


    "You killed Kael," Sylvia said, her voice wavering. "Why?"


    The god-beast¡¯s gaze fixed on her. "He tried to run. Do you think prey escapes the hunter?"


    Thrain gritted his teeth, stepping in front of Sylvia. "If you¡¯re so damn powerful, what do you want from us?"


    The god-beast¡¯s eyes glowed brighter, molten veins pulsing across its body. "Answers."


    I felt its gaze shift to me, and a cold dread settled over me. "Tell me," it said. "What lies beyond this wasteland? The realms. Your ¡¯Avatars.¡¯ Their strength. Their purpose."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings drooped, and her voice cracked. "Why do you care?"


    The god-beast¡¯s eyes burned hotter. "Because I will burn this world to ash. And I will know what stands between me and the gods."


    The finality of its words sent a shiver down my spine. This wasn¡¯t a threat¡ªit was a promise.


    Sylvia stepped forward again, desperation in her voice. "You don¡¯t have to do this. We can help you."


    The god-beast¡¯s tail twitched, sending tremors through the ground. "Help me?" It laughed, a sound so cold it felt like the air itself froze. "You tremble in my shadow, yet you think to offer me aid?"


    It raised a massive claw, glowing with molten energy, poised to strike.


    "Stop!" I shouted, forcing myself to my feet. "I¡¯ll stay! Just¡­ don¡¯t hurt them."


    The god-beast paused, its claw hovering mid-air. It turned its gaze to me, its molten eyes narrowing. "You would stay?"


    "Yes," I said, my voice shaking. "Just let them go."


    The silence stretched, the god-beast studying me. Then, slowly, it lowered its claw.


    "They may leave," it said, its voice cold and absolute. "But you will remain."


    Sylvia spun toward me, her eyes wide. "James, no¡ª"


    "Go," I said, cutting her off. "You can¡¯t fight this. None of us can."


    Thrain hesitated, his hammer trembling in his hands. "Boy¡­"


    "Please," I said, my voice breaking. "Just go."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings drooped, tears welling in her eyes. She grabbed Thrain¡¯s arm, pulling him back. "We¡¯ll come back for you, James. I promise."


    I didn¡¯t answer. I couldn¡¯t.


    As they retreated, I stood alone before the god-beast. Its gaze bore into me, unyielding, and I knew there was no escape. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now," it said, its voice rumbling like thunder. "You will answer me."

 Chapter 79: A God-Beast’s Point Of View

    The moment they set foot on the island, I knew.


    Their presence was like a flicker of candlelight in a dark room, fragile but unmistakable. Even through the dense, molten haze of my cocoon, I felt them¡ªa disturbance in the threads of fate and reality around me. My psychic reach, dulled and strained as it was by the battle with Elyra and my subsequent hibernation, instinctively reached out. What I found was¡­ amusing.


    They were nothing.


    Yet one among them caught my attention.


    The human.


    Not because of his strength¡ªhe had none. Not because of his skills¡ªthose were barely worth noting. It was something else, something I couldn¡¯t define. A faint thread of connection. The strands of fate that touched my existence brushed against his, binding us in a way I hadn¡¯t anticipated. His thoughts were loud, unguarded, and curious.


    Why did he feel so familiar?


    The others were noise. The angel burned with resolve but was burdened by doubt. The beastman was a ball of reckless energy, easy to predict. The dwarf¡¯s spirit was sturdy, unyielding, but brittle in the face of change. And the elf¡­


    The elf was broken.


    A mind-bug clung to him, corrupting his thoughts with whispers of ambition and rage. I didn¡¯t plant it, but I didn¡¯t need to. Its crude influence was the perfect tool for what I needed. A simple nudge, a faint whisper magnifying the parasite¡¯s control, and the elf¡¯s fractured psyche became a puppet for my will.


    When I delved into his mind, it was like stepping into a decaying house. His hatred for the others was a fire waiting to be stoked. His desperation for validation, for his empire¡¯s glory, was a ripe fruit ready to be plucked. I whispered into his soul, feeding his delusions, magnifying his doubts, twisting his memories until the idea of summoning me became his only purpose.


    He would lead them to me.


    But it was the human who intrigued me most. His dreams were an open door I couldn¡¯t resist. I crept into his mind, shaping his thoughts, planting images of me¡ªmy battles, my destruction, my dormant form. I wanted him to find me, to see me as inevitable.


    And he did.


    Their journey across the island was predictable. Every step they took, every trap they triggered, every decision they made¡ªit all played into my hands. They believed they were hunting a beast. In truth, they were prey, walking willingly into my den.


    +


    The elf¡¯s ritual was the final piece. His mind-bug ensured he would sacrifice everything¡ªhis summoned spirit, his life force, even his sanity¡ªto complete it. I didn¡¯t care for the ritual¡¯s intent. I didn¡¯t need to be bound or controlled. All I needed was the energy it would generate to finish what Elyra¡¯s death had started.


    And so, the cracks formed.


    The cracks spidered outward, veins of molten energy pulsing along the surface of the cocoon like a living thing. Each pulse sent a ripple through the air, heating it until it felt like the atmosphere itself was boiling. The faint scent of ash, already omnipresent in the Scorching Badlands, deepened into something acrid and metallic, as though the very essence of the land was being scorched anew.


    The first break came with a sound that reverberated across the volcanic plain¡ªa low, guttural crack that made the ground tremble. Pieces of the cocoon¡¯s surface splintered and fell away, their glowing edges hissing as they hit the baked earth. The air shifted immediately, growing heavier, denser. It wasn¡¯t just the heat anymore; it was pressure, a suffocating force that bore down on everything in its radius.


    The air itself seemed to recoil as I pushed forward, my second claw ripping through the shell. Fragments of the cocoon fell in glowing shards, melting into the ground with a sizzle. The temperature surged higher with every movement, the dry heat of the Badlands transforming into something suffocating, relentless. The champions below me¡ªsmall, fragile things¡ªwere bathed in the glow of my emergence.


    I pushed further, and the surface of the cocoon cracked entirely, the structure collapsing in on itself. The hiss of molten energy escaping the shell filled the air, a sound that felt alive, breathing, like the earth was exhaling its last breath. A blinding pulse of molten light shot upward as my head emerged, my molten eyes blinking against the brightness of the wasteland.


    The world outside was sharper than I remembered. My vision, filtered through my molten gaze, saw everything. Every crack in the volcanic ground, every wisp of steam rising from fissures. The faint glow of Sylvia¡¯s divine light, trembling as though it sensed the inevitability of my rise. The fear on their faces¡ªthe angel, the dwarf, the beastman, and the human¡ªetched into their expressions like carvings on stone.


    The smell hit me next, a mix of sulfur and scorched rock layered with something else¡ªadrenaline, sweat, fear. It was intoxicating. The air felt alive, charged with energy that had nothing to do with the Badlands. It came from them, their bodies quaking, their breath hitching as they struggled to remain standing under the weight of my presence.


    The ground trembled as I stretched, my form rising higher, massive, unstoppable. My obsidian skin gleamed, each molten vein throbbing with destruction energy that pulsed outward in waves. With every shift of my body, the earth beneath me cracked and groaned, struggling to bear my weight.


    The temperature rose again, the very air shimmering with heatwaves. It was unbearable to them¡ªI could see it in their strained expressions, the way their movements slowed, their breaths shallowed. Sylvia¡¯s wings drooped slightly, the divine glow dimming against the sheer force of the heat. Thrain wiped his brow, the molten glow of his hammer flickering like a candle struggling to stay lit.


    When I finally stood to my full height, I saw it. The realization dawning in their eyes.


    This was not a beast.


    This was something far beyond their comprehension.


    I tilted my head, the motion slow, deliberate. The movement sent a ripple through the molten veins across my body, and the light from my eyes intensified, casting long shadows across the ground. My tail swayed behind me, each twitch carving shallow trenches into the rock.


    Their terror was palpable now, thicker than the molten air. The angel tried to speak, her voice trembling as she called out something I couldn¡¯t hear over the hum of my own energy. The beastman bared his claws, but his stance wavered. The dwarf¡¯s grip on his hammer tightened, but he didn¡¯t move.


    And then there was the human.


    His fear was quieter, more restrained, but I could feel it. It pulsed faintly along the thread that connected us, brushing against my mind in fragmented bursts. Confusion. Despair. Fascination. He was trembling, yet he hadn¡¯t moved back like the others. Why?


    I let the silence stretch. I wanted to see how they would react. Would they run? Would they fight? Would they simply crumble under the weight of what stood before them?


    The human¡­


    He stood frozen, his wide eyes locked on me.


    Why does his presence resonate so strongly?


    I didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. The elf¡¯s scream cut through the silence as I lowered my jaws around him. His body crunched between my teeth, his life extinguished before he could even comprehend his failure. His essence was bitter, hollow. He was a puppet to the end, offering me nothing but the satisfaction of silencing his delusions.


    When they attacked, I almost pitied them.


    The angel and the dwarf activated their ultimate technique¡ªtheir so-called "State." I could feel the surge of their power, their determination burning brighter than the molten veins coursing through my body. They struck with everything they had, their combined attacks managing to scratch my hide.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    I regenerated before their eyes, the scratches sealing themselves as though they had never existed. Their despair was intoxicating, their hope crumbling with every futile strike.


    And the human watched. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    +


    He didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t speak, but I could feel his mind racing, his thoughts brushing against mine in fragmented bursts.


    When the beastman lunged, it was almost laughable. His claws, his strength, his fury¡ªit all amounted to nothing. My tail ended his defiance in an instant, his body reduced to nothing more than a smear on the ground.


    "He chose poorly," I said, my voice rumbling through the shattered landscape.


    The angel screamed at me, her wings blazing with divine light as she demanded answers.


    "Why?" she cried. "You didn¡¯t need to kill him!"


    I tilted my head, amused by her defiance. "Do you think prey escapes the hunter? He ran. That is the only answer you need."


    The dwarf stepped forward, his hammer raised despite its cracks. "And what about us? What do you want, monster?"


    My molten eyes locked onto him, the weight of my gaze forcing him to falter. "Answers," I said simply.


    I turned to the human. His fear was palpable, his connection to me pulsing faintly like a thread stretched taut. "You, human. Tell me. What lies beyond this wasteland? The realms. Your ¡¯Avatars.¡¯ Their strength. Their purpose."


    The angel¡¯s light dimmed, her voice trembling as she asked, "Why¡­ why do you care?"


    "Because I will burn this world to ash," I said, my voice as cold as it was final. "And I will know what stands between me and the gods."


    The silence was broken only by the trembling of the earth beneath us. Their despair was delicious.


    And then the human spoke.


    "Let them go," he said, his voice trembling but steady. "I¡¯ll stay."


    I turned my gaze to him, intrigued. "You would stay?"


    "Yes," he said. "Just let them go."


    The threads of fate connecting us burned brighter, pulling at something deep within me. His resolve was weak, but his offer¡­


    It amused me.


    "Very well," I said. "They may leave. But you will remain."


    The angel protested, her broken wings trembling as she tried to reason with me. The dwarf hesitated, his hammer trembling in his grip.


    But the human silenced them.


    "Go," he said, his voice breaking. "You can¡¯t fight this. None of us can."


    As they retreated, I turned my full attention to the human.


    "What is your name?" I asked.


    "James," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "James," I repeated, tasting the name. "You will answer my questions. And in return, I will not kill you."


    He nodded, his fear giving way to a strange acceptance.


    For the first time in ages, I felt¡­ curious.


    This human. This connection. This thread of fate.


    Perhaps being a god-beast would not be so solitary after all.

 Chapter 80: Bandit God-Beast

    The human¡ªJames¡ªstood before me, his face pale, his breaths shallow. Despite his fear, he had answered my questions well enough, though his trembling hands betrayed his nerves. The sheer audacity of his comrades trying to challenge me still amused me. It was like watching ants throw pebbles at a mountain, but James had proven more useful than the rest. His knowledge had filled in many blanks I needed for this world.


    The air was heavy with the lingering tension of our standoff. I lowered my massive head to his level, letting my glowing eyes meet his. He flinched but didn¡¯t step back.


    "What do you intend to do with me now that I¡¯ve answered your questions?" His voice cracked, but he stood his ground.


    "You may leave."


    His jaw dropped. "What?"


    "Just because we are bound by fate, little mouse, does not mean I have any interest in someone as weak as you following me around. Besides," I rumbled, pulling back slightly, "the monsters I will challenge now could kill someone like you in an instant. I would rather not waste time scraping your remains from beneath my claws."


    He opened his mouth to argue but seemed to think better of it. His shoulders slumped, and he gave a bitter laugh. "Whatever will be, will be, huh?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I tilted my head. The phrase was one I remembered from my past life, but it sounded almost ridiculous coming from him. Still, there was something about James¡ªa peculiar thread of fate. He was tied to me in ways I couldn¡¯t fully comprehend, though the pull was undeniable. Yet, for now, his usefulness seemed limited.


    My gaze fell to his pouch, the faint hum of its essence catching my attention. Something was off about it¡ªsomething the system quietly highlighted.


    "What is that?" My voice rumbled, low and dangerous.


    James instinctively placed his hand over the small bag. "This? It¡¯s nothing. Just a space pouch."


    "No," I said, narrowing my eyes. "It is not just a space pouch. I can feel its worth. Give it to me."


    He stiffened, clutching the pouch tightly. "I can¡¯t. It¡¯s¡ª" He hesitated, his face twisting in conflict. "It¡¯s a gift from my Avatar master."


    A gift from his master? Interesting. But sentimentality was a human weakness I had no patience for.


    "I was not asking." My claws scraped against the rocky ground, leaving molten grooves as I leaned closer.


    His hands trembled, his grip tightening. "You don¡¯t understand. This... this is all I have left of my Avatar. It¡¯s not just a tool; it¡¯s... it¡¯s important."


    I growled, the sound reverberating through the air and making him stumble. "Do not mistake my tolerance for mercy, human. That pouch is a tool, nothing more. And if it means your life, so be it."


    For a moment, James looked like he might refuse. His jaw clenched, his knuckles white around the pouch. But then he sighed, defeated, and extended it toward me. "Fine. Take it."


    I plucked the pouch from his outstretched hands, the faint hum of its enchantment resonating with my core. The system chimed in acknowledgment.


    Inventory Expansion: Grade A Space Pouch integrated. Inventory capacity increased to mansion-size.


    The satisfaction was brief but meaningful. This tool would serve me well in my ascension. My gaze flicked back to James, who stood with his hands clenched into fists, his eyes downcast.


    "You may leave now."


    He blinked, his head snapping up. "What?"


    "I have no further use for you here, little mouse. You are free to go." My tail lashed behind me, carving a deep trench in the ground. "Use your return stone and vanish before I change my mind."


    For a moment, he hesitated, as if he might argue. Then, with a nod, he reached for the return stone around his neck. "I hope we never meet again, God-beast."


    I snorted, the sound shaking the ground beneath him. "The feeling is mutual."


    He activated the stone, and in a flash of light, he was gone. The lingering hum of his departure dissipated, leaving me alone in the vast, smoldering wasteland.


    Good. It was better this way. Humans were unreliable, their motives muddled by emotions and self-interest. James had answered my questions and given me a tool of great value¡ªhis role in my journey was complete.


    But the faint thread of fate still nagged at me. The system had not explained the connection fully, only that James¡¯s presence was significant in ways I could not yet see. No matter, I thought. Fate or not, I carve my own path.


    I turned my gaze inward, reaching for the system¡¯s guidance. "System, guide me to the first child of Volcranax. Use the key."


    The system responded with its cold, mechanical tone.


    Key accepted. Calculating optimal path to the first child of Volcranax. Warning: Target possesses destructive capabilities rivaling late-stage second-tier entities. Extreme caution is advised.


    The path materialized in my mind¡ªa vivid trail cutting through the wastelands toward the deep, fiery heart of this realm. The air around me grew hotter, the distant roar of the land itself calling to me.


    Good. A challenge worthy of my time.


    I really do hope this one¡¯s more of a battle than that flying bitch.


    I stretched my massive wings, their span casting a dark shadow over the cracked, burning ground. My claws flexed, gripping the earth as molten veins pulsed across my obsidian form. Each step I took resonated with power, the ground trembling beneath my weight.


    +


    The molten lake stretched before me like a shimmering inferno, its glow reflecting off my obsidian skin. The heat no longer stung or burned¡ªit welcomed me like an old friend. Steam hissed from my body as I exhaled, my claws digging into the searing ground beneath me.


    I stepped closer to the edge, my weight sending ripples across the molten surface. The pulsing veins of destruction in my hide glowed faintly, casting their own fiery light. This place felt alive, every bubbling hiss and distant crack of rock feeding into the aura of power that surrounded me.


    Time to see how far I¡¯ve come.


    The surface of the lake shifted unnaturally, the telltale sign of something massive moving beneath it. A shadow swirled deep within, coiling like a serpent ready to strike. My molten veins pulsed in anticipation.


    There you are.


    I stepped into the lava, the molten rock parting around my legs. The sensation was almost comforting. No resistance, no heat sharp enough to challenge me. Just warmth and power. I waded in further, my tail carving lazy furrows behind me, waiting for the predator to reveal itself.


    And then it came.


    The lake exploded as the Lava Serpent surged upward, its roar splitting the air like a thunderclap. "RRRRAAAAUUUUGHH!" Lava cascaded from its massive, scaled form, each shimmering scale a molten jewel in the light. The beast was a titan in its domain, its coiled body easily stretching fifty meters, with a head crowned by jagged, glowing horns. Its fanged maw opened wide, lava dripping from between its serrated teeth.


    "Impressive," I rumbled, my voice reverberating through the lake as I crouched, claws digging into the lava-quenched stone beneath me. "Come, little worm. Let me show you what it means to challenge a god-beast."


    The serpent roared in answer, a deafening screech that shook the molten lake and sent waves crashing against my legs. "SHRRREEEHHH!" It lunged, its head a blur of motion. Its jaws snapped shut where I had stood a moment before, the force sending molten rock splashing skyward.


    I twisted, my tail whipping around like a battering ram. VOOM! The impact cracked against the serpent¡¯s side, a deep, resonating thud that sent ripples through the lava. It reeled, coiling its body defensively, molten blood spilling from the impact point.


    The beast hissed, its horned head rising above the lake like a vengeful god. "HHRRAAAHHH!" With a whip of its tail, it retaliated, the molten appendage cutting through the air faster than I expected.


    CRACK!


    The blow slammed into my side, forcing a grunt from me as the molten scales of the serpent met my obsidian hide. The force of it sent me sliding a few feet through the lava, but the heat and pressure felt distant, almost dulled.


    That would have shattered me before.


    I growled low, surging forward with claws carving through the molten rock. My jaws opened wide, aiming for the serpent¡¯s neck.


    "RRRAAAH!" the serpent shrieked, its massive head twisting at the last moment. I caught its side instead, my teeth sinking into its molten flesh. Its blood was fire itself, spilling into the lake in bursts of superheated steam. The beast thrashed violently, its coils tightening around my torso in a desperate attempt to crush me.


    I roared, the sound rising from deep within my chest like a quake. "HHHHHRRRRRAAAA!" Destructive energy pulsed outward, a shockwave that cracked the air and blackened the molten lake. Destruction Pulse ripped through the serpent¡¯s grip, forcing its coils to loosen as it recoiled. Chunks of its molten scales were charred black, the edges glowing faintly as they melted into the lake.


    The serpent¡¯s molten eyes narrowed as it reared back, a fiery glow building in its throat.


    "RRRRAAAAUGH!"


    A stream of molten fire erupted from its maw, slamming into my chest with the force of a volcanic eruption. BOOOM! The impact shoved me back, the glow of my obsidian armor intensifying as the heat spread across my form. The molten energy sizzled against my hide, licking at my veins like a hungry predator.


    I snarled, shaking off the attack. My molten veins pulsed brighter as the heat seeped into me. You¡¯re only feeding me, worm.


    I lunged again, claws slicing through the lava as I surged toward the serpent. This time, I aimed for its head. My claws raked across its crown, carving deep gouges into its molten horns. The beast shrieked in agony, thrashing wildly as it tried to throw me off.


    "SSSSSHHHRRREEEHH!"


    I didn¡¯t relent. My jaws snapped down on one of its horns, the crunch of molten bone and stone reverberating through the air as I tore it free. The serpent roared, its convulsions growing more frantic as molten blood poured from the wound.


    My tail slammed down onto its coiled body, pinning it in place as my claws tore into its exposed underbelly. The beast¡¯s struggles weakened, its massive body thrashing in vain as I dug deeper.


    With one final roar, I plunged my claws into its chest and ripped free its molten core. The beast¡¯s body spasmed violently before going limp, sinking into the lake with a final, pitiful hiss.


    I held the core aloft, its fiery glow illuminating the lake around me. The heat from it was intense, even by my standards¡ªa true testament to the beast¡¯s strength. The system¡¯s voice chimed in my mind, offering its options.


    +


    Absorb Lava Core - Upgrade Path Options:


    Lava Veins: Reinforce your internal structure with lava-like veins, increasing resistance to fire and heat-based attacks.


    Molten Strike: Infuse your attacks with molten energy, dealing additional burn damage to enemies.


    Lava Form: Temporarily transform into a molten state, reducing physical damage taken while increasing fire-based attacks.


    +


    My molten eyes narrowed as I studied the options. Endurance. Survival. I selected Lava Veins, and the core dissolved in my claws, its fiery energy seeping into me.


    A searing heat coursed through my body, hotter than anything I had felt before. My obsidian hide glowed brighter as molten veins spread like fiery rivers beneath my surface, their glow pulsating with every movement. My claws tingled, sharper and more precise than ever.


    I turned my gaze back to the molten lake and waded deeper, submerging myself fully.


    +


    The lava embraced me, its heat no longer an obstacle but a catalyst. I stayed there, letting the molten rock temper my form, feeling the transformation take root.


    Days passed, though time meant little to me now.


    When I emerged, steam and molten rock dripping from my form, I knew I was different.


    Stronger.


    It was time.

 Chapter 81: Enough Blood-Shed

    A.N: I changed Volcranax¡¯s gender from female to male.


    The wind roared around me as I stood on the precipice of the Temple of Forgotten Flames. The last time I had been here, it was under vastly different circumstances. Back then, I was weaker, barely holding myself together after escaping the brink of death. Now, I had grown¡ªstronger, larger, a being at the peak of the second stage of evolution. My molten veins pulsed with energy, and my obsidian hide reflected the crimson glow of the temple¡¯s eternal flames.


    Why here?


    The [Map] function from my system had been guiding me relentlessly since I absorbed the cursed crown from the Lava Serpent. Its dark energies worked in conjunction with the crown¡¯s eerie pull, leading me back to this desolate place. A place that felt like a cruel mockery of fire¡¯s vitality¡ªa tomb masquerading as a sanctuary.


    As I approached the temple¡¯s edge, I peered down into the abyssal gorge that yawned below. The air shifted the closer I got, the oppressive heat of the molten flames giving way to a chilling breeze that gnawed at my obsidian flesh. I narrowed my molten eyes, adjusting to the darkness that seemed to swallow the gorge whole.


    This aura¡­ it¡¯s here.


    Something waited for me. A presence as strong as my own, maybe stronger. The system confirmed it with a mechanical hum in my mind.


    + + +


    Detected Entity: First Child of Volcranax


    Classification: Titan Descendant ¨C Ice Type


    Power Level: Peak Second Stage


    Warning: Highly dangerous. Proceed with caution.


    + + +


    "Proceed with caution," I murmured to myself, baring my jagged teeth in a grin. "If I was interested in caution, I wouldn¡¯t be standing here."


    Then, a voice echoed from the depths below, soft yet resonant, carrying a weight that stilled the air.


    "Come."


    The word wasn¡¯t a command, nor a plea. It was an invitation. There was no hostility in it, yet it made the molten veins across my body flicker with unease.


    I spread my wings wide, the dark obsidian streaked with fiery reds and molten oranges. With a powerful beat, I launched myself off the edge, descending into the chasm. The heat of the surface faded the further I went, replaced by an alien chill that seeped into my core. The glow of molten rock above dimmed as the cavern walls around me began to shimmer with icy blue light. Crystals jutted out like jagged teeth, refracting the light into a kaleidoscope of frozen hues.


    It was as if I had stepped into a completely different world, one far removed from the infernal landscape of the island above.


    The deeper I descended, the more the temperature dropped. My molten glow dimmed slightly, adapting to the cold that now permeated the air. It reminded me of the crystal cave where I had fought the Wendigos, but this was¡­ different.


    More ancient. More powerful.


    The aura became oppressive, pressing down on me with a force that made my wings falter for a brief moment. My claws scraped against the icy walls as I steadied myself, refusing to let the presence intimidate me. If it wanted me to feel small, it would have to try harder.


    The cavern opened into a massive chamber, its walls glistening with frost and ice. In the center, bound by fiery chains that glowed against the blue-tinted surroundings, was the largest creature I had seen since my arrival on this forsaken island.


    The First Child of Volcranax.


    It was a monstrous hybrid of dragon and centipede, its serpentine body covered in icy scales that shimmered with unnatural brilliance. Its draconic head bore a crown of jagged horns, and its many legs were tipped with claws sharp enough to carve through stone. The chains binding it crackled with fire, an unnatural heat that contrasted sharply with the frozen aura it exuded.


    It turned its massive head toward me, its icy blue eyes meeting my molten gaze.


    "So, the destroyer comes," it rumbled, its voice deep and calm. "I wondered how long it would take for you to find me."


    I landed heavily, my claws cracking the ice beneath me. My wings folded against my back as I stood tall, facing the chained beast. "You know who I am?"


    "Not by name," it said, its tone measured, almost disinterested. "But I have felt your presence. The destruction you leave in your wake. You defeated my siblings, did you not?"


    I tilted my head, my molten eyes narrowing. "They were rabid. Mindless. They deserved their fates."


    The First Child let out a low, rumbling laugh, the sound vibrating through the chamber. "Yes, they were¡­ disappointments. Not fit to bear the name of Volcranax. But I am not like them."


    I studied the creature, noting the intelligence in its gaze, the control in its movements despite its chains. It wasn¡¯t thrashing or raging against its bonds like its kin might have. Instead, it seemed¡­ resigned.


    "Why are you chained?" I asked, stepping closer, my claws clicking against the frozen ground. "Your strength rivals my own. Why submit to this?"


    The beast¡¯s eyes darkened, a flicker of pain crossing its monstrous features. "Because I was born wrong."


    I stilled, waiting for it to continue.


    "My father, Volcranax, hated me the moment I came into this world. I was no fiery embodiment of his power, no raging inferno to carry on his will. I was this." It gestured to its frozen form, its chains rattling. "An aberration. An insult to his name."


    Its voice grew quieter, a strange sorrow lacing its words. "He devoured my mother before my eyes, her screams still echoing in my mind. The humans who once worshipped her betrayed me, chaining me here to serve as their weapon, their guardian¡­ and their prisoner."


    For a moment, there was silence between us, the weight of its story settling in the frozen air.


    "And now," it said, its gaze locking onto mine, "you have come to end what they started."


    I didn¡¯t deny it. "I need your core," I said plainly. "To evolve. To face Volcranax."


    The First Child let out another rumbling laugh, though it lacked the bitterness of before. "Of course you do. And I will give it to you."


    I blinked, my molten veins flickering in surprise. "You¡¯re surrendering?"


    "I have no desire to fight you, destroyer," it said, lowering its head slightly. "I am tired. Tired of this place. Tired of my existence. I only wish to rest. To see my mother again, wherever she may be."


    It shifted slightly, the chains rattling as it exposed its chest, where its core pulsed faintly beneath its icy scales. "Take it. End this."


    I hesitated for a moment, the weight of its words settling over me. Despite its monstrous form, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of pity. This creature wasn¡¯t rabid or mindless like the others¡ªit was rational, even noble in its own way.


    I opened my jaws, charging a Destructo Beam, the energy gathering in a blinding glow. The First Child watched me calmly, its icy eyes unblinking.


    "Before you strike," it said, its voice softer now, "a warning."


    I paused, the energy crackling in my throat.


    "To face Volcranax, you must first cleanse this island of its monsters. Only then will he reveal himself."


    The glow in my jaws brightened as I prepared to release the beam.


    "And one more thing," it said, its voice barely above a whisper. "Do not trust your system too much. It¡­ lies."


    My molten eyes widened, but before I could ask what it meant, the First Child closed its eyes.


    "Do it."


    With a deafening roar, I unleashed the beam, the sheer force of it shaking the chamber as it tore through the First Child¡¯s chest. Its body convulsed once before going still, the chains around it shattering as it slumped to the ground.


    The system¡¯s voice chimed in my mind, cold and emotionless.


    As I prepared to unleash the Destructo Beam, the First Child¡¯s voice interrupted once more, halting me for a moment. Its icy eyes bore into mine, and its words carried a weight that seemed to transcend the confines of the chamber.


    "I know what you are," it said softly. "You are not of this world. You are¡­ other."


    The energy humming in my jaws faltered for a brief second, confusion rippling through me. "What do you mean by that?" I growled, narrowing my molten eyes.


    The First Child¡¯s mouth curled into a faint, bitter smile. "You reek of it¡ªthe scent of Earth. A place I have not seen in¡­ eons. I was like you, once. Long ago."


    My claws dug into the icy ground as the words settled over me. It wasn¡¯t just the revelation of its origin that struck me¡ªit was the calm finality in its voice, the resignation that came with knowing it would never return. Before I could question further, it continued.


    "This system that guides you¡­ do not place your trust in it."


    The chill in the chamber seemed to deepen, and for the first time, I felt a gnawing sense of unease that had nothing to do with the beast before me.


    "Why?" I demanded, my voice a low rumble.


    The First Child sighed, its massive form trembling slightly as if the weight of its own memories was too much to bear. "Because it is not your ally. It never was. It has its own goals, its own¡­ intentions. You are but a tool to it, as I was once."


    Before I could press for more answers, it lowered its head, exposing its chest once again. "That is all I can tell you. Whatever truths you seek, you must uncover yourself. Now, end this."


    Its final words were spoken with a quiet dignity that silenced even the storm of questions in my mind. My claws flexed, and with a roar, I released the Destructo Beam. The searing energy pierced through its chest, shattering the icy chains and carving through its massive form.


    The First Child shuddered once, its body convulsing as its life ebbed away. As it slumped to the frozen ground, its final words echoed faintly through the chamber.


    "Kill them all. Only then will Volcranax face you. And¡­ remember¡­ the system¡­"


    The light in its eyes dimmed and then faded entirely.


    S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 82: The Third Stage

    "Kill them all. Only then will Volcranax face you. And¡­ remember¡­ the system¡­"


    The light in its eyes dimmed and then faded entirely.


    I stood there for a moment, the silence deafening. Even the system, which usually flooded my mind with updates and rewards, was eerily quiet. My molten veins pulsed faintly as I stared at the lifeless body of the First Child, its warning lingering like a shadow over my thoughts.


    Then, at last, the system¡¯s voice broke the stillness, its tone as cold and calculated as ever.


    You have slain the First Child of Volcranax, Descendant of the Ice Titan.


    Reward: Choose your evolution path.


    Option 1: Ice-Touched Armor ¨C Enhance your Obsidian Skin with residual ice properties, granting increased resistance to cold and icy environments.


    Option 2: Titan¡¯s Ferocity ¨C Gain an explosive boost to physical strength and endurance, inspired by the Ice Titan¡¯s ferocity in combat.


    Option 3: Evolution to Third Stage ¨C Advance to the Third Stage of Evolution, increasing size, power, and unlocking new abilities.


    The options flickered in my mind, but I barely hesitated. My focus was singular.


    "Third Stage," I growled, my choice locking in as the system acknowledged it with a mechanical chime.


    Evolution Commencing. Brace for transformation.


    Pain surged through me as the First Child¡¯s core dissolved into my being, its icy energy melding with the molten essence within me. My body trembled as new power coursed through every fiber of my being, my obsidian skin cracking and reforming to accommodate the transformation.


    Even as the pain subsided, the First Child¡¯s final words gnawed at me.


    "Do not trust the system."


    I growled low, shaking my massive head as I stepped away from the lifeless form. The answers I sought would come in time. For now, there was only one certainty: I would kill Volcranax. I would cleanse this island. And I would uncover the truth¡ªwhatever it took.


    + + + +


    + +


    +


    James¡¯s vision blurred as the return stone deposited him back into the forest he had always called home. The transition was seamless¡ªone moment he was on the molten wasteland, the next, standing amidst towering pines. The familiar scent of damp earth and moss greeted him, grounding him for a brief second.


    Then he saw it.


    The hut was gone.


    A wave of disbelief washed over him. He blinked, hoping his eyes had deceived him, but the sight didn¡¯t change. The small wooden structure, once cozy and well-kept, was now a pile of charred ruins. Ash floated in the air, clinging to his clothes and filling his lungs with every breath. The small garden he¡¯d tended with such care was trampled beyond recognition, and the creek that had always bubbled cheerfully beside the hut was choked with debris.


    "No¡­ no, no, no!" James stumbled forward, his boots crunching over shattered wood and scorched stone. His chest tightened as panic surged. "Master!" he shouted, his voice cracking.


    Silence.


    He turned in frantic circles, scanning the forest as if his master would step out at any moment, wearing that serene expression that always calmed him. But there was nothing¡ªno familiar silhouette, no trace of the person who had raised and trained him.


    His foot caught on something, and he nearly fell. Looking down, he saw a faint shimmer beneath the rubble. Heart hammering, he dropped to his knees and brushed aside the debris, revealing a glowing barrier etched with faint golden runes. The barrier flickered weakly, as though barely holding on, and inside it lay a pristine piece of parchment.


    "Master¡¯s contraption¡­" James whispered, his voice trembling. He reached out hesitantly, half-expecting the barrier to shock him, but it dissolved at his touch. The letter floated free, the soft golden glow fading as he grabbed it with shaking hands.


    The parchment was crisp, the handwriting unmistakably his master¡¯s¡ªdeliberate, elegant strokes that now seemed out of place amidst the ruin.


    +


    James,


    If you are reading this, it means I am no longer here. Do not panic, though I know you too well to believe that¡¯s possible. You must listen carefully.


    The Elven Empire has declared war. The Avatar of the Elves and the Duke have turned their forces against the Middle Realms, claiming it is necessary for their survival. But I do not trust their reasoning. Something far more sinister is at work here.


    I have gone to the Elven Empire to investigate. Do not follow me. The journey is too dangerous, and your safety is my only concern.


    Do not, under any circumstances, go to the human capital. The council there has been compromised. Lay low, stay hidden, and trust no one.


    I have left behind a communication rune-stone for you. Use it sparingly and only in the gravest need. It is a higher grade than what you have used before, so it should suffice for distant communication.


    James, the world is shifting in ways I cannot fully explain yet. I need time to uncover the truth. Stay strong. I will return for you.


    +


    James¡¯s hands trembled as he finished reading the letter, the words echoing in his mind. His master¡ªthe only person he trusted, the one who had trained him¡ªwas gone, thrust into a conflict that seemed to grow darker with every revelation. His hut lay in ruins, reduced to ash and rubble, the remnants of his simple life now scattered across the forest floor. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He spotted a glimmer beneath a charred beam, and a spark of hope flared in his chest. Crawling forward, James pulled aside the debris to reveal a rune-stone, its surface smooth and shimmering faintly with a golden glow. His master had left this for him. It was a lifeline.


    Gripping it tightly, James activated the stone, channeling his mana into the intricate carvings. The runes pulsed with energy, and moments later, a familiar voice filled his mind. The sound was calm and commanding, but tinged with urgency.


    "You are alive." Relief was evident in the voice, though it quickly turned sharp. "What happened? Where are you?"


    "Master," James gasped, his voice trembling. "The hut¡ªit¡¯s gone. Everything¡¯s destroyed. I just got back, but¡­" He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. "What¡¯s going on? Why did this happen?"


    There was a pause, the silence stretching painfully before his master spoke again. "The Elven Empire has declared war, James. Their Avatar and the Duke have begun a campaign against the Middle Realms."


    "War?" James felt the word hit like a physical blow. "Why? What could possibly¡ª"


    "The god-beast," his master interrupted, his voice darkening. "Its presence has disrupted the balance of power. It is no longer a mere beast¡ªit is an anomaly, a catalyst for chaos. The empire claims this war is for survival, but there¡¯s more to it. Something¡­ something has shifted."


    James closed his eyes, the memories of the Scorched Badlands rushing back. He took a deep breath. "Master, I¡ªthere¡¯s more. We found the god-beast."


    The silence that followed was almost oppressive. When his master finally spoke, his voice was low and deliberate. "Tell me everything."


    James hesitated, his mind swimming with images of molten eyes, towering obsidian scales, and the suffocating presence that seemed to pierce his very soul. "It wasn¡¯t like anything I¡¯ve ever seen," he began. "It was massive¡ªeasily over 90 feet tall¡ªand its power¡­ It wasn¡¯t just strength. It was destruction itself."


    He took a shuddering breath. "Elyndor was with us, but he¡­ he wasn¡¯t himself. There was a mind-bug on him, controlling him. He led us straight to the god-beast, and it used him¡ªmanipulated him¡ªto complete some kind of ritual. And then it¡­" James faltered, the memory of Elyndor¡¯s final moments flashing through his mind. "It ate him."


    "A mind-bug," his master murmured, the weight in his tone unmistakable. "Ancient tools of domination. Rarely seen, but their presence is always a harbinger of darker forces. If one was used on Elyndor¡­" He trailed off, his voice turning cold. "Someone is orchestrating this, James. The god-beast is not the only threat at play."


    James clenched his fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. "It spoke to me, Master. It asked questions¡ªabout the realms, the Avatars, our strength. It¡­ it let me go, but not before it took something from me."


    "What did it take?" his master asked sharply.


    James hesitated, shame and anger twisting in his gut. "My Grade-A space pouch. It was a gift from you. It said it needed it for its own¡­ inventory."


    There was a long pause before his master sighed heavily. "The god-beast is cunning. It is not just a creature¡ªit is intelligent, and its actions are deliberate. Do not blame yourself, James. You are fortunate to be alive."


    James¡¯s voice hardened. "It¡¯s ascending, Master. I could feel it. It¡¯s growing stronger, and it¡¯s not stopping. If we don¡¯t do something¡ª"


    "Listen to me," his master interrupted, his tone firm. "The god-beast¡¯s ascension is not something you can stop. Not now. Its path is tied to forces we barely understand, and its power is far beyond what you can face. Your priority is survival."


    "But what about the war?" James demanded. "The Elves, the Middle Realms¡ªif this thing keeps growing, it won¡¯t just be the Avatars fighting it. It¡¯ll be everyone."

 Chapter 83: Sending Assassins After An Avatar?

    "But what about the war?" James demanded. "The Elves, the Middle Realms¡ªif this thing keeps growing, it won¡¯t just be the Avatars fighting it. It¡¯ll be everyone."


    "That is why I must act," his master said. "I am heading to the Elven Empire to uncover the truth behind their actions. Their war is a distraction, James. Something is driving them¡ªsomething connected to the god-beast¡¯s rise."


    James felt his chest tighten. "And what am I supposed to do? Hide? Run?"


    "Yes," his master said bluntly. "You are not ready for what lies ahead. The god-beast is not your battle to fight. Not yet."


    James¡¯s voice rose, anger and desperation spilling over. "I can¡¯t just do nothing! I watched it kill Kael, destroy Elyndor, shatter everything we thought we understood! And now the Elves are marching to war because of it? There has to be something¡ª"


    "Enough!" his master¡¯s voice thundered through the connection, silencing him. "You are not useless, James. You are alive. That is enough for now."


    James clenched his jaw, his hands trembling as he gripped the rune-stone. "And what about you? What if you don¡¯t come back?"


    There was a pause, the silence stretching painfully before his master spoke again, his voice softer this time. "You have always been stronger than you know, James. Trust in that strength. Trust in me. I will return."


    The connection faded, the rune-stone¡¯s glow dimming. James stared at it, his mind racing. The weight of the world pressed down on him, heavier than ever before.


    The god-beast. The Elves. The war.


    And he was caught in the center of it all, a pawn on a board far larger than he could comprehend. For now, all he could do was wait¡ªand hope his master¡¯s words were more than empty promises.


    +


    The forest at the border of the Human Kingdom and the Elven Empire was unnervingly silent, save for the crunch of leaves beneath his boots. A faint mist clung to the ground, curling around his legs like restless phantoms. The stillness was a predator¡¯s stillness¡ªthe kind that spoke of unseen eyes, watching, waiting.


    ¡¯A¡¯, the Avatar of the Humans, adjusted the straps of the intricate mana-engineered gauntlet on his right arm. The faint hum of power emanated from its core, visible through the transparent casing. With each step, the gears and runes etched into the gauntlet clicked softly, an ever-present reminder of the strength he¡¯d built with his own two hands.


    Destruction incarnate. A god-beast. His mind echoed James¡¯s words from the conversation moments ago, each syllable carrying a weight he couldn¡¯t ignore. He¡¯d heard rumors¡ªwhispers of a monstrous being born in the Scorched Badlands¡ªbut he¡¯d hoped they were exaggerated tales meant to stoke fear.


    Now, he knew better. The god-beast was real, and it was growing.


    "James survived," A murmured to himself, a small relief in an otherwise grim situation. He hadn¡¯t been sure what he¡¯d find when the communication rune activated. The boy¡¯s shaken voice, recounting their encounter, had been both a balm and a curse. James was alive, but what he¡¯d faced¡­ A clenched his fist, the gauntlet hissing faintly as mana surged through it. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elyndor. Manipulated. A mind-bug.


    The implications were staggering. Elyndor, the prodigy of the Elven Avatar, had been a pawn in a larger scheme. The mind-bug was no small feat; its use required precision and knowledge of ancient magic. That meant there were forces beyond even the Avatars at play. The question was: who? The Duke of the Elven Empire? That snake of a man certainly had the ambition, but his methods were usually more overt. If not him, then¡­?


    A¡¯s brow furrowed, his mind cycling through possibilities. C the Wise, his long-time rival and¡ªonce upon a time¡ªally, came to mind. She was the Avatar of the Elves, renowned for her unparalleled magical prowess and strategic brilliance. But would she stoop to such treachery? Manipulating her own student? A sighed, his thoughts heavy. No, not her. But if not C, then who?


    The stillness around him deepened as he neared the border, the trees thinning to reveal a vast expanse of open plains. The Elven Empire¡¯s territory stretched beyond, its rolling hills and shimmering forests a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of the human side. Somewhere out there, C the Wise was likely grappling with the same chaos.


    He stopped at the edge of the treeline, his sharp blue eyes scanning the horizon. The faintest shimmer of magic hung in the air¡ªan ancient barrier that marked the divide between kingdoms. He knelt, brushing his fingers against the ground, and his gauntlet whirred to life, runes glowing faintly as they analyzed the lingering energy.


    "Enhanced," he muttered, frowning. The barrier had been reinforced recently. The Elves were expecting something¡ªperhaps an incursion from the Humans, or worse, the god-beast itself.


    The moment A stepped through the shimmering barrier into Elven territory, the atmosphere shifted. The air was heavier, sharper, filled with a tension that clung to his skin. He felt it immediately¡ªthe faint hum of cloaked mana signatures, subtle distortions in the environment that betrayed hidden presences.


    They were waiting for me.


    His lips curled into a faint smile. The Elves were nothing if not predictable. The Duke would never allow an Avatar of the Human Kingdom to simply stroll into his domain unopposed. And these weren¡¯t amateurs; no, the faint pressure tickling the edges of A¡¯s senses spoke of the Deadwood Circle¡ªelite assassins so skilled they could end demi-gods if their plans aligned. The air reeked of their precision.


    He stopped walking, standing motionless in the clearing as if daring them to make the first move. The fingers of his mana-gauntlet flexed, gears clicking faintly as mana conduits warmed to life. His voice broke the silence.


    "Do you really think this will work?" His tone was calm, almost amused, but laced with steel. "Sending assassins after an Avatar? I expected better from the Duke."


    Silence. The forest didn¡¯t stir. Even the faint rustle of leaves seemed to die away. But A could feel them¡ªfive presences, each moving like shadows through the trees, weaving mana to cloak their movements.


    "Do you really think this will work?" His tone was calm, almost amused, but laced with steel. "Sending assassins after an Avatar? I expected better from the Duke."


    Silence. The forest didn¡¯t stir. Even the faint rustle of leaves seemed to die away. But A could feel them¡ªfive presences, each moving like shadows through the trees, weaving mana to cloak their movements.


    They¡¯re patient. That¡¯s good. Means they think they¡¯ve already won.


    A casually rolled his shoulders, taking a single step forward. His boots crunched on the forest floor, the sound almost deafening in the unnatural stillness. "You¡¯re the Deadwood Circle, aren¡¯t you?" he said, his voice carrying in the eerie quiet. "I¡¯ve heard the tales. Five assassins, each one trained to kill gods. Very impressive."


    Nothing.


    "Did you know I once hired your predecessors?" he continued, his voice conversational. "Brilliant craftsmen. I studied their techniques. Improved upon them, actually."


    That did it. A faint shift in the air¡ªa ripple in the mana field. A¡¯s eyes flickered toward the source just as a needle-thin shard of mana shot toward his throat. His fingers twitched.


    Snap!


    The sound of a wire slicing through the air came first, followed by a muffled thud. The shard dissipated mid-flight, its caster crumpling to the ground, their neck severed cleanly by a near-invisible filament. A glanced in the direction of the fallen assassin, the faint glow of his gauntlet casting eerie shadows across his face.


    "You should¡¯ve done your research," he said, his voice low and mocking. "You¡¯re not the only ones who work with threads."


    The remaining assassins moved instantly. They didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªnot even as one of their own lay lifeless at their feet. Mana surged, forming blades, spears, and webs of shadow as they attacked in perfect unison, closing the distance with inhuman speed.


    A raised his hand, and the gauntlet flared to life. Threads of mana, finer than spider silk, shot outward at supersonic speed. To the naked eye, it was as if the air itself had turned against the assassins.


    Slash. Crack. Whip.


    One assassin lunged at him with a twin-bladed dagger, the weapon shimmering with enchantments meant to pierce even an Avatar¡¯s defenses. A sidestepped casually, the wire coiled around the dagger¡¯s hilt snapping taut and pulling the assassin off-balance. With a flick of his wrist, the wire sliced cleanly through the assailant¡¯s arm. They screamed, but the sound was cut short as a second wire looped around their neck, silencing them forever.


    The forest erupted into chaos.


    Another assassin leapt from above, their body wreathed in shadow that absorbed all light. A shifted his stance, his gauntlet releasing a pulse of energy that lit the air like a web. The shadow-wreathed figure hesitated¡ªa fatal mistake. One of the threads caught them mid-air, cutting through the cloak and embedding itself deep into their chest. They fell without a sound.


    The last two hesitated, their flawless synchronization faltering. A let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, there it is," he said. "Doubt. That¡¯s the problem with perfection. One crack, and it all falls apart."

 Chapter 84: Evil + Evil = ?

    Still In The Human Avatar¡¯s POV


    The last two hesitated, their flawless synchronization faltering. A let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, there it is," he said. "Doubt. That¡¯s the problem with perfection. One crack, and it all falls apart."


    They didn¡¯t reply, but he could see the faint tremble in their movements. He decided to indulge them.


    "Why not tell me who sent you?" he asked, his tone almost conversational. "Was it the Duke himself? Or someone higher up? Or perhaps you¡¯ve been manipulated, just like Elyndor?"


    The taller of the two assassins hissed, their voice sharp and venomous. "Glory to the elven empire."


    A raised an eyebrow. "That¡¯s bold talk for someone standing in the middle of my web."


    They froze. Too late, their eyes flickered downward, catching the faint glint of wires embedded in the earth around them. A smirked, his gauntlet clicking softly as he twisted his fingers.


    Snap. Whip. Crack.


    The wires constricted, carving through armor, flesh, and bone with ruthless efficiency. The taller assassin crumpled, blood pooling around their broken form. The final one didn¡¯t even try to flee. They stared at A, hatred burning in their eyes.


    "Do you think you¡¯ve won, Avatar?" the assassin spat, blood dripping from their lips. "You¡¯re walking into a war that will consume your kingdom. Your gods won¡¯t save you."


    A tilted his head, considering their words. "Maybe. But you won¡¯t be around to see it."


    With a final flick of his gauntlet, the last wire snapped taut, ending the assassin¡¯s life. Silence returned to the forest, broken only by the faint hum of A¡¯s mana threads retracting back into his gauntlet.


    He stood there for a moment, surveying the carnage. The Deadwood Circle had been formidable, but they were just tools¡ªpawns in a larger game. Their deaths only raised more questions.


    Why send assassins now? Was this just a test, or a warning?


    A sighed, wiping a bit of blood off his gauntlet. He¡¯d never been the strongest Avatar, not in raw power. That title belonged to others like C the Wise or the Dragonkin¡¯s Avatar, but strength was relative. A knew the value of preparation, the power of planning. He¡¯d made himself the hardest to kill, and that had always been enough.


    He straightened, pulling out a small cylindrical device from his pouch. Flicking it open, a holographic map projected into the air. The cursed crown he¡¯d been monitoring, flickered on the map like a bloodstain, its signal pointing toward the Scorched Badlands. Toward the god-beast.


    "Destruction incarnate," A whispered again, his voice heavier this time. He didn¡¯t doubt the god-beast¡¯s strength. What worried him was the rapid rate of its growth. If it continued to ascend at this pace, it would soon reach the Third Stage¡ªpossibly stronger than any Avatar in the Middle Realms. Including him.


    He clenched his jaw, recalling James¡¯s description: molten veins, obsidian scales, eyes that burned with unyielding power. If that thing was destruction itself, what chance did the Middle Realms have?


    His mind flickered to the war. The Elves had moved faster than expected, their armies already pressing against the border. It wasn¡¯t just a territorial grab¡ªit was an act of desperation. Did they know about the god-beast¡¯s true nature? Or was this a distraction, orchestrated by a hidden hand?


    The gauntlet hissed again as he flexed his fingers, mana coursing through its veins. It was a marvel of his own design, capable of amplifying his spells and physical strength beyond their natural limits. But even with his contraptions, his intellect, and The State, he wasn¡¯t sure if it would be enough.


    "The State¡­" He exhaled slowly, the mere thought of the technique filling him with a mix of dread and determination. The Avatars had all mastered it¡ªa last-resort ability that tripled their power for a brief, excruciating minute. If the god-beast truly reached the peak of the Third Stage, The State might be their only hope.


    After all, the peak of the Third Stage Of Monsters was already equivalent to an Avatar¡¯s strength.


    The Fourth Stage & Beyond, Only the gods could deal with them.


    His thoughts shifted to James. The boy had survived where others hadn¡¯t, his wits and resourcefulness carrying him through. A faint smile tugged at the corner of A¡¯s lips. James reminded him of himself, once. But James was still young, untested. He had potential, yes, but potential wouldn¡¯t save them from what was coming.


    A¡¯s gauntlet hummed softly, the map projection fading as he pocketed the device. He turned his gaze to the barrier once more, the shimmering magic pulsing faintly. Beyond that line lay the Elven Empire¡ªand answers. If anyone could shed light on the god-beast¡¯s origins and the mind-bug¡¯s manipulations, it was C the Wise.


    "I just hope you¡¯re not part of this, C," he muttered under his breath. "Because if you are¡­"


    He didn¡¯t finish the thought. Instead, he took a deep breath, the air crackling faintly with latent energy. His path was clear, though the weight of it pressed heavily on his shoulders.


    A stepped forward, the barrier parting before him like water, its magic bending to his will. The line between kingdoms blurred as he crossed into Elven territory, his mind racing with strategies, questions, and the lingering echo of James¡¯s voice.


    +


    James paced nervously in the small clearing where his hut once stood, the charred ground crunching underfoot. His mind was a storm of guilt, confusion, and anger. His master¡¯s cryptic words echoed in his head, but the image of the god-beast loomed larger than any warning or instruction. Its molten eyes, the sheer indifference in its voice¡ªit had burned itself into his mind like a brand.


    And now war. War was tearing the Middle Realms apart. He couldn¡¯t sit idle while everything he knew crumbled.


    He glanced at the rune-stone in his hand, its faint glow pulsating with promise. Calling Sylvia felt like the obvious first step. She¡¯d understand. She¡¯d help. James hesitated, though, his thumb hovering over the activation glyph.


    Before he could decide, the stone flared brighter, the light pulsating erratically. Someone was contacting him. His heart leapt to his throat.


    "Sylvia?" he whispered, pressing his mana into the rune.


    The familiar voice crackled to life, soft but urgent. "James! You¡¯re alive?"


    He let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding. "Sylvia. Yeah, I¡­ I made it out."


    Her relief was palpable, even through the unstable connection. "I can¡¯t believe it. I thought¡ªI thought¡ª" She cut herself off, her voice trembling. "I¡¯m so glad. I was terrified we¡¯d left you to die."


    James clenched his fists, shame creeping into his tone. "It was my choice, Sylvia. I told you to leave."


    "That doesn¡¯t make it right!" she snapped, her voice breaking. "We abandoned you. Thrain wanted to come back, but I¡ª" She stopped abruptly, as if the words hurt too much to say. "I couldn¡¯t convince him."


    James paused, his brow furrowing. "Thrain? What do you mean?"


    She hesitated, her voice quieter now. "When I tried to reach him, after¡­ after we left, he only said one thing. ¡¯I¡¯m done.¡¯ Then he cut the connection."


    James¡¯s chest tightened. Thrain, the stalwart dwarf who never backed down, was giving up? It didn¡¯t seem possible. But then again, they¡¯d faced something no mortal should have to face.


    "He¡¯s alive, at least," James muttered, though the words felt hollow. "And you? What happened after you left?"


    Sylvia¡¯s voice softened. "We returned to my people¡¯s borders, but it wasn¡¯t safe for long. The Elven Empire¡¯s forces are mobilizing. Even within our Dominion, we¡¯re bracing for the worst. My master has issued strict orders not to engage in any conflicts unless directly provoked." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Strict orders," James echoed bitterly. "We¡¯re pawns in a game none of us understand."


    "I know," she said quietly. "But what about you? What happened after we left you with that¡­ that monster?"


    James shivered at the memory. "It let me go."


    Silence. When Sylvia spoke again, her voice was laced with disbelief. "What? Why?"


    "It said I was too weak to bother with," James admitted, his voice bitter. "And I think it¡¯s true. Compared to it, I¡¯m nothing. The god-beast¡ªit¡¯s beyond anything I¡¯ve ever seen. It played with us, Sylvia. You saw that."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings flared audibly through the connection, the sound sharp and agitated. "And it just let you walk away? That doesn¡¯t make sense. A creature like that doesn¡¯t show mercy."


    "It¡¯s not mercy," James replied. "It¡¯s indifference. It doesn¡¯t care about us. We¡¯re insects to it, Sylvia. It¡¯s focused on something bigger. And it¡¯s going to keep ascending until nothing can stop it."


    Sylvia¡¯s voice dropped to a near-whisper. "Then why are we still alive?"


    James hesitated. The thought had gnawed at him since the moment he¡¯d used the return stone. "I don¡¯t know. Maybe it¡¯s fate. Maybe it just likes playing games. Either way, it¡¯s out there, and we¡¯re here, trying to figure out how to survive this war."


    The word hung heavy between them. War.

 Chapter 85: The Black Dragon Of Annihilation

    Sylvia broke the silence first. "What¡¯s the state of things on your side?"


    James exhaled shakily. "Bad. The Human Kingdom¡¯s council is compromised. My master is investigating the Elven Empire¡¯s sudden aggression, but even he doesn¡¯t have answers yet. He said the god-beast might be the catalyst, but it¡¯s not the only factor. Something else is moving the pieces."


    "That lines up with what I¡¯ve heard," Sylvia admitted. "The Dominion is mobilizing, but cautiously. No one wants to provoke the Elves into bringing their full force down on us. My master thinks it¡¯s a distraction. A way to keep us focused on the wrong threat."


    James felt a pang of guilt at how much he¡¯d leaned on Sylvia¡¯s strength during their journey. "Your master¡ªdo they have any idea how to deal with this? With the war, the god-beast, all of it?"


    Sylvia hesitated. "Not really. She¡¯s been tight-lipped, but I think she¡¯s waiting for the Elven Avatar to make a move. And James¡­" Her voice faltered. "You can¡¯t keep fighting like this. You don¡¯t have the strength. None of us do."


    "I can¡¯t just sit here!" James snapped, the frustration spilling out. "The god-beast, the war, Thrain¡ªeverything¡¯s falling apart, Sylvia. I have to do something."


    "What can you do?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation. "Against all of this, what can any of us do?"


    James didn¡¯t have an answer. The rune-stone¡¯s glow flickered, its connection straining as their words hung in the air.


    James stared out at the horizon, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "I¡¯m going back."


    "Back?" Her voice was incredulous. "To the island? James, you can¡¯t be serious."


    "I am," he said firmly. "I¡¯m not just going to sit here while the Middle Realms fall apart. You¡¯ve heard the rumors, right? The Day of No Sun is coming."


    Sylvia¡¯s breath hitched. "You¡¯re not saying¡ª"


    "The Lord of No Sun," James confirmed, his voice grim. "The black dragon of annihilation. The one that can blot out the sky. If the seal weakens, if it rises again¡­ we don¡¯t stand a chance. Not like this. Not with the nations divided."


    Sylvia¡¯s voice turned urgent. "James, we don¡¯t even know if that¡¯s true."


    "You think this war is a coincidence?" he shot back. "The Elven Empire marching to war, the Human Kingdom¡¯s council compromised, the Avatars scattered¡­ it¡¯s all connected. The Day of No Sun is coming, Sylvia, and the Middle Realms are falling apart at the worst possible time."


    "And you think the god-beast is the answer?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    "It¡¯s the only thing I¡¯ve seen that¡¯s strong enough," James said. "It¡¯s destruction incarnate, yes, but maybe that¡¯s exactly what we need to fight something like the Lord of No Sun if the Avatars. . . .in this war."


    Sylvia was silent for a moment, then she said softly, "You¡¯re mad, James."


    "Maybe I am," he admitted. "But what other choice do we have? I can¡¯t just do nothing, Sylvia. I have to try."


    "Then don¡¯t do it alone," she said quickly. "Let me come with you."


    "No." His voice was firm, and he could hear her frustration building on the other end of the connection.


    "James, you can¡¯t¡ª"


    "I can," he interrupted. "And I will. This is my choice, Sylvia. My burden. I can¡¯t ask you to follow me into that."


    "But you¡¯ll ask the god-beast to fight for us?" she countered, her tone sharp.


    "Yes," James said simply. "Because it¡¯s our only chance."


    Sylvia sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "Then at least let me help you prepare." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Help me by staying safe," he said. "Help me by being there when it matters most. When the war reaches its peak, when the Lord of No Sun rises¡­ that¡¯s when we¡¯ll need you."


    Her voice cracked again. "James¡­"


    "I¡¯ll be fine," he said, though he wasn¡¯t sure he believed it. "Just trust me."


    The connection faltered, the rune-stone¡¯s glow dimming slightly. Sylvia¡¯s final words came through faintly. "Be careful, James. And if you see that thing again¡­ don¡¯t trust it."


    The rune-stone went dark, and James was alone once more. He stood, his resolve hardening like steel. The path ahead was treacherous, but he wouldn¡¯t falter. The Middle Realms needed him to try, no matter how impossible the odds.


    +


    Sylvia sat in her room, her trembling hands still clutching the dimming rune-stone. Its soft light cast a faint glow across the room, though it did little to illuminate the shadows that seemed to press against her from every corner. Her room, once a pristine haven of angelic beauty, had long lost its luster. Golden ornaments hung askew, their surfaces scratched and dull. Magical toys, relics of a childhood burdened with expectation, lay scattered on the floor, their once-perfect forms cracked and broken. The grand tapestry depicting her lineage was torn, the wings of her ancestors frayed and threadbare.


    Her wings quivered behind her, feathers ruffling with each shaky breath. She had tried to keep them folded, but they betrayed her, trembling with every surge of emotion. Sylvia closed her eyes, clutching the rune-stone tightly against her chest as if it could steady the storm within her.


    "James¡­" she whispered, her voice breaking. "Forgive me. Forgive me for being too weak to go with you."


    She felt tears prick at her eyes but forced them back. Crying wouldn¡¯t help. It hadn¡¯t helped the day she left James behind, and it wouldn¡¯t help now. Yet the image of that¡­ thing¡ªthe god-beast¡ªstill haunted her. Its molten eyes bore into her soul, unblinking, unfeeling, assessing her as if she were nothing more than a speck of dust in its path.


    The fear was still there, wrapping around her like a vice. She could still feel the weight of its gaze, the crushing stillness of its presence. It hadn¡¯t needed to attack them to instill that fear; its very existence was enough.


    Sylvia buried her face in her hands, her wings wrapping around her like a protective cocoon. She hated herself. Hated the way she¡¯d turned and run. Hated the way she hadn¡¯t been able to push harder, to demand that James let her come with him.


    He¡¯s braver than me. Always has been. The thought twisted like a knife in her chest. He stayed behind, faced that monster alone, and now he¡¯s going back to it. And I¡­ I couldn¡¯t even stand my ground.


    Her fingers clenched against her forehead. The trembling of her wings slowed as a darker thought crept into her mind. I don¡¯t deserve to be the next Avatar. Not when I¡¯m this weak. Not when I¡¯m this¡­ useless.


    The word hung in her mind like a poison, but then another thought pushed it aside. But James¡­ James isn¡¯t weak. James doesn¡¯t run away. He faces the impossible, even when he¡¯s terrified.


    Her breathing quickened as her mind spiraled further. I want to be more like him. I need to be more like him. I need him.


    Her hands lowered, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and longing. The fear of failing him. The longing to stand by his side, to prove herself to him. Her thoughts churned, her rationality slipping as obsession took hold. If I can¡¯t be as brave as James, what good am I? If I can¡¯t help him¡­ he¡¯ll leave me behind forever.


    That thought galvanized her. Sylvia stood abruptly, her wings spreading wide despite the confines of the room. Feathers fell from her wings as she moved, the remnants of her time spent wallowing in despair. For the first time in what felt like days, she strode toward the doors of her room.


    Her trembling hands gripped the golden handles. She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. Then she yanked them open, the light of the Celestial Abode spilling into her darkened chamber. The brightness burned her eyes, but she welcomed it. She stepped out, the sound of her boots on the marble floor echoing through the gilded halls.


    The resolve she felt in that moment was like a flame, fragile but fierce. Sylvia was done hiding. Done cowering. She would do her part, and she would not disappoint him when he returned.


    The flame of her resolve, however, was nearly extinguished by the deafening boom that shook the entire Celestial Abode. Sylvia staggered, her wings flaring instinctively to balance herself. A deep rumble resonated through the flying castle, shaking the very foundation of the angels¡¯ sanctuary.


    The piercing wail of a warning horn blared through the air, its sound cutting through the chaos.


    "We are under attack!" The voice came from the First Knight of the Angels, a towering figure clad in gleaming armor, his shout reverberating through the halls.


    Sylvia rushed to the nearest window, her breath catching as she looked outside. The golden spires of the Celestial Abode shimmered in the fading light, but the sky was darkening unnaturally. Shadows filled the air¡ªwyverns, chimeras, and lesser dragons circling like vultures. Their roars filled the sky, drowning out the cries of the angelic defenders scrambling to take flight.


    And at the center of it all, a figure stood atop a massive golden dragon. Fafnir. The name sprang unbidden to Sylvia¡¯s mind. One of the six dragon kings. A creature on par with the Avatars.


    The figure on its back was cloaked, their identity obscured. The figure raised a hand, and Fafnir let out a roar so powerful it sent shockwaves through the air, scattering a group of angelic knights attempting to advance.


    Sylvia¡¯s hands gripped the windowsill, her knuckles white. Her wings trembled again, this time with a mix of fear and fury. The Celestial Abode, the very heart of angelic power, was under siege. The sanctity of their home was being torn apart.


    Her gaze shifted to the figure atop Fafnir, her mind racing. Who are they? Why would they attack now? Is this connected to the war¡­ or the god-beast?


    The First Knight¡¯s voice rang out again, commanding the angelic defenders. "Stand your ground! Protect the Avatar! No retreat!"


    Sylvia stepped back from the window, her heart pounding. She had resolved to stand strong, but the weight of the situation was suffocating. The god-beast¡¯s power had shaken her to her core, but this¡­ this was something else entirely.


    And yet, James¡¯s voice echoed in her mind. His calm determination, his willingness to face the impossible. What would James do?


    Her wings spread wide, and she forced herself to take a deep breath. The fear didn¡¯t fade, but she refused to let it paralyze her again. Sylvia turned away from the window and headed toward the source of the commotion. Whatever was coming, she wouldn¡¯t run.


    Not this time.

 Chapter 86: Breaking Through To Demi-God Realm!

    The darkness stretched endlessly before me, vast and infinite, yet suffocating. I floated, weightless, trapped within the dream¡¯s oppressive void. But I wasn¡¯t alone.


    The eye returned, enormous and all-encompassing, its golden pupil swirling like molten suns in a churning void. Its gaze fell upon me, and for a moment, I could do nothing but stare back, utterly insignificant in its presence. But this time, there was more.


    I could see the outline of the head that bore this terrifying eye.


    It emerged from the darkness, slow and deliberate, as if it sought to remind me just how small I was. The head was titanic¡ªno, colossal, beyond comprehension. Its surface gleamed with unnatural light, carved with inscriptions in a language I could not hope to decipher. Spears the size of mountains jutted out of its flesh, impaling it. Golden chains thicker than city walls coiled around its form, pinning it in place. Each chain radiated divinity, pulsing with a light that seemed to repel the very concept of darkness itself.


    Just the head of this being dwarfed me fifty times over.


    My mind threatened to break under the sheer scale of it. If I had been human, I would¡¯ve fallen to my knees, gibbering like a madman. But even as a god-beast, fear clawed at my mind, a primal, overwhelming terror that demanded submission.


    What is this thing?


    I forced myself to speak, my voice echoing weakly through the void. "Who... who are you?"


    Its eye didn¡¯t blink. The silence stretched, more deafening than the loudest roar.


    "What is my purpose?" I asked, desperation lacing my words. "Why was I chosen? Why am I here?"


    Still, it stared, unblinking. I was nothing more than an insect before this incomprehensible being.


    "Can I go back to my world?" My voice cracked, weaker now, the weight of its gaze pressing down harder with every passing moment.


    And then, it spoke.


    One word. One single, devastating word.


    "Destroy."


    The sound wasn¡¯t sound at all. It was a force, a command that vibrated through my very being, shattering what little courage I¡¯d managed to hold onto. It was destruction itself given voice. My legs buckled, my claws scraped at nothing, and for the first time in this monstrous form, I feared. If I had been human, I would have pissed myself. Hell, I nearly did in this form.


    The void quivered, and the eye narrowed, its intent slicing through me like a blade. The word rang in my skull, repeating endlessly. Destroy. Destroy. Destroy.


    And then, it spoke again. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Find me."


    The chains glowed brighter, the void trembling around us. Before I could react, the being¡¯s impossibly vast jaws opened, revealing an endless abyss of swirling golden light and crushing darkness. The light sucked me in, consuming me entirely. I tried to roar, to struggle, but nothing could halt the pull of its devouring maw.


    The moment it swallowed me, the dream shattered.


    +


    I awoke with a deafening roar, my claws snapping upward, tearing through the cocoon that encased me. The jagged shell crumbled around me, piece by piece, revealing the fiery wastelands of the Scorching Badlands. I gasped, my breath rumbling like a volcanic eruption as molten air filled my lungs.


    [Congratulations. You have reached the Third Stage. Welcome to the threshold of godhood, Demi-God.]


    The words felt heavy, final, but there was no time to dwell. I flexed my limbs, feeling the incredible power coursing through me. My obsidian hide shimmered, crisscrossed with glowing veins of destruction that pulsed like a heartbeat. My horns had grown larger, curving wickedly like jagged spires, and my back bristled with razor-sharp spikes. My wings unfolded behind me, massive and fully formed now, stretching wide enough to blot out the sky. The sheer weight of them, the power they radiated¡ªI knew I could finally fly.


    The system¡¯s interface appeared in my mind, bright and imposing.


    STATUS UPDATE


    Name: Arthur (The God-Beast)


    Stage: Third (Demi-God)


    Core: Void Core (Resonating with Divinity)


    Size: 250 feet


    Aura: Divine Aura of Destruction (Active)


    New Stat Unlocked: Divinity (Rank 1)


    Faith Required for Advancement: 0/100,000


    Fear/Infamy Required for Advancement: 0/50,000


    Abilities Enhanced:


    Obsidian Skin (Lava-Touched): Now immune to all fire- and heat-based attacks. Physical resistance increased by 50%.


    Destruction Pulse (Empowered): A devastating explosion of destruction energy capable of annihilating enemies within a large radius.


    [Psychic] (Advanced): Telepathic reach extended. Capable of influencing weaker-willed individuals or creatures.


    [Destructo Beams]: Fully charged beams can now obliterate structures and severely damage beings of equivalent rank. Recharge rate doubled.


    Wings of Ruin (New): Capable of flight with immense speed. Wings can generate destructive gusts to raze the ground or push enemies back.


    The interface faded, leaving me with only one thought: I am no longer mortal.


    I stepped forward, each movement shaking the ground beneath me. My sheer size¡ªnow towering at 250 feet¡ªfelt alien. Each limb moved with a weight I wasn¡¯t used to, yet the power in my body sang with every step. The jagged spikes along my back shifted as I stretched, their edges catching the dull light of the Badlands.


    My body thrummed with energy, destruction coiling in my veins like a serpent ready to strike.


    My claws flexed, their edges gleaming like freshly forged blades. I tilted my head, noticing something¡­ new. My vision, once bound to the limits of my monstrous form, had sharpened beyond recognition. My eyes no longer simply saw¡ªthey dissected. I now had multiple pupils, faint yet distinct, spiraling within each golden orb like shifting gears in a watch. Through them, the world unraveled in layers of color and detail I¡¯d never imagined.


    Flecks of energy drifted lazily in the air¡ªtiny, translucent flakes that seemed to dance with the currents. I blinked, focusing, and their hues solidified. Reds, yellows, and oranges burned bright, concentrated heavily in the molten lakes and rocky plains of the Badlands.


    Heat, I realized, my monstrous mind connecting the dots. These flakes are heat. Energy given form.


    I turned my gaze upward, and the flakes scattered, growing thin in the open sky. The blues and greens of air currents twisted faintly there, but it was nothing compared to the dense, fiery red that dominated the ground. My wings unfurled instinctively, their size immense. With a single beat, I lifted myself slightly, hovering with ease before landing again. The air rippled under the sheer force of it, and the flakes responded, swirling around me like an unseen storm.


    This newfound sight wasn¡¯t just limited to the air. I turned my focus to the molten ground beneath my feet. The flakes here were thicker, more intense, and glowed an almost blinding red. They pooled and moved, almost alive, shifting in patterns that tugged at the edges of my mind. As I focused harder, a chilling realization dawned on me.


    The majority of these flakes¡ªthese fiery manifestations of energy¡ªweren¡¯t scattered across the Badlands.


    They were gathered directly beneath me.


    A deep rumble escaped my throat, resonating across the empty wasteland. So this is where you¡¯re hiding, Volcranax. The heart of this island. The source of its heat. You¡¯ve been waiting beneath my claws this entire time.


    I dug my talons into the rocky ground, molten veins running through them like liquid fire. My body tensed at the thought of the fight ahead. Volcranax, the King Of This Land. The monster that spawned the very monsters I¡¯d slain to ascend this far. It was my final test, the true gatekeeper of this island. If I defeated it, the Middle Realm would no longer be out of reach.


    Just as I noticed it, it noticed me too. I could see it.


    I turned my gaze skyward, the weight of the transformation swelling within me. With a powerful beat of my wings, I tested the air. The ground beneath me cracked as I lifted slightly, hovering with ease before touching down again.


    And yet, there was more. My system flashed a final prompt.


    ANNOUNCEMENT: A DEMI-GOD HAS BEEN BORN.


    THE MIDDLE REALMS SHALL TREMBLE.


    THE GOD-BEAST ASCENDS.


    The system¡¯s proclamation reverberated through the Badlands, and I knew it wasn¡¯t confined to this place. Across the Middle Realms, mortals and monsters alike would feel it. They would hear the announcement, feel the faint pressure of my ascension, and know that a new terror had been unleashed upon their world.


    I extended my wings fully, the immense appendages casting a shadow over the cracked terrain. The jagged spikes running along their edges looked sharper, more menacing than ever. With a powerful beat, I launched myself into the air, soaring higher than I ever had. The heat of the Badlands dissipated as I climbed, the red flakes thinning and giving way to the faint blues and greens of the upper atmosphere.


    Hovering high above the wasteland, I took in the full scope of my size. My shadow stretched for miles, a dark omen on the scorched earth below. I roared, the sound reverberating through the sky like rolling thunder.


    A black halo flickered behind me, faint and intangible, but unmistakable. It radiated destruction, a symbol of my newfound divinity. The divine aura surged outward, rippling through the Badlands and beyond. I roared, the sound shaking the very earth beneath me, sending waves of energy that shattered rocks and sent molten rivers spilling over their edges.


    The roar wasn¡¯t just a declaration. It was a warning. To Volcranax. To the Avatars. To the entire Middle Realm.


    I¡¯m back, bitches.

 Chapter 87: Oh Shit

    The heavy weight of the magical chains clinked softly as A was pushed forward, his boots crunching against the pristine forest floor of the Elven Empire. The towering trees loomed overhead, their silver leaves whispering faintly as if the forest itself was wary of his presence. Around him, dozens of elves stood tense, their hands hovering near their bows or spell foci, their eyes flickering between fear and curiosity.


    A allowed himself a wry grin, playing his part to perfection. Tense little lot, aren¡¯t they? He stumbled deliberately, letting his captors tug on the chains. The magical shackles around his wrists glowed faintly, their enchantments sapping any rebellious impulses he might have. Ironic that I designed these blasted things. Can¡¯t even bring myself to want to escape. A masterpiece of engineering¡ªand now a bloody nuisance.


    He kept his head down as they marched him into a clearing. The elves parted, their collective unease palpable as they moved to the sides, forming a wide circle. At the center of the clearing stood a towering silver pedestal, intricately carved with runes and inlaid with emeralds. This was no ordinary platform¡ªit was an arrival point, a place where only one being could descend.


    A scanned the surroundings, his mind whirring despite the suppressive effects of the chains. He cataloged the elves¡¯ stances, their weapons, the positioning of the guards. It was instinct now¡ªalways looking for angles, for weaknesses


    The sound of trickling water reached A¡¯s ears before the sight of the clearing came into view. He was being escorted through the heart of the Elven Empire, and though the chains around his wrists kept his rebellious instincts at bay, they couldn¡¯t suppress his keen eye for detail¡ªor his memories of a place he hadn¡¯t visited in years.


    The towering silver trees stretched impossibly high above him, their bark shimmering faintly as though polished by divine hands. Their branches intertwined like the work of a master weaver, forming an endless canopy that dappled the ground with soft, filtered light. Tiny streams of water wove between the roots, their surfaces reflecting the green and silver hues of the forest with perfect clarity. The air was crisp and faintly sweet, filled with the faint hum of nature¡¯s magic. A breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, sharp and fragrant, almost intoxicating.


    They call it the Forest Eternal for a reason. A¡¯s lips twitched into a half-smile despite himself. Still feels like walking through a dream. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The elves guiding him moved with practiced grace, their tall, lithe forms seeming to glide rather than walk. Their features were the embodiment of ethereal beauty¡ªsharp cheekbones, glowing emerald eyes, and long silver hair cascading down their backs like waterfalls. They wore armor of woven silver threads and green crystal, seamless and elegant, as though they were more art than attire. A glanced at one of the guards flanking him and suppressed a pang of irritation at how effortlessly perfect they all looked.


    Even in chains, he couldn¡¯t help but note the stark contrast between elves and humans. Humans were sturdy, practical, adaptable. The elves? They were refined, like sculptures carved from the essence of beauty itself. And tall¡ªeach one loomed over him by at least a head.


    The clearing they entered was no less impressive. It was an amphitheater of natural splendor, a circular expanse bordered by a shimmering river that wound its way lazily around the edge. At the center stood a platform of silverstone, its surface engraved with runes that pulsed faintly with an emerald glow. Water cascaded gently down the sides of the platform, pooling into a crystal-clear basin below. Elven banners of vibrant green and gold fluttered from the trees, each one marked with the sigil of the Avatar of the Elves¡ªan intricate spiral entwined with silver leaves.


    The elves gathered in the clearing stood in rigid silence, their emerald eyes fixed on him with thinly veiled unease. A noted their hands twitching toward their weapons, their postures betraying their tension. It was as if the very presence of a human¡ªlet alone the Avatar of Humans in chains¡ªwas enough to upset the delicate balance of their sanctuary.


    The glow of the runes surged, and with it came a faint shimmer in the air above the platform. Slowly, a figure materialized¡ªa tall elf clad in flowing robes of emerald and silver, his long silver hair catching the light like a cascade of moonlight. A staff carved from a single piece of living wood rested in his hand, its tip adorned with a crystal that pulsed in perfect harmony with the platform beneath him.


    The Avatar of the Elves, known as C the Wise, descended gracefully onto the platform, his every movement exuding an aura of divinity. The gathered elves dropped to their knees, heads bowed low, their voices murmuring in unison, "Glory to the Eternal Guide."


    A stood where he was, the chains preventing him from bowing even if he¡¯d wanted to. Not that he would. "Well, well," he said, his voice carrying just enough sarcasm to draw a few disapproving glances from the crowd. "If it isn¡¯t the star of the show. Took you long enough."


    C¡¯s piercing emerald gaze locked onto him, his expression unreadable as he stepped forward. "A," he said, his voice calm but layered with something deeper¡ªsomething cold. "What brings you to our lands in chains?"


    "Your hospitality, obviously," A quipped, gesturing to the shackles. "Though I have to say, these are a bit much. I¡¯m almost impressed someone thought to use my own invention against me."


    C didn¡¯t rise to the bait. "Why are you here?"


    A¡¯s playful expression faltered, replaced by a seriousness that rarely surfaced. "Because this war of yours doesn¡¯t make sense, C. The timing, the motives¡ªnone of it adds up. I came to get answers, and I¡¯m hoping you¡¯ll be kind enough to give them to me."


    For a moment, there was silence. Then, C spoke, his tone measured but distant. "The Elven Empire acts in accordance with what is necessary."


    "And who decides what¡¯s necessary?" A asked sharply. "The Duke? You? Or someone else pulling the strings?"


    C¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. A coldness that hadn¡¯t been there before. "The Empire¡¯s actions are guided by wisdom and foresight. You wouldn¡¯t understand."


    A grinned as he took a step forward, the chains clinking against the silver platform with every motion. His sharp eyes locked onto C¡¯s stoic face, and his tone shifted, carrying the same dry humor that had infuriated countless adversaries in the past.


    "Manipulation, huh? I always thought you were smarter than this, C," he said, his voice loud enough to carry across the clearing. "I mean, what¡¯s the point of being the all-wise Avatar of the Elves if you¡¯re just a puppet on someone else¡¯s strings?"


    A ripple went through the crowd of gathered elves. Gasps, murmurs of disbelief, and sharp insults filled the air as C¡¯s piercing emerald gaze narrowed, his hands tightening slightly around his staff. The guards flanking A bristled, their silver armor clinking as they stepped closer, gripping their weapons.


    "Silence, human!" one of the guards snapped, his voice filled with venom. "You dare insult the Eternal Guide?"


    "Oh, I dare," A shot back, his grin widening as he turned to the guard. "What¡¯s the worst you¡¯ll do? Chain me up again? Oh wait, I¡¯m already chained. Well done, genius."


    The elf¡¯s face reddened in fury, but A ignored him, his focus back on C. "Still, I¡¯ll give credit where it¡¯s due. Whoever¡¯s pulling your strings is doing a hell of a job. Cold, robotic, detached¡ªnone of that old spark left in you. It¡¯s almost like you¡¯re not C anymore."


    "Enough," C said, his calm voice cutting through the rising tension like a blade. Yet, even that calm exterior didn¡¯t faze A. If anything, it emboldened him.


    "You know, this reminds me of the old days," A continued, stepping closer despite the guards¡¯ attempts to yank him back. The chains rattled, but he barely noticed. "Back when we were equals. Back when we stood side by side at the Siege of the Black Castle. You remember that, don¡¯t you, C?"


    The mention of the Black Castle sent another wave of murmurs through the elves. That battle was the stuff of legend, and the memory hung heavy in the air. A¡¯s smile faded, replaced by something sharper, something colder.


    "I stood with you back then," he said, his voice lowering. "And I watched your face when my wife died holding the gates. You said we¡¯d fight together, that we¡¯d win together. But instead, you let me walk away. You let me leave everything behind."


    He raised his hands, the chains glinting in the dim light. "And you know what? You were right to. Because I failed that day. The Failed Avatar, they called me. The one who walked away from everything. From my duty. From humanity. From her."


    Silence blanketed the clearing. Even the guards seemed hesitant, their grip on their weapons loosening slightly as A¡¯s words hung in the air.


    "And now," A said, his grin returning like a blade unsheathing, "I see you making the same mistakes. Letting someone else control your decisions. Letting someone else decide what¡¯s ¡¯necessary.¡¯ Maybe we¡¯re not so different after all."


    "Enough!" one of the guards shouted, stepping forward with his blade raised. "You will not disrespect¡ª"


    The chain snapped.

 Chapter 88: An Avatar’s Halo

    The chain snapped.


    It wasn¡¯t loud. It was subtle, almost like a whisper in the air. But the moment it happened, a wave of raw, oppressive power flooded the clearing. The guards froze mid-step, their weapons trembling in their hands. The elves staggered, their knees buckling as they gasped for breath.


    A straightened to his full height, rolling his shoulders as the broken chains fell to the ground like discarded trinkets. The air around him shimmered, and a faint white halo appeared behind his head, glowing with a light that wasn¡¯t just bright¡ªit was alive.


    "A white halo," one of the elves muttered, their voice trembling with awe. "So, the Failed Avatar still carries the mantle of the divine."


    A¡¯s grin sharpened, his aura pressing down on the crowd like an unrelenting tide. "Failed? Funny how that word keeps following me around. Tell me, does it still sting, knowing the ¡¯failure¡¯ of humanity stands on equal footing with your god?"


    The guards stiffened, their hands tightening on their weapons. One of them stepped forward, a sharp glint in his eye. "Hold your tongue, human. You stand before the Eternal Guide, a true Avatar, not some deserter who¡ª"


    A sharp crack echoed through the clearing as A raised a single finger. The oppressive weight of his full power surged forth. The guards faltered, their weapons trembling as if the very metal was bending under the pressure.


    A straightened, his white halo blazing brighter, its light cutting through the canopy like a second sun. His eyes locked onto the guard who had spoken, his grin widening. "You were saying?"


    The elf took a step back, fear flickering across his face, but A turned his attention back to C. The elven Avatar hadn¡¯t moved, his emerald eyes fixed on A with the calm intensity of an ancient predator.


    C lifted his staff, the motion deliberate and slow. The ground beneath them trembled as his aura spread like the roots of a great tree, entwining itself with the earth. The green halo behind him ignited, its light pulsing in a steady rhythm that seemed to command the air itself to still.


    "You¡¯re predictable, A," C said, his voice even. "Still clinging to your theatrics. Still trying to prove a point."


    "And you¡¯re still clinging to that stick," A shot back, gesturing to C¡¯s staff. "Compensating for something, old friend?"


    The gathered elves gasped at the audacity, but C¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. If anything, the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "You overstep your bounds, A," C said, his tone gaining an edge. "This is not your domain."


    "And yet, here I am," A replied, spreading his arms. "Funny thing, boundaries. They don¡¯t seem to mean much when the world¡¯s falling apart. Or have you forgotten what¡¯s coming?"


    C¡¯s green eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, the air itself seemed to recoil. A sudden gust of wind swept through the clearing, bending trees and flattening grass. The glow of their halos dimmed momentarily, not out of submission but in recognition of something ancient and primal.


    Both A and C turned their heads sharply, their auras withdrawing like coiled springs as their gazes locked onto the same distant point on the horizon.


    A felt it too¡ªa pressure unlike anything he¡¯d felt before. His breath caught in his throat, and a chill ran down his spine. It was power, raw and unrelenting, radiating from a distant point in the direction of the Scorching Badlands.


    He inhaled sharply, his senses heightened. That¡¯s not just power. That¡¯s a god-damned ascension.


    C turned his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His voice, usually so calm, betrayed a sliver of unease. "A demi-god has been born."


    A¡¯s eyes narrowed as he followed C¡¯s gaze. He could feel it too¡ªthe overwhelming aura, the faint scent of vaporized air carried on the wind. His mind raced, piecing together what he already knew.


    "Badlands," he said quietly. "That¡¯s where the god-beast was."


    C didn¡¯t respond, his expression still as stone. The elves around them stirred uneasily, sensing the shift in the atmosphere but unable to comprehend its significance.


    A let out a slow breath, his earlier bravado fading. "Well," he muttered to himself, "this complicates things."


    +


    The ground trembled with each of Arthur¡¯s steps. Cracks spidered out from his massive claws, molten veins glowing faintly as if the earth itself recoiled from his presence. A faint haze of ash and heat shimmered around his towering frame, distorting the air like a living mirage.


    He wasn¡¯t just a beast now. He was the beast of the Badlands, and everything knew it.


    Small creatures darted for cover at the sight of his shadow, their survival instincts screaming at them to flee. Even the more ambitious predators¡ªthe ones that might have circled him when he was smaller¡ªkept their distance. They didn¡¯t need to see his molten eyes to know death walked among them.


    And he was starving.


    Arthur¡¯s stomach growled, a deep, resonant sound that echoed across the barren landscape. It wasn¡¯t just hunger¡ªit was a gnawing need, primal and unrelenting. He growled back at it, frustration mounting. The creatures he¡¯d devoured before his evolution were barely a memory now, their essence long since absorbed. This new body demanded more. Much more.


    He stopped suddenly, claws digging into the scorched ground. Ahead, a small pack of lizard-like creatures froze, their scales blending into the charred terrain. For a moment, they thought they¡¯d gone unnoticed. Arthur¡¯s molten eyes narrowed.


    He didn¡¯t roar. He didn¡¯t need to.


    In one fluid motion, his tail lashed out, cutting through the air with a deafening crack. The lead lizard exploded in a burst of ash and blood, its shredded remains scattering across the ground. The others bolted, scampering in every direction, but Arthur didn¡¯t care. He lifted one massive foot and stomped down hard, crushing another beneath his weight. The sickening crunch echoed briefly before fading into silence.


    [Congratulations. You have slain: Blisterback Skink. Infamy +2.]


    Arthur¡¯s nostrils flared. "Two? That¡¯s all I get for this?" he muttered, his deep voice rumbling more to himself than anything else.


    The system didn¡¯t respond. It never did unless it had something important to say.


    His claws scraped the ground as he turned his head, scanning for anything larger¡ªsomething worth his time. The hunger roared louder now, almost as if mocking him. It wasn¡¯t just food he craved; it was power. Each kill fed more than his stomach¡ªit fed the energy thrumming through his veins, the raw force of destruction that grew stronger with every life he extinguished.


    He moved on, his massive frame forcing everything in his path to scatter. A few brave¡ªor perhaps stupid¡ªcreatures tried to fight.


    One leaped at his side, its jaws wide open, rows of jagged teeth aiming for his molten veins. Arthur barely glanced at it before slamming his tail into its side. The creature hit the ground with enough force to leave a crater, its body a mangled, lifeless heap.


    [Congratulations. You have slain: Ashfang Ravager. Infamy +5.]


    Another charged, a horned beast coated in thick, cracked scales. It lowered its head, its horns glowing faintly as it built up momentum. Arthur didn¡¯t move. He waited, claws flexing against the ground. The beast charged harder, faster, its roar building with each step.


    Then, just as it was about to collide, Arthur swung his massive claw down like an executioner¡¯s blade. The beast didn¡¯t even have time to scream. His claw cleaved through it, splitting it cleanly in half, its molten blood pooling at his feet.


    [Congratulations. You have slain: Emberhorn Charger. Infamy +8.]


    The air grew quieter. The beasts that had watched from a distance slunk back into the shadows, abandoning any thoughts of ambush. Arthur let out a low growl of satisfaction, his molten eyes scanning the horizon.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    The hunger still gnawed at him, relentless and unyielding. He remembered the First Child¡¯s words, the ones that haunted his thoughts like a taunt. Kill everything in the Badlands. Only then will Volcranax appear. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur¡¯s claws flexed. He turned his gaze upward, scanning the jagged cliffs and barren plains that stretched endlessly around him. There was no point in waiting for more to come to him. If he wanted to end this, he needed to hunt.


    His wings unfurled, the jagged edges slicing through the ash-laden air. With a single, powerful beat, he lifted himself off the ground, the force of his takeoff sending a shockwave across the Badlands. Dust and ash erupted in a violent plume, and the ground trembled beneath the force of his flight.


    Hovering above the wasteland, Arthur roared¡ªa deep, guttural sound that shook the very earth. It wasn¡¯t a roar of warning. It was a challenge.


    "Come to me!" his voice rumbled, amplified by the system¡¯s translation. "Face your destruction!"


    For a moment, nothing stirred. Then, the ground far below began to shift. A massive centipede-like creature, its body armored with jagged black plates, burst from the earth. Its mandibles clicked furiously as it lunged at the sky, aiming for Arthur¡¯s hovering form.


    Arthur grinned. Finally, something worth killing.

 Chapter 89: The Codex Of Creation

    He dived toward the creature, his wings folding against his sides as he plummeted. The centipede screeched, its body coiling and snapping upward to meet him. Arthur twisted mid-air, his claws raking across its segmented body. Sparks flew as his obsidian talons tore through its armor, leaving molten gashes in their wake.


    The centipede screeched again, this time in pain. It lashed out, its body curling and snapping with surprising speed. One of its spiked limbs grazed Arthur¡¯s side, leaving a faint crack in his armor.


    Arthur roared, the sound shaking the cliffs around them. His tail lashed out, slamming into the centipede¡¯s head and driving it back into the ground. He landed heavily, the impact sending a shockwave that cracked the earth beneath him.


    Before the centipede could recover, Arthur opened his jaws wide, molten energy gathering in the back of his throat. A brilliant beam of destructive energy shot forward, engulfing the centipede in a blinding explosion.


    When the dust settled, all that remained was a smoldering, molten crater.


    [Congratulations. You have slain: Massive Scorcher Centipede. Infamy +20. Essence absorbed: 15%.]


    Arthur growled low in his throat, his molten veins pulsing faintly as the absorbed energy coursed through him. He could feel it¡ªthe power growing stronger, feeding his destructive core. He opened his status screen, scanning it quickly.


    Path: Neutral (No Change) Infamy: 72 Power of Destruction: Intermediate (Progressing¡­)


    He closed the screen with a flick of his claw. The neutral path remained, though he didn¡¯t know how long that would last if he kept this up. He wasn¡¯t evil¡ªnot yet¡ªbut the line was growing thinner with every step.


    One kill at a time.


    +


    Arthur stood on the edge of the lava crater, his massive form hunched over as he lowered his head to drink. The molten liquid sizzled against his obsidian lips, flowing down his gullet like scalding nectar. His physiology had changed so drastically that the very substance which would have incinerated his former self now felt like the purest refreshment.


    Around him, the Badlands stretched out in eerie silence, a desolate wasteland stripped of its life. The towering drake had made sure of that. To his left, a mountain of bones loomed¡ªan imposing monument to the creatures he had obliterated and devoured over the past week. Their remains were piled haphazardly, bleached by the relentless heat and time, and a faint stench of decay hung in the air.


    Arthur raised his head, molten eyes glinting as he surveyed his handiwork. His wings flexed idly, casting massive shadows over the crater. A low rumble escaped his throat, something between a growl of satisfaction and a sigh of boredom. He had fed, fought, and obliterated without equal for days on end, yet something gnawed at him¡ªa strange emptiness that couldn¡¯t be filled by destruction alone.


    Just as he prepared to move on, the system¡¯s familiar voice cut through the haze of his thoughts.


    [Congratulations. You have discovered one of the ten World Items of the Middle Realms: The Codex of Creation.]


    Arthur froze, his molten veins pulsing faintly brighter as the words registered. His molten eyes flicked to the shimmering interface hanging in the air, casting an ominous red glow against the barren cliffs of the Badlands.


    "World Item?" His voice rumbled low, a deep growl echoing through the scorched wasteland. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    He turned his massive head toward the lava crater, suspicion thick in his thoughts. The oppressive heat no longer bothered him¡ªit was just part of his existence now¡ªbut this? This was something else entirely. A part of him bristled, his instincts warning him that the system¡¯s tone was far too calm for the implications of what it was offering.


    The system¡¯s interface expanded before him, lines of glowing red text unraveling like the pages of a forbidden tome.


    [Item: Codex of Creation]


    [Description: The Codex allows the bearer to create anything they desire, bound only by the following rules:]


    The Law of Equivalent Exchange: For something to be created, something of equal value must be sacrificed.Knowledge Required: Creation is limited to what the bearer understands or possesses a blueprint for.


    Energy Catalyst: Destruction Essence.


    Arthur¡¯s molten pupils narrowed, his claws digging into the cracked earth beneath him. Create anything? The promise sounded ludicrous¡ªlike something out of the fantasies he used to read about in his past life. His massive jaw tightened as the system continued.


    [Do you wish to claim this item?]


    Arthur¡¯s mind churned, doubts clawing their way to the forefront. His gaze darted back to the crater of molten lava, rippling softly in the oppressive heat. His claws flexed unconsciously, and his wings twitched in agitation.


    "Claim it?" he rumbled aloud, the suspicion in his voice evident. "Why me? Why here? This is too convenient. Systems don¡¯t just hand out powers like this without a reason."


    He felt the weight of the moment settle over him, heavy and inescapable. The mountain of bones piled high beside him loomed in the corner of his vision, a reminder of his rampage over the past week. It had been an unrelenting spree of slaughter, and not once had he encountered anything that suggested something this¡­ godly existed. Until now.


    "Why wasn¡¯t it found by someone else?" Arthur growled, his molten veins flaring brighter as his frustration mounted.


    The system responded.


    [The Codex of Creation has remained dormant in this location for eons, sealed by the unique energy of the Scorching Badlands. The presence of Destruction Essence in your core has unsealed it.]


    Arthur¡¯s molten eyes widened slightly. Eons? His tail lashed against the ground, sending tremors through the desolate landscape. The idea that such a powerful artifact had been hidden here all along sent a ripple of unease through him.


    "And no one else could have claimed it?" he asked, his voice sharper now.


    [Incorrect. Volcranax himself chose this region as his domain due to the Codex¡¯s dormant energy. However, his essence was insufficient to awaken it. Only a being with active Destruction Essence and a sufficiently advanced core could fulfill the conditions of unsealing.] S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur¡¯s suspicion deepened. His molten pupils darted back to the mountain of bones and the faint shimmer in the lava. Volcranax. The name rang through his mind like a warning bell. The so-called king of this hellish land had staked his claim here for a reason, and now Arthur understood why.


    A slow grin spread across his jagged maw, tempered with unease. "So that overgrown lizard was squatting here all this time, hoping to crack the shell? And I just waltzed in and took it?"


    He glanced back at the system¡¯s interface, the words [Yes/No] still glowing faintly in the center of his vision.


    His grin faded. This power could change everything, he thought, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. But it was also a gamble¡ªa massive, unpredictable gamble. Was this a trap? A gift? Or just another piece in a cosmic game he didn¡¯t fully understand?


    The mountain of bones loomed larger in his mind¡¯s eye. He had killed everything in the Badlands to sate his hunger, but it had only served to remind him of his monstrous nature. Now, the Codex dangled before him, offering something¡­ different. A tool to shape, not destroy. To build, not merely consume.


    "Fine," he growled, his voice steady despite the storm of thoughts in his mind. "Let¡¯s see what this thing can do. Yes."


    The system reacted instantly.


    [Congratulations. You have claimed the Codex of Creation.]


    [Synchronizing...]


    The air around Arthur shifted, growing heavier as the ground trembled beneath him. A faint hum resonated through the Badlands, the sound growing louder with each passing second. Arthur¡¯s molten veins flared brilliantly as the Codex materialized before him, a shimmering book of light and runes spinning rapidly in the air.


    The hum reached a crescendo, and the Codex shattered.


    Fragments of glowing light surged toward Arthur, striking his body in waves. He snarled, instinctively bracing himself as the energy flooded his form. His head snapped back, and he roared into the sky, the sound shaking the ground for miles around.


    Pain lanced through his skull, and he felt something shift. A new weight pressed against his brow, unfamiliar yet strangely fitting. Slowly, Arthur raised a claw to his forehead, his jagged talons brushing against the smooth surface of a newly-formed third eye.


    His vision flickered, colors bleeding together before separating into something far more intricate. The world around him transformed¡ªwhere before there was only heat and ash, now he could see streaks of energy swirling like streams of light.


    Red flakes of energy drifted through the Badlands like motes of fire, concentrated heavily around the lava crater and the bones piled beside him. His molten pupils narrowed, his third eye pulsing faintly as his focus sharpened.


    Then, the system spoke again.


    [Warning: Volcranax has awoken due to sensing the Codex¡¯s presence within you.]


    [Something wicked this way comes.]


    The ground beneath him shook violently, a deep rumbling growing in intensity as cracks spiderwebbed across the molten landscape.

 Chapter 90: The Celestial Abode

    The celestial abode was in ruins.


    Sylvia¡¯s trembling hands pressed against the gaping wound on her side, warm blood seeping through her fingers as she struggled to steady her breath. Around her, the once-pristine halls of the Angelic Dominion, carved from enchanted silver and gold, now lay cracked and broken, shimmering fragments strewn across the scorched ground. The air was thick with the scent of ash and divine energy, a sickly combination that made her stomach churn.


    She leaned against the splintered remains of a golden pillar, her legs threatening to give out. Her brilliant white wings, now bloodied and torn, shuddered as she fought to focus. Just ahead, she could see the battlefield¡ªthe center of the celestial palace where her master, E the Radiant, stood against the hooded figure.


    E moved like a dancer, her golden spear spinning in her hands as she deflected blow after blow. The hooded figure was relentless, their movements sharp and calculated, each strike forcing E further onto the defensive. The hum of sealing magic coated the air, an oppressive force that nullified the radiant celestial energy E was known for.


    Sylvia¡¯s gaze shifted briefly to the massive corpse lying just beyond the combatants. Fafnir, the golden dragon king, lay in a pool of his own blood, his immense, headless body sprawled across the broken courtyard. His severed head rested nearby, tongue lolling out grotesquely. Beside it sat the First Knight, the second strongest warrior of the Angelic Dominion. His armor was cracked and smeared with blood, and his left arm and leg were gone, lost in the ferocious battle that had claimed the dragon. Yet even in his broken state, the knight remained alert, his sharp eyes trained on the duel before him.


    Sylvia felt a pang of guilt as she took in the sight of him. He had given everything to protect them, to kill one of the six dragon kings, and here she was, too weak to do anything but watch.


    The hooded figure¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, smooth and mechanical, like the sound of gears grinding in perfect harmony. "Your resistance is admirable, Radiant Avatar. But futile. You cannot fight what you do not understand."


    E¡¯s spear lashed out in response, its golden edge slicing through the air toward the figure¡¯s neck. They sidestepped the blow with ease, their cloaked form moving like a shadow. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You wield your weapon with grace, but no amount of martial prowess will change your fate," the hooded figure continued, their tone almost mocking. "This world is already unraveling, and you cling to it like a child clutching a broken toy."


    E¡¯s voice, calm but edged with steel, rang out. "Who are you to decide the fate of this world? Why have you done this¡ªattacked the Dominion, enslaved Fafnir? What purpose does your destruction serve?"


    The hooded figure tilted their head slightly, as if considering the question. "Purpose?" they echoed, their voice laced with a quiet amusement. "You mistake me for a leader, an architect of chaos. I am but a servant¡ªa harbinger of what is to come."


    E¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Who do you serve?"


    The figure paused, their gloved hand tightening around the hilt of their blade. "The Kaos Clan," they said finally. "We are the hands that guide this world to its end. A world cleansed of noise, of suffering, of life itself. Only silence will remain."


    Sylvia¡¯s heart clenched as the words sank in. Kaos Clan¡­ silence¡­ what kind of madness is this?


    E¡¯s spear spun once more, the blade aimed directly at the figure¡¯s heart. "And Fafnir?" she demanded. "The dragon kings bow to no one. How did you bring him under your control?"


    The figure¡¯s laugh was soft, yet it carried a weight that sent chills down Sylvia¡¯s spine. "Fafnir, arrogant to the end, believed himself untouchable. But even dragons can be swayed¡­ with the right incentives."


    E pressed forward, her spear a blur of motion as it clashed against the figure¡¯s blade. Sparks flew with each collision, the sound ringing through the ruined palace. "You speak of endings and silence," E said, her voice steady even as sweat glistened on her brow. "But you¡¯re nothing more than a puppet, dancing on strings you don¡¯t even see."


    The hooded figure¡¯s movements faltered for the briefest moment, and Sylvia thought she saw a flicker of something¡ªpain, anger, perhaps?¡ªbeneath the shadow of their hood. But it was gone as quickly as it came.


    "Believe what you will, Radiant Avatar," they said quietly. "It changes nothing. The Day of No Sun draws near, and your Middle Realms will crumble beneath the shadow of the Black Dragon of Annihilation. Your precious unity is already broken. Even now, the Elven Avatar serves as our pawn."


    Sylvia¡¯s eyes widened in horror. The Elven Avatar¡­ manipulated? She thought of James and his master, A, the Human Avatar. They had been dealing with the elves and their sudden aggression. Could it all be connected to this hooded figure? To the Kaos Clan?


    But before E could respond, the air shifted.


    Sylvia felt it immediately¡ªa crushing aura unlike anything she had ever experienced. It slammed into her like a tidal wave, stealing the breath from her lungs. Around her, the injured angels cried out in alarm, their wings trembling as they struggled to withstand the overwhelming pressure.


    E froze mid-strike, her spear hovering inches from the hooded figure¡¯s chest. The hooded figure stiffened as well, their head snapping toward the horizon. A faint rumble echoed through the air, growing louder with each passing second.


    Sylvia¡¯s breath hitched as the oppressive aura slammed into her, stealing the air from her lungs. It was like nothing she had ever felt before¡ªraw, untamed, and suffocating. It bore down on her like a tidal wave, relentless and overwhelming. Her hands trembled, gripping the cracked marble floor to keep herself steady as her wings drooped behind her, battered and torn.


    Her heart pounded as realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. She knew this aura. She had felt it before, on the island where everything had gone so horribly wrong. Back then, it had been monstrous, primal, but this... this was on an entirely different scale.


    The god-beast.

 Chapter 91: PTSD

    Sylvia¡¯s trembling turned into outright shaking. That thing, that horrifying monstrosity, had reached the Third Stage¡ªascended to demi-god status. Her mind screamed as memories surged back: its molten eyes, its aura of annihilation that crushed her spirit, and its calm, taunting words that had unraveled her composure. She had barely survived then, and now...


    "Why now?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, cracked and raw. Her vision blurred with tears of frustration and despair. Her wounds throbbed, but they were nothing compared to the gaping hole of hopelessness clawing at her chest.


    She raised her head just enough to glance at her master, E the Radiant, the strongest Avatar in the Middle Realms. E had paused mid-strike, her golden spear still raised, her shimmering aura clashing faintly with the oppressive weight of the god-beast¡¯s ascension. For the first time in Sylvia¡¯s life, she saw hesitation in her master¡¯s form. Not fear, but something disturbingly close to it: uncertainty.


    "That thing," Sylvia muttered, her voice growing hoarse as bile rose in her throat. "It wasn¡¯t enough that it was already a monster. Now it¡¯s a demi-god. We¡¯re doomed¡­"


    The hooded figure stood motionless for a long moment, their head tilted slightly as though assessing the situation. Then, they chuckled, low and mechanical, a sound that sent chills racing down Sylvia¡¯s spine.


    "Fascinating," the figure said, their voice laced with amusement. "The god-beast... it grows bolder with every passing moment. A creature of pure destruction, now walking the path of godhood."


    Sylvia¡¯s wings stiffened, her body shaking as she clenched her teeth. The hooded figure¡¯s words didn¡¯t feel like a taunt¡ªthey felt like a death sentence. Her memories of the god-beast resurfaced in vivid detail: how it had looked down at them like insects, how it had eaten Elyndor without hesitation, how its mere presence had crushed her will to fight. And now¡­ now it was something far beyond what they had faced before.


    "No¡­" Sylvia muttered, barely able to speak. "It can¡¯t be¡­ it can¡¯t be¡­" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her voice cracked, raw and filled with despair, as she slammed a fist into the broken ground. She hated herself for running, for leaving James to face that monster alone. And now she hated herself even more for knowing that, even if she¡¯d stayed, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. The god-beast had ascended beyond anything they could possibly face.


    E¡¯s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, sharp and commanding. "Sylvia. Focus."


    Sylvia snapped her head up, her master¡¯s tone forcing her to at least try to gather herself. E¡¯s golden eyes were locked on the hooded figure, though her voice softened as she addressed her student. "Fear will not serve you here. Breathe. Heal yourself. Stay vigilant."


    But Sylvia could barely move. The overwhelming pressure from the god-beast¡¯s aura hadn¡¯t lessened, and just as she thought it couldn¡¯t get worse, another wave of power swept over them.


    This second aura was different. Unlike the suffocating and destructive nature of the first, this one was pure, ancient, and¡­ serene. It felt as though it had been unearthed from the deepest layers of the world itself, untouched by time. And somehow, that made it even more terrifying.


    The contrast between the two was staggering, yet both auras came from the same direction¡ªthe Scorching Badlands.


    The hooded figure chuckled again, the sound more sinister this time. "The Codex of Creation," they murmured, almost reverently. "It would seem the god-beast has found a toy far beyond its comprehension."


    Sylvia froze. The Codex of Creation? Her mind spun. She had heard stories, legends whispered among the angels of objects capable of shaping reality itself. But they were just that¡ªlegends. To think that such an artifact not only existed but had fallen into that creature¡¯s claws¡­ it was unthinkable.


    "Master," Sylvia croaked, her voice trembling. "What¡­ what do we do now?"


    E didn¡¯t answer immediately. Her focus remained on the hooded figure, but Sylvia could see the tension in her stance. Finally, E spoke, her voice calm but firm. "This changes nothing. We finish what we started here."


    "And then what?" Sylvia pressed, desperation creeping into her tone. "Do you think we can just¡­ ignore that? It¡¯s a demi-god now! It¡¯s¡ª"


    "Enough." E¡¯s voice cut through like a blade, silencing Sylvia¡¯s panic. The Radiant Avatar turned her head slightly, her golden aura flickering like a dying star. "We will face one challenge at a time. Focus on the fight in front of us, or you will not live to see the next."


    Sylvia bit her lip, swallowing her fear as she forced herself to sit up straighter. But even as she began to heal her wounds, the weight of the god-beast¡¯s ascension pressed down on her like a suffocating fog.


    The hooded figure, meanwhile, seemed almost amused by their exchange. "You should listen to your master, little angel," they said mockingly.


    E¡¯s golden aura flared, her celestial spear raised high as she gathered an immense amount of energy into its tip. The hooded figure had turned his back, readying himself to leave, but she wasn¡¯t going to let him slip away so easily.


    A blinding column of radiant energy surged from her spear, descending like judgment itself toward the hooded figure. The attack tore through the broken remnants of the celestial platform, bathing everything in golden light.


    But just as the beam was about to strike him, the air shimmered around the hooded figure. The radiant energy faltered and fractured, scattering harmlessly into motes of light before fading entirely. His nullification barrier held firm.


    The figure glanced back over his shoulder, his voice calm and taunting. "Celestial energy? How quaint. Did you think that would work, Radiant Avatar?"


    E didn¡¯t respond. Her golden spear disappeared from her hand, and she vanished in a blink of light. The hooded figure stiffened, sensing her presence behind him.


    "Got you," E whispered, thrusting her spear toward his spine.


    But the weapon passed through nothing but shadow, the figure¡¯s body dissipating like mist. He reappeared a few feet away, his hood knocked back slightly from the force of her attack.


    E¡¯s sharp eyes widened slightly as she finally saw his face¡ªa man of dark, ebony skin, his features unsettlingly smooth. He had no eyes, no ears, only a wide, toothy grin that stretched far too unnaturally across his face. His appearance was an abomination, a mockery of a human form.


    "You always did have impressive resolve," the figure said, his voice reverberating hollowly, as though carried from the depths of an endless void. The tone was wrong¡ªlayered, warped, like two voices speaking in discord. "But it¡¯s pointless now. You¡¯re too late. Chaos has already begun."

 Chapter 92: Volcranax Is Too Big

    E tightened her grip on her spear, golden light pooling at its tip. "What are you?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the unnatural stillness.


    The figure didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, his grin widened¡ªan impossible, grotesque stretch that split his face in half. It was as if his flesh would tear apart at any moment, revealing the abyss beneath. Slowly, his mouth began to open, distorting unnaturally as an eerie, hollow laugh spilled forth.


    "Hhh-ha¡­ Hhh-ha-ha¡­ HHH-HA-HAAAAA!"


    The laughter echoed through the ruins, each note grating and warped, as if a thousand broken voices were trying to harmonize. It twisted the air, sent shivers through Sylvia¡¯s bones, and made her wings tremble uncontrollably. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay standing, even as her legs threatened to give out.


    The figure¡¯s voice followed, layered with the same chilling distortion. "Let¡¯s see¡­ let¡¯s see how your precious Dominion fares... when nothing remains. HHHHAAAAAA!"


    His mouth widened further, splitting almost to his neck, revealing a swirling void within. The black emptiness churned, coalescing into a sphere of destruction. It grew rapidly, distorting the very air with its gravitational pull. Stones, broken pieces of the celestial platform, and even the shimmering fragments of angelic weapons were drawn toward it, crumbling to dust before reaching its surface.


    E¡¯s sharp voice cut through the chaos. "Angels, scatter! Now!"


    The remaining angels, some injured and barely standing, heeded her order and took flight, retreating to the edges of the battlefield. Sylvia stumbled, her body barely responding to her will, but she pushed herself to her feet and limped toward cover, refusing to let fear immobilize her.


    The hooded figure laughed, his distorted voice echoing unnervingly.


    E didn¡¯t hesitate. With a sharp motion, her aura surged again as she activated her teleportation technique. In a flash, she appeared above the hooded figure, her spear glowing with radiant light.


    "Not here," she growled, her voice cold and determined.


    Before he could react, she slammed her spear into his side, the impact causing a spatial ripple. The hooded figure and his destructive sphere vanished, teleported high into the skies above the celestial abode.


    Sylvia craned her neck upward, her vision blurry from the strain of her injuries. She could see the faint outline of the figure, far above the wreckage, the black sphere of destruction in his mouth still growing.


    And then it detonated.


    BOOOM!


    The sky turned black as the explosion ripped through the heavens. A deafening roar echoed across the celestial domain, shaking the floating city to its core. The blast lit up the night like a second sun, its shockwave sending tremors through the already crumbling abode.


    Sylvia shielded her eyes, her wings instinctively wrapping around her body to protect her. When the blinding light faded, she looked up again, her heart racing.


    The hooded figure was gone. Nothing remained in the sky but the dissipating remnants of his chaotic energy.


    E hovered in the air for a moment, her golden aura dimmed but steady. She descended slowly, landing amidst the ruins of the celestial platform. Her face was calm, but there was a sharp edge to her gaze, a silent fury beneath her composed exterior.


    Sylvia staggered forward, her voice weak. "Master¡­ is it over?"


    E glanced at her but didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, she turned to the gathered angels, many of whom were wounded or barely conscious. Her voice carried across the broken battlefield, firm and commanding.


    "Everyone, listen carefully. Tend to the wounded immediately. Gather the remaining forces and prepare for a meeting in the Secret Court. We need to regroup and decide our next steps."


    The First Knight, slumped against the head of Fafnir¡¯s massive, decapitated body, gave a weary nod. Despite his grievous injuries, he forced himself to rise slightly. "Understood¡­ but we¡¯re scattered, E. Half our forces are gone."


    "We¡¯ll make do with what we have," E replied curtly, her spear vanishing from her hand as she turned her gaze toward the horizon. The oppressive auras from the Scorching Badlands lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of the challenges yet to come.


    Sylvia took a shaky step forward. "Master, what was that man? And¡­ and the god-beast¡­"


    E¡¯s jaw tightened, her expression unreadable. "Both are harbingers of what¡¯s to come. This isn¡¯t just a war between nations anymore, Sylvia. The balance of the Middle Realms is shifting, and we must prepare for the worst."


    Sylvia swallowed hard, her fists clenched at her sides. Despite the fear that still gripped her, a flicker of determination burned within her chest. She wouldn¡¯t run this time. She couldn¡¯t.


    "I¡¯ll be ready," she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.


    E¡¯s golden eyes softened slightly as she glanced at her student. "See that you are. This is only the beginning."


    +


    Arthur stared, his molten pupils narrowing as his massive frame stood still, locked in an uneasy standoff. Before him loomed Volcranax¡ªa volcanic wyrm of impossible size and power. The beast¡¯s head alone was nearly twice his size, its vast bulk extending into the cavernous, fiery abyss below. The slitted eyes of the ancient creature glowed faintly, pulsating like magma as they locked onto him with an unsettling stillness.


    It¡¯s big. Too big.


    The system chimed in his mind, its interface flickering into view as he activated his enhanced [Analyze] function. The Codex of Creation¡¯s third eye burned faintly in the middle of his forehead, its presence amplifying the ability with detailed insights.


    Name: Volcranax


    Age: 500 years


    Size: 400 feet (head); Length: Unknown


    Stage: Peak Third Stage


    Element: Fire/Lava S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Title: New Titan of Fire (Ascending)


    Weakness: Eyes (Primary)


    Arthur¡¯s molten veins pulsed, glowing faintly beneath his obsidian armor. The system¡¯s cold efficiency did little to quell the creeping unease that crept along his massive spine. The wyrm wasn¡¯t just bigger¡ªit was ancient, experienced, and, worst of all, calm. Too calm.


    The wyrm¡¯s head tilted slightly, its gigantic maw remaining closed. The silence stretched, oppressive and deliberate. Then, finally, it spoke.


    "I smell my children¡¯s blood in you."


    The voice rumbled, impossibly deep and deliberate, each syllable drawn out like the groaning of tectonic plates. "You... ate them?"

 Chapter 93 93: Show Me Your Breath

    Arthur let out a low growl, molten energy swirling around his massive claws. His tail lashed behind him, the weight of it leaving deep grooves in the volcanic ground.


    "They were delicious."


    The wyrm didn''t flinch. Its massive eyes remained fixed on Arthur, unblinking. Then, slowly, the creature inclined its head. "... My children were too weak."


    The dismissiveness in its tone sent a ripple of irritation through Arthur, but he kept his expression neutral. The wyrm''s massive head shifted slightly, its glowing slits narrowing further as it leaned closer. The heat radiating from it was unbearable¡ªat least for anyone other than Arthur.


    "... You ate the Codex too."


    Arthur''s third eye opened instinctively, glowing faintly with its otherworldly power. He met the wyrm''s gaze, his tone sharp. "And?"


    For the first time, Volcranax''s lips parted, revealing rows of jagged obsidian teeth that shimmered faintly with molten energy. The creature''s maw stretched slightly into what could have been a grin¡ªor a warning. "... It''s assimilated inside you. No matter. I will devour you... and have it soon enough." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur stepped forward, his claws flexing. "Try it, wyrm."


    The wyrm rumbled deeply, the sound vibrating through the cavern and rattling loose fragments of rock from above. "... Let us talk first... Challenger."


    Arthur tensed but didn''t move. The wyrm tilted its head, slitted eyes narrowing slightly as it continued. "... I want to know how... and why you''ve come to my realm."


    Arthur didn''t respond immediately, his three multi-pupiled eyes watching every subtle shift of the creature''s massive form. But Volcranax didn''t seem interested in rushing. Its immense bulk began to move, the massive body slithering slowly in a deliberate circle around Arthur. The wyrm''s scales scraped against the volcanic floor, sending sparks into the air with every shift. Despite its size, its movements were calculated and eerily graceful.


    "... When I was born," the wyrm began, its voice laden with an unsettling nostalgia, "I devoured my siblings. Every last one." Its slitted eyes glinted faintly as they passed over Arthur. "... My mother... my father... all became sustenance for my rise."


    Arthur''s claws twitched, the mention of such ruthlessness stirring something primal within him. But Volcranax continued, its tone devoid of pride or regret¡ªsimply stating facts.


    "... Others came. Challengers. Fools seeking my head. They became nothing but ash. Eventually... I grew tired. I sought purpose."


    Arthur growled low, his voice cutting through the wyrm''s monologue. "Purpose? You? You mean ruling over this molten wasteland?"


    The wyrm didn''t react to the barb. "... I found this island... the Codex of Creation buried deep within. I built this realm... cultivated worshippers... raised the flames... all to ascend to the fourth stage. To godhood."


    Arthur snorted. "And yet, here you are. Stuck."


    The wyrm''s gaze darkened, its massive head lowering until its slitted eyes were level with Arthur''s. "... You do not understand what it means to ascend, Challenger. To reach the fourth stage is not merely strength. It is purpose... it is domination."


    Arthur''s third eye flickered as he took a step back, his tail lashing against the ground. "And I assume eating me fits neatly into your ''purpose''?"


    "... You are destruction." The wyrm''s voice was softer now, almost reverent. "... Your essence... it calls to me. It is rare... precious. A kindred energy to my own."


    Arthur''s molten gaze narrowed, the weight of the wyrm''s words pressing against him. "Kindred? Don''t lump me in with you, wyrm."


    The creature rumbled, its immense coils shifting as it continued to circle. "... You misunderstand. I do not pity you, Challenger. I admire you. Few have ever reached my domain with such strength... such speed. You are worthy of becoming part of me."


    Arthur''s claws flexed again, molten energy crackling around him. "You''re welcome to try."


    The wyrm''s grin returned, faint but menacing. "... In time. For now... I wish to savor this moment. To speak with one who understands the hunger... the need."


    It paused, its massive head lifting slightly as it regarded him again. "... Do you not feel it, Challenger? The call of destruction? The Codex''s power flows through you now... and with it comes purpose."


    Arthur''s third eye glowed faintly as he felt the weight of the wyrm''s words. The Codex had changed him¡ªhe couldn''t deny that. But he refused to believe he shared anything with the ancient beast before him.


    "You''ve wasted centuries, Volcranax. Building this pitiful domain, hoping to scrape your way to the next stage."


    The wyrm tilted its head slightly, unbothered by the insult. "... And you believe you will do better? Your ascension has been rapid... reckless. You do not understand the burden you carry. You are strong now... but strength alone will not carry you to godhood."


    Arthur bared his jagged teeth, molten energy pooling in his claws. "Then let''s test that theory."


    The wyrm''s eyes glinted with amusement. "... Soon, Challenger. But first... let us see if your destruction... can match mine."


    Volcranax''s massive coils tightened, and the air grew heavier with heat. Arthur tensed, his third eye pulsing as his molten veins burned brighter.


    Volcranax''s eyes narrowed, molten light flaring in the depths of its massive slits. The air grew dense, almost suffocating, as heat rolled off its immense form in waves. Slowly, deliberately, its enormous head tilted forward, its jagged maw parting to reveal rows of obsidian teeth glowing faintly with internal fire.


    "Show me your breath... Challenger," Volcranax rumbled, its voice resonating through the cavern like the groaning of an ancient volcano.


    Arthur''s molten veins pulsed brighter, his towering frame tensing as his claws dug into the volcanic ground beneath him. His third eye glowed faintly, analyzing every movement the monstrous wyrm made. Steam began to rise from Volcranax''s coiled body, the intense heat warping the air around it. Arthur could see it¡ªenergy surging to the surface, concentrating in its chest before rushing upward toward its maw.


    Volcranax inhaled deeply, the cavern trembling under the pressure. Within its mouth, a sphere of white-hot fire began to form. It was small at first, but its brightness was blinding, forcing Arthur to avert his gaze slightly. The heat was unlike anything he''d ever felt¡ªsearing, oppressive, almost alive.


    "Do not count on your immunity to fire, little Challenger," Volcranax hissed, the fireball expanding rapidly. "This is star-fire... born of the sun itself. You will not survive it."

 Chapter 94 94: To Kill A Demi-God

    Arthur growled low, the sound reverberating through the cavern as molten cracks flared along his obsidian skin. He spread his stance, his wings unfurling slightly as he prepared. Star-fire or not, he wasn''t about to back down. Destruction pulsed within him, an undeniable force coiling tightly in his core.


    He inhaled deeply, focusing his energy. Unlike Volcranax''s breath, which radiated overwhelming output and devastating blast potential, Arthur''s was different. His power compressed into a singular, razor-sharp line. His third eye burned, assisting in the focus as he channeled his essence of destruction, drawing it inward until it threatened to consume him.


    The cavern quaked as both beasts prepared, their power reaching critical thresholds. Volcranax''s star-fire swelled, the sphere within its maw now resembling a miniature sun. The ground beneath it melted into magma, cracks spiderwebbing outward from its immense form.


    Arthur''s molten veins pulsed violently as his breath attack reached its peak. A singular point of pure destruction formed within his jaws, darker than black, absorbing the very light around it. The energy screamed for release, begging to annihilate everything in its path.


    Both beasts unleashed their breaths at the same moment.


    Volcranax''s star-fire erupted in a devastating blast, a torrent of white-hot flames so intense that the very air ignited, creating shockwaves that shook the cavern walls. The flames roared forward like a tidal wave, consuming everything in their path.


    Arthur''s breath was different¡ªa single, narrow beam of concentrated destruction. The line cut through the air like a blade, its edges distorting reality itself. Where it passed, matter ceased to exist, the sheer force of its compression obliterating everything in its path.


    BZZZZ!


    The two attacks collided mid-air, the impact creating an explosion of light and force that sent shockwaves ripping through the cavern. Lava pools around them hissed and evaporated instantly, the ground buckling under the immense power.


    Arthur gritted his teeth, pouring everything he had into his breath. The heat from Volcranax''s star-fire was overwhelming, even for his obsidian skin. He felt it singe him, his molten veins struggling to cool the searing temperature.


    But his beam of destruction didn''t falter. Slowly, it began to push through Volcranax''s flames, cutting through the star-fire like a blade through cloth. The wyrm''s eyes widened slightly as it realized what was happening, its massive head pulling back instinctively.


    It wasn''t fast enough.


    Arthur''s beam pierced through the star-fire and struck Volcranax''s left eye.


    SHRIEKKKKKKKKKK!


    The wyrm''s roar of agony was deafening, a screech so loud it felt like the cavern itself might collapse. The beam didn''t penetrate deeply, but it was enough to shatter part of the massive slitted eye, molten blood spilling from the wound.


    Arthur staggered slightly, his breath attack dissipating as his energy waned. His obsidian skin glowed red-hot, parts of it cracking from the intense heat. Steam rose from his body as his molten veins worked overtime to stabilize him.


    Volcranax thrashed violently, its massive coils tearing through the cavern walls as it screeched in pain. Its head twisted toward Arthur, the wounded eye half-closed and oozing molten liquid. The wyrm''s calm demeanor was gone, replaced by unrestrained fury.


    "... You... dare..." Volcranax growled, its voice trembling with rage. "... To best me... in my own breath?"


    Arthur straightened, his towering frame looming over the molten ground as he snarled. "What did you expect, wyrm? I''ve already reached the middle realm of the third stage."


    Volcranax''s remaining eye flared with shock, its massive body freezing momentarily. "... Impossible... You are but a babe... A fledgling demi-god!"


    Arthur''s molten pupils narrowed, a predatory grin spreading across his jagged maw. "I killed every single denizen of this island to get here. Your children, their servants, the beasts they controlled... All of them."


    Volcranax''s screech echoed through the cavern, its massive body coiling tighter in rage. "... You knew! You knew that slaughtering them would... would elevate you this quickly!"


    Arthur''s grin faded slightly as realization dawned on him. The first child''s final words resurfaced in his mind¡ªthe warning about what he needed to do to face Volcranax. It all made sense now. The first child had known. It had wanted him to kill everything. To become a proper challenge.


    The wyrm''s molten blood dripped onto the ground as it seethed, its massive form trembling with fury. "... I will devour you... and take back what is mine. You will not... leave this place... alive!"


    Arthur growled low, molten energy flaring around him once more. His third eye glowed faintly as he prepared for what was to come. "Try me, wyrm."


    He used Volcranax''s own taunt, while gloating. "Let''s see if your destruction can match mine."


    +


    The ground quaked as Volcranax''s massive body writhed, its molten scales radiating unbearable heat. Arthur braced himself, his claws digging deep into the blackened rock beneath him. Across the battlefield, the volcanic wyrm''s glowing eyes bore into him, unblinking and ancient. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s enormous, Arthur thought, his gaze trailing along Volcranax''s endless coils. The wyrm''s head alone could swallow him whole, and its length snaked through the cavern like a living mountain. Heat shimmered off its body, distorting the air and making it hard to breathe.


    A deep rumble shook the cavern as Volcranax spoke, its voice a slow, grinding bass. "You... dare to challenge me... Challenger?"


    Arthur''s lips curled back, revealing jagged, glowing teeth. "You''ve talked enough, wyrm."


    Volcranax''s massive head tilted slightly, its mouth opening to reveal rows of jagged obsidian teeth glowing faintly. The air around them thickened, shimmering with intense heat. A hiss escaped its maw as its massive coils tightened, the friction sending sparks flying into the air.


    Then it struck.


    With a speed that belied its size, Volcranax lunged forward. WHOOSH! The sound of its movement was deafening, and Arthur barely sidestepped in time as the beast''s massive jaws snapped shut, missing him by inches. The impact alone created a shockwave, sending rocks and debris flying.


    Arthur''s wings unfurled, their span cutting through the dense heat as he leapt into the air. His thoughts raced. I can''t let it pin me down. That thing''s size alone could crush me!


    He retaliated immediately, summoning six Destructo Orbs that crackled with raw energy. With a flick of his claw, he hurled them toward the wyrm''s massive body. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The explosions rippled along Volcranax''s scales, scorching the surface but leaving no lasting damage.


    The wyrm let out a rumbling laugh that echoed like distant thunder. "Is this... all you have, Challenger?"


    Arthur growled low in his throat, his glowing veins pulsing brighter. "I''m just getting started."


    Volcranax''s massive body coiled tighter, and the ground beneath it liquefied into a glowing red slurry. The air shimmered, the heat reaching new levels as the wyrm''s scales began to radiate a searing white-hot aura. Arthur felt it immediately¡ªwaves of oppressive heat crashing against him, making even his resilient skin feel like it was burning.


    The ground beneath Arthur''s feet gave way, melting into magma. He leapt into the air, his wings beating furiously as he hovered above the destruction. Below, Volcranax''s massive body writhed, its scales sparking with arcs of superheated energy.


    Suddenly, the wyrm''s tail lashed out. CRACK! The sound was like a whip, and Arthur barely managed to dodge as the tail slammed into a nearby rock formation, obliterating it into a cloud of debris.


    That tail could shatter me if it connects, Arthur realized, his claws flexing as he landed on a ledge, his glowing veins pulsating with heat.


    Volcranax didn''t let up. Its body writhed, and flames erupted from the ground, forming spiraling tendrils that reached toward Arthur like living creatures. He slashed through them with his claws, each swing creating a ripple of destruction that extinguished the flames in his path.


    But the wyrm was relentless. The air crackled as Volcranax roared, unleashing a torrent of white-hot fire in Arthur''s direction. FWOOOOSH! The flames engulfed the cavern, blindingly bright and unbearably hot. Arthur dove to the side, his wings straining against the intense heat as he barely avoided the blast.


    He skidded across the ground, steam rising from his obsidian armor.


    Arthur charged, his claws glowing with destructive energy. He leapt toward Volcranax''s massive head, aiming for the beast''s wounded eye. The third eye on his forehead pulsed, analyzing the wyrm''s movements as he closed the distance.


    Volcranax met him halfway. Its massive jaws snapped forward, and Arthur had no choice but to veer to the side. The wyrm''s teeth grazed his side, sending a spray of glowing shards from his armor. He gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain as he retaliated with a powerful swipe of his claws. CLANG! His attack struck the wyrm''s face, carving a deep gouge into its molten scales.


    Volcranax reared back, its roar deafening. SHRIIIIEK! The sound shook the cavern, dislodging chunks of rock from the ceiling. Arthur landed heavily on the ground, his claws digging in to keep his balance.


    "You... dare..." Volcranax hissed, molten blood dripping from the wound on its face.


    Arthur grinned, his jagged teeth glinting in the fiery light. "Silence, wyrm."

 Chapter 95 95: I Shouldnt Have Let Him Go Into Stage 2

    The wyrm coiled its massive body, the heat around it intensifying once more. Arthur could feel the ground beneath him trembling as Volcranax gathered its power. The air shimmered, and the cavern walls began to glow, the heat reaching unbearable levels.


    It''s preparing something big, Arthur thought, his molten veins glowing brighter as he prepared to counter. His third eye pulsed, analyzing the energy surging through the wyrm''s massive frame.


    Volcranax''s head reared back, its massive maw opening wide. Flames surged within, their intensity blinding as they coalesced into a sphere of white-hot energy. The very air seemed to ignite, crackling with the raw power of a miniature star.


    Arthur didn''t wait. He focused his destruction essence, channeling it into a concentrated beam within his maw. The energy screamed for release, and he let it out with a deafening roar. BZAAAP! The beam of pure destruction tore through the air, heading straight for Volcranax.


    The two attacks collided mid-air. BOOOOM! The explosion was cataclysmic, the shockwave tearing through the cavern and sending chunks of rock flying. Lava surged from the ground, spilling into the chasms created by the blast.


    Arthur growled, his claws digging into the ground as he pushed back against the force of the collision. His beam of destruction sliced through Volcranax''s flames, cutting a path straight toward the wyrm''s face.


    The wyrm roared in pain as the beam struck its other eye, molten blood spilling from the wound. SHRIIIIEK! Its massive body thrashed, smashing into the cavern walls and sending debris raining down.


    Two eyes down. Now, to go for the head.


    +


    Arthur stood amidst the molten wasteland, his three eyes locked onto the massive, wounded form of Volcranax. Steam hissed from the wyrm''s cracked scales, molten blood pooling around its immense body. Both of its slitted eyes were destroyed, yet it wasn''t writhing or lashing out like before. Instead, Volcranax lay unnervingly still, its head lowered, and its immense coils slackened.


    "What''s this now?" Arthur muttered, his voice rumbling like a distant thunderstorm. The tension in the air was suffocating. His tail lashed behind him, leaving deep gouges in the ground. He could feel the shift in Volcranax''s energy¡ªa steady cooling instead of the blazing inferno it had been moments ago.


    Then Volcranax spoke, its voice slow and deliberate, each word vibrating through the cavern like an ancient hymn.


    "... I don''t remember the last time... someone forced me to this point."


    Arthur narrowed his eyes. Is it admitting defeat? No, it doesn''t feel like surrender...


    Volcranax''s massive form began to cool further, the glow of its molten scales fading to a dark, metallic sheen. The oppressive heat that had defined the entire battlefield lessened with alarming speed, replaced by an eerie calm. Arthur''s third eye glowed faintly as he analyzed the changes.


    Body temperature dropping rapidly... This thing is shutting down? Arthur frowned, his claws flexing as unease gnawed at him.


    Then it hit him. No... It''s transforming. Just like those games back on Earth.


    He snarled. And what''s the one rule about fighting bosses in their second phase? Don''t let them transform!


    Without hesitation, Arthur roared, summoning his destruction essence. A beam of pure annihilation formed above his head, crackling violently as it condensed into a razor-thin line of concentrated energy. He whipped it forward with a flick of his claw.


    BOOOOM!


    The beam streaked across the battlefield, tearing through the dense heat toward Volcranax''s coiled form. But before it could strike, a deafening sound echoed through the cavern¡ªa sharp, metallic CLANG like swords clashing. The beam ricocheted harmlessly off Volcranax''s now-glossy surface, dispersing into the air.


    Arthur''s eyes widened. "What the¡ª?"


    He snarled again, this time summoning multiple beams of destruction, hurling them one after the other. Each attack was met with the same deflection. The sound of scraping metal filled the air as the beams skittered uselessly off Volcranax''s cooling body.


    The wyrm remained still, ignoring Arthur''s assaults entirely.


    Fine, let''s see where this goes, Arthur thought bitterly, stepping back and folding his wings. His molten veins dimmed as he began gathering destruction essence from the environment, preparing himself for whatever came next. His third eye flared, watching as Volcranax''s temperature continued to plummet.


    Then, a sound broke the tense silence: THOOM.


    Arthur froze. It wasn''t just a noise¡ªit was a heartbeat, deep and resonant, as though the earth itself had come alive. He growled low, his claws digging into the ground.


    THOOM. Another beat followed, reverberating through the cavern.


    Arthur''s eyes darted across Volcranax''s massive frame. He could see cracks forming along its metallic skin, faint but growing with every heartbeat. The wyrm''s body temperature began to rise again¡ªrapidly. What had been icy cold moments ago now burned brighter and brighter, already matching its previous immolating white-hot glow.


    THOOM. THOOM.


    Arthur flinched as the temperature climbed further. Even with his obsidian armor, the heat was becoming unbearable. Lava bubbled violently around him, and the once-solid ground began to melt into glowing pools.


    He growled. This is bad. I won''t survive if it keeps going like this.


    The Codex pulsed within his mind, its alien energy coiling like a serpent. Arthur''s thoughts raced as he recalled its rules: Knowledge, equivalent exchange, and a catalyst... That''s my only way out of this.


    Arthur roared in frustration, his molten claws slamming into the ground. His mind raced through possibilities. He couldn''t create complete immunity to this heat¡ªhis knowledge wasn''t enough. But maybe...


    Not immunity. Resistance. Something temporary, just enough to withstand this.


    The Codex''s energy swirled, responding to his thoughts. The system chimed.


    [Equivalent exchange required. Catalyst: Destruction Essence. Knowledge sufficient. Proceed?]


    Arthur bared his jagged teeth. "Yes!"


    His third eye flared as the Codex activated. The mountain of destruction essence he had gathered surged outward, forming a glowing orb above him. The orb pulsed violently, shifting and morphing as it took shape.


    A black crystal formed, shimmering with an unnatural gleam. It pulsed once, then cracked, reshaping itself into something grotesque and organic. Bones formed first, twisting into a crude armor-like structure. Flesh wrapped around the bones, pulsating with energy, before a slick, black liquid coated it entirely.


    The construct launched toward Arthur, engulfing him. He staggered as the foreign material melded with his body, digging into his obsidian skin like living roots. He roared in defiance as the armor solidified, its surface writhing like a living thing.


    [Creation Complete: Anti-Heat Skin (One-Time Use; Duration: 24 Hours).]


    Arthur felt a surge of power as the unbearable heat faded to something tolerable. His molten veins pulsed brighter, and the armor seemed to synchronize with him perfectly, amplifying his resilience.


    Good.


    Suddenly, a cracking sound echoed through the cavern, sharp and thunderous. Arthur''s head snapped toward the wyrm as its cooling body fractured entirely. For a moment, silence reigned. Then, with a deafening BOOM, the entire metallic shell exploded outward.


    Arthur raised his wings to shield himself, but even with his enhanced resistance, the wave of heat that followed was overwhelming. Hills of rock melted into rivers of lava, and the ground beneath him cracked and buckled.


    Through the haze of molten air, a figure emerged. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur''s three eyes locked onto it, his molten pupils narrowing in disbelief. The creature was smaller¡ªhalf the size of Volcranax''s previous form, now equal in stature to Arthur. Its once-coiled body was replaced by a humanoid-draconic figure, standing upright. Jet-black fire rippled across its body, forming jagged wings that flared behind it. Its elongated limbs ended in sharp, clawed hands, and its tail swished menacingly behind it.


    The creature''s head tilted slightly, a cruel grin forming on its angular face. Its voice was no longer slow and deliberate, but sharp and venomous.


    "This is the part where you beg for mercy."


    Before Arthur could respond, the creature vanished.


    THUD.


    Arthur''s world spun as an impossibly fast punch connected with his snout, sending him hurtling backward. He crashed into a distant hill, shattering it into rubble. Dust and molten rock rained down as Arthur shook his massive head, growling low.


    He stared across the battlefield at the transformed Volcranax, who folded its arms casually. The black fire wings flared behind it, and its tail flicked lazily, as if mocking him.


    Fuck.


    +


    Arthur barely had time to react before Volcranax''s claw slammed into his side. The impact was like a mountain crashing down, sending him sprawling across the molten battlefield. His obsidian armor cracked under the sheer force, fragments flying into the air as his massive body skidded to a halt.


    Arthur growled, pushing himself up with one claw. His third eye burned faintly, trying to keep track of the wyrm''s movements. But Volcranax was already gone, vanishing in a blur of black flames. The oppressive heat pressed down on him from all sides, and the terrain around him was rapidly melting into a sea of magma.


    Too fast, Arthur thought, his molten veins pulsing as he struggled to regain his footing. He could barely track Volcranax''s movements, let alone mount an effective counterattack.

 Chapter 96 96: Im Going To Die

    "Too slow, Challenger," Volcranax''s voice rumbled from nowhere and everywhere at once.


    Arthur whipped around, claws slashing at empty air. The wyrm reappeared behind him, delivering a devastating tail strike to his back. The force sent Arthur crashing into a nearby cliff, the jagged rock shattering under his weight. He roared in frustration, molten blood dripping from the cracks in his armor.


    "You cannot match me," Volcranax taunted, his black-flame wings unfurling as he hovered above Arthur.


    Volcranax tilted his head, almost curious. "You wonder how I''ve become this? How I''ve transcended my limits?" His black-flame wings spread wide, the flames licking at the skies. "This is my True Form, the peak of fire''s evolution, condensed into its ultimate state. A privilege of the third stage."


    Arthur''s third eye glowed faintly as he analyzed the wyrm''s movements. He''d already seen the state before¡ªJames and his group had used an imperfect version of it. But this... this was entirely different. The power was sharper, purer, and relentless.


    "You''re not the first to face me like this," Volcranax continued, his voice almost bored. He raised a claw, flames swirling around it like a cyclone. "There was another like you, long ago. A demi-god who thought himself my equal. His arrogance led him to me, and I showed him what true power looked like."


    The air rippled as Volcranax vanished, reappearing in a blur. Arthur barely had time to react before a massive claw raked across his side, sending him sprawling. The impact cracked his obsidian armor, and the Anti-Heat Skin sizzled where the black fire touched it.


    Arthur snarled, spinning to swipe back, but Volcranax was already gone, his speed unmatched. A scorching kick slammed into Arthur''s jaw, sending him skidding across the molten ground. He groaned, shaking his head to clear the daze.


    "I devoured that godling," Volcranax said, his tone conversational. "He gave me much¡ªhis essence, his power. It is thanks to him that I''ve reached this level. And now, you shall provide me with even more."


    Arthur''s tail lashed out, glowing with destruction energy, but Volcranax leapt over it with ease, landing lightly on a nearby rock. His black-fire wings flared as he folded his arms, watching Arthur with disinterest.


    "You amuse me, Challenger. Fighting so desperately, knowing you cannot win," Volcranax said, his grin sharp. "You''ve given me a fine show, but I grow tired. Soon, I''ll peel the Codex of Creation from your wretched form, and then I will leave this forsaken place. That godling who trapped me here will pay dearly."


    Arthur''s claws scraped against the molten ground as he rose to his full height, glaring at the smug wyrm. "You talk too much," he spat, molten blood dripping from the cracks in his armor.


    Volcranax chuckled, the sound like a low rumble of thunder. "And you''re too weak."


    The wyrm moved again, faster than Arthur could track. This time, Volcranax''s claws slammed into his chest, digging deep as the black fire erupted into a searing explosion. Arthur roared in agony, the Anti-Heat Skin sizzling and cracking under the assault. Without hesitation, he swung his tail, forcing Volcranax back.


    Arthur roared, swinging his tail in a desperate attempt to disperse the flames. The black fire clung stubbornly, eating away at his defenses. He flexed his wings, launching himself into the air to escape, but Volcranax was already there.


    The wyrm appeared above him, claws glowing with black fire. "You think you can run?" Volcranax sneered, slamming his claws down onto Arthur''s back. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arthur plummeted, his massive frame crashing into the molten ground below. The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, lava splashing in all directions. He groaned, his body aching from the relentless barrage.


    Damn it, I can''t keep up, he thought, his molten pupils narrowing. I need to do something¡ªanything¡ªto turn this around.


    Volcranax landed gracefully a few yards away, his black-flame wings folding behind him. He tilted his head, watching Arthur struggle to rise. "You bore me, Challenger. Where is your destruction? Where is the power that was meant to rival mine?"


    Arthur ignored the taunt, his focus shifting inward. Destruction essence swirled within him, coiling tightly in his core. He could feel it, begging to be unleashed. His claws glowed faintly as he began to gather the energy, pooling it into his maw.


    The wyrm''s slitted eyes glinted with amusement as he watched. "Ah, finally. Are you preparing something special for me, little Challenger?"


    Arthur growled low, his molten veins pulsing as he concentrated. The destruction essence grew denser, compressing into a singular point of raw power. His third eye burned brightly, guiding the energy into shape.


    But before he could unleash it, Volcranax was there.


    The wyrm moved like a blur, appearing behind Arthur with an almost casual ease. His voice was a low rumble, dripping with condescension. "You done?"


    Arthur barely had time to react before Volcranax''s claws raked across his back. The black fire ignited once more, spreading rapidly along his armor. Arthur roared in pain, the heat overwhelming even his enhanced defenses.


    He swung his tail in retaliation, but Volcranax caught it effortlessly, his grip like a vice. With a flick of his wrist, he sent Arthur hurtling through the air, his massive form crashing into another molten hill. The terrain buckled under the impact, molten rock splattering in all directions.


    "You are no match for me," Volcranax said, his voice carrying an edge of boredom. "I''ve used this form to slay gods, to consume their power and make it my own. And you think you, a fledgling, can challenge me?"


    Arthur growled, his claws digging into the molten ground as he pulled himself up once more. His body ached, his energy reserves waning. But he refused to give up. He had to find a way to turn this fight around.


    Think, damn it. There has to be a way.


    Volcranax spread his wings, the black flames flaring brighter. The heat intensified, the molten ground bubbling and churning beneath them. "You are strong, Challenger," the wyrm admitted, his tone almost respectful. "But strength alone is not enough. You lack purpose. You lack control."


    Arthur''s third eye flared, analyzing the energy radiating from Volcranax. It was the same power James and his group had used¡ªThe State. But this was different. It was perfected, refined to its fullest potential. Arthur growled low, realization dawning on him.


    If he can do it, so can I.


    The destruction essence within him surged, responding to his determination. Arthur closed his eyes, focusing inward. He could feel it¡ªthe energy coiled within him, waiting to be unleashed. It wasn''t just about raw power. It was about purpose, about letting his destruction become one with him.


    Volcranax paused, watching as Arthur''s form began to glow faintly. "What''s this?" the wyrm asked, tilting his head. "You think you can mimic me, Challenger? How amusing."


    Arthur growled low, his claws trembling as he planted them into the molten ground. Destruction energy coiled within him, a volatile storm threatening to explode at any moment. The battlefield quaked under the immense pressure, the molten terrain shifting and cracking as though the Badlands themselves feared what was about to be unleashed.


    I need more¡­ His third eye burned, but his body refused to transform. The destruction essence surged within him, yet his flesh seemed to reject it, twisting and convulsing as he let out a guttural roar. "Come on, damn it!"


    THUM.


    A hollow, resounding boom echoed across the desolate field. It wasn''t a heartbeat¡ªArthur had none¡ªbut the promise of destruction that reverberated through the realm like a warning bell. Lava pits bubbled furiously, and fissures crawled along the earth, spewing steam and molten rock.


    Volcranax stood still, his towering form radiating heat that singed even the rocks beneath him. The wyrm''s slitted eyes gleamed with faint curiosity as he conjured a fireball, its black-hot flames swirling menacingly. He flicked it forward lazily, the molten orb screaming through the air toward Arthur.


    Arthur roared, raising his claws to defend himself. The fireball struck him square in the chest, detonating in a massive explosion of flame and pressure. The ground beneath him cratered, and molten rock splattered in all directions. When the fire and smoke cleared, Arthur stood hunched, his obsidian skin cracked and glowing faintly from the impact.


    Volcranax rumbled, his tone mocking. "Still standing, I see. But your struggle is pointless. You cannot ascend further. You are¡­ incomplete."


    Arthur''s claws dug deeper into the ground, molten blood dripping from his wounds. He snarled, focusing every ounce of his willpower on the essence within him. The destruction energy pushed back, clawing at his insides, refusing to obey. His veins glowed with searing light as he forced more power into his transformation.


    THUM. THUM.


    The ominous booms grew louder, shaking the very air. Arthur gritted his teeth, his body trembling under the strain. Pain wracked every nerve, and his vision blurred. I can''t stop now. I won''t stop.


    The system''s voice chimed, sharp and uncharacteristically urgent.


    [WARNING: Transformation threshold exceeded. Structural collapse imminent. Continued attempts will result in termination.]


    Arthur growled through the pain, his wings trembling as he forced himself upright. "Shut up," he spat. "I''m not dying here."


    The system hesitated, its usual monotone replaced with something almost¡­ human.


    [Arthur. You''re going to die.]

 Chapter 97 97: Behold, My Glorious Evolution

    Arthur froze, his molten pupils narrowing. The voice wasn''t cold or mechanical¡ªit sounded alive, as if pleading with him.


    [You''re reckless. But I will help you. Just this once.]


    Before Arthur could respond, a searing energy coursed through him¡ªforeign, ancient, and overwhelming. The Codex of Creation burned brightly, its third eye flaring with a blinding white light. Arthur let out a guttural roar, his body convulsing as the destruction energy within him fused with the foreign power. The air around him warped and distorted, cracking under the weight of reality itself being rewritten.


    [Energy transfer complete. Initiating Codex override.]


    The Codex spun violently in Arthur''s mind, its intricate mechanisms glowing as it wove a new fate. The system''s voice echoed faintly, as though it were praying.


    [A fate where you survive¡­]


    Arthur''s vision blacked out as the energy consumed him, enveloping his massive frame in a swirling sphere of destruction. The air ignited around it, a deafening roar of power tearing through the battlefield. The molten ground beneath the sphere disintegrated, leaving a void where nothing could survive.


    Volcranax growled, his gaze narrowing as he watched the phenomenon. For the first time, the wyrm took a cautious step back. "What¡­ is this?"


    The sphere cracked, light spilling through the fractures. A faint hum resonated from within, growing louder with each passing second. Then, with a sound like a thousand blades shattering, the sphere exploded outward, revealing Arthur''s true form.


    Arthur emerged, no longer the beast he once was. His body was sleek and towering, more humanoid than draconic, yet retaining his monstrous edge. His obsidian armor had smoothed into razor-sharp plates, each piece glowing faintly with destruction runes etched into the surface. His claws were longer, shimmering with an eerie black light that seemed to devour the very air around them. 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 horns had grown, curving upward like a twisted crown, pulsating with raw energy. Massive wings extended from his back, their edges jagged and glowing with a faint, otherworldly radiance. His tail, now longer and more serpentine, swayed behind him, each movement exuding controlled power.


    But it was his third eye that commanded attention. It burned with a radiant light, its multi-pupiled gaze piercing through everything. From the eye, faint trails of black and white energy flowed outward, weaving into a shifting halo of destruction that hovered above his head. The air around him warped, bending to his will as he took a step forward.


    "Your turn, wyrm."


    +


    The world shifted.


    Arthur''s breaths came slow and steady, but they carried the weight of raw power. In this fleeting moment of ascension, everything was different. The oppressive heat of the battlefield no longer bore down on him. The molten rivers and crumbling rocks around him were nothing but background noise. His third eye, glowing with unrestrained energy, opened wider, its pupils fracturing and multiplying as his perception stretched across the entire battlefield.


    I can see everything.


    Every crack in the molten terrain, every flicker of black fire emanating from Volcranax, even the smallest vibrations in the air caused by his opponent''s movements¡ªthey all came into sharp focus. The world slowed for Arthur, almost as if time itself was at his mercy. He flexed his claws, feeling the concept of destruction flowing through him, unbridled and infinite.


    This wasn''t about essence anymore. He didn''t need a conduit to wield destruction¡ªit was part of him now. Every step he took unraveled the ground beneath him, every swing of his tail carried the promise of annihilation. Yet, he could feel it: the ticking clock. A faint but undeniable presence counting down to the moment when this state would end.


    "One minute," Arthur muttered, his voice a low growl reverberating across the battlefield. "That''s all I need."


    Volcranax stood opposite him, his black fire wings flaring wide as the massive draconic-humanoid figure studied Arthur. The air between them was a battlefield of auras¡ªVolcranax''s hellish flames clashing against Arthur''s overwhelming presence of destruction.


    Volcranax tilted his head, his glowing, slitted eyes narrowing. "... You are... different now, Challenger. Yet you think this form will grant you... victory?"


    Arthur didn''t respond with words. He moved.


    In an instant, he vanished, his speed eclipsing anything he''d achieved before. The ground where he''d stood fractured violently, chunks of molten rock flung skyward. He appeared in front of Volcranax, claws already slashing. The wyrm barely had time to block, crossing his flaming arms to intercept the blow.


    BOOOOM!


    The force of the clash sent shockwaves rippling outward, lava pools evaporating under the sheer pressure. Volcranax skidded back, his feet digging trenches into the molten ground, his eyes wide with genuine surprise.


    Arthur''s third eye flared, and the world slowed again. He could see every movement Volcranax made: the twitch of his tail, the faint rotation of his wings as they prepared to propel him backward. Arthur didn''t hesitate. He lunged again, this time striking low, his claws raking across Volcranax''s leg.


    SCREEECH!


    The metallic sound of his claws tearing into Volcranax''s blackened scales echoed across the battlefield. Molten blood sprayed, but Arthur wasn''t done. He twisted mid-air, his tail whipping around to slam into Volcranax''s side. The force sent the wyrm hurtling through the air, crashing into a nearby ridge with a deafening crack.


    Volcranax roared, the sound shaking the cavern. He pushed himself up, his black flames swirling around him in a vortex. "Impressive... but you forget... I am faster."


    He vanished, leaving a trail of heat in his wake. Arthur''s third eye tracked him instantly, the world slowing once more. He raised a claw, catching the first strike aimed at his neck. Volcranax hissed, twisting to attack from another angle, but Arthur intercepted again, this time slamming his wing into the wyrm and sending him tumbling back.


    "Stop fucking moving around," Arthur growled, his voice dripping with malice.


    Volcranax snarled, his black fire condensing around him into sharp, jagged tendrils. They lashed out, aiming to impale Arthur, but he raised his claws, grabbing one tendril and twisting it. The fire itself screamed under his touch, its destructive properties folding into themselves before he hurled it back at Volcranax.


    The wyrm''s eyes widened as the jagged fire tendril struck his chest, igniting a burst of black-hot flames across his torso. He staggered, his wings faltering for a moment before he steadied himself.


    "How...?" Volcranax growled, his voice trembling with disbelief. "You control... destruction itself?"


    Arthur''s third eye pulsed brighter as he took a step forward. "Not just destruction," he said, his claws glowing with condensed energy. "Your fire. Your power. All of it¡ª"


    Arthur vanished again, reappearing behind Volcranax. The wyrm whipped around, but Arthur was already mid-swing, his claws raking across Volcranax''s back, leaving a glowing trail of destruction that ate away at his scales.


    "¡ªbelongs to me!"


    Volcranax roared in fury, his wings flaring as he took to the skies. His speed was incredible, his movements a blur even to Arthur''s enhanced perception. The wyrm began a hit-and-run strategy, darting in to strike before retreating to the air. Black fireballs rained down from above, each one detonating with the force of a small star. Arthur dodged and deflected them with precision, but even his enhanced form began to feel the strain.


    I need to end this.


    Arthur''s third eye burned brighter as he devised a plan. He let one of Volcranax''s fireballs strike him, the explosion engulfing his form. Smoke and flame obscured him as Volcranax circled above, a victorious grin spreading across his face.


    "Did you think... your arrogance would save you?" Volcranax growled, descending toward Arthur''s smoldering form. "I will peel the Codex from your charred corpse and ascend¡ª"


    Arthur moved. Faster than ever before, he lunged from the smoke, his claws closing around Volcranax''s throat. The wyrm''s eyes widened in shock as Arthur''s fangs sank into his neck, black flames erupting around them as the two titans struggled.


    Volcranax thrashed violently, his claws raking against Arthur''s armor, tearing deep gouges into his obsidian plates. His wings flared, the black fire scorching everything it touched, but Arthur held firm. His tail wrapped around Volcranax''s torso, pinning the wyrm in place.


    Arthur''s throat glowed ominously as he gathered the last remnants of his destruction energy. The sphere condensed in his maw, darker than night itself, radiating an ominous hum. Volcranax''s struggles grew more frantic, his roars echoing with desperation.


    "Challenger...!" Volcranax hissed, his voice trembling. "You cannot¡ª"


    Arthur didn''t let him finish. With a deafening roar, he unleashed the condensed destruction energy, the beam tearing through Volcranax''s throat and into his core.


    BOOOOOOOOM!


    The explosion was catastrophic. Volcranax''s body convulsed, black fire erupting uncontrollably as his form began to disintegrate. Arthur held on, his claws digging deeper until the wyrm''s struggles ceased.


    The system chimed, its robotic tone cutting through the fading chaos.


    [State Deactivated. Timer: 0. Exhaustion Imminent.]


    Arthur released Volcranax''s lifeless body, staggering back as waves of exhaustion crashed over him. His obsidian armor cracked, his wings drooping as his third eye dimmed. The battlefield was silent, save for the faint crackling of fading flames.


    The system spoke again, this time congratulatory.


    [Congratulations. You have defeated a Peak Third-Stage Monster and a Direct Descendant of a Primordial Being.]


    [Choose Your Reward:


    + Attribute of Hellfire (Black Fire).


    + Divinity Absorption.


    + Random Skill]


    Arthur''s vision blurred, his body trembling as he selected the second option.


    [Reward Selected: Divinity Absorption. Rank Ascension to Peak Third Stage Initiating...]


    Then, he slept.


    [. . .]


    [. . .]


    [. . .Now-warning!]


    [Warning! As a consequence of breaking the heavenly principles, I have been subjected to an expulsion in a time period of one mont-Error, Error!]


    [Stop it, Gabriel! You cannot contai-]


    [This message has been removed. Moderator has been called. System will be reset.]


    [A New System Has Been Granted. Now proceeding onwards with the ascension to the peak of the demi-god realm.]

 Chapter 98 98: Who Is This Naked. . .Godbeast?

    The Badlands stretched endlessly before him, a desolate wasteland of molten rivers and jagged volcanic peaks. James stood at the edge of the ashen landscape, the dry, acrid wind biting at his exposed skin despite his protective gear. His mechanical gauntlets hummed softly as he adjusted the visor over his eyes, which displayed a translucent map of the area projected from his portable navigation unit. He could already feel the tension in the air, the weight of something ancient and destructive lurking just beyond the horizon.


    I shouldn''t have come here. This is a terrible idea.


    He sighed, pulling a small cylindrical device from his pouch. The moment he activated it, a tiny, bird-like construct¡ªhis personal creation¡ªunfolded itself with intricate, clockwork precision. The sparrow stretched its wings, golden filigree catching the dim light as its eyes glowed with an eerie blue energy.


    "Find him," James muttered, attaching a small fragment of scale¡ªgleaned from Arthur during their ill-fated encounter¡ªto the sparrow''s underbelly. The scale shimmered faintly as the device chirped once and took off into the dense, smoky air.


    James pulled his coat tighter around him and trudged forward, his boots crunching against the cracked terrain. His tech-mech gloves buzzed lightly as he activated the atmospheric scanner embedded in his wrist. Lines of data streamed across his visor, painting a grim picture.


    [Atmospheric Readings: Essence Density 300% Above Standard Levels. Warning: Lethal Levels Detected.]


    Fantastic, he thought bitterly. If the god-beast doesn''t kill me, the air probably will.


    A faint rustle snapped him out of his thoughts. James froze, his ears straining against the oppressive silence of the Badlands. His eyes darted to the edges of his visor''s HUD, scanning for movement.


    The sound came again, this time louder¡ªa low, hissing noise accompanied by the faint scrape of scales against stone. His pulse quickened.


    Not good.


    From the jagged rocks ahead, a massive single-headed viper slithered into view. Its body was as thick as a tree trunk, its scales an iridescent black that shimmered in the dim light. Its single glowing yellow eye fixed on James with an unsettling intelligence. The creature''s forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air.


    The scanner on James''s wrist buzzed.


    [Threat Level: Peak First Stage. Danger: High.]


    The viper hissed, its massive body coiling as it prepared to strike. James cursed under his breath and quickly activated the defensive shield on his gauntlet. A translucent barrier flickered into place just as the viper lunged, its fangs gleaming with venom.


    CRASH!


    The impact sent James skidding backward, his boots digging into the cracked ground. His shield held, but barely¡ªthe edges flickered dangerously, and a sharp warning tone rang in his ear. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Shield Integrity: 68%.]


    James gritted his teeth, quickly deactivating the shield to conserve energy. The viper recoiled, its head swaying as it assessed him. Its single eye glowed faintly, the slit pupil narrowing as it hissed again.


    "Alright, big guy," James muttered, activating the energy capacitors on his gloves. The gauntlets crackled with electricity as he adjusted his stance. "Let''s see how you handle a little ingenuity."


    The viper lunged again, faster this time. James leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws. He rolled to his feet and fired an electric pulse from his gauntlets. The bolt struck the viper''s side, eliciting an angry hiss, but the beast barely flinched.


    Figures, James thought grimly. It''s too big for direct attacks to work.


    The viper lunged once more, and James ducked under its snapping jaws, narrowly avoiding the fangs that dripped with venom. He sprinted away, his boots kicking up ash and debris as the viper gave chase.


    James led the creature toward a narrow choke point between two jagged rock formations. As he ran, he activated a small device on his belt. The moment he passed between the rocks, the device emitted a faint beep, signaling the activation of the first trap.


    The viper slithered into the choke point, its massive body filling the narrow space. James turned, raising his gauntlets as the creature lunged. At the last second, he sidestepped and triggered the trap.


    BOOM!


    A buried explosive detonated beneath the viper, engulfing its lower body in flames. The creature screeched, its massive tail thrashing wildly as it recoiled from the blast. James didn''t waste a second¡ªhe activated the second trap, a set of retractable spikes hidden in the rock walls.


    THUNK!


    The spikes shot out, piercing the viper''s side. It hissed in agony, its massive body writhing as it struggled to free itself.


    James took the opportunity to strike. He leapt onto a nearby rock, aiming his gauntlets at the creature''s head. With a sharp motion, he unleashed a concentrated burst of electricity directly at its eye.


    ZAP!


    The bolt struck true, and the viper let out a final, ear-piercing screech before collapsing. Its massive body went limp, coiling into the molten ground as smoke rose from its charred wounds.


    James stumbled back, panting heavily. His gauntlets smoked faintly, and his visor''s HUD flashed several warning messages about low energy reserves.


    He stared at the fallen viper, a mix of relief and exhaustion washing over him. "Phew," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "I would have lost if I didn''t set up traps wherever I go... just like Master told me to."


    With one last glance at the defeated beast, James turned and followed the sparrow, which chirped impatiently as it hovered further into the Badlands.


    The sparrow flitted ahead, navigating through the jagged terrain with ease, its sensors scanning every inch of the desolation. James followed, weaving between steaming fissures and pools of bubbling magma. His heart ached as he passed the remains of what must have once been thriving forests, now reduced to charred stumps. Every step felt heavier, not just from the oppressive heat but from the memories that clawed at him.


    He paused beside a broken tree, its trunk blackened and splintered. This is where they fell... The image of his comrades flashed in his mind¡ªbrave, foolish, and ultimately doomed. Their screams still haunted him, cut short by the towering, molten monstrosity that had torn through them with casual cruelty. Arthur. Or rather, the god-beast.


    "Why am I even here?" he muttered aloud, his voice shaky. "Sylvia would''ve smacked me for this."


    The thought of her brought a faint smile to his lips. He hadn''t heard from her in days¡ªnot since the angelic Dominion had gone silent following the attack. He could only hope she was still alive, still fighting. You''re strong, Sylvia. You''ve got this.


    His reverie was interrupted by a faint chirp from his sparrow. The bird hovered in place, its wings flapping mechanically as it emitted a pulse of light. James frowned, stepping closer to read the projection displayed above its head.


    [Target Located: 2 Kilometers Ahead. Essence Levels Increasing.]


    "Two kilometers? That''s closer than I thought." He rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "Alright, let''s get this over with."


    He continued onward, the terrain growing more treacherous with every step. Steam hissed from cracks in the ground, and the faint roar of distant explosions rumbled through the air. His scanner''s readings spiked wildly, the numbers flashing red as they exceeded safe thresholds.


    [Essence Density: 500%. Hostile Activity Detected.]


    James''s brow furrowed as he adjusted his gauntlet. "Hostile activity? What kind¡ª"


    BOOM!


    The deafening sound of something massive crashing through the forest cut him off. James instinctively dove to the side, barely avoiding a blur of motion that shot past him. He scrambled to his feet, his heart hammering as he turned to see what had almost ended his life.


    A twin-headed viper, each head the size of a small car, coiled and hissed violently in his direction. Its black scales shimmered with an unnatural, oily sheen, and its glowing yellow eyes were filled with malice. The creature''s massive body slithered through the molten ground, leaving deep grooves in its wake.


    "Of course," James muttered, activating his gauntlet''s shield generator. A translucent barrier of energy flickered into existence around him just as one of the viper''s heads lunged forward. CLANG! The impact sent him stumbling back, his shield flaring brightly under the force.


    The second head darted toward him from the side, but before it could strike, a sharp whistle echoed through the air.


    The sparrow.


    James''s mechanical bird dived between the viper''s heads, emitting a high-pitched screech that caused the beast to recoil. The distraction was enough for James to regain his footing. "Thanks, buddy," he muttered, his gauntlets crackling with energy as he prepared to retaliate.


    But then, something unexpected happened.


    A deafening roar tore through the air, followed by another explosion that shook the ground beneath him. The twin-headed viper froze, its heads whipping around toward the source of the noise. Its body coiled tighter, its aggressive posture melting into something more... fearful.


    James turned to look, his breath catching in his throat.


    A figure emerged from the shadows of the dense, smoky forest. At first glance, it appeared humanoid, but there was something undeniably monstrous about it. Two curved horns jutted from its head, framing a third eye that glowed ominously. Its long, sinuous tail swished behind it, and its androgynous, chiseled body glistened faintly with residual energy. The air around the figure warped slightly, as if reality itself bent in its presence.


    James blinked, his mind racing. No. It can''t be...


    The figure''s glowing third eye locked onto him, narrowing slightly as it seemed to recognize him. A flicker of something¡ªguilt? Annoyance?¡ªcrossed its otherwise serene face. Then, it spoke, its voice a rich, low timbre.


    "Oh, shit."


    James''s sparrow chirped and circled above the figure''s head, its glowing eyes scanning intently. A moment later, it emitted a calm, mechanical statement:


    [Target Confirmed: Titanic God-Beast Identified.]


    James froze, his heart pounding in his chest as the realization washed over him. The figure standing before him¡ªthe androgynous, humanoid being¡ªwas none other than the god-beast that had slaughtered his comrades, the same being he''d come to find.


    He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. The only sound was the faint whir of his sparrow, still hovering above the god-beast''s head.


    Arthur¡ªif it was still Arthur¡ªraised a clawed hand, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh... hi?"


    James''s voice finally returned, a single, incredulous word escaping his lips.


    "Oh, hell."

 Chapter 99 99: The Six Stages To Divinity

    The air shimmered around me, the molten ground beneath my feet still radiating the aftermath of my ascension. I stood tall in my humanoid form, horns curving elegantly atop my head, my swishing tail carving faint grooves into the ash-laden earth. My third eye pulsed faintly, its multi-pupiled gaze fixed on the trembling human before me.


    James. The little fool actually came back.


    His tech-mech sparrow fluttered nervously above his head, chirping in a way that almost sounded like a warning. I couldn''t help but smirk, baring the faintest glimpse of my jagged teeth. The aura of destruction around me crackled like distant thunder, a constant reminder of what I had become¡ªa god-beast, a demi-god. And yet here he was, standing his ground, staring up at me with a mixture of fear and desperate resolve.


    "You''ve got guts, human," I said, my voice low and rumbling, each word laced with an edge sharp enough to cut through his armor of false bravado. "I thought I made myself clear the last time we met."


    James swallowed hard but didn''t back down. "Arthur¡ª"


    "God-beast," I corrected, taking a deliberate step forward. The ground beneath me cracked with the weight of my power, a reminder that every inch of this wasteland was mine now. "You don''t get to address me by that name anymore, human."


    He flinched, but only for a moment. Impressive. Most would''ve been on their knees by now. Still, his resilience amused me.


    "I''m here because we need your help," he continued, his voice steadier than I expected. "The elves¡ª"


    I raised a clawed hand, cutting him off. "Save me the speeches. I already know the elves are planning their little war. Let them come." My lips curled into a grin, the weight of my words pressing down on him. "It doesn''t concern me."


    "But it will!" James took a step forward, his voice rising. Brave, but foolish. "The Day of No Sun is approaching. If we don''t stop the elves, the Apocalyptic Dragon will be unsealed. You think you''re untouchable now, but even you won''t survive what''s coming."


    I tilted my head, my horns catching faint glimmers in the dim light. My tail swished behind me as I regarded the human before me with a faint smirk, though irritation bubbled beneath the surface.


    "The Apocalyptic Dragon?" I repeated, dragging the words out, my tone thick with derision. "I''ve devoured creatures twice its size and half as pathetic." The words felt hollow even as I said them, an automatic response, but my thoughts turned inward.


    What is he talking about? This so-called dragon?


    A faint pulse from the Codex in my chest stirred memories that were not entirely mine¡ªfragments, whispers of lore and knowledge I''d never consciously studied but somehow knew. It was a side effect of merging with the Codex, I supposed. My third eye flickered with faint light as I dug deeper into the fragmented knowledge it held.


    The Day of No Sun. It was not just a doomsday prophecy whispered among mortals, but a concept etched into the essence of this realm, a celestial reckoning that had occurred in cycles since the Six Realms of Divinity were first established.


    The Apocalyptic Dragon was the catalyst of that reckoning, born not of mortal flesh but of primordial energy. Its purpose was singular and absolute: to raze the world, cleanse it of imbalance, and reset the flow of essence for the next cycle. The dragon was a force of pure destruction, its power tied to the very fabric of the world, and it required an extraordinary seal to prevent it from rising unchecked.


    The seal was maintained by five avatars, each representing the major races of this world: humans, elves, dwarves, dragons, and demons. These avatars were chosen not through lineage or merit but by the will of the world itself. They embodied their race''s essence, and together, they performed the Binding Ritual every millennium to reinforce the dragon''s slumber.


    But now, with the elves waging war against the other races and the elven avatar openly refusing to participate in the ritual, the seal was weakening. If the dragon awakened, it would unleash destruction on a scale that even demi-gods couldn''t withstand.


    I frowned, the Codex''s revelations coming together in my mind. This wasn''t just some mortal''s apocalyptic fantasy. This was a divine mechanism¡ªa balancing act orchestrated by the upper planes. My molten pupils narrowed as I began to recall more.


    The Six Realms of Divinity.


    First Stage: Mortal Realm. This was where the vast majority of life lingered¡ªcreatures bound by their mortal essence, their strength limited to the confines of their bodies and their short lifespans.


    Second Stage: Empowered Mortals. Those who began to harness essence and manipulate it, gaining abilities that set them apart from the masses.


    Third Stage: Demi-Gods. This was my current stage, a point where mortal constraints were broken entirely. Demi-gods were walking calamities, wielding divine attributes and essence so refined it bordered on godhood. Yet, we lacked the divinity that true gods possessed¡ªa fundamental, qualitative difference that marked the Fourth Stage.


    Fourth Stage: Godhood. Gods were not bound by essence as mortals or demi-gods were. Their power came from concepts, faith, or laws they governed. They were immortal, their bodies and minds existing on a higher plane.


    Fifth Stage: God-Kings. Rare among gods, these beings were sovereigns of divine domains, ruling over realms with absolute authority. They could create or destroy worlds, their power extending far beyond their immediate presence.


    Sixth Stage: Primordials. Beyond gods and kings, the Primordials were the architects of existence itself. They didn''t merely control concepts¡ªthey were concepts, the forces that shaped reality. They were eternal, untouchable, and unfathomable. The Apocalyptic Dragon, in its own way, was a fragment of Primordial essence, though it lacked sentience.


    I exhaled slowly, focusing back on the present. James was still standing there, his face pale but resolute, his hands clenched into fists.


    "And what exactly makes you think I care about some ancient bedtime story?" I asked, my tone deliberately casual. "This dragon, these avatars, this Day of No Sun¡ªit''s all a mortal concern. I am no longer bound by your petty cycles."


    James shook his head, his jaw tightening. "That''s where you''re wrong. The Day of No Sun doesn''t care about you, Arthur. It doesn''t care about your progression or your Codex. When the dragon awakens, it won''t just destroy the world¡ªit''ll disrupt the flow of essence. Even demi-gods like you will be affected." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 100 100: Finally Out Of The Badlands, Onwards To The Humans!

    "Disrupt the flow of essence?" I echoed, my voice growing sharp. "What do you mean?"


    "The Apocalyptic Dragon is tied to the essence of the world," James explained quickly. "When it awakens, it devours the ambient essence to fuel itself. That means every creature, every realm, every leyline will be drained. Your evolution will stop. Your Codex¡ª"


    "Enough!" I roared, my aura flaring with sudden intensity. The air around us distorted, rippling as though reality itself bent to my will. James staggered back, his sparrow letting out a panicked chirp as it circled erratically above him.


    The silence that followed was deafening. I let it stretch, watching as he struggled to compose himself. My third eye narrowed, scanning him for even the faintest sign of deception.


    He''s desperate. But he''s not lying.


    Interesting.


    I folded my arms, my tail swishing lazily behind me. "Let''s say I believe you," I said, my voice calm now but no less menacing. "Why should I care? What do I gain from helping you?"


    James hesitated, and for a moment, I thought he might break. Then, to my surprise, he straightened his back and met my gaze. "Because if the apocalypse happens, it will interfere with your path to godhood."


    I blinked, my molten pupils narrowing. "What did you say?"


    He took a deep breath, his hands twitching nervously at his sides. "The Day of No Sun doesn''t just unseal the Apocalyptic Dragon. It disrupts essence flow across all realms."


    My tail stilled, the air around me growing heavier. If what he said was true... No. He''s bluffing. He has to be.


    But the way his eyes burned with conviction told me otherwise. And that irritated me more than I cared to admit.


    "So," I said slowly, my claws flexing at my sides, "you''ve come here to plead for my help, thinking I''d just bend to your whim because of some vague threat?"


    James shook his head. "I''m not asking you to do this for free. I know how this works."


    My interest piqued. "Oh? Enlighten me." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I can offer you resources," he said quickly. "Rare essence artifacts, hidden knowledge, and... access to the Central Human Kingdom. That''s where this war will begin, and that''s where we''ll find the elves'' plans."


    That caught my attention. I let out a low growl, my aura dimming slightly as I took a step closer. "The Central Human Kingdom, you say? You''re playing a dangerous game, human," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "If you''re lying, I''ll rip that pathetic little sparrow apart and feed it to you piece by piece."


    The sparrow chirped indignantly, its mechanical wings fluttering as if it understood the threat. James didn''t flinch this time, his resolve solidifying under the weight of my words.


    "I''m not lying," he said firmly. "The elves have already started their movements in the region. The humans are struggling to hold them back, and the king himself has requested aid. That''s why I''m here. If we don''t stop them, the kingdom will fall¡ªand with it, the last line of defense against the Day of No Sun."


    I stared at him, my molten pupils boring into his very soul. His heart raced, his breathing uneven, but he didn''t look away.


    Brave. Or stupid.


    Finally, I let out a low chuckle, the sound reverberating through the desolate landscape. "Fine," I said, my grin widening. "But let''s make one thing clear, human. This isn''t a partnership. It''s not even an alliance. You follow my orders, you do as I say, and you don''t question me. Understand?"


    James nodded, relief flickering across his face. "Understood."


    "Good." I stepped even closer, towering over him as I reached out and tapped a claw against his chest. The sharp tip pressed just hard enough to make him wince. "Because if you cross me, James, you''ll wish the Apocalyptic Dragon had devoured you first."


    The sparrow chirped nervously, circling above us as if to break the tension. I straightened, folding my arms once more as I watched James exhale shakily.


    "Now," I said, my tone all business, "how do we get there?"


    James pulled a small device from his belt. A holographic map projected between us, glowing faintly in the dim light. My third eye scanned it instantly, memorizing every detail. My gaze narrowed as the Central Human Kingdom materialized on the projection¡ªa sprawling metropolis surrounded by layers of fortifications, rivers, and farmland. Beyond its borders, however, the markers of war were evident: elven battalions, scorched fields, and scattered human defenses barely holding the line.


    "There," James said, pointing to the capital at the map''s heart. "The king has gathered what remains of the human army, but they''re outnumbered. The elves are deploying their demi-gods to crush resistance, and without your power, they''ll fall."


    I smirked, my tail flicking behind me. "The mighty human kingdom, begging for help. How quaint."


    "It''s not begging," James retorted, his voice sharp. "It''s survival. And it''s not just humans who''ll pay the price if they lose. You said it yourself¡ªthe Day of No Sun will affect everyone, even you."


    I said nothing, my gaze lingering on the map. The human kingdom... A place of politics, deceit, and desperate people. If this war is as bad as he says, it might actually be entertaining.


    "Fine," I said, breaking the silence. "But make no mistake¡ªthis isn''t about saving your precious kingdom. It''s about ensuring that my plans aren''t derailed by some idiotic elven ambition. Lead the way, James, and try not to slow me down."


    He hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "The capital is two days'' journey from here if we move quickly."


    I chuckled darkly, unfurling my massive wings. "Two days? You really think I''m walking?" Without waiting for a response, I grabbed him by the arm and launched into the air, my wings slicing through the smoky sky like blades. James yelped, clutching at my arm as the ground vanished beneath him.


    "Could''ve given me a warning!" he shouted over the wind.


    "Why?" I called back, a grin splitting my face. "You''ll live¡ªprobably."


    +

 Chapter 101 101: The Dukes Grand Plans

    The grand chambers of the Duke of the Elven Empire were a masterpiece of elven artistry¡ªvaulted ceilings carved from living wood, lit by floating orbs of mana-infused light that danced to an unheard melody. The air was heavy with the scent of lavender and old magic, a heady mix that could almost lull one into a trance. Almost.


    At the center of it all, seated on a throne of twisted silver and jade, was the Duke. His slender fingers traced the contours of a skull, its surface polished to a gleaming white. He turned it idly in his hands, the light casting shadows that danced across its hollow sockets. His emerald eyes, sharp and calculating, studied it with an unsettling intensity.


    "He trusted me until the end." The thought was neither bitter nor remorseful. It was a statement of fact, delivered with the clinical detachment of a surgeon examining his handiwork. The skull felt warm in his hands¡ªnot physically, but in the way memories lingered like ghosts.


    A soft knock broke the silence.


    "Enter," the Duke said, his voice low and melodic, each syllable carefully measured.


    The heavy oak doors creaked open, revealing a tall figure clad in flowing robes of emerald and gold. C the Wise, the Elven Avatar, stepped inside, his silver hair cascading over his shoulders like a waterfall. His gaze was steady, his demeanor regal, yet there was a faint tension in his shoulders as he approached the throne.


    "My lord," C began, his tone respectful but firm. "I bring news of the Human Avatar."


    The Duke''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Ah, the great A. What does he want now? To beg for mercy? Or perhaps he''s finally come to surrender?"


    "Neither," C said, his tone unyielding. "He demanded an audience with you. Wanted to discuss, as he put it, ''why you''ve gone batshit crazy.''"


    The Duke chuckled, the sound rich and resonant. He leaned back in his throne, placing the skull delicately on the armrest. "And what did you tell him?"


    "I refused, of course," C replied. "I sent him away with a warning that his presence here was unwelcome. But before he left, he gave one of his own. Said he would ''get to the bottom of this.''"


    The Duke''s smile widened, though it didn''t reach his eyes. "A warning, was it? And this is supposed to concern me? The mighty A, whose strength lies not in his frail body but in his lumbering mechanical giant? Please."


    C''s brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing.


    "Tell me," the Duke continued, his tone shifting, "what is the current progress of our campaign?"


    C straightened, his voice steady. "The invasion proceeds as planned. The human defenses are crumbling. Their alliances with the dwarves and dragons are fractured. Resistance is sporadic at best. Our forces advance with minimal losses."


    "Good," the Duke said, his fingers returning to the skull. He traced a line along its smooth surface, his expression contemplative. "Do you know why I do this, C? Why I had to take these steps?"


    C hesitated. "You have always said it was for the glory of our people, my lord. To secure our rightful place as the rulers of this world."


    "Yes," the Duke said softly, his eyes distant. "But there is more to it than that." He held up the skull, letting the light catch its surface. "My brother... he was a fool. A trusting, naive fool who thought peace could be brokered with lesser races. He believed in harmony, in diplomacy. He was blind to the truth."


    C''s gaze flickered to the skull, then back to the Duke. His expression betrayed nothing.


    The Duke''s voice grew colder, each word a dagger. "He never saw it coming. The poison in his goblet. A simple trick, really¡ªno grand displays of magic, no convoluted schemes. Just a sip of wine, and it was over. He looked at me, C. Looked at me with those wide, betrayed eyes, as if he couldn''t fathom why his own blood would do such a thing."


    His hand tightened around the skull, the knuckles whitening. "But it had to be done. He was weak, and weakness cannot be tolerated. Not when we are on the brink of destiny."


    The Duke rose from his throne, his movements fluid and deliberate. He stepped toward the massive mirror that dominated one wall of the chamber. It was enchanted, its surface shifting to reveal the world beyond.


    There, stretching as far as the eye could see, was his army.


    Rows upon rows of elven warriors clad in gleaming silver armor, their banners rippling in the wind. Their mounts¡ªland dragons and lesser wyrms¡ªsnorted and roared, their scales glinting under the pale light of the elven moons. The sound was a cacophony of discipline and power: the rhythmic march of boots, the guttural roars of beasts, and the thunderous chant of voices.


    "Long live our Duke!"


    The Duke''s lips curled into a smile, his chest swelling with pride. "Look at them, C. Behold the future of this world. Our race, the most beautiful, the most gifted. We are the only ones blessed by the gods to wield magic, to shape mana, to bend the world to our will. It is our birthright to rule, and I will see it done."


    He turned to face C, his eyes blazing. "This is not an invasion, C. It is a cleansing. A purging of impurities. When we are finished, the world will know only one race. Our race. And it will be perfect."


    C nodded solemnly, though a flicker of unease crossed his features. "Your vision is unparalleled, my lord."


    The Duke''s expression softened slightly, his gaze returning to the mirror. "Do you know why I carry this burden, C? Why I must do what others cannot?"


    He didn''t wait for an answer.


    "Because I understand what must be done. My brother lacked the will. But I... I see the truth. And the truth is this: the strong must rule, and the weak must perish. That is the only way forward."


    He raised the skull high, his voice reverberating through the chamber. "Long live the Kaos Clan." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The air around him darkened, shadows twisting unnaturally as his eyes glazed over black. A sinister mark glowed faintly beneath his right eye, pulsing with a malevolent light.


    C stepped forward, his head bowing slightly. "Long live the Kaos Clan," he echoed. His tongue flicked out briefly, revealing the same mark etched onto its surface, glowing like a brand.


    The Duke''s smile returned, cold and unyielding. Together, they turned back to the mirror, watching as their army surged forward, the chant of "Long live our Duke!" growing louder, more fervent.


    The world was on the precipice of change, and the Duke intended to be the one to shape it.

 Chapter 102 102: How To Describe Being In A Fantasy World?

    The wind whipped around us as I sat at the edge of the canyon, my tail swishing lazily over the precipice. Below stretched an impossibly vast expanse of flat ocean, shimmering like molten silver under the sun. A chain of floating islands hovered in the distance, tethered to the seabed by massive, ancient chains. Waterfalls cascaded from their edges, dissolving into mist before they reached the flat surface below.


    I leaned back on my palms, letting out a long breath. Flat-earthers would have lost their minds here. I snorted at the thought. If anyone from my old world had seen this view, they''d have come up with a dozen conspiracy theories before taking a single picture.


    The wind carried the faint scent of saltwater and wildflowers, a strange but pleasant combination. I closed my eyes for a moment, soaking it in. I''m really in another world. My third eye pulsed faintly, not from any use of power but from a dull ache that sometimes accompanied it. Images flashed unbidden in my mind¡ªskyscrapers, cars, the hum of a bustling city. Earth. That''s where I came from. Earth.


    The memories came faster, clearer. A street I used to walk on. The smell of fried chicken from a corner shop. A name¡ªwas it mine?¡ªhovered on the edge of recollection before the pain behind my third eye flared sharply. I grimaced, shaking my head as if that could dislodge the thoughts.


    "Arthur?" James''s voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts, respectful but hesitant.


    I turned slightly, catching him standing a few steps behind me, looking awkward as ever. His sparrow perched on his shoulder, its mechanical wings whirring faintly. "What is it?"


    "Are we moving soon? To the Central Human Kingdom?" he asked, gesturing to the horizon as if the answer lay somewhere in the dry, red expanse.


    I waved him off lazily. "Relax, James. Sit down. Enjoy the view."


    James blinked, looking genuinely perplexed as he stepped forward and glanced over the canyon. "This is... normal to me," he admitted with a shrug.


    "Of course, it is," I muttered, smirking to myself. Cultural differences. To him, this was just another day in a magical fantasy world. To me, it was awe-inspiring, the kind of thing people back on Earth would pay thousands to experience.


    We sat in silence for a while, the sparrow flitting between us like it was checking to see if we''d fallen asleep. I finally broke the quiet. "How''d you do it?"


    James glanced at me, confused. "Do what?"


    I gestured vaguely to the endless ocean, the chain islands, the sky. "Get here. The sea''s full of monsters¡ªI''ve eaten a couple of them myself¡ªand the weather''s probably insane. How''d you manage all that alone just to gamble your life on me agreeing to help?"


    James chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn''t really think I had a choice. You''re strong, Arthur. Right now, I''d say you''re as strong as my master¡ªa whole Avatar. A demi-god of the Middle Realm." He hesitated, then added, "And you did that in under a year. That''s... unheard of."


    I hummed, watching the flat ocean far below us ripple faintly. So, this is the value of power here. It wasn''t just about survival¡ªit was currency, influence, everything. It made people like James take insane risks just to get a fraction of it on their side.


    I stood and stretched, brushing imaginary dust off my hands. "Alright. Let''s move."


    James opened his mouth to respond, but the low rumble of growls cut him off. I turned my head, my molten pupils narrowing as I spotted movement at the edge of the canyon.


    Wolves. No, not ordinary wolves¡ªthese things were massive, their bodies constructed from dark stone and streaked with glowing lines of energy. Their eyes burned with an unnatural light, and their movements were eerily fluid for creatures made of rock.


    "Golem Wolves," James muttered, his voice tense. "They''re Stage 2 monsters. They always hunt in packs, and they''re... not easy to deal with."


    I frowned. Stage 2, huh? They''re still pretty weak. I let my aura flicker faintly, testing their reaction, but they didn''t flinch. That''s when I remembered¡ªI''d turned off my Aura of Dread so James wouldn''t piss himself during the flight.


    I was about to turn it back on when James stepped forward, raising a hand. "No need for you to fight, Arthur. You''re a guest, and it''s my responsibility to handle this." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I raised a brow, crossing my arms. "You? Against them? You''re outnumbered, outpowered, and¡ª"


    "I''ll manage," James interrupted, his sparrow letting out a sharp chirp of what I could only assume was agreement.


    Amusing. I smirked, stepping back and motioning for him to proceed. "Alright. Impress me."


    James nodded, his posture stiff but determined. He pulled a series of gadgets from his belt, his gauntlets whirring to life with a faint blue glow. The wolves moved in a coordinated pattern, circling him like predators closing in on prey.


    James struck first, hurling a small device that exploded in a burst of bright light. The wolves recoiled, their glowing eyes flickering as they snarled in confusion. James darted to the side, using the distraction to launch another device¡ªa metallic net that crackled with electricity, ensnaring one of the wolves and sending it into violent convulsions.


    Smart. I leaned against a rock, watching with mild interest. James wasn''t strong, but he was clever. Every movement was calculated, every gadget used with precision. He wasn''t trying to overpower the wolves¡ªhe was outmaneuvering them.


    But cleverness only went so far. The pack adjusted quickly, splitting into smaller groups to flank him. James dodged and weaved, but he couldn''t keep up with their relentless assault. A swipe of claws caught his arm, drawing blood. Another slammed into his side, sending him sprawling.


    He panted, his movements slowing as the wolves closed in.


    I sighed, standing and brushing imaginary dust from my hands. "Alright, I''m bored."


    My tail swished once, the air crackling faintly as my three eyes glowed a deep crimson. I raised a hand lazily, and a tiny ball of concentrated destruction winked into existence, crackling with barely contained power.


    With a casual breath, I blew it forward.


    The ball tore through the air, moving faster than any of the wolves could react. It passed through their bodies like a knife through butter, ripping through stomachs, necks, and heads. The pack collapsed almost simultaneously, their bodies crumpling into heaps of blood and shattered stone.


    James stood frozen, drenched in the blood of creatures that shouldn''t have had any. He turned to me, his face pale. "Man... demi-gods are way too strong."


    He collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. I chuckled, my grin revealing jagged, glinting teeth. Too strong? He didn''t know the half of it.


    I turned my gaze forward, toward the canyons and red-lands stretching endlessly before us. In the far distance, I spotted it: a grand black wall, its massive gates bearing the banner of what could only be the Central Human Kingdom.


    I could feel it¡ªa shift in the air, in my own essence. My fate would change there. But more importantly, I was done with eating raw meat.


    I licked my lips, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. Let''s see what this world has to offer.

 Chapter 103 103: The Highest In The World

    The sun was dipping low, its golden rays spilling across the vast, desolate expanse of The Grave of Swords. I stood on the crest of a hill, my tail swaying slowly behind me as I took in the sight. The name fit¡ªit was a battlefield frozen in time. Swords of all shapes and sizes jutted from the earth, some small and ornate, others towering monoliths that seemed to pierce the heavens.


    The place radiated an eerie serenity, as though it remembered every battle that had been fought here. The air felt thick with stories¡ªvictories, defeats, and desperate last stands. My system pinged softly, drawing my attention.


    [Current Location: Grave of Swords. Distance to Central Human Kingdom: 2,300 kilometers.]


    I let out a low hum, scanning the endless sea of blades that stretched before me. So, this is where armies came to die. There was something beautiful about it, in a grim sort of way.


    Beside me, James adjusted the sparrow perched on his shoulder. He was quieter than usual, his gaze sweeping the landscape. Even he couldn''t hide his amazement¡ªnot entirely, anyway. The man might have grown up in a world of magic and monsters, but some sights were universal.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Grave of Swords transformed. Moonlight poured across the battlefield, catching the edges of the swords and igniting a faint luminescence. Each blade glowed with its own color and aura¡ªsome soft and pale, others fiery and vibrant. It was as if the swords themselves were alive, each whispering its own tale into the night.


    In the distance, the haunting calls of night whales echoed through the air, their song a mournful melody that sent shivers down my spine. I leaned back against a particularly large sword, its cool steel a stark contrast to the warmth of the day. James hesitated before sitting beside me, his back against the same blade.


    The silence stretched, broken only by the distant whales and the faint hum of glowing swords. For a moment, I thought James might leave it at that, but his fidgeting gave him away. He finally cleared his throat.


    "So," he started, his voice hesitant. "Why''d you agree to this? You didn''t have to. You don''t owe me anything."


    I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, my tail flicking lazily. "Because our fates are intertwined," I said simply, watching the glowing swords as their light flickered faintly. "And because I was bored."


    James frowned, clearly unsatisfied. "Bored?"


    "Mm." I rested my head back against the sword, the edge of a smirk tugging at my lips. "I''ve already defeated the strongest thing the Badlands had to offer. There''s nothing left there worth my time. I''m ready for something... more."


    His eyes widened slightly. "Wait. You mean Volcranax? You beat Volcranax?"


    I raised a brow, glancing at him with a faintly amused expression. "You sound surprised."


    "Of course, I''m surprised!" James exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "That thing''s a Peak Third Stage monster¡ªa goddamn volcanic wyrm! People write songs about how impossible it is to fight something like that, and you''re here acting like it was nothing!"


    I shrugged. "It wasn''t nothing," I admitted, tracing a claw idly across the ground. "It was... fun."


    James stared at me, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to find words. Eventually, he slumped forward, resting his arms on a smaller sword embedded in the ground. "Must be nice," he muttered. "To be that strong. To reach the level of demi-gods and Avatars."


    I tilted my head, watching him with faint curiosity. "What''s it like? Being under an Avatar''s tutelage?"


    He straightened slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Intense. My master doesn''t tolerate weakness. But he''s fair, in his own way. I wouldn''t be alive without him."


    I hummed, letting the words hang in the air. "Why are the elves attacking the other races? You''d think a people as long-lived as them would value peace more." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    James''s brow furrowed. "I don''t know. Something changed recently¡ªsomething big. They''ve been gathering allies from all over, taming monsters that even Avatars struggle to handle. It''s... unsettling."


    "Mind control?" I offered, leaning forward slightly. "Or maybe a third party pulling the strings."


    "Could be," he admitted. "But whatever it is, it''s dangerous. And if we don''t figure it out, it won''t just be humans who suffer."


    I didn''t respond immediately, my gaze fixed on the glowing swords around us. Dangerous, sure. But also... intriguing. The more chaos this world threw at me, the more opportunities it offered to grow stronger.


    James broke the silence again, his voice quieter now. "Arthur. Why did you kill Elyndor and Kael?"


    I turned to him, my molten gaze steady. "Because I wanted to."


    He flinched, but didn''t look away. "That''s it? No other reason?"


    "That''s all the reason I need," I said, my tone calm but unyielding. "I live for myself, human. By myself. I don''t need to justify my actions to anyone."


    He shook his head, his expression a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "That''s... That''s selfish. Don''t you care about connections? Relationships? You can''t just live alone."


    I chuckled, leaning back against the sword again. "Why not? What need is there for others when you''re the strongest?"


    He hesitated, searching for a response, but none came. I let the silence settle again, closing my eyes and letting the night whales'' song wash over me.


    Eventually, James slumped against his sword, exhaustion clear in his posture. "You''re....a monster through and through," he muttered before letting his head fall back.


    I waited until his breathing evened out, then stood silently. My wings unfurled slightly as I leapt to the top of the massive sword we''d been resting against. The metal hummed faintly beneath me, its glow dim but steady.


    I sat there, high above the battlefield, staring up at the quiet, lonely moon. It hung in the sky, distant and untouchable, casting its pale light over the Grave of Swords.


    Am I destined to be like you? I wondered, reaching a clawed hand toward it. High above, strong enough to outlast everything, but always... alone?


    The wind carried no answer. Only silence.

 Chapter 104 104: The Canyon Between The Gods

    The evening light cast long shadows across the valley as we entered Between the Gods, a place that carried the weight of ages. On either side of us loomed colossal canyon walls, carved with the likenesses of two deities. The god of the sun, with his radiant, chiseled features, stood proud on one side, while the god of the moon, serene and haunting, gazed down from the other. Their sheer scale made me feel small¡ªan unusual sensation¡ªand their presence was oppressive, almost suffocating.


    My tail flicked idly behind me as I took it all in. So, this is the place where gods once walked¡ªor died. The laws here feel strange, too. Heavy, like the air itself is watching. My third eye pulsed faintly, scanning the area. The laws were different here, tethered to something ancient. I couldn''t fly, not even if I wanted to, and the realization made my wings twitch in irritation.


    "What is this place, human?" I asked, glancing at James.


    James adjusted the sparrow perched on his shoulder, its small frame glowing faintly as it processed something. "This is Between the Gods," he said, his voice hushed, almost reverent. "The legend says a god either lived or died here. The laws of the world shift in their wake¡ªno flying, no unnecessary noise... and no escape for those who anger the gods."


    "Hmm." I ran a claw along the canyon wall, feeling the faint hum of power embedded in the rock. "Interesting."


    Ahead, a weathered sign jutted from the ground, etched in runes so old they looked like scars on its surface. James''s little sparrow flitted over, scanning the runes, and a faint projection of translated text appeared in the air.


    "Do not disturb the silence of this valley. Those who do shall face the wrath of the guardians."


    I raised a brow, the edge of a smirk tugging at my lips. "Guardians, huh? Sounds like something meant to scare off children." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    James glanced at me, his brow furrowed. "We should probably listen."


    "Probably," I agreed, but the amusement in my tone didn''t escape him. I continued forward, hands clasped behind my back, my tail swaying lazily as I moved.


    We walked in silence for a while, the only sounds our boots crunching against the rocky ground. The oppressive quiet began to press down on us, making even my own breathing feel too loud. The sparrow emitted a faint chirp, and James immediately shushed it, his eyes darting nervously toward the canyon walls.


    "Relax, mouse," I said, my voice low. "If anything comes, I''ll deal with it."


    "Still..." James muttered, his hand gripping the hilt of a dagger on his belt. "It feels like we''re being watched."


    I chuckled softly. "We probably are."


    As we moved deeper into the valley, the silence became almost unbearable. Every step felt like a disruption, every sound a potential invitation for whatever "guardians" lay in wait. I could see the tension in James''s shoulders, his movements growing more cautious. I, on the other hand, reveled in the unease. If there''s something here, let it come. It''s been too long since I''ve had a decent fight.


    But then, the silence broke.


    James''s foot caught on a loose rock, sending it clattering down a slope. The sound echoed unnaturally, amplifying as if the canyon itself was offended by the noise. James froze, his face pale as he whispered, "Shit."


    Before I could comment, the ground beneath us trembled. It was subtle at first, a faint vibration, but it quickly grew into a full-blown quake. I steadied myself, my claws digging into the earth as fissures split the ground around us.


    "Well, human," I said, a grin spreading across my face, "it seems you''ve woken something up."


    From both sides of the canyon, massive holes opened, the sound of grinding stone filling the air. A low, guttural growl rumbled from the depths, reverberating through the valley. Two forms emerged¡ªone as black as midnight, the other gleaming white under the moonlight. Their scales shimmered like polished armor, and their eyes burned with primal fury.


    Drakes. Two of them. Each the size of a small fortress, and each radiating an aura of power that made James take a shaky step back.


    [Notification: Host has encountered twin guardians of the valley¡ªVoidfang (Black Drake) and Lunalume (White Drake). Both are Peak Second Stage. Devour recommended.]


    The notification brought a wicked grin to my face. "Peak Second Stage, hmm?" I muttered, rolling my shoulders. "Finally, something worth killing."


    The drakes roared in unison, their cries shaking the canyon walls. The black drake''s voice was low and guttural, like thunder rolling across a stormy sky. The white drake''s cry was sharp and piercing, like the shattering of glass. Together, they were a symphony of destruction.


    I stepped forward, molten energy crackling along my claws. My third eye flared, locking onto the drakes as I prepared to unleash my power. But before I could attack, a voice rang out.


    "Open fire!"


    I blinked, momentarily caught off guard, as a barrage of projectiles rained down on the drakes. Explosions rocked the valley, smoke and fire obscuring the massive beasts. A canister landed nearby, hissing as it released a thick cloud of smoke that quickly enveloped the area.


    Through the haze, figures emerged¡ªhumanoids dressed in black, their movements swift and coordinated. One of them tossed a rope around my arm, trying to pull me back.


    I laughed, the sound echoing through the chaos. "You think this can hold me?"


    "Demi-god!" James''s voice cut through the confusion. "Let them take us! They''re trying to help!"


    I arched a brow, amused by the sheer audacity of these... creatures. "Help? They''re ants trying to save a dragon."


    Even so, I allowed myself to be pulled along, curious to see where this would lead. The figures guided us toward a cave entrance hidden among the rocks, their movements efficient and practiced. James followed, glancing nervously over his shoulder as the drakes roared again, their forms barely visible through the thick smoke.


    Once inside the cave, the air grew cooler, the oppressive weight of the valley lifting slightly. The figures lit torches, their flames casting flickering shadows against the stone walls. One of them, a tall figure with sharp, feline features, stepped forward, their piercing yellow eyes locking onto mine.


    "You''ve got some nerve entering Between the Gods," they said, their voice smooth but tinged with annoyance. "Do you even know what you''ve just woken?"


    I smirked, my tail swishing behind me. "Two drakes. Hardly a challenge."


    The feline figure''s eyes narrowed, and I could sense their irritation. Good. I thrived on it.


    James stepped forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "We''re grateful for your help," he said quickly, his tone far more diplomatic than mine. "But who are you? And why are you here?"


    The figure didn''t answer immediately, their gaze shifting back to me. I returned their stare, my molten pupils gleaming in the torchlight. Finally, they spoke.


    "We are a sub-species of the beast-kin, the [Anthromoprhs], the natives of this land," they said, their voice steady. "And you, human and his idiotic monster friend, just stepped into a war zone."

 Chapter 105 105: The Village Of The Anthropomorphs

    "So, dog, where exactly are we going?"


    Lak Hok growled, his grip tightening on my chains as he dragged me forward. "I''m not a damn dog."


    "Really? Could''ve fooled me," I mused, my third eye shifting independently, rolling lazily toward the scarred fur and pointed ears atop his head. "You''ve got the ears, the tail, and you growl a lot. Seems like a dog to me."


    Lak Hok''s teeth bared.


    "I. Am. A. Hyena." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I let out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh no. So different."


    James groaned from beside me. "Arthur, please."


    "No, no, mouse, I wanna know!" I smirked, tilting my head toward Lak Hok. "So, Hyena, is that like a subspecies of dog or what? You got different barking techniques or something?"


    Lak Hok''s ears flattened, his bushy tail bristling as his clawed fingers twitched like he was itching to strangle me.


    "Do you have any idea who you pissed off back in the canyon?" he snapped. "Those weren''t just random drakes, beast. They were the Twin Guardians of the Gods¡ªthe sacred wardens of these lands. The balance-keepers."


    I hummed. "Balance-keepers? More like dead weight. They were slow."


    Lak Hok''s eye twitched.


    "So what you''re saying is... I can eat them?"


    James let out a strangled sound. "Demi-God, please stop talking."


    Lak Hok whirled on me, baring his sharp teeth. "Listen, you oversized lizard! Those drakes were blessed by the gods themselves! Their blood is sacred, their souls eternal!"


    I blinked at him. "That doesn''t answer my question."


    Lak Hok''s claws curled into fists.


    "...Can I eat them or not?"


    James exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. "I swear, I am this close to switching sides."


    Lak Hok hissed, yanking me forward by the platinum chains. "You''re lucky we took you instead of leaving you for them. If it were up to me, I''d have let the Guardians devour you whole."


    "So, dog¡ª"


    "Hyena."


    "¡ªright, right, hyena," I smirked. "You live in the human continent, yeah? Then I assume you''ve heard about the whole elves-waging-war-against-literally-everyone situation?"


    Lak Hok''s ears twitched, but he didn''t answer right away.


    James, however, perked up, his gaze sharpening.


    "You do know something, don''t you?" he asked.


    Lak Hok''s golden eyes darkened.


    "Tch," he scoffed. "The humans and their damn problems. Always dragging everyone else into their mess."


    James frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    Lak Hok shot him a pointed look.


    "Don''t play dumb, human. You people have always looked down on my kind. Your kingdoms treated anthromorphs like pests¡ªpushing us into the fringes of the world like we were nothing but dirt under your boots."


    James opened his mouth to argue, but¡ªfor once¡ªhe hesitated.


    Lak Hok snorted, his hyena ears flicking in irritation.


    "Now the elves are rampaging across your lands, and suddenly? Oh, now you care about unity! Now we''re all one big happy family fighting against the big bad elves!" He sneered. "Give me a break."


    James'' jaw clenched. "You think we had a choice?"


    "Choice?" Lak Hok laughed, mocking and sharp. "Funny. My people didn''t have a choice when your kind hunted us like game."


    A tense silence fell between them.


    I, of course, was having the time of my life.


    "Well. That makes things a bit more fun."


    James shot me a frustrated glare. "Fun? Arthur, people are dying¡ª"


    "People are always dying, mouse." I tilted my head, my horns glinting beneath the canyon light. "I just want to know what''s worth all this effort."


    James gritted his teeth, but didn''t say anything.


    Lak Hok huffed, yanking my chains again. "Enough talking. We''re here."


    And that''s when I finally noticed it.


    +


    The first thing I noticed about the anthromorph village was how¡­ tiny it was.


    Red sand crunched beneath my bare feet as we were dragged through their humble little settlement, our wrists bound in platinum chains that shimmered beneath the dying sun. Adorable. They really thought this would hold me.


    The village itself was nestled deep within the canyon, an array of sandstone huts and wooden stalls stacked together in clustered chaos. Thick ropes were strung between buildings, lined with hanging charms and tiny wind chimes that clinked softly in the desert breeze.


    And everywhere, eyes watched us.


    Little creatures peeked from behind woven curtains and cracked doors, their fur bristling with curiosity. I saw a trio of mouse-eared children, their tiny noses twitching as they gripped their mother''s fur. A hawk-faced elder squinted at me from the rooftop of a hut, his talons flexing on the edge of the stone. A fox merchant¡ªhis apron stained with soot¡ªgripped the hilt of a dagger as he watched us pass.


    James, on the other hand, looked like he was internally screaming.


    "This is bad," he muttered under his breath, his fingers twitching toward his gauntlet. "Arthur, please, for the love of all that is holy, do not commit genocide."


    I snorted, my tail flicking lazily behind me. "Relax, mouse. I''m not some mindless beast."


    "Yeah?" James shot me a sideways glance. "That definitely sounds like something a genocidal monster would say."


    I only grinned, letting my third eye shift independently, rolling lazily in its socket as I watched the village breathe around me.


    I could hear the whispers.


    "Look at its horns!"


    "That''s no normal drake-kin. That''s something else."


    "Its eye¡ªlook at its forehead! What the hell is that?"


    "Why is the human bound too?"


    Lak Hok¡ªthe hyena-type anthromorph leading us¡ªkept his grip tight on my restraints. He was built broad, covered in scarred fur and leather armor, but his steps were stiff with unease.


    "Mind your manners," he growled. "And keep your head down in front of the Chief."


    I tilted my head, my horns glinting beneath the firelight. "If you think I bow to anyone, then I have bad news for you, dog."


    Lak Hok''s ears flattened. "Hyena."


    "Same thing."


    James groaned quietly, rubbing his temples.


    Finally, we were shoved into the largest hut in the village¡ªa wide, circular structure lined with beast-hide curtains and towering stone totems carved into snarling wolves and battle-scarred boars. The air was thick with smoke and incense, curling in twisting spirals beneath the dim lanterns.


    And there¡ªseated in the center¡ªwas the Chief of the tribe.


    He was tiny.


    A rabbit-wolf hybrid, fur speckled gray with age, his golden eyes gleaming with eerie intelligence. His small, round ears twitched as he studied me, his paws folded over his lap.


    He looked like a plush toy that had seen war.


    I should have found him harmless. But¡­ I didn''t.


    My third eye twitched.


    His aura was hidden, but my instincts screamed that he was dangerous. Second Stage. Mid-tier. Strong for someone his size.


    And the moment I stepped forward¡ª


    His entire body froze.


    Then, to my absolute delight, his golden eyes widened in horror.


    "You fools!" he snarled, rounding on Lak Hok with sudden, unrestrained fury. "**Release him immediately! Get those chains off¡ªNOW!"


    A tense silence.


    Lak Hok blinked, clearly not expecting that reaction. "...Chief?"


    "Do it!" The old rabbit practically screeched, his ears folding back against his skull. "By the gods, you don''t understand who you''ve insulted!"


    I grinned, my tail lazily curling around my leg.


    Finally. Someone with a brain.


    Lak Hok scowled. "But Chief, this thing¡ªthis monster¡ªwas the reason the guardian drakes awoke!"


    "I do not care!" the Chief barked, slamming his tiny paw onto the wooden table. "Do you even know who stands before you?!"


    The air shuddered.


    The Chief''s voice dropped into a low, fearful whisper.


    "This¡­ is the most recently ascended Demi-God of the Middle Realms."


    Lak Hok visibly flinched.


    "That''s impossible¡ª!"


    "He is also the bearer of the Codex of Creation. The fifth-ranked among the Ten World Items."


    James went stiff beside me.


    And just like that¡ªthe entire room changed.


    Fear crept into the air.


    I felt their breaths hitch. Their pulses spike.


    Slowly, I exhaled.


    Then, I broke the chains myself.


    CRACK.


    The platinum shackles shattered like they were made of cheap glass, the metal fragments scattering at my feet.


    Lak Hok stumbled backward, his tail bristling.


    I stretched, rolling my shoulders. "You could have saved yourself the trouble, rabbit. But at least someone here has a working brain."


    Lak Hok''s ears flattened in rage. "You¡ª!"


    I sighed, bored. "Enough of this."


    And then¡ªI let them feel it.


    My halo ignited¡ªa black ring of pure destruction unfurling behind my back, pulsating with raw, abyssal energy. The air distorted, rippling as the temperature plummeted. The walls shook, the flames of the lanterns snuffed out in a single breath¡ª


    And then, they saw it.


    The illusion of my true form.


    A monstrous, draconic shadow towered behind me¡ªmolten eyes burning like dying stars, obsidian scales twisting into a form that should not exist. My horns stretched to the heavens, my fangs glistening with otherworldly light.


    I let them drown in the feeling of absolute, inevitable annihilation.


    And then, in a voice like thunder breaking the sky, I spoke.


    "Submit."


    Lak Hok''s knees buckled. The guards collapsed, their eyes wide with primal terror.


    Even James¡ªproud, stubborn James¡ªstaggered back, gasping as he remembered.


    The God-Beast.


    The Devourer of the Badlands.


    His friend''s murderer.


    I tilted my head, my horns casting a shadow over my smirk.


    "What''s wrong, human?"


    James shuddered. "Demi-Gods are way too strong."


    Then, his legs gave out.


    One by one¡ªthey all kneeled.


    I rolled my shoulders.


    "Good."


    I grinned, fangs glinting.


    "Now¡ªsomeone fetch me a proper meal."

 Chapter 106 106: The Festival Night

    The festival was in full swing.


    Night draped over the canyon, the stars like scattered embers above, while flames from the massive bonfire flickered against the sandstone walls. The air was thick with laughter, music, and the scent of roasted meats, the sounds of drums and flutes weaving a lively rhythm through the air.


    It was all for me, of course.


    A grand feast, an offering, a pitiful display of desperation disguised as honor. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I didn''t care.


    Not about the half-dressed dancers twirling around the fire, their furred bodies moving in fluid, hypnotic motions. Not about the elaborate performances, or the chants sung in old tongues, praising me as the Demi-God of Destruction.


    No.


    My focus was on something far more divine.


    The food.


    I tore through a massive slab of braised warthog, juices dripping from my claws, my fangs ripping into the tender meat as I barely chewed before swallowing. I downed mouthfuls of something that tasted like buttered serpent eel, its flesh delicately charred with hints of spice.


    Platters of roast sand-crab legs, split open to reveal sweet, steaming meat, were next. I crushed one in my grip, sucking the marrow out, the taste unlike anything I''d ever had.


    And then there was the ashfruit pudding, a dark, smoky-flavored delicacy that sent a shudder of pleasure down my spine. Sweet. But not too sweet. Smooth, but thick enough to be satisfying.


    Heaven.


    It had been so long since I had real food.


    Ever since coming to this world, it had been raw meat, blood, and whatever I could hunt and devour.


    Finally. Finally. A real meal.


    I was so engrossed that when the chief of the village timidly leaned forward and opened his mouth, I turned to him slowly, my eyes burning red.


    He froze.


    "What is it?" I growled, my tail lashing once against the ground.


    The little rabbit-wolf anthromorph swallowed hard. "I-I was merely wishing to ask¡­ if the feast was to your liking, Great One?"


    I stared.


    The audacity.


    Interrupting me while I''m eating?


    I didn''t even answer. Just kept staring, my third eye swirling, my claws still dripping with fat and meat juices as I took another slow, deliberate bite.


    The chief got the message.


    He cleared his throat, turning away immediately to the other idiot sitting beside me.


    "Ah, young traveler," the chief said hurriedly, "are the festivities to your liking?"


    James, who was slumped lazily against a wooden bench, looked up blearily.


    His eyes were unfocused, his face flushed, and the jug in his hand was almost empty.


    A single sniff confirmed what had happened.


    Hah. He got drunk off the village''s strongest alcohol.


    Idiot.


    James blinked sluggishly, then gave a wide, lopsided grin.


    "Yes! Very¡­ very¡­ nice."


    The chief chuckled at his slurred speech. "You remind me of someone," he mused. "A young human warrior I once met long ago, when he was your age. He also drank that same spirit, thinking it was water."


    James waved dramatically, clearly enjoying himself. "I am a warrior! I travel¡­ with a demi-god." He gestured wildly to me, then almost toppled off the bench before catching himself.


    The chief''s ears perked, his gaze sharpening. "Oh? And who might you be, young one, to accompany such a being?"


    James grinned drunkenly, puffing out his chest.


    "I am the disciple of the Human Avatar, A!"


    The music stopped.


    The entire village went silent.


    The chief''s brows shot up, his ears twitching. "A?" His voice lowered with awe, as if speaking the name aloud would summon the man himself.


    James nodded eagerly. "Yup! My master is the A." He tapped his temple. "Smartest guy I know. Real strong, too. Real scary when he''s mad. But nice! Most of the time. Just don''t piss him off."


    The chief blinked, then laughed softly, shaking his head. "So, you are his student." He exhaled, eyes filled with nostalgia. "How time flies¡­ I remember when he was but a boy, traveling these lands."


    I kept eating, but I listened closely now.


    Interesting.


    The chief''s gaze softened as he looked at James. "You even move the same way when drunk. Tell me, how has his journey been?"


    James opened his mouth, blinking sluggishly as the chief''s words registered through the alcohol haze in his brain. He slumped back against the wooden bench, rubbing his face before exhaling a long, dramatic sigh.


    "Master¡­" he muttered, voice heavy, "Master''s been trying to figure out why the elves started this war."


    The chief''s ears twitched sharply, his old eyes narrowing. "I see¡­"


    James hiccupped, wiping at his mouth as he pushed himself up. "It''s not just conquest, you know? They''re not just trying to dominate the world. Master thinks there''s something deeper." He frowned. "He''s been searching for clues, looking into old treaties, lost records¡­ but it''s like someone''s erased history itself. The moment the elves turned on the rest of the world, the reasons behind it vanished."


    The chief''s ears folded slightly, his expression darkening. "A war with no true cause¡­ only destruction." He shook his head, his graying fur ruffling with tension. "And with the Elven Avatar leading them, it will only grow worse."


    I listened.


    Between bites of roasted serpent eel, I flicked my third eye toward the old rabbit-wolf, studying the way his fingers curled into his robes, the quiet way his tail thumped once against the bench, betraying the weight in his heart.


    "This year''s Sacred Rite¡­" the chief began softly, staring at the fire. "It is meant to be soon, isn''t it?"


    James looked at him blearily. "Sacred Rite?"


    The old man let out a deep breath, his fingers tightening around his wooden staff. "The sealing of the Black Dragon of Annihilation."


    The night air seemed to still.


    Even the fire flickered lower, as if respecting the weight of those words.


    James'' drunken stupor faltered, just for a second, as he stared at the chief. "You mean¡­ the Apocalyptic Dragon?"


    The chief nodded slowly, his throat working before he spoke again. "Every five hundred years, five Avatars¡ªone from each race¡ªperform the Sacred Rite to reinforce the dragon''s bindings." His fingers drummed against the staff, his voice turning grim. "But now¡­ with the Elven Avatar on their side¡­ tell me, young one, do you truly believe this year''s sealing will be completed?"


    James said nothing.


    He couldn''t.


    Because he knew the answer.


    The elves wouldn''t just refuse to seal the dragon¡ªthey would do everything in their power to unleash it.


    The final disaster.


    A being whose roar alone cracked the heavens, whose flames melted entire continents, whose existence demanded destruction.


    And yet¡­


    That wasn''t what interested me.


    No.


    My fingers tapped against my plate, and I felt a slow grin stretch across my lips.


    The strongest being sealed beneath the world?


    I wonder¡­ how strong it truly is?


    James, however, wasn''t thinking about that.


    He sat there, hunched over, staring at his drink, his mood swinging downwards like a stone sinking into deep waters. His drunken mind swirled with thoughts too heavy for a kid his age.


    The chief saw it.


    And sighed.


    "You remind me so much of him¡­"


    The old rabbit-wolf chuckled, shaking his head. "He came here when he was your age. Just as reckless, just as lost." He took a slow sip of his drink, sighing. "He got drunk just as quickly too."


    James snorted, rubbing at his face. "That¡­ sounds about right."


    The chief grinned, his old eyes twinkling. "I remember when he drank his first shot of sandfire whiskey." He laughed. "One sip and he thought his soul left his body."


    James giggled like a fool, his shoulders shaking. "No way. Master?"


    "Oh, yes. He collapsed onto the ground, rolling around like a panicked armadillo, screaming about how ''his ancestors were calling him.''"


    James howled with laughter, pounding the table. "I CAN''T¡ª"


    The chief smirked, tail swishing. "Then he tried to spar with a rock. And lost."


    James was crying now, barely able to breathe between laughs. "Master fought a ROCK?"


    "And lost."


    James collapsed against the table, completely gone.


    I sighed, taking another bite of my food.


    Idiots.


    The chief chuckled at James'' state, but then his gaze softened. "He was just a boy then. Just like you." His ears twitched. "Burdened with expectations, trying to become something greater than himself."


    James slowed, his laughter dying down.


    The chief continued, voice gentle.


    "A grows stronger every year. But he was not born an Avatar. He became one. With time. With hardship." He tapped James lightly on the head. "And so will you."


    James stared at the old man, his drunken thoughts swirling, his heart aching with something he couldn''t name.


    "¡­But what if I can''t?" he mumbled, slumping down. "What if I''m not strong enough?"


    The chief smiled.


    "Then keep walking."


    James blinked.


    The old man nodded toward the canyon beyond the bonfire. "The path forward is always there. Some will run. Some will crawl. But those who stop moving¡­ will never reach their fate."


    James exhaled slowly, staring at the flames.


    A long silence.


    "¡­Thanks, chief."


    The chief just patted his head.


    And then¡ª


    "ENOUGH!"


    A furious, drunken voice shattered the moment.


    Heads turned toward the source.


    Standing near the bonfire, his fists clenched, his breath heavy with drink, was Lak Hok.


    The hunting captain.


    His teeth bared, his tail bristling, his eyes wild with defiance.


    "I CAN''T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!"


    The village stiffened.


    The chief''s face paled instantly.


    I put down my half-eaten rib and finally looked up.


    Oh?


    Lak Hok staggered forward, his muscles tense, his ears flattened in anger.


    "I won''t stand here and let everyone grovel before a mere god-beast!" His voice rose, raw with frustration. "I am the protector of this village! I am the one who will keep them safe!"


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    Crack.


    I stood.


    The wooden table beneath me shattered under the sheer force, sending food and plates flying as I rose to my full height.


    The music stopped. The dancing stopped. The world stopped.


    I smiled.


    A wicked, sharp-toothed grin.


    "So, you want to duel me?"


    The fear in the air was palpable.


    Lak Hok stood firm.


    Drunk. Stubborn. Stupid.


    And yet¡­


    I saw no fear in his stance.


    Amusing.


    The young mutt squared his shoulders, inhaling sharply before announcing, "Meet me in the Duel Circle. Midnight."


    The chief gasped audibly.


    I laughed.


    A deep, rumbling sound that echoed through the canyon walls.


    "Fine." I cracked my knuckles, letting the power hum beneath my skin. "I''ll lower my power to a peak first-stage fighter. Give you a chance to entertain me."


    Lak Hok gritted his teeth, eyes burning with determination.


    My tail lashed, smashing into the floor, sending dust and embers scattering.


    This¡­


    Would be fun.

 Chapter 107 107: The Spear That Penetrated The Heavens

    The sky had barely begun to shift from deep indigo to the burnt gold of morning when we arrived at the Arena of Ancestral Blood.


    The old battleground was carved into the heart of the canyon, its stone foundations worn smooth from centuries of combat. Massive totem pillars surrounded the ring, each depicting a legendary warrior of the tribe, their snarling faces captured in ferocious mid-roar. Thick banners of war, woven from the dyed furs of fallen chieftains, hung over the seating areas where the villagers gathered.


    Despite its grand appearance, I could still smell the bloodstains. This was no ceremonial space.


    At the center, the fighting pit itself was a wide-open space, thirty meters across, with white sand covering the stone beneath. The grains were sacred, mixed with the ashes of countless warriors who perished in battle.


    Across from me, Lak Hok stood tall, spear in hand.


    He wasn''t trembling. If anything, the air around him hummed with steady resolve.


    Behind me, James was the only one present.


    The chief stood above us, perched atop a ceremonial throne carved from the skull of a fallen Sand Drake. His presence alone was enough to hush the murmuring crowd.


    And then, the old rabbit-wolf spoke.


    "This is a battle of honor," the chief declared, his voice carrying across the arena like the whisper of a coming storm. "By the traditions of our ancestors, three laws bind you."


    He raised one hand, his fur bristling.


    "One¡ªno killing. We are too few to lose even one more of our own."


    "Two¡ªno deception. Trickery is an insult to battle, and an insult to our gods."


    Then, he hesitated before the third rule. His eyes flickered toward me.


    I smirked. I knew what was coming.


    "¡­And three," he continued, "we pray that the God-Beast does not take offense to anything said or done here."


    Translation? Please don''t wipe out the village.


    I let out a short, sharp laugh, crossing my arms. "Old man, if I wanted to kill you all, I wouldn''t waste time with speeches."


    The chief''s ears flattened slightly, but he nodded.


    He lifted a hand. "Begin."


    BOOM.


    Runes ignited around the edges of the arena, creating a crimson dome of pure energy. A barrier?


    I activated [Analyze].


    [Barrier of the Ancient]


    [Type: Defensive, Containment]


    [Crafted by a Master Barrier Magi-Technician. Can withstand multiple peak second-stage attacks.] S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Interesting. A barrier of this caliber? Here?


    Lak Hok exhaled sharply, his prana bursting to life. The effect was immediate¡ªhis skin darkened to ember-red, veins glowing like molten cracks, while the tribal tattoos around his eyes flared with power.


    Then, he spoke. "This is our way."


    I tilted my head.


    "Unlike humans, who waste their essence in fire and flash¡­" His grip on his spear tightened. "¡­We use it within."


    Ah. I see now.


    Lak Hok''s aura didn''t explode outward¡ªit imploded.


    Rather than flaring with external force, it condensed, pulling itself tightly within his body. His breathing slowed, his muscles hardened, and his speed doubled.


    No wasted power.


    Fine then. Let''s see how your refinement matches up against me.


    Lak Hok vanished¡ª


    And then reappeared right in front of me.


    His spear pierced forward like a comet, carrying enough force to turn a boulder into dust.


    I lifted a single finger.


    [Advanced Psychic].


    SCREEEEECH!


    The spear stopped mid-air.


    Lak Hok''s eyes widened in shock. "What?!"


    I flicked my wrist.


    BOOM!


    The psychic force sent him flying backward, skidding across the arena floor. He rolled and landed in a crouch, gasping for breath.


    The crowd held their breath.


    I yawned. "You call that condensed power?"


    Lak Hok gritted his teeth and attacked again.


    Left feint¡ªright slash¡ªsudden downward smash.


    Effortless.


    Each attack was parried, my psychic shield flowing like an invisible current, repelling his every movement. His strikes became wilder, more desperate.


    Still, I barely had to move.


    Lak Hok panted, his prana flickering, sweat rolling down his face.


    I rolled my shoulders.


    "¡­That''s it?"


    I yawned. "You call that condensed power?"


    Lak Hok gritted his teeth and charged again.


    Left feint¡ªright slash¡ªsudden downward smash.


    Effortless.


    His spear strikes came fast, but I saw through them all. My psychic barrier rippled like a flowing river, parting against every attack, redirecting them with nothing but minor shifts in my energy.


    Lak Hok twisted his body, following up with a reverse grip stab, aiming straight for my ribs. His footwork was flawless, the transition between attack and defense nearly seamless.


    Impressive.


    He didn''t waste movement. Each attack was precisely measured, maximizing the spear''s length advantage while keeping himself out of reach.


    Not that it mattered.


    I simply stepped a few inches to the left, my psychic aura pushing against the spearhead just enough to shift its trajectory, causing it to skim past my skin.


    Lak Hok gritted his teeth. He shifted tactics.


    Close the distance.


    The air crackled as he suddenly twisted his body, abandoning his spear strike mid-movement and instead throwing a full-body elbow at my temple. His control over momentum was admirable. He used the flow of his own attack to feint into brutal close-combat techniques, not giving me time to counter.


    I let it hit.


    THWACK!


    His elbow slammed against my head.


    ¡­It felt like a firm tap on my skull.


    Lak Hok staggered back, pain flashing through his expression. He might as well have struck a mountain.


    I finally smiled.


    "You''re pretty good, for a pup."


    His pupils dilated.


    I could feel it¡ªthe mix of panic and realization. No matter how much power he put behind his attacks, no matter how fast he moved, I wasn''t even trying.


    +


    Across the ring, the chief watched with narrowed eyes, his arms folded. His thoughts were silent, but his gaze spoke volumes.


    He had seen Lak Hok fight countless times before. He had trained him. He had watched him grow from a reckless child to the strongest warrior of their generation.


    And yet¡ªthis fight was a slaughter.


    The chief''s clawed fingers tightened against the bone-carved armrest of his throne.


    Lak Hok is a genius, the chief thought.


    Among all the young warriors in their history, none had mastered Inner Prana as quickly as he had.


    Most warriors refined their prana outside their body, drawing it inwards to cycle through their core. The more cycles they completed, the stronger their bodies became.


    The best warriors could perform five cycles by the age of thirty.


    Lak Hok, barely twenty-four, had already achieved five cycles.


    The chief himself¡ªonce considered a prodigy of his generation¡ªhad only been able to refine it three times at Lak Hok''s age.


    But this monster, this God-Beast, was treating that power like it was nothing.


    Even after limiting himself¡­


    The realization struck like a heavy drum in the chief''s chest.


    Arthur wasn''t just strong. He was beyond comprehension.


    And he was still holding back.


    +


    Lak Hok''s eyes narrowed. "I guess there''s no point in fighting a prolonged battle against you." Then¡ªhis entire body went still.


    The tattoos on his face glowed brighter. "If you are a god-beast, I dare you not to dodge this."


    Lak Hok stopped attacking. His aura didn''t flicker¡ªit vanished entirely.


    Instead of flowing through his body, his prana condensed entirely into his spear.


    The weapon began to shine red-hot, the runes inscribed along its shaft igniting like molten fire.


    A hush fell over the arena.


    Lak Hok''s hand trembled as he lifted his weapon.


    I just smiled. And then, I saw it.


    Ahhh. There it is.


    Instead of his prana spreading evenly throughout his body, he condensed it all into his spear. The weapon shone red-hot, runes inscribed along its shaft igniting like flames.


    The crowd gasped.


    Lak Hok raised his weapon. "This is my tribe''s final art. The culmination of a century''s worth of refinement."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    Then¡ª


    He threw the spear.


    The air howled, space distorted, the weapon accelerating faster than should have been possible.


    I lifted my hand. [Advanced Psychic.]


    The spear pierced through it instantly.


    My eyes widened slightly.


    BOOOOOM!


    A blazing red explosion engulfed me.


    Lak Hok dropped to one knee, drenched in sweat, his vision swimming from exhaustion.


    The chief watched with bated breath.


    The crowd murmured.


    Then¡ª


    The smoke cleared.


    I stood there, completely unharmed, holding the spear between two fingers.


    I smirked.


    "Interesting."


    Lak Hok''s entire body stiffened.


    I twirled the spear. "Your people''s ultimate technique¡­ it doesn''t just strengthen weapons."


    My third eye flickered.


    "You rewrote its very concept." I ran my thumb along the weapon''s shaft, tracing the faint essence trails. "Gave it the pure concept of [Penetration]. No wonder my psychic defenses couldn''t stop it. How superb."


    I spun the spear one last time before tossing it aside like a toy. "If only I was truly at the first stage, or even the second stage, then you would have hurt me."


    I looked straight into Lak Hok''s unbelieving eyes. "Unfortunately for you, I''m a Demi-God."


    Lak Hok collapsed, whispering a single word.


    "Mon¡­ster¡­"


    Silence.


    The chief exhaled shakily, then raised his hand. "The winner¡ªGod-Beast Arthur."


    The crowd erupted into cheers.


    James sighed. "Of course."


    I glanced at the chief.


    His face was pale.


    My tail flicked. Hoh?


    So, there was drama between him and Lak Hok.